• Homeland: The Haranae are a people that don't live as one, instead they are scattered across varying caves and formations living in small bands throughout the Sinai Desert of Morven. They do however have a central city for meeting and trade within the vast desert known as Behrinein along with two other small villages; Alarcon, Tabuk

“The sands remember…” ─

Remember! We encourage variation; this is merely to be used as a reference guide not a requirement

The Haranae are a desert dwelling people, spread out in the various caves and crevices along the expanse of the Sinai desert, they are generally smaller in stature than many of their neighboring people, light and agile they are quick on their feet. The blistering temperatures of their home creates usually a darker pigment of skin, although they are known to vary among the different groups and tribes. Their hair is often dark, black being the most common but like all people variations are seen and hairstyles can range greatly and often depict ones status; the higher the status the more elaborate they may become. From braided ponytails or long flowing curls for women, to short, shaved or tied back for men. They wear light and baggy clothing, adopting materials that are breathable and most keep with them some sort of cloak or head cover to protect themselves from the heat. The Haranae tend to be a rather bold, flashy and even greedy people, accessories including bone, beads, and even gold. And many carry pouches with them to barter and trade goods and gold. Many often choose to sport daggers or other blades, but the Khopesh (a sickle-shaped sword) are unique to the Haranae.

Notes​

• Because of their vast culture Haranae can vary greatly in skin tone.
• Most of the time children born with albinism are mercy culled to avoid the difficult life ahead of them as they are sensitive to sunlight & burn easily under the desert heat.
• Light weight loose clothing is most common, many Haranae keep some kind of cloak or shawl to cover the head
• Like to accessories with bones, beads, gold & other flashy items.
• Khopesh blade is unique to them

• Albino's are viewed as cursed and are often culled, if not for their beliefs for the fact that they would not be capable of surviving in the Haranae's environment.

• Role: Spiritual and cultural leaders who guide the Haranae in all matters of the soul and maintain balance among their scattered bands.
• Description: The Keepers are deeply respected figures chosen for their mastery and understanding of the six parts of the soul. They oversee rituals, mediate conflicts, and provide spiritual and ethical guidance. Keepers may travel between bands or reside in the central city of Behrinein to offer their wisdom to the broader community.

Hierarchy:

• Grand Keeper: The highest-ranking Keeper who resides in Behrinein and serves as the primary spiritual leader and mediator among the Haranae.
• Regional Keepers: Reside in smaller bands or villages, acting as local leaders and reporting to the Grand Keeper when necessary.

• Role: Leaders of individual Haranae bands or settlements who manage daily affairs, enforce traditions, and make decisions regarding trade, defense, and community welfare.
• Description: Chieftains are chosen based on merit, wisdom, and their ability to lead with compassion and strength. They often work alongside the Keepers of the Six to ensure spiritual and cultural values are upheld within their bands. While their power is significant, they are expected to act in the community's best interest, and abuses of power are swiftly addressed.

• Role: Advisors to the Chieftains and Keepers, providing historical knowledge and wisdom rooted in experience.
• Description: The Elders often guide through storytelling, teaching, and mediating internal disputes. While they hold no official ruling power, their influence is considerable, and ignoring their advice is uncommon.

• Role: This class includes the Keepers of the Six and other spiritual figures who help interpret and guide matters related to the soul.
• Description: They hold the highest respect and influence among the Haranae due to their role in maintaining spiritual balance and guiding both individuals and the community in ethical and religious practices.

• Role: Leaders of the bands, villages, and settlements who manage practical aspects of Haranae life.
• Description: They are responsible for the welfare, safety, and prosperity of their groups. This class includes not only chieftains but also war-leaders, negotiators, and other figures who help manage external relations and defense.

• Role: Individuals who craft essential goods, tools, and sacred items, often using materials found in the desert and caves.
• Description: Artisans, including weavers, metalworkers, and stone-carvers, hold significant status due to their ability to create objects imbued with spiritual and practical value. Some may specialize in crafting magickal items tied to the soul, such as Ren-warding charms.

• Role: Guardians of the bands and travelers who protect the Haranae from external threats and ensure safe passage across the desert.
• Description: Warriors are respected for their skill and dedication to protecting their people. Scouts, who are often adept at survival, are valued for their ability to navigate harsh terrain, locate resources, and relay messages between scattered bands.

• Role: Facilitators of trade within and beyond the Haranae.
• Description: Given their scattered lifestyle, trade is crucial for the Haranae, and those skilled in negotiation, barter, and maintaining supply lines are well-regarded. Many traders travel regularly between Behrinein, Alarcon, Tabuk, and other regions.

• Role: Haranae who focus on gathering resources, hunting, and traveling between settlements.
• Description: While not as high-ranking as artisans or leaders, nomads play an essential role in providing for their people. They have deep knowledge of the desert, including hidden water sources, edible plants, and migrating game. Nomadic bands are resilient and capable of enduring the harsh environment.

• Role: General members of Haranae society who perform day-to-day tasks, assist with communal needs, and provide labor essential for survival.
• Description: This class includes a wide range of roles, from caretakers and builders to those involved in more mundane trades. While not of high status, the commonfolk are respected for their contributions.

• Role: Individuals who have broken sacred laws, such as revealing a true name or causing spiritual imbalance.
• Description: Outcasts are treated with a mixture of wariness and pity. Depending on their transgressions, they may seek redemption through service or penance. Violating the sanctity of Ren is considered one of the gravest offenses, leading to banishment or severe social consequences.

• Consensus and Respect: Decision-making within the Haranae often involves the input of Keepers, Chieftains, and Elders to ensure spiritual, ethical, and practical needs are balanced.
• Fluid Leadership: While leadership roles are respected, the Haranae value flexibility and adaptability, with leaders sometimes stepping aside if they fail to uphold their duties or the will of their people.

Religion of the Haranae: The Path of Six Souls

• The Cycle of Souls: The Haranae believe that life and existence are journeys to balance and harmonize the six parts of the soul. Proper alignment of these elements leads to a fulfilled existence, and misalignment can bring spiritual unrest or even misfortune.
• Soul Guardians: Spiritual leaders, known as Keepers of the Six, guide individuals and the community in rituals to maintain soul balance and interpret the signs and messages from the soul's parts.
• Sacred Sanctuaries: Caves with specific formations or markings are seen as conduits to understanding the soul’s parts and serve as places of meditation, rituals, and teachings.

• Khat (The Physical Body): Seen as the vessel that carries all other aspects. Maintaining physical health is a religious duty, and rituals often involve purification and self-discipline.
• Ka (The Double-Form): Represents one’s spiritual twin or life force, believed to exist alongside the physical self. Offerings and rituals often involve sharing food or drink with one’s Ka to maintain vitality.
• Shuyet (The Shadow-Self): Represents hidden desires, fears, and one’s potential darkness. Rituals of shadow-walking involve confronting and accepting one’s darker nature to bring balance.
• Akh (The Immortal, Transformed Self): The purified, immortal essence of a person that continues after physical death. The Haranae strive to become Akh by transcending earthly flaws through spiritual enlightenment and ethical living.
• Ab (The Heart): The source of morality, seen as the center of good and evil within a person. The Haranae practice Heart Trials—moments of introspection and judgment—to weigh their deeds and seek purification.
• Ren (The Secret Name): The true essence of a person, protected above all else. The act of naming is sacred, and one’s true name is revealed only to the Keepers of the Six during rare, significant rites.

• Name Concealment and Revelation: The secret name (Ren) is guarded fiercely. A trusted few may hold the true name, revealed only during rites of passage, such as coming-of-age ceremonies, union pacts, or death rituals.

• Shadow-Walking Ceremonies: Periodic rituals to confront and understand the Shuyet. Participants enter caves at night to meditate and face visions or challenges tied to their shadow-self.

• Offerings to the Ka: Food, water, and incense are left in sacred spaces or carried on one’s person to nourish their Ka, especially during times of illness, major decisions, or spiritual trials.

• Heart Trials: The Haranae regularly reflect on their actions in community gatherings led by the Keepers of the Six. Confessions, guidance, and symbolic acts of atonement are performed to purify the Ab.

• Transcendence Rituals: When a Haranae passes away, their journey to become an Akh is symbolized by elaborate rites to ensure their spirit moves on, purified and complete. This often includes entombment in sacred caves with items meaningful to their soul’s parts.

Key Principles

Guard the Ren (True Name)

• Description: The true name is the essence of one’s soul and must be protected at all costs. Sharing one’s name outside trusted circles is considered a grave risk and betrayal of one’s soul.
• Ethical Implications: Betraying another's name or using it for selfish gain is among the gravest of sins, resulting in severe punishment or exile.

Seek Balance Among the Six

• Description: Harmony among the soul’s parts is essential. Neglecting any aspect, such as ignoring physical needs or succumbing to darkness, is considered spiritually harmful.
• Ethical Implications: The Haranae strive to maintain balance in themselves and their community. Acts that disrupt balance, such as greed or dishonesty, are seen as personal and communal failures.

Respect the Shadow (Shuyet)

• Description: One must confront and understand their own darkness without succumbing to it. Denial or overindulgence of one’s darker nature leads to imbalance.
• Ethical Implications: Rituals are performed to acknowledge and balance the Shuyet, and those who refuse to confront their darkness are often guided by elders or face community intervention.

Cherish Life and the Khat

• Description: The body is sacred as the vessel of the soul. Self-care and physical health are essential duties.
• Ethical Implications: Harming one’s body or another’s, either through neglect or violence, is viewed as a transgression against the soul.

Heart Purity (Ab)

• Description: The Ab reflects moral purity and is weighed through actions. Acts of generosity, compassion, and courage strengthen the Ab, while selfishness and cruelty tarnish it.
• Ethical Implications: Regular Heart Trials ensure one’s moral compass remains aligned, and those found lacking must undergo acts of atonement.

Seek Akh (Transcendence)

• Description: The ultimate goal is to achieve a state of Akh, where the soul becomes immortal and transformed. This is achieved through enlightenment, balance, and moral purity.
• Ethical Implications: Lifelong dedication to spiritual growth and ethical behavior is the path to Akh. Failure to strive for transcendence is seen as a wasted existence.

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• When it comes to family affairs, family is very important for Haranae so they pay special attention to family values and relationships. This great blend between family members encourages children to live with their parents until they get married and then start their own families.

Mourning:

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• Player aistiva created this on 2021/10/12 20:43.

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