Sekwntos
The Sekwntos are a group of Shriaav who were integrated into Wolgos society during the Bind era. This integration process began slowly but was significantly influenced by the conquest of the Altaian Shriaav city-state colonies. Over the decades, the elites of the Shriaav and upper echelons were gradually absorbed into the Wolgos regime. This strategic move by the Wolgos aimed to control the Shriaav-dominated regions of the Bind, as outright subjugation was deemed unlikely to be successful.
The term "Sekwntos" is an exonym given to the integrated Shriaav by the Wolgos, meaning "the following ones." The integration of the Shriaav elites was facilitated by the privileges they obtained from collaborating with the Wolgos regime. These privileges included securing wealth, retaining their old rights and privileges, and maintaining control over other Shriaav. This development caused a schism between the traditional Shriaav and the elite, who came to be seen as collaborators by most Shriaav.
The Sekwntos have adapted to life in Kupeya by blending Shriaav resilience with Wolgos strategies for survival. They exhibit a high degree of emotional resilience and stoicism, traits essential for navigating the manipulative and often dangerous environment created by the Wolgos. The Sekwntos are known for their direct and curt communication style, which helps them avoid falling into Wolgos traps and maintain a sense of control.
Background
The Shriaav in Altaia originated from the Kamuran empire and neighboring lands, exploring the northern coasts of Altaia and founding settlements along the coast and on the banks of the eastern Nuss river and its delta. They formed fishing and farming communities that organized themselves into city-states, which became fully independent from Kamura as the empire experienced difficulties maintaining ties. The city-states were completely independent from each other, trading with each other and at times warring and competing.
Around two centuries ago, as the Wolgos expanded into Altaia and established the Bind, they came to conquer the city-states. Unlike the natives of Altaia, the city-states were far too organized to allow complete subjugation. Instead, the Wolgos vassalized the city-states, maintaining divisions in the area for control.
In the first few years, the states paid taxes and tribute, and contributed labor, but soon enough the Wolgos began settling in the city-states and lands, taking a privileged position within the cities and treating the Shriaav and their elite as their subjects. The Shriaav elite scrambled to maintain their privileges and actively engaged and ingratiated themselves with the Wolgos regime, facilitating their aims and projects, becoming invaluable assets within the region.
As control over the Nuss Delta was solidified, an increasing number of Shriaav began to adopt the new customs and systems implemented by the elite. This shift was driven by a desire to be more successful and to survive in a Wolgos society characterized by rampant uncertainty, conflict, and danger.
During the collapse of the Bind era, the common Shriaav rose up to establish their own independent state and throw off the shackles of the Wolgos regime. Most of the common Shriaav did not integrate into the Wolgos regime and survived by using their integrated elite as advocates and buffers, allowing a certain level of segregation to exist. The elite, however, found no place in the new society being built during the collapse and faced hostility for their cooperation with the Wolgos.
The Shriaav elite from the Bind and their followers saw no other option but to go into exile with the Wolgos or face severe repercussions, including death. They joined the Wolgos during the decade-long evacuation, frequently chartering their own ships and pleading with the Wolgos to assist them in securing places on their ships or helping them secure old cargo ships. Around half a million Shriaav made it to Kupeya along with their Wolgos allies.
In Kupeya, the Sekwntos continue to navigate their unique position within Wolgos society. They retain their elite status and privileges, but their history of collaboration creates a complex social dynamic. The Sekwntos, while benefiting from their alignment with the Wolgos, also face the challenge of balancing their identity as Shriaav with their role in Wolgos society. This integration involves adopting Wolgos customs and practices while maintaining aspects of their Shriaav heritage.
Culture and Mannerisms
Culturally, the Sekwntos remain distinct from the Wolgos, maintaining an insular culture shielded from many Wolgos practices. They follow their own religion and have alternate social structures that differ significantly from those of the Wolgos. To exist within the Wolgos society of Hergom, the Sekwntos have created their own tribes, which outwardly operate as Wolgos tribes to benefit from the legal framework that allows them to serve their tribal members' needs. Inwardly, however, their social structure and hierarchy are unique to the Sekwntos.
Linguistically, the Sekwntos no longer speak Kamuran; instead, they speak a dialect of Wolgos with heavy Kamuran influence in vocabulary and some grammatical changes. The Sekwntos maintain no ties with Kamura or the Nuss region, and as such, their language remnants are archaic and heavily influenced by Wolgos loanwords. This unique dialect serves as a cultural marker, preserving their heritage while also adapting to their current socio-political context.
Sekwntos cuisine retains much of its old Nuss region adaptations of Kamuran cuisine. Their classic staples include pan-blanched mixed vegetables with various kinds of sauces, grain porridges, and firm sago or starchy jelly blocks cut into slices or pearls, flavored with rich sauces and garnishes. Grilled or roasted pork and poultry also feature prominently in their diet. In Kupeya, the Sekwntos have extensive sago plantations in Alutea but have increasingly relied on cassava as a starchy substitute for both their jelly blocks and pancakes. This adaptation reflects both their resourcefulness and their ability to integrate new elements into their traditional culinary practices while maintaining their cultural identity.
Religion
The Sekwntos, originally from the Shriaav people, have retained their monotheistic religion, Kin, centered on the worship of the female deity Puxe, the Mother of Dawn. The Sekwntos have adapted their religious practices to maintain the reverence of Puxe while ensuring their faith remains relevant and harmonious within their new environment. Puxe, as the central figure of their religion, symbolizes creation, nurturing, and resilience, reflecting the strength and perseverance required to thrive. This adaptation highlights the Sekwntos' ability to maintain their cultural identity and spiritual traditions even in the face of external pressures.
Puxe, revered as the cosmic weaver and the bringer of dawn, remains a powerful symbol within Sekwntos society. The emphasis on Puxe's nurturing and protective qualities serves to reinforce the importance of female protection within their community, offering a counterbalance to the patriarchal norms of Wolgos society. Rituals dedicated to Puxe often involve prayers for guidance, protection, and resilience, reflecting the community's reliance on her divine influence to navigate their complex social landscape. Through these rituals, the Sekwntos seek to invoke Puxe’s blessings, fostering a sense of unity and strength that helps them endure the challenges they face.
The Sekwntos have foregone their traditional matrilineal clan system, aligning their social hierarchy more closely with the patriarchal norms of Wolgos society. Women are no longer seen as leaders but are instead protected and revered within the community. This shift has been necessary for their integration into Wolgos society, ensuring that they can maintain their religious identity while adapting to the dominant social structure. This adaptation allows the Sekwntos to navigate Wolgos society with a sense of purpose and unity, drawing strength from their cultural heritage while adapting to new social dynamics. The protective role ascribed to women within the community is seen as a crucial aspect of preserving their cultural integrity while complying with the overarching societal norms.
The Kin faith of the Sekwntos has no official hierarchy or organized structure; it is completely dependent on tribal temples and shrines with preachers selected from within the tribes. Preachers may be entirely dedicated to the faith or may serve it as a secondary role. These preachers keep loose communication through literature distribution or newsletters but are otherwise completely independent. This decentralized approach allows for a diverse expression of faith that can adapt to the needs of different communities, ensuring that the core tenets of the Kin religion remain vibrant and relevant.
Sekwntos Kin temples are modest structures, often built into spare buildings or halls, and frequently incorporate gardens if possible. Only in the past decades have the Sekwntos adapted larger buildings such as old warehouses and yards to function as Kin sanctuaries. These sanctuaries are remodeled to serve as refuges of peace where practitioners can stay for extended periods and contemplate their faith in serene gardens and contemplation rooms. These spaces provide a tranquil environment for reflection and spiritual growth, reinforcing the community's connection to Puxe and their shared cultural heritage.
Mannerisms and behaviour
The Sekwntos, a group of Shriaav integrated into Wolgos society during the Bind era, have adapted to their new environment in a manner that diverges significantly from traditional Shriaav and Kamuran cultures. Unlike their predecessors, the Sekwntos society is characterized by a pronounced emphasis on violence, ruthlessness, and strict adherence to loyalty, hierarchy, and tribal notions.
The Sekwntos have developed a high degree of emotional resilience and stoicism, essential traits for navigating the manipulative and often dangerous environment created by the Wolgos. This emotional fortitude helps them withstand the psychological pressures exerted by their Wolgos counterparts and maintain their own sense of identity and purpose. To avoid falling into Wolgos traps and maintain a sense of control, the Sekwntos have adopted a communication style that is direct and curt. This approach minimizes opportunities for manipulation and ensures that interactions remain straightforward and focused. It also serves as a protective mechanism, preventing deeper entanglements that could compromise their personal autonomy.
The Sekwntos engage with Wolgos society in a calculated manner, selectively participating in activities and forming alliances that benefit their community. This strategic engagement allows them to gain the advantages of integration without becoming fully assimilated. Despite outward appearances, the Sekwntos maintain a highly insular community structure. They have created their own tribes that operate within the legal framework of Wolgos society, yet inwardly their social structure and hierarchy remain completely unique to the Sekwntos.
Violence and Hierarchy
Sekwntos society is inherently more violent and ruthless than traditional Shriaav or Kamuran cultures. This shift has been driven by the need to survive and thrive in a harsh and often hostile Wolgos environment. Physical toughness and the ability to assert dominance through violence are highly valued traits. Rituals that require demonstrations of strength, endurance, and brutality are commonplace, serving to both reinforce social hierarchies and instill a sense of communal identity. The entirety of Sekwntos society is permeated by a gang-like mentality that places extreme importance on loyalty and adherence to a strict hierarchy. Membership in a Sekwntos tribe involves a series of initiation rituals designed to test an individual's commitment and toughness. These rituals often include acts of violence and endurance, with new members expected to prove their worthiness through displays of loyalty and ruthlessness. Failure to meet these expectations can result in severe punishment or expulsion.
Hierarchy within Sekwntos society is rigid and unforgiving. Leaders are often those who have demonstrated exceptional strength, strategic acumen, and the ability to command loyalty through both respect and fear. The social structure is heavily stratified, with each level of the hierarchy demanding strict obedience from those below. This hierarchy is maintained through constant vigilance, and any perceived disloyalty or weakness is swiftly dealt with to preserve order and authority. Acts of loyalty within Sekwntos society are not merely symbolic; they are concrete demonstrations of one's commitment to the tribe and its leaders. Members are expected to participate in violent acts, both within and outside the community, to prove their allegiance. These acts can range from defending the tribe against external threats to enforcing internal discipline through brutal means. The ability to perform such acts without hesitation is a key measure of one's standing within the community.
Cultural rituals in Sekwntos society are deeply intertwined with their notions of toughness and loyalty. These rituals often involve physical challenges, tests of endurance, and acts of violence designed to weed out the weak and ensure that only the strongest and most committed individuals rise to positions of power. Ritual combat, where members fight each other to prove their strength and resolve, is a common practice. These combats are not to the death, but they are brutal and can result in serious injury. Despite the emphasis on violence and hierarchy, there is a strong sense of community solidarity among the Sekwntos. This solidarity is forged through shared experiences of hardship, loyalty, and the constant threat of external and internal challenges. Members of the Sekwntos tribe are expected to support each other unconditionally, and this support extends to all aspects of life, from personal conflicts to collective endeavours. The bonds formed through these experiences are incredibly strong, creating a tight-knit community that can rely on each other in times of need.
Distribution
The Sekwntos are distributed across the whole of Hergom, with higher concentrations in large metropolises and dominant populations in districts of Tzeraka. Despite living in mixed communities with the Wolgos, the Sekwntos typically keep to their own districts and industries as a way to assure maximum security and reduce misunderstandings. They mix with the Wolgos primarily for work and joint social occasions. Women Sekwntos typically do not mix much with the Wolgos and stay within Sekwntos compounds and districts with much reduced mobility. The Sekwntos community dislikes the attention their women receive from the Wolgos, viewing it as a potential threat to their cultural integrity and personal safety.
However, not all Sekwntos are favoured within their community. Those born from affairs, other shameful liaisons, or who fall from grace with their tribe due to disloyalty or cowardice are typically used by their tribes as prostitutes to serve Wolgos customers. This practice is borne out of necessity and practicality, as Wolgos cannot breed with humans, making Sekwntos prostitutes a safe option for Wolgos. The marginalized members of Sekwntos society thus find themselves in this degrading role, maintaining a tenuous connection to their community while serving a utilitarian function within the broader societal framework.
In Alutea, the Sekwntos have purchased large expanses of land and have a much better relationship with their Gahnam workers than most Wolgos tribes. Acting as intermediaries between the Gahnam, the state, and Wolgos industries, the Sekwntos have managed to create a relatively harmonious working environment. Their approach to management and labor relations has fostered a degree of trust and cooperation that is rare in other parts of Wolgos-controlled regions. The Sekwntos' ability to navigate these complex relationships speaks to their adaptability and strategic acumen, ensuring their continued prosperity in a volatile socio-political landscape.
In the Antarctic regions and newly settled lands in Tzeraka, many Sekwntos have migrated to set up resource extraction operations. These areas, characterized by their harsh climates and challenging living conditions, have seen the establishment of towns that are entirely Sekwntos. These settlements are meticulously planned and self-sufficient, embodying the resilience and communal spirit of the Sekwntos people. By isolating themselves in these remote areas, the Sekwntos are able to maintain their cultural practices and social structures with minimal external interference, preserving their identity while contributing to the economic development of the Wolgos-controlled territories.
| Wolgos Sub-species | |||||
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Physiology topics: Wolgos Psyche - Wolgos Development From Birth to Adulthood - Death for the Wolgos - Wolgos Sexuality - Wolgos Masculinity - Wolgos Womanhood | |||||
| Historic and current Nations of the Wolgos | |||||
| Dhonowlgos | The Bind | Hergom ep swekorwos | United New Kingdoms | ||
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| ~3000 CE - 7505 CE | 7508 CE - 7603 CE | 7608 CE - Present | |||
| History & Geography |
History of Dhonowlgos: History of Dhonowlgos - Stained Era - Era of Rising Lilies
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| Politics & Economy |
Dhonowlgos Politics: Politics - Foreign Relations
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| Society & Culture |
Dhonowlgos Society: Monuments - Society - Brochs of Dhonowlgos
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| History & Geography |
History of The Bind: History - Geography - Military - Science - Brochs of The Bind
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| Politics & Economy |
Politics of The Bind: Politics - Military - Administrative Divisions of the Bind
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| Society & Culture |
Society in The Bind: Brochs of The Bind - communication in The Bind - Demographics
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| History & Geography |
History of The United New Kingdoms: History
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| Politics & Economy |
Politics of The United New Kingdoms: Politics - Military
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| Society & Culture |
Society and Culture in The United New Kingdoms: Wolgos Culture in the UNK - Demographics - Humans of the UNK
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