Shriaav in the Bind Empire

The Shriaav, a human ethnic group, once existed under varying conditions within the Bind Empire, which was dominated by the Wolgos. Their experience within the empire was largely defined by their status, which fell into two main categories: Free Shriaav and Indentured Shriaav. Over time, both groups saw their cultures evolve, often under pressure to conform to Wolgos norms and practices.

Free Shriaav

The Free Shriaav were technically free citizens within the Bind Empire but were restricted to living in certain states where they were somewhat insulated from the harsher treatment non-Wolgos typically received. Despite their relative freedom, they were considered second-class citizens in comparison to the Wolgos. Economically, they were generally poorer than the Wolgos but were allowed to engage in business and accumulate wealth if they could. Some Free Shriaav even managed to gain significant influence and status within their respective states.

Culturally, the Free Shriaav developed a complex relationship with the Wolgos. While they harbored resentment towards their oppressors, they also began to emulate Wolgos ways and aesthetics as a means of integrating further into the dominant society. Many Free Shriaav professed the Wolgos faith, seeing it as a way to align themselves with the "chosen" class. Free Shriaav men often imitated Wolgos behavior and, having grown up in a Wolgos-dominated environment, began to naturally adopt characteristics associated with the Wolgos. However, they still struggled with human instincts such as heightened fear, remorse, and guilt, which were often at odds with the more ruthless and calculating nature of the Wolgos.

The Shriaav restructured their traditional extended family systems to more closely resemble the Wolgos pack and clan systems, though with stronger emphasis on blood ties. Women among the Free Shriaav enjoyed treatment comparable to Wolgos women, being solely responsible for raising children and expected to have borne "dowry children" before marriage. Although they did not naturally feel the same animosity towards other humans as the Wolgos did, some Free Shriaav partook in Wolgos traditions, including the consumption of human flesh, as a means to gain status and acceptance in Wolgos society. The wealthiest Shriaav even established hunting states where they hunted other humans to elevate their standing among the Wolgos elite.

Aesthetically, the Free Shriaav fused their artistic traditions with those of the Wolgos, creating a unique style that became popular throughout the western and southern parts of the Bind. This cultural blending was so well received by the Wolgos that Shriaav influences began appearing in Wolgos architecture, cuisine (notably the adoption of rich sauces and rice dishes), and decorative arts.

Indentured Shriaav

The Indentured Shriaav were those who lived under more severe constraints and maintained a stronger resistance to Wolgos cultural domination. They managed to preserve much of their original Kamuran cultural roots but still adapted some aspects of Wolgos art and customs into their way of life. The existence of Indentured Shriaav was marked by severe restrictions on their freedom and cultural expression, and they lived under the constant control of their Wolgos masters.

Indentured Shriaav were not permitted to marry; instead, they were bred selectively by their owners, often separated from potential mates to prevent any bonds or independent social structures from forming. Their lives were heavily regulated, and they were often moved or isolated depending on their owners' whims. However, Shriaav who were owned by other Shriaav experienced a marginally more stable and less restrictive life. They could live in family units while serving their masters and enjoyed some small pleasures that were denied to those owned by Wolgos.