The Traditional Maohna

[Moko]

Cultural Traditions

The Receding Wave (1909)
Thomas Moran (American, 1837-1926)

Within a traditional village, also known as a Shoal, Maohnaians are typically indulging in their craft. Whether it is creating art, tinkering away on trinkets, trading abroad, or exploring. It’s all for the sake of their Shoal and to some, the sacred followings of the Blue Tide.


Social & Political Structures

No skill is seen as more important than the other. Everyone has something to contribute to the enrichment of the Shoal. Not even the Shoal is above those outside of it. However, while all ideas are respected, the most experienced ones are well listened to. They are the masters of their skills that teach their apprentices to use the fullest of their capabilities on the spot. But also push the limitations further. Anyone is welcome to learn something and is encouraged to learn, even when it doesn’t seem fitting initially.

Those without a desire to hold a skill or contribute anything to the shoal are equated to their closest cousin, the aquatic. The Maohnaians were aquatic before the blessings of Jadasyl and Behruun. They held no purpose and were closed-minded as their only means were to survive. The Maohnaians don’t necessarily look down upon the aquatic, but their opinions will not be respected.

Rarely will there only be one ruler of a Shoal. A  council of 3 or 5, depending on the size of the Shoal, will consist of masters in the trades. The trades include a multiple of skills of either 3 or more.

Special Occasions

The life of the Maohna is the most important celebration throughout any traditional Shoal. The most favorable outlet is through festivals where the community throws a week-long party. Sacred food and beverages are made by the most skilled chefs and brewers. The finest bards perform throughout the Shoal’s taverns that can be heard across the shores. And a display of art and goods to showcase the development of an artisan's abilities.

The Grand Exploration is an event where Maohnaians at the age of 18 are traveling to discover their purpose in life. Garnering an understanding of what they wish to do before dedicating their time.

Marriages are vital to keeping the shoal strong as marriages are usually the start of a family. There are no set rules or roles in marriage. Those that follow the Fortune Koi however must exchange pearls as a symbol of longevity to each other’s loyalty. 

Customs

Passing the Bubble: When greeting close friends, kin, or a partner, this gesture is an act of the highest loyalty for one another. When under the water, create an air bubble, and pass it to one another.

“Good Koi”: A phrase based on an oracle tale. Wishes good fortune upon each other in departure.

Sea Moss: A sacred ingredient, mostly enjoyed at celebrations. The ingredient is prepared in many ways and represents good fortune in health.


Taboos

Besides the common taboos such as murder and theft. Other actions that would be disrespectful if done within the Shoal are polluting the waters and being unnecessarily destructive to nature. Especially if it is towards the coral reefs.

Beliefs

Philosophies and books of historical tales that leave one with the reflection of thought reign above all other beliefs. Being open-minded is the superior choice as it offers a perspective unseen. With this unseen perspective, one can choose to grow or solidify their stance further.

Religion

Many religions are welcomed as long as they do not go against the Shoal or endanger the Shoal. Otherwise, every traditional Maohnaian follows either philosophies, forces, or the Gods of Fortune. Rarely do they upkeep tenants to praise other Gods, however, some of the common ones are Jadasyl or Behruun.

Philosophy

The Blue Tide

“Drift as if the tide.”

To fight back the tide is a struggle. To do nothing in the tide is to sink.

The existence of Behruun is our physical, but for our mind, it is Jadasyl we praise. Not necessarily concentrating our life’s focus upon her but upon the duty she displayed for us to figure out. By indulging in the Fae Dragon’s stream of curiosities, knowledge, peace, and or happiness are granted. This could include constantly building on what can be improved in honor of the fae dragon. But that is for you to decide a purpose that is higher than our previous consciousness.

One must follow the divinities: To not be a waste of one of Jadasyl’s and Behruun’s creations, expand upon your purpose even if it seems unimaginable, and keep the sanctity of the creations purely free. Even when the circumstances are confined. These divinities are measured in what is provided back for your community or kin. Jadasyl always watches and will be the most intrigued and judge worthy of them all. Though, little does she care about how grand an act may be. The impact can be as great as the raging waves or as calm as a low tide. One must drift as if the tide. If your calling is of the higher duties, then one will float in such a way.

There are no set trials to complete for this way of life. The moment an interest is taken in a certain skill is the beginning of pleasing Jadasyl.