Our Azim Steppe

Re-imagining & expanding the Azim Steppe from the critically acclaimed MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV which has a free trial, and includes the entirety of A Realm Reborn AND the award-winning Stormblood expansion up to level 70 with no restrictions on playtime.Don't take it too seriously.

PICTURED:
Banners for the Mhuul and Saal tribes. The Mhuul banner depicts the sun rising over a hill. The Saal banner depicts the moon over a falling star.Below: Special thanks to all of our lore contributors

The Saal Clan

A nocturnal clan known for their expert cartography and embroidered textiles; the name aptly means "star".Once a large and wealthy clan of merchants and shepherds, their status of wealth left them vulnerable to attack, and their numbers dwindled after a string of raids from a neighboring tribe. The Khan, Batu, married an accomplished warrior of the Mhuul tribe who brought with her a small force of warriors to protect them. In order to avoid being raided further, the Saal clan moved around at night and never stayed in one place for long. Because of this, they became highly adaptable to a wide variety of terrains and climates and excelled in diplomacy when trading.Their garb consisted of sea fog blue and white cloth, and this tribe was known by the sounds of the silver jewelry they wore; they also valued stones of turquoise as conduits for Nhaama. They often wore decorative headdresses as status symbols.Twice a year, once before Tsgaan Sar and once in the summer, their migration habits would lead them to Reunion where they would sell maps and various cloth goods such as swaddling blankets, deels, silks, and tugs.They were wiped out by a fast-moving plague, with only two known survivors. The Saal Clan is buried in accordance with Mol burial customs outside of Reunion.

Notable Members

NIMNA SAAL
The Warrior of Light's humble beginnings starts with her eating her twin in the womb. Ordinarily, the Saal clan would anoint two heirs, twins; to serve as the udgan and khan, respectively. Instead, her parents were left with one impressive, healthy, 8lb baby girl. Saal children are not given a name until they pass their first winter, so in the first year of Nimna's life, she was lovingly known as "Boogers".
She would be raised with the expectation of becoming udgan and khatun when she came of age.FAYA SAAL
The wife of Batuhan, and mother of Batu. She orchestrated the arrangement with the Mhuul clan to secure Batu’s khanship. She now serves as one of two only remaining Saal clan members, and as a retainer to her granddaughter. She is a very traditional and stern woman, and nothing Nimna does ever quite measures up to Faya's expectations of her.BATU SAAL
Batu of the Silver Lining, born the only son to Faya Saal and Batuhan Saal, was expected to inherit both ugdan and khan positions. He is the father of the warrior of light.
In life, Batu was noted to be charming, well-liked and good humored, and often won crowds in Reunion with his songs and stories. An accomplished bard and healer, as ugdan, it was his duty to lead religious ceremonies, chart the stars, and provide healing to clan members and livestock.
He embarked on a coming-of-age pilgrimage of about a year, before his father, Batuhan, died falling off his horse, forcing him to return early to resume the mantle of Khan and Ugdan. With uncles vying for clan leadership, his mother, Faya, made arrangements with the Mhuul clan to marry Yagaan Mhuul, who would provide warrior support for her son’s claim.
A year after they were married, Nimna was born.BATUHAN SAAL
The former Khan of the Saal clan, and Nimna’s grandfather.
Ornery, miserly and disinterested in politics, he spent most of his time hunting and riding, and died during a raid when his horse got spooked and kicked him off, breaking his neck in the process.

The Mhuul Tribe

The name Mhuul means "holy mountains", this tribe is an offshoot of the Oronir, splitting off from them 50 years ago due to conflicting religious beliefs. They lean more heavily into the Azim x Nhaama conflict, and believe it is part of their purpose to prime the perfect battlefield for the return of Azim, and think it is their duty to carry out punishment on His behalf for their innate impurities. Due to these conflicting views, Mhuul and Oronir have a deep-set feud.Like their Oroniri counterparts, they wear yellow to honor the Dawn Father, but the dye is duller in pigment and they typically have more animal products adorning their clothes, especially feathers of birds they have hunted. Because of their proximity to the mountains, these warriors tend to be lean and skilled at climbing trees.The clan is mostly comprised of females, with the males being considered second class.When warriors come of age, Mhuul clan warriors are given facial tattoos with a tool resembling a chisel. This is typically done by the clans udgan.

Notable Members

YAGAAN MHUUL
Also known as Yagaan the Cleaver, was Khatun of the Saal clan. The middle sister of three, known for her blunt manner of speaking and for approaching her problems with equally blunt instruments. She had a strained relationship with her eldest sister, Ulaan Khatun, and they often disagreed on clan leadership. Eventually, Ulaan made arrangements with the Saal clan, to marry her off as a wife to Batu Saal in exchange for an exorbitant bride price. In defiance, she brought a retinue of warriors, and Delbee, with her to the Saal. She is the mother of the Warrior of Light.
Her sisters are Ulaan Khatun and Saraal Udgan, who still live to this day.DELBEE MHUUL
Also known as Delbee the Gentle. A tribute girl offered to the Mhuul clan, she was lauded for her beauty, sharp intellect and physical indications of fertility. She captured the interest of Yagaan Mhuul, who was impressed by her laid-back attitude despite her ‘poor lot in life’, and they became close companions, and later, lovers. Delbee was remarkably well educated and was one of the few members of the Saal clan who knew how to read and write.ULAAN KHAN
The stern and zealous khatun of the Mhuul clan. She has very strict ideas on what constitutes good rulership and how best they can worship Azim in their day-to-day life. She is known as Ulaan the Devout.SARAAL UDGAN
Saraal is very much an empathetic soul who wants to help those in need and make a real difference in her tribe, but that doesn't mean she's a pushover. She is very sarcastic and callous which directly goes against the assumption made about those who take the mantle of udgan. Because of her quick wit, she's earned the title Sharp Tounged Saraal.

The Oronir Tribe

The name "Oronir" means "oro" (gold) and "nir" (warrior) in Old Auri, and they are one of the fiercest tribes on the Azim Steppe. Hailing from the abundant hunting grounds of the southeast corner, past the Sea of Blades, the tribe boasts numerous skilled warriors and hunters, who are talented climbers as well.The Oronir trace their lineage to the Dawn Father and believe it is their duty to watch over and keep the Xaela safe. Believing themselves to be direct descendants of Azim, they think themselves superior to other tribes—though said tribes are not wont to agree. While they may be pompous and arrogant, the Oronir take the interests of all that reside in the Steppe to heart, making them sympathetic rulers.Their leader is not determined by bloodline or heritage, but through the Azim Bokh, a wrestling match, where the strongest is declared the most "radiant", and is the khan.This tribe believes heavily in the Azim/Nhaama mythos, and as a result, tends to be devoutly monogamous. Divorce or multiple partners is seen as taboo.

Notable Members

MAGNAI ORONIR
Magnai the Older is the ruling khan of the Oronir tribe, unparalleled in combat and hunting. And the Warrior of Light's wife. He is the Steppe's youngest khan, starting his rule at only 17, and going on to win the Naadam for three consecutive years.Since boyhood, he was noted to be an oversized and awkward child, with strength and height that overshot those similar in age, and this trait continued as he grew into an equally oversized and awkward adult. He's also noted to be unusually sweaty. Unfortunately, having the strength to move five sheep at once means precious little to five bossy elder sisters, and Magnai is often beholden to their chores and whims, even after winning the Azim Bohk.
While a heroic figure with many athletic feats to his name, he is a stubborn and naive romantic at heart, and his inexperience with intimacy has led to a number of social blunders.BAATU ORONIR
Magnai’s closest friend and right-hand man, he is the most radiant's number one hype man. He is happily married and the only thing he loves more than going to work, where he spends time with Magnai, is going home to spend the rest of his time with his wife, Bolormaa.After the events of the Stormblood Naadam, Baatu walks around with the assistance of a cane.BOLORMAA ORONIR
Wife of Baatu, Bolormaa is a plain, mild-mannered woman, adept in the art of healing.Bolormaa is responsible for aiding in Baatu's rehabilitation. Without her healing touch, he may have never walked again.MAGNAI'S SISTERS
Even high up on the Dawn Throne, Magnai is plagued by five sisters in order of descending age: Sorghaghtani, Khochen, Alakhai, Temulun, Toregene.
Sorghaghtani is married with three children, and the most traditional of the five. She often holds Magnai to a particular standard as both Khan and the eldest male of the household. She advises him to find a wife who will uphold the traditions of the Steppe.
Khochen is in a long-term relationship, but her girlfriend has her own child from a previous marriage that they raise together, leaving her exhausted. She often criticizes Magnai’s inexperience with normal social relationships and advises him to seek a wife who is energetic.
Alakhai is unmarried, and twin sister to Temulun. She often makes fun of Magnai’s awkward size and mannerisms. She criticizes his self-imposed celibacy and advises him to seek a wife with impressive physical attributes.
Temulun is married with two children, and is twin sister to Alakhai. She enjoys being a mother, and often criticizes Magnai’s inexperience with children and advises him to seek a wife who will enjoy being a mother.
Toregene is the youngest and an enthusiastic fighter. She criticizes Magnai’s daydreaming tendencies and advises him to seek a wife who is unparalleled in battle.ESUGEN ORONIR
A skilled cook with frail health, he is treated poorly by the Oronir for never having won a single match of the Azim Bohk in all his 40 years, hence being dubbed ‘The Least Radiant’. His social standing improved upon assisting Jelme’s brother, and more so after befriending the Luminous Sister, Nimna Saal. He also secretly spends a great deal of time with Mauci, of the reviled Dotharl.

PICTURED ABOVE:
Map of the origins of notable tribes. Right to left Dotharl, Buduga, Mol, Angura, Saal, Mhuul, Oronir & Questir. The Dawn Throne is center.

The Buduga Clan &The Angura Tribe

The Buduga
An all-male warrior tribe that replenishes its ranks through kidnapping and tribute. With their tribe name meaning "basin dweller", it is no wonder they are adept at fishing and hunting game unique to the base of the Tail Mountains, they are skilled swimmers. Unwavering loyalty is a trait prized by these warriors, which is admired even by allied tribes, for such arrangements are key to their survival.They tend to wear scantily clad, form-fitting clothing to best accentuate and display the male form. These clothes reflect the colors of the mossy rocks on which they reside.The Angura
A small, elusive tribe that dwells in the mountain range north of the Steppe. The name Angura is said to mean "Red Blessing", which is reflected in their unique red coloration, which they claim was a blessing of favor bestowed upon them by Azim.Their tribal garb is often colored a deep blue with red accents, and they dress heavily in furs, even when descending from the safety of their mountain ranges.Their horses are notably more shaggy and sturdy than the average grassland Steppe variety, often called ‘Anguran Snowstriders’. These great beasts were bred for sustained chases over perilous mountain ranges. Their powerful legs allow them to plow through snow with ease, posing little difficulty to a mounted rider.They trade most frequently with the Ura tribe, who also dwell in the mountains and are known to be rich in ores.

Notable Members

DAIDUKUL KHAN
The most recently appointed khan of the Buduga. He entered a pact with the Oronir pledging their warriors to them in exchange for a portion of the spoils they receive, namely, their pick of any male tribute. He is admired for his indomitable will and sincere devotion to the well-being of his tribe and maintains a cheerful, charming visage. Beneath the brilliant smile is a shrewd and measured strategist who may forgive, but does not forget.He develops an interest in Hephaestion VI when Nimna Saal returns for an extended stay at the Dawn Throne.KELIYETE BUDUGA
Also known as Keliyete the Thunderer, was the previous khan of the Buduga Clan, who abducted Daidukul in his youth. Whilst he won the Naadam for the Buduga for one year, subsequent Naadam failures, their dwindling numbers, and inability to keep new members alive had reduced the Buduga to its sorry state today.
He died under mysterious circumstances, alone in his ger.YAMULKA & BORIJIN BUDUGA
Two Budugan members were given as tribute around the time Daidukul was abducted. Close in age and facing similar hardships, the three became friends.
Yamulka has been in love with Daidukul ever since their youth. Daidukul is aware of these feelings and does not return them, but treats him kindly regardless. His very pale features made him somewhat of an oddity in his tribe.
Borijin is calm, soft-spoken, and levelheaded. He was born with a peculiar pupil deformity that his clan marked as one touched by spirit, hence his moniker, Snake in the Eye.SURENGAL ANGURA
Surengal is born of fire and ice alike in all regards. Though proud like his people. Surengal was no warrior- instead a shepherd. A gentle hand and a mysterious connection to the song of beasts saw him perpetually seeking acceptance from his kin until a vision of Dalamud's fall compelled him across the sea in search of answers and strength alike.Surengal's natural aptitude for aetherial manipulation leads to his voracious study of thaumaturgy, but his raw talent and lack of a formal education leads to oft-dangerous maneuvers from the budding mage. His flirtations with the Void grow bolder with each passion moon, as his curiosity and lust for power threaten to cast long shadows.DULAANA ANGURA
The mother to both Surengal and Khurdan and wife of Varzhan. Also known as Dulaana of the Searing Sky, Dulaana's incredible prowess with a bow earned her the respect of her tribesmen and a rank as a master huntress. As the daughter of the reigning khan, Narmandakh, Dulaana's free spirit has caused tension between herself and her father. Following the death of Khurdan and the exile of Surengal, Dulaana currently trains to challenge her father for the title of khatun.NARMANDAKH KHAN
The Angura's current ruling khan, and the grandfather of Surengal. Known for his icy temperament to match their cold domain, Narmandakh is pragmatic to a fault, often placing survival and tradition over all else. He holds incredible hatred for Garleans and any who would bring their infernal devices onto Angura lands. Although his tongue is sharp, a lifetime of pain is etched within the hard lines of his face.KHURDAN ANGURA
Also known as Khurdan the Unyielding, Surengal's half-brother was an ideal Angura warrior. Strong, and cheerful, but prone to violence - Khurdan's mind was eventually warped with hatred following the death of his father, and his heart was broken by the perceived betrayal of his brother for an 'iron man.' Khurdan orchestrated a plot to murder the newly-named khagan, citing deviation from tradition as the grounds. He was foiled by Surengal, but not before a fatal fight. Even in death, Khurdan never yielded.VARZHAN ANGURA
A longtime friend to Dulaana at the time of her pregnancy, Varzhan claimed the parentage of Surengal in a bid to protect her reputation. The two wed and had a second son, Khurdan. A stern but loving father to both boys. Varzhan was tragically slain protecting Surengal at the battle to fell Castrum Aquilus, an event which haunted both of his sons and shaped them into the men they became.

Steppe Society

Khan- A title given to the tribe rulerKhatun- The female variant of khanKhagan- Translates directly to "great/supreme ruler", this title is granted to the winner of the Naadam ceremonial battle.Udgan- A shaman or shamaness. This member of the tribe is responsible for leading religious ceremonies, providing healing, and communing with spiritual ancestors.Iloh- A settlement or camp. Ie "Mol Iloh, Saal Iloh", etc.Khaa/Khaat - An oasis.Azim- Also known as the Dawn Father, he is the sun deity and it is believed that it is his light and blessing that allows the grass to grow that feeds the Auri herds.Nhaama- The Dusk Mother embodies love, but so too does she embody war. At nightfall, a hush falls over the Azim Steppe, welcoming the Dusk Mother back to her throne so that she may reign in blissful silence.The Eternal War of Dusk & Dawn-
The deities Azim and Nhamaa were lovers who had been long at war, thus creating the world to serve as their battlefield, and its people (the Au Ra) to fight in their name. Azim earned the name "Dawn Father" for his creation of the Sun, and the light-scaled Raen is said to have been born from him. Likewise, Nhamaa became the "Dusk Mother" for her creation of the Moon, and is responsible for the creation of the dark-scaled Xaela. Their creation of the Sun and Moon is also believed to hold the fabric of the world together, and should Azim and Nhamaa ever reunite, whether for love or war, it would cause the end of the worldElder Gods- Instead of Azim and Nhamaa, the Xaela of the Mol tribe hearken to the whispers of the Elder Gods, who they believe guide them in all aspects of their daily lives. These gods may also issue commands, which must be considered absolute. The name Mol means "of the Gods".A group of 20 members or less is considered a clan, whereas anything more is considered a tribe.To learn more about tribes that didn't make it onto this carrd, check out this link!

Steppe Traditions

KURULTAI
Yearly meeting before the Tsagaan Sar, also known as the great gathering of khans. The tribes will gather at the Dawn Throne, where they meet under neutral ground to feast, converse, and create or reaffirm alliances. They also compete in various competitions, such as archery, horse racing, etc. Tribes will bring a large portion of tribute for these competitions, as a way to present their generosity and affluence. Important news will generally be shared, and reviewed, and concerns can be raised. The khans and Khagan may also handle disputes between clans or discuss large-scale actions. Newly appointed khans are also expected [though this is not enforced] to present themselves, as a show of respect, and to convey good intentions. While it holds great political weight, it is also a celebration marking the end of the present Khagan’s reign and blessing the next Naadam.
Violence is forbidden during this period.
Though uncommon, an emergency kurultai can also be called by the reigning Khagan in an event that threatens the entirety of the Steppe, such as an invasion.BARDAM'S METTLE
Those who would participate in the Naadam are put to trial in the footsteps of a great Xaela hero of eld called Bardam, whose gauntlet is a series of tests of strength and agility called “Bardam’s Mettle”. Only those who survive it are fit to be considered Warriors of the Steppe, and this is widely considered a rite of passage in many Xaela tribes. It is customary for warriors passing through Bardam's Mettle to hang their tribe's tug, leaving the area decorated in many colorful cloths from countless hopefuls testing their mettle.TSAGAAN SAR
A week of revelry in celebration of the first full moon of the year. Various tribes will gather together to trade, celebrate, and prepare for the Naadam. Tribes will mingle with others and conflict is forbidden. Perhaps it is no coincidence that a week of peace and festivity precedes that of the Naadam, where lives will surely be lost. A common practice during this time is the formal greeting known as Zolgokh. Two people hold both their arms out, and the younger person's arms are placed under the elder person's and grasps their elbows to show support for their elder. The two people then press their foreheads together.NAADAM
An annual ritual combat where Xaela tribes gather to determine the next Khagan. The Gharl tribe will fill a sacred urn with the soil of the place they just camped, and the location of the Naadam is revealed only at sunrise when the Gharl has scattered the soil. Warriors fly in on Yol mounts obtained from Baradam's mettle, and tribes fight against each other to claim the ovoo. The winner will rule the Steppe for the next year. Participation is not mandatory.REUNION
The divided tribes of the Xaela become united again when meeting in Reunion. Such was the hope of the Qestir when they founded this hub of trade. Nowadays, in addition to all the peoples of the Steppe, merchants from foreign lands may be seen here as well. All conflict is strictly forbidden here.TUG
A flag reflecting the tribe of origin's color. Warriors will often hang these flags around important places in the Steppe.

THE ORONIR/ MHUUL BRIDGE FUED
The split of the Mhuul from the Oronir has left bad blood on both ends. Many disputes have arisen and been left unresolved, none more apparent than the bridge over the Sea of Blades. Shortly after the Oronir took the Dawn Throne for the first time, the bridge was destroyed. The Oronir believe the Mhuul are to blame, the Mhuul believe it is the Oronir. Neither can reconcile the narrative of each tribe destroying the bridge to prevent the other from returning - as both also believe they have a right to the bounteous plains of the Sea of Blades. As such, the Mhuul and Oronir have become fierce rivals.GARLEMALD'S ATTEMPTED EXPANSION
The unforgiving and frigid terrain of the Tail Mountains has led the claim of Angura territory to be largely unchallenged - until recent history. Garlemald’s southern expansion into Othard put them directly on the path to encountering the Angura, sparking a conflict that would last for many years.
The Garleans' attempt to construct a castrum on Angura lands and would be met with bitter resistance from the mountain-dwelling tribe. Though bloody on both fronts, the cost of victory weighed far more upon the Angura, who eventually won the battle of attrition and discouraged Garlemald from further expansion into the Azim Steppe.WEDDING TRADITIONS
Wedding traditions tend to vary wildly between the tribes of the steppe, but it is more common to get married in the summer. Horn adornments also tend to be a common nuptial practice across all clans.Saal Clan
On the day of the ceremony, the bride is decked out from head to toe in traditional attire, that she has made herself along with her family. It is customary for the bride to gift a pair of handmade riding shoes to the groom before the wedding.Both the bride and groom's face is painted with ornate silver dots. This paint is known as toirog, and this is usually done by the tribe's udgan. The groom receives a blue dot on his lips and the bride a yellow dot on hers. These dots honor the Dusk Mother, and Dawn Father, respectively and symbolize the union between the pair.The bride receives a blue silk scarf from the groom, as it symbolizes well-being and peace, and is placed over a silver cup filled with sheep milkt. After, the bride presses her thumb, covered in blue toirog, to the groom's lips, and he presses his thumb, painted in gold toirog to the bride's lips. This completes the ceremony.Oronir Tribe
Due to the importance placed on the Azim and Nhaama mythos, weddings hold great significance to the Oronir, with celebrations lasting anywhere from two days to a week.Before the wedding even begins the groom takes a rite of passage pilgrimage along the Sea of Blades in order to slay a fearsome monster for her pelt that will then be used for the wedding outfit.This wedding is a time of great revelry and feasting, with special meals being prepared on every day of the celebration. Music and poetry recitation is also common during these festivities.On the morning of the wedding day, the groom’s side will arrive at the bride’s home to escort her to the place of the ceremony. She is treated like a VIP and is escorted on horseback. The groom is expected to give chase on horseback as a show of his hunting prowess. Once he "catches" the bride, everyone eats, sings, and dances together.
A person from the bride's side will present a prepared sheep's neck inserted with an iron rod to "test" the groom's mettle and strength. Should he fail to break the sheep's neck bone, he will have to endure the bridesmaid's ridicule.Mhuul Tribe
On the day of the wedding, brides are attended by their married female friends and family, and grooms are attended to by their fathers, their married brothers, and their married friends.The bride wears a cone-shaped headdress covered in animal bones hunted for her by the groom and rides her horse through the village to the wedding.Before the ceremony, the udgan sacrifices an animal in order to honor the Dawn Father and the new couple. For love, fertility, battle, and death, they offer a horse or a boar, which is later used in its entirety for the feast. The blood is saved for use at the ceremony, where the couples interlock hands and pour a cup onto the soil in reverence for Azim.On the eve after the wedding, the bride, together with her friends visits all her relatives and says goodbye to them. This is called kyz tanysu (final visit). The relatives present expensive gifts, give advice, and wish for happiness and joy.
It is not unusual for the Mhuul women to marry other women.Buduga Clan
While the Buduga does not marry or hold traditional weddings, they practice their own type of sworn eternal companionship called anda. The ceremony of taking an anda consists of sharing blood, drinking from the same bowl of milk, a spoken oath of their devotion, and an exchange of gifts. They spend the night together under the same furs. They often end with consummation. Andas reaffirm their vows to one another annually.
The Buduga often takes multiple partners. The anda-ship, while just as meaningful as a traditional wedding ceremony, does not have as rigid rules for separation, and if the participants wish to, they may dissolve the partnership with little consequence.Anda-ship tends to require deep affection and is not necessarily sexual. While the Buduga often takes additional sexual companions, anda-ship is unrelated.Angura Tribe
Though they are often considered proud and aloof, in times of desperation, they have been known to arrange marriages in exchange for crucial resources. Angura marry out of the tribe.DEATH CUSTOMS
Much like wedding ceremonies, the handling of the dead varies between the tribes.Saal Clan
Cremation is a common practice carried out by the udgan of the tribe, the ashes are scattered and returned to the Steppe. They also participate in the practice known as khurdan uukhel, or "quick death", in which a hunting blade is angled into the throat scales of a Xaela to quickly usher the injured or dying into the next life as humanely as possible.Oronir Tribe
Traditional casket burial is the most common practice among the Oronir. After the casket is lowered into the ground, mare's milk and grains are poured over the grave. Afterward, everyone circles the gravesite three times to say goodbye. The udgan is the only person permitted to touch the body.Mhuul Tribe
Typically the Mhuul clan has sky burials. The body of the deceased is left in a high, unprotected place exposed to elements and wildlife, surrounded by horns and bones of animals the tribe has hunted. They also believe when the soul moves on, the body is an empty vessel.Buduga Clan
After wrapping the body in cloth, they set the body along with their weapons on a raft and float it down the river. A member of the tribe, possibly a close companion, will fire a flaming arrow to burn and sink it.Angura Tribe
The Angura have a special cave they go to store the bodies of their dead & the cold preserves them well.
The mountain that their most sacred cave resides within is called the Peak of the Thousand White Snakes, because the wind whips it into rivers of snow and air that gather and dissipate at your feet, and it's where they go to pay respects.
Once an Angura makes the trek to the cave with the body of a dead relative, it's time to lay them to rest and truly say goodbye.
All the great khans and khatuns of the past are laid there, usually, they build little stone cairns around the bodies in lieu of digging graves because the cave floor is too dense to dig into.

Steppe Culture

FERTILITY
It is more common to have twins in the Steppe. This is believed to be the blessing of the Dawn Father and Dusk Mother. Fraternal twins, a boy and a girl, are considered the ultimate sign of favor.PIPE SMOKING
Popular recreational and social activity. It is customary to offer your pipe to visitors, and if in a group, to pass it around. It’s most often a sign of status and affluence, as an ornate pipe is quite the luxury. It is most practiced among male adults.HORN ADORNMENT
Only the highest-ranking Xaela have rings on their horns, namely, khans and khatuns, as it is a display of wealth and/or power. Some udgans will similarly adorn their horns, but this practice is believed to hold spiritual significance.ATTITUDES TOWARD ELDERS
Steppe society is generally a society that practices filial piety, where there is great reverence for one’s parents, elders, and ancestors. Despite tribes having a single authority figure in Khan or Khatun, it is common for them to be advised by a group of that tribe’s elders. When entering or inviting one into your ger, it is customary to greet each guest based on age, where a younger person’s arms are placed under an elder person’s and grasp their elbows to show support for their elder.
During mealtimes, it is also customary to offer food to the eldest present first, and not eat until the elders have taken their first bite.HORSES
The Xaela share deep bonds with their horses due to it being the primary mode of transportation for these nomads. They are also prized for the advantages they offer in warfare. The harsh weather and half-wild life of the Steppe horse boost their strength and stamina. They can carry a rider for 65 to 80 malms in a day and can gallop with a rider for 30 malms without slowing down.CULINARY & HUNTING HABITS
As a resourceful people, the Xaela respect nature and use every part of the animal after a hunt. Most Steppe Xaela are proficient at hunting because they train from a very young age to ride and fire a bow. Hunting traditions and game hunted vary between tribes, but dzo and sheep tend to be a staple across the Steppe. Typically, however, the Xaela hunt in small groups where there is one chaser and multiple hunters. The chaser's job is to go down the mountain and scout the land for animals while the hunter's job is to lie in wait until the prey is in position. A hunting expedition often lasts several days but rarely longer than a week.Saal Clan
They would eat whatever was available to them, often trading with other clans while passing through their territories. They traveled with a small flock of sheep and often ate whatever was provided to them by the flock. When given the chance, buuz, a steamed dumpling filled with meat, was a favorite among the Saal.Oronir Tribe
As skilled hunters with access to a bountiful hunting ground, the Oronir enjoy eating big game, such as dzo and antelope. They don't drink fresh milk; instead, they ferment milk from mares and sheep, making an alcoholic drink known as airag. After women finish milking the cattle, goats, and sheep, they process the milk into milk curds, yogurts and airag. The usual beverages in the Oronir tribe are salted tea and airag, fermented mare’s milk. Because this tribe is so wealthy they also are able to enjoy horse meat and fresh vegetables traded with other tribes, or given as tribute.Mhuul Tribe
Much like their Oronir counterparts, the Mhuul are adept hunters and will hunt dzo. Wild onions and garlic are also avidly sought after and used both as food and medicine. They eat foods they get from their animals. The most prominent foods in the Mhuul diet are meat and milk products such as cheese and yogurt.Buduga Clan
The Buduga enjoy eating fish or other small game, and it is not uncommon for them to eat it raw or partially cooked. They predominantly keep stores of dried meat and curds. They are also partial to bird eggs, and uniquely, hunting waterfowl.Angura Tribe
Agriculture is impossible for these hardy Xaela, and they instead rely on their small herds, their hunts, and seasonal foraging. As they lack ample grasslands for their sheep, the Angura rely most heavily upon the success of their hunts for survival, leading to a loose social caste in which the hunters are often the most celebrated members of the tribe.