Kenist Miana
Kenist Miana is the home base of the Enkeyns in Tey’shar, located in a large valley not too far from the Samanayr’s Song of the Rainbow Hotsprings. The land was given to the Enkeyns by the Sharians under the condition that they assist in patrolling the area and helping to raise food for local Sharian settlements. The arrangement has worked out well and the Enkeyns have made themselves more than welcome.
The valley is home to about a hundred Enkeyn with more living in the surrounding area. Several Sharians also make their home in the valley. There are a few structures near the entrance of the valley where the road comes in and the residents have created homes in the caves in the surrounding mountains. The valley is also home to numerous herds and flocks of farmed animals.
The Elders/Almanenkeyn
Enkeyn society in Tey’shar is centered around Kenist Miana and the Elders, or Almanenkeyns. The Almanenkeyn are Enkeyns who were among those that fled to Tey’shar and only five of them now remain. There were originally ten, elected by the Enkeyn population shortly after their arrival in Tey’shar, but the deceased members have not been replaced. Many Enkeyn are wondering why no replacements have been elected or assigned, but the Almanenkeyns have not explained.
The Almanenkeyns hold a public gathering, or Talk, every week which any Enkeyn is allowed to attend. Matters such as the status of the food herds and news from Enkeyns far from Kenist Miana are discussed. An Enkeyn can also raise an issue or bring forward a dispute that needs to be settled and the Almanenkeyns will mediate. Their decisions are absolute and with no system of appeal, which has created some irritation and frustration. Sharians are sometimes present at these gatherings. Due to the number of topics discussed, a Talk can take up an entire day.
In addition to the public gatherings, the Almanenkeyns talk regularly amongst themselves and with the Sharians privately.
The Almanenkeyns are:
- Eko Fothren -A seytless male, he was the first to arrive in Tey’shar and come into contact with the Sharians. He still has a strong affinity with them.
- Kava Kavalarst – A Sand female with a special interest in the lands outside Tey’shar.
- Jelvelar Skia – A Stone male who keeps to himself. Others claim he is open to bribes if you’d like a dispute to go your way.
- Kohlo Eteneriar – A Grass male and the oldest of the five, still very active and outspoken.
- Memethayr Utir – A seytless female who others tend to avoid, her coat the black of night with a scattering of white spots like stars. It’s rumored that she indulges in unseemly magics.
Seyts
Seyts are groups of Enkeyns who tend to share preferred habitats, colors, and traits. A seyt is usually made up of a mix of family units and unattached individuals of all ages. Outsiders rarely join seyts that they weren’t born into, especially since they usually lack the traits that other members of the seyt have and the kinship of having grown up in the close-knit group.
A seyt is led by the Seytelan. How this individual is chosen depends on the seyt – some hold battles for the position, some elect an Enkeyn to the position, and in others the position is hereditary. Members of the seyt can bring their concerns to the Seytelan, and they in turn can escalate issues directly to the Almanenkeyns without having to go through the Talk.
One theory about why the Enkeyns fled Entera is to do with their society. There have been whispers that the seyts there are closed and isolated, all ruled closely by a king and his council who love to play the seyts against each other. Seytless Enkeyns are seen as lower in class than those in seyts and subject to atrocities by order of the king. However, this is only rumor, and the truth is unknown for now.
In Tey’shar, seytless Enkeyns are not seen as any lesser than seyted Enkeyns. Enkeyn communities are usually made up of seytless and Enkeyns from various seyts and it’s rare for a community to require that all members be of the same seyt. Some seyts are more closed off than others, particularly those for magical Enkeyns, but most are willing to mingle with other seyts, the seytless, and other species.
Bonded pairs between seyts are also much more common than in Entera, probably because of the much lower Enkeyn population. When a pup is born to two parents from different seyts, it is considered a child of both seyts and can decide whether to associate itself with one or both.
Disputes occasionally arise between seyts, but thanks to the Almanenkeyns these rarely escalate into battles or feuds. When seyts are feuding, they do not associate with one another and may attack a member of the opposing seyt on sight. Feuds are less common in Tey’shar, but some seyts still have feuds brought over from Entera.
It’s unknown what the process was on Entera, but in Tey’shar new seyts can be established. There need to be at least two males and two females and the seyt creation must be approved by the Almanenkeyns.
A list of the different Tey’shar seyts
Settlements
Although Kenist Miana is the largest Enkeyn settlement, several others have been established. About half of the Tey’shar population of Enkeyns live in Enkeyn-only settlements, and the other half lives with other creatures or alone.
Enkeyn settlements usually cover a large area, although the population is concentrated in a ‘hub’ at the center of their territory. The remaining area is used for hunting and farming, since a large amount of food is required to sustain a concentrated population of Enkeyns. Settlements are usually isolated and difficult to access from the outside, although some are situated so that it’s easy to visit.
Relations with Other Species
Given their vast size and magical abilities, Enkeyns often see themselves are superior to other, smaller species. Although they make an effort to hide this opinion, many come off as aloof, arrogant, or patronizing when dealing with non-Enkeyns. With that being said, an Enkeyn will also not hesitate to come to the aid of an ally or friend, no matter what the species.
Sharians – The Enkeyn-Sharian relationship is a very strong one. There was some resistance to the Enkeyns when they first arrived in Tey’shar, especially when the Sharians realized just how many refugees they would be welcoming, but that was quickly overcome and the relationship has been strong ever since.
Humans – Tentative official contact has been made with the human realms closest to Tey’shar and Enkeyn ambassadors have been in talks for quite some time. Unofficially, many Enkeyns now make their home in the human realms that are open to non-human creatures. The human response to the Enkeyns varies, from fearing them to trying to take control of them.
Kysians – The Almanenkeyn adamantly state that they have made no contact with the Kysians and would not encourage contact if they were approached. Others say differently. The truth is unknown at this point.
Samanayrs – Although the Tey’shar hubs of both species are located very close to each other, the Enkeyns have very little to do with the Samanayrs. The large Enkeyns find communicating with the small Samanayrs difficult and many feel they are of little consequence. Others are eager to be welcomed into Samanayr society, but find it difficult due to the size difference and the attitude of their peers.
Sa’enkeyns – The relationship between the Enkeyns and the Sa’enkeyns is complicated. Opinions vary from viewing them as lesser than the Enkeyns, despite their being just as intelligent, to seeing them as no different, despite the difference in size and huge variation of traits. Most seyts do not allow Sa’enkeyns to join and it’s unknown if the two species can interbreed, as no attempt has been made. Now that the flurry of support that followed the discovery of the Sa’enkeyns has faded, the official position supported by the Almanenkeyns is indifference.