Tsaytsa People

The Tsaytsa, (Tsay'tsa: Tsay'tsa), referred to as maTsayitsa by the maSanemi, are a nomadic human culture group of unorganized bands — referred to as an Avita — that span much of the Southeastern Continent. While bands have historically been numerous, in recent years there have been far fewer bands.

Culture
The Tsaytsa hold a very consistent culture among their avitas. Each avita travels north or south — depending on the season or weather — while gathering goods such as ores and food, before setting up a camp before sundown. As the sun goes down, gathered food is either "barbequed" or simply cooked over a campfire, usually in the center of the camp. While the food cooks, members of the tribe tell stories to each other. These can be recounts of their own days or adventures, as well as legends, or even stories they have made up. When the food and stories are over, the tribe rests in wigwams or other similar structures, before after a certain period of time — usually by sunrise, although they may stay for as long as a day — leaving the camp, and repeating the process.

These daily travels are usually done on horseback, although they were formerly — and sometimes still are — done on foot. Horses are greatly preferred, however, and are well respected and cared for among the avitas.

Religion
Primarily, the Tsaytsa practice Keto. One who follows the religion is referred to as a Ketotsa. Keto is a largely animist faith, with similar shamanistic beliefs. Spirits are believed to reside in the majority of objects, although this is largely limited to animals, trees, and people. Places deemed Holy Sites, however, are believed to also have these spirits. When any of these things die, the spirit leaves the body, and may need aid in its departure. A Shaman, or Kedotsi, works to guide spirits, whether to leave the mortal realm, or to bless something — such as wishing safe travels, making sure the food eaten will be reinvigorating, or even just wishing good luck. Kedotsis do not lead bands, but are still held in high regard, and may suffer consequences if a Kedotsi is deemed to be a fake.

Legends entail stories of how the world came to be, such as the formation of Kylorne, the creation of the sun and moon, or human origin stories. These are widely believed to be true, although alternative beliefs are generally met without aggression. However, beasts are more often doubted by some, though still feared — in a way akin to cryptids, beasts of legend are rumored creatures that may potentially exist, and are used as stories of warning. Perception of whether these beasts are actually believed to exist factually is unclear.

Language
The primary language within the Tsaytsa culture is simply referred to as Tsay'tsa, although the term Tsay'tsa'tsa has been used. Learning other languages is not entirely a priority within the community, although interaction with foreign speakers is common due to the nomadic lifestyle.

Etymology
The word for the culture itself is believed to literally mean, "barren hunter". Although it may also mean, "(from the) barren". This confusion can largely be drawn from the suffix 'tsa applying to both serve as a demonym and mean hunter.

Petroglyphs
Petroglyphs, though sometimes referred to plainly as Rock Art, are symbols painted or carved into a hard wall — usually stone. These petroglyphs usually consist of three colors, although in reality only use two. Black is the most common, and is a neutral color, followed by red, used to imply that something is more hostile. The third "color" being the absence of, typically solely for use with a circle symbol, to imply a legend, or something spiritual.

Petroglyphs have been used by the Tsaytsa for a very long time, and have locations across much of the Southeastern continent. Most petroglyphs can be found by former Tsaytsa campsites, although they may be made elsewhere for particular reasons.

Calendar
This portion is largely out of character

The Tsay'tsa Calendar follows a one week to one year timescale. There are two seasons, the Hot Season and the Cold Season. When the year starts, the Hot Season begins, and continues for the next four days. The Cold Season takes up the remaining three days, before the next year begins.

History
Although how the Tsaytsa arrived in the Southeastern continent is currently unknown, the culture itself is believed to have diverged within the desert of the continent. After making initial moves northward, one band eventually split off to form its own tribe to later become the Fitek Tenkiswikem. First contacts with other societies were made around this time, primarily with the maSanemi.

Avitas
Avitas (or Avita'k) have been historically determined by the groups in which travel together. Each avita tends to eventually gather at an agreed upon location, in which avitas either grow, merge, or are disbanded as new groups form. Below is a table of bands, historic and present.

Note: The "Duration" uses the dates as referred on the Tsay'tsa Calendar.