They live on very remote tropical Islands, not dissimilar to the Valu'Rah their first point of contact was also the seafairing Quinu'Rah.
It is popular among the Cynu to cut back their manes for a streamlined neck, very few grow out their manes, and those who do tend to keep it braided up and decorated with flowers. The tail is not leonine-like as the 'Rah on the main continent, instead it is the length and width of a horse's tail. The long feather-like hair grows along the back and haunches resembling the plume of a Paradise-bird, and combines over the tail dock. The underside of which is smooth bare skin, and not seen easily unless the tail is raised at the right angle. The horn nubs vary in size and are not gender specific, the base of which is fleshy and soft skin surrounding. These are not for fighting, but more as display and beauty. The claw spurs on the back feet and long and slightly curved, possibly to help with walking over swampy or marshy areas. Cygnu wings in particular differ from the main Rah of the continent, in that they are elongated and very fluffy feathers (like a Swan) which they curl up at an angle. They are quite at home swimming in the lakes and rivers for extended periods of time. After which many hours are then committed to grooming and caring for their fur and feathers to keep them water resistant and in good condition. The climate being mild and somewhat tropical, they don't need to worry about the extreme weather patterns on the main continent. Birthing houses
Reed bundled boats are used by close family groups or individuals to pull along belongings like small river barges by a harness and rope from land. These reed boats have a wide platform and a basic roof on top. When not being pulled they can be sat on and paddle/oars used to move along, there are no sails. They pilgrimage to a birthing house when needed, for fertility consultation, Birthing classes for expectant parents, and the actual birthing process. The many Doulas live permanently at these facilities and call it their home. These facilities are very large and can accommodate close families on their new life journey. There are temporary homes for each family group, complete with a specialty made Birthing room. Families can decide to stay for the entire gestation cycle, or pilgrimage twice, once for consultation, second for the actual birth and the two weeks leading up to it (giving space for early births if needed). Most though opt to live-in for the gestation cycle. Many Birthing parents form close bonds with others that are going through the same cycle, and their litters oftentimes end up schooling together. It is not uncommon for same birth-date groups to end up in a village together of their own once past childhood. The birthing workshops are held in a slightly smaller communal house, full of soft cushions and mats for sitting on during the exercises and talks. During a live-in birth cycle stay, food can be shared communal or just within the close family unit in the living pods, depending on the personal preference of the Cynu. This facility also has a large community hall, for extended family to come and celebrate all together once the birthings have taken place. Food, songs and stories is shared between them all. Often extended family will want to visit whilst the youngling grows strong enough to journey with parents back home again. |
Cynu'Rah: (Sai-nuu-Rah)
Height: 12-15hh (horse terms, from ground to top of wither) Sub-Specie: Winged Shi'Rah (Cynu type, Short horse tail) Colours: Any found in nature, combination of, including flowers/fish/reptiles/mammals/birds. Eyes: Rounded pupils that can reduce to slit-like in sunlight Friendly with: Quinu, Valu, Daid, Binu Trades with Quinu, Daid, Binu Not the nicest to: Nice to everyone Stays well away from: None Location: Morach Isles Trade: Woven items (baskets, jewelry, Architecture) Berries, fabric dyes Dwellings:
Expert weavers, they live above ground in woven homes from Bamboo-like plants and river reeds. They live close to freshwater rivers that flow out to sea, the rivers trail back inland to various mangrove-like spots. The bamboo-like plants and fast growing reeds grow there for their hunting, traveling boats and houses they make on land Bamboo has been used as a building material for years, but if left untreated, it will get eaten by insects and disintegrate. So they protect it by safely treating it with a natural salt. Bamboo structured homes use a mixture of single and bundle structure, with thatched roofs. There are pods inside for smaller more cozy rooms. Doors are circular or teardrop shaped and swivel on a single middle connection. There are separate standalone homes with a multi level feature, balconies, washrooms, open bedrooms and eating areas. Small pod-like rooms are nestled inside at various points of the home. Some even feature suspended bridge-like walkways to enter from. Oval swing chairs are common to lounge in, and indulge in the delicacy of their homeland of wild berries, and succulent grass seeds. These berries when dried, can be ground up and used as dyes for clothing fabrics, woven from fine plant fibers. A little creek is fed off from the main rivers winding through the village to a large pond in the center. This pond is used to teach the younglings to swim in safely, before they are strong enough to swim in the bigger rivers. In each village there is one large communal hall in the center These are permanent structures, but they can travel around from village to village freely. They travel to various villages visiting extended family members, or even the pilgrimage to a birthing house when needed. Reed bundled boats are used by the semi-nomadic food gatherers, and by family groups or individuals to pull along belongings like small river barges by a harness and rope from land. These reed boats have a wide platform and a basic roof on top, it can be sat on and paddle/oars used to move along, there are no sails. The food gatherers when they return it is a time for rejoicing and they are celebrated for their efforts, and a communal feast is had in the village. |
Home example photos for reference