Kamagua and the Tuskarr

 After recovering from the shock of my last missive from Caius, I thought maybe I’d share some of his more tame observations with you all.  In his travels in the cold of Northrend, he has come across a race of very interesting people.  The Tuskarr live on the coasts of the Borean Tundra, Howling Fjord and the Dragonblight.  The influence of the sea, mainly fishing and whaling, can be seen in almost every aspect of their daily lives.  I’d even go so far, after reading some of Caius’ observations, as to say these livelihoods are as much a spiritual observance to them as a means of daily sustenance.

Caius sent me a picture of the village of Kamagua to share with you.  The structures they build even resemble the fish and whales to whom they owe their existance and are made with support beams of whale bones.  I found the Kamagua Inn especially interesting.  It is mostly dug into the ground with an above-ground appearance similar to an angler fish, right down to the lantern dangling above the entrance shaped like the fishes maw.  I’m not sure how long it would take me to get used to descending into what seems to be the mouth of a creature to settle in for the night.  Caius says the dwellings are very warm and cozy though.

The Giant Sea Turtle that travels between Moa’ki Harbor and Kamagua is in at the dock.  I am in awe of these great animals, and I have yet to lay my own eyes on one.  Caius tells of the smooth ride offered on the “decks” attached to the shells of these magnificent creatures, and the speed at which they glide through the water.  I can’t help but wonder if the Tuskarr got it right when it comes to traveling on the seas.  Ships built by man and elf seem so clumsy and intrusive by comparison.

Caius was very impressed with the harmony in the Tuskarr communities.  He writes that they are very family oriented and that the communities are very tight knit.  Every member of the community is expected to do their share to make sure the community is secure and well provided for.  Everyone helps out with the various chores that make the community run well.  I can see how beneficial this way of living would be.  In this way the health of the community is assured as all are protected and provided for…and everyone is too busy to cause problems   This “rule of providing” applies even to guests in their villages.  Caius writes that while he was staying in the Tuskarr villages, he had many jobs to do that helped the locals in their daily lives.  He aided them by performing many tasks that they either were too short handed to manage easily on their own, or that seemed suspiciously designed to test his moral fiber.  He must have done well for himself as they call him “friend” now.

Caius writes that the Tuskarr seem to be a very spiritual people.  Their Shamans are very highly regarded and consulted in all matters of importance.  They conduct rituals to heal, to aid in the catch and to adjust the weather.  They offer guidance in the areas of marriages, births, deaths and many other occurances of importance in daily life.

Caius noticed that the spiritual or revered places of the Tuskarr are usually marked with beautiful kites.  He has yet to find out if these are offerings to the spirits, beacons for any tuskarr travelers or simply weathervanes.  But I must agree with him on their beauty against the northern lights.

I’m hoping to hear from my intrepid cousin again soon so I can share more of his observations of the peoples and places of the frozen north.  He mentioned something about “Dragon Shrines” in closing this last one and I’m eager to read what, exactly, he meant by that.

~Zyrena

Tags: Borean Tundra, Giant Sea Turtle, Kamagua, Northrend, Tuskarr