Throughout history, civilizations have often witnessed the integration of cultures, and in the case of the Shabaldeen and the Kesh, this phenomenon was no exception. The rich tapestry of both cultures seamlessly interwoven, creating a vibrant and dynamic amalgamation.

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Kesh Families and the Shab.

The Shab have had an interesting relationship with the Kesh families over the many years since the Shabaldeen became part of the Akesh, but now there are many Shab who are part of the families and are fully integrated into that family.

• Shab can be part of one of the families where they are fully integrated and can work their way up in the family etc. 

• A lot of Shab only choose to be attached to one of the families, these Shab work towards the betterment of that family but are not fully integrated into that family, giving them some flexibility and freedoms and allowing them to operate ‘independently’ if needed.

• Many Shab do not join or attach themselves to a family, instead they stay independent of the families, often in communities of Shab within the cities and settlements on the mainland or live on the Shabaldeen Islands.

 

It is worth noting here that there is no stigma attached to any of the above and the Shabaldeen work for the betterment of all Akesh no matter how they choose to live their lives.

 

The Shabaldeen have integrated into Akesh culture and society, but that does not mean that they have lost or forgotten their culture and who they are. The Shab culture is very broadly speaking split into two, those that live on the mainland and those that live on the Shabaldeen Islands.

 

Mainland Shab.

Those on the Akesh mainland are more adapted to Akesh Society. The majority of Shab that live on the Akesh mainland are either part of one of the families or attached to one. But this is the majority, not all, there are many Shab that live on the mainland that are still more traditional to the Shab ways.

 

Island Shab.

The Island Shab, rooted in traditional ways, remain deeply integrated into the broader Akesh culture while maintaining a steadfast adherence to ancient Shab traditions. While they prize strength and power, inherited from their ancestral teachings, they also embody qualities of resilience and determination. However, amidst their self-absorption and occasional vanity, they demonstrate a natural passion for personal empowerment and self-sufficiency. Though sharing may not be their immediate inclination, they possess an innate capacity for generosity and communal support, reflecting the enduring virtues instilled by their heritage.

 

Shabaldeen Rule/Government. 

While all Akesh is ruled by the Firsts of the seven families  and just like each family is ruled by their first, the Shab is governed and ruled by a leader, the Empress or Emperor of Tomorrow.

 

The PeshKabz.

The PeshKabz are a status symbol and essential possession in Shab culture, the reasoning and stories behind them have altered through history.

 

Part of Shabaldeen culture and tradition that all Shab still hold onto is the PeshKabz, the more impressive and fancy your knife, the better a person you are. Some Shab carry several knives, but they all have one specific knife called 'PeshKabz'. This knife means more to them than the others. They use their PeshKabz for everything and they clean and sharpen it each morning when they wake and each night, before they go to sleep, often the PeshKabz is cleaned and sharpened after each fight or battle to keep the blade as strong as possible. This does not have to be a grandiose ritual, but it is always done. Shab covet an upgrade to their PeshKabz, they often take a knife off the fallen if it will be viewed as better and thus increase their status. It is not uncommon for a Shab to change their PeshKabz several times during their lifetime and potentially end up worse socially than they started; when another Shab picks up their discarded PeshKabz or upgrades themself. A Shab who learns how to craft knives is held in very high regard. This is because they can choose where in society a Shab stands, depending on their whims when crafting a knife for a Shab. A PeshKabz gifted to a non Shab is rare and will always be of a high station.

 

Professions

The Shab like all of the Akesh can and do all the professions needed, from Mages to Farmer, Scholars to warriors, alchemists to blacksmiths, (below are some examples).

 

Warriors.

Most Shab warriors are light skirmishers of some sort. Heavy armour has mainly been abandoned in favour of speed. 

 

Magic users.

Shab Mages are quite common. Magic is strength and power. Shab Shamans are very rare, there is little to be gained from tampering with spirits and talking with the dead. The dead are dead. They are behind you now; there’s no point looking back.

 

Shab Hollow Ones.

Some Shab choose this path, though they are rare. It is seen as a great privilege by all those who call themselves Akesh to be tended by a Shab Hollow.

 

Appearance.

For familiarity reference only:

The Shabaldeen have the elf physical attribute of pointed ears, other than that Shabaldeen are ANY shape and size, NOT just the sleek slender standard fantasy portrayal of elves. 

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Here are some general minimum costume requirements for a Shabaleen characters:

Ear Prosthetics: A Shab character should have some form of ear prosthetics to convey the appearance of pointed ears characteristic of the Shabaldeen. This could include prosthetic ear tips or ear cuffs to create the illusion of pointed ears, either of the clip-on type or over-the-ear spirit-gum attached type, but NOT jewellery that attaches to a clearly human ear, that is just jewellery.

 

Clothing: Shabs typically wear elegant and finely crafted clothing. This could include flowing robes, tunics, dresses, and trousers made from luxurious looking fabrics in vibrant colours. 

Shab primarily favour reds, blacks or purples, this is from the old Shabaldeen traditions that these colours showed wealth and greatness, as they were harder to get. Shab also prefer leather and cloth over metal.

 

Shab that are members of (not just attached to)  one of the families wear the family colours just like all other Akesh of that family.