The age of the Monsaran tribe has yet to be determined by scholars. Some of the tribe's artifacts date back to the earliest evidence of Xaela habitation on the Steppes. While some scholars believe that the Monsaran may have originated as an offshoot of the Kagon, the only notable similarity between the two tribes is that they both worship the moon (Nhaama). Otherwise, there's very little between the two tribes that share a distinct traditional origin. Their mythos is quite different (more related to the Keeper Clan: Ayla'Sebnem). However, scholars do agree that the tribe dates back to more ancient periods in history.The Monsaran are known for being one of the more peaceful tribes very rarely (if ever) participating in tribal wars or tribal disputes. For this reason, tribes on the Steppe often traveled to the Monsaran grounds to host negotiations on neutral ground. The journey was often only done at night and took the tribes the length of one full moon to the next.Alongside being a neutral ground for tribes to work out political quarrels, the Monsaran are famous for their leather-working and pearl jewelry. Enchanted leather is made by the Shulam and she only supplies it to those she deems worthy (often through bringing superior quality trade items). It is considered a great honor to be made attire by the Shulam and is rarely given to those not holding a prestige position within their tribe (such as Khan or Udgan). As mentioned prior, they're also quite famous for their pearl jewelry, often found displayed on the elite (gil or hefty trade). More 'common,' trade is their sales of shells, fish, and other sea-related items.The reason the tribe lacks note on the documented 51 tribes is due to the reclusive nature and separation from the Azim Steppes. For hundreds of years, the Monsaran lived on the eastern shores of Othardian peninsula. During the Doman refugee crisis, a surviving family made their way across the bay to the fabled tribe. After pleading for aid, the Monsaran took their fleet across the seas to Eorzea saving dozens of families in the process.After that, the tribe settled on Eorzea to separate themselves further from the Empire. Alas, during a temporary stay in Thanalan the group was targetted by hate crime and much of the tribe was massacred. Since then, the tribe has yet again relocated to shores no longer documented for the purpose of protection. As it stands, the Monsaran offer trade on the Vylbrand shoreline.

One night, the moon vanished from the skies leaving not a light in the darkness. As loyal servants of the moon, the Monsaran sought out the light of their goddess in hopes they might find her saving grace. In time, they discovered the light of the moon, dampened, as she had fallen broken from the celestial plane to the earth of Hydaelyn. Nhaama was inconsolable. She refused to look down upon the realm any longer, for she had witnessed too much heartbreak, too much bloodshed, and too much loss.The Monsaran brought their goddess back to their village. There she was placed within the shulam's yurt. Alas, the shulam could only heal that which ailed her physically. The emotional wounds were ones that would take time.Suns passed and Nhaama spent her time with the tribe, refusing to leave the new sanctuary she created for herself within the shulam's yurt. In time, the tribe caught glimpses of her peeking out from the yurt, and eventually, she emerged to participate in the tribe's interactions.A relatively peaceful tribe, the Monsaran made their home oceanside due to the influence the moon had on the waters. She watched as they struggled; the ocean hadn't churned like it once used to and food storage had gone down. Still, they persevered. They offered Nhaama the best of their goods— a little more from each of them so that she would have plenty. The longer she spent with the tribe, the more she realized that for where there was heartbreak, there was love, where there was bloodshed, there was care, and where there was loss there was life.Unfortunately, this lesson took time and the realm fell to chaos with no light in the darkness. Tribes started to war against one another for necessities, sailors could not trust the oceans they once revered, even the stars above began to lose their light. It was then the Monsaran turned to their goddess and pled: return to the sky so that peace may be brought to the land. For the first time since her birth, Nhaama felt peace, happiness, acceptance. She was amongst those she had learned to love and it was difficult for her to assume her heavenly duties.The shulam of the time — a woman named Yekoyugun — told the goddess that she need not be forever alone within the night sky. That should she wish it, she could be joined by the souls of those she loved, when it was their time to leave this realm. Inspired by the shulam's words, Nhaama parted the tides to reveal hundreds upon hundreds of glowing starfish."And those who love will find themselves an everlight in the abyss, for even in one's darkest bell, there shall always be hope."Thus, Nhaama walked the path of the horizon back to the night. The starfish were taken with her and created the heavens, a promise that those who dedicated themselves to the path of love would find themselves amongst the stars.

Lunarbound

DAUGHTER OF THE MOON:
As a gift, the moon left her only child -- a daughter, made in the image of her light -- behind to the clan. This piece of her to be reborn throughout the times to bring the goddess closer to her people and them to her. She then took her place within the night.The Daughter of the Moon is a gene unique to the Monsaran. An albino is born into the tribe every handful of generations and the tribe believes her to be a reincarnation of the original daughter. For reasons undetermined, the albino is always female.THE DREAM:
The Dream is a spiritual plane known to be one of many "in between" realms (like Purgatory, the Heavens, the Hells, etc). In this case, it is primarily what the Monsaran relate the afterlife to. However, it is known to connect them to more than just the dead.THE DREAMWELL:
The Dreamwell is a font of raw power. The magickal waters are believed to connect the Monsaran to the Dream, and as a further extension, their goddess. Kept in the depths of the tribe grounds, the well is only accessible to the Monsaran.

Tidebound

THE TIDE TENDER
In the Monsarani mythos, the Tide Tender was the tribe's khan. The story tells that he (or she, depending on the current leader's gender), was the first to come upon the fallen Nhaama. It's said that the tidal waters protected him from her divinity allowing him to carry her back to the tribe grounds. Nhaama falls in love with the Tide Tender, and it is between the two of them that the Daughter of the Moon is born— both mortal and divine.USMORI & KAPA'A-KAIKOA
Xaela are known for their connection to horses. While the Monsaran aren't different, they do have a twist. All their horses undergo kapa'a-kaikoa. This ancient ritual binds their horse to the tide, transforming it into an usmori (water horse). Horses take on oceanic properties and are reminiscent of kelpies.It is believed that the spirit of the horse resides in the usmori's mane. For that reason the mane is only ever trimmed so that it can continue to grow evenly. Usmori are believed to have spirits that can help or hurt their owner after death. When a deceased horse's spirit is content, the owner's herd will flourish; if not, then the herd will fail.A family may have a sacred usmori among their herd, which is signified by a lei'pupu (a garland of hand-picked, gem-like shells). When a favorite usmori dies, the owner disposes of the remains by returning the horse to the sea. As a sign of respect, the horse's skull hung around the tribe's ovoo. It is considered disrespectful for a horse's skull or hooves to be stepped upon.

Ancestors & Death

ANCESTRAL SHRINE:
During the funeral rites, some spirits are chosen by Nhaama to remain with the tribe. Instead of being bound to the stars, these souls are sent back by Mother to be a more direct light to the tribe. Their decorated skulls are taken back to the ancestral shrine where they undergo a ritual that allows them to walk between the afterlife and the grounds.BLOOD ON THE SANDS:
The Monsaran follow the belief that if enough of a person's blood has been spilled on the earth, that person's spirit can manifest in that area. In cases of death (or near death), tribe members will often go out and collect their sibling's blood in sacred Giant Clams. The earth is returned to the tribe grounds and used as part of the funeral rites.NOTABLE SKULLS :
During the funeral rites, some spirits are chosen by Nhaama to remain with the tribe. Instead of being bound to the stars, these souls are sent back by Mother to be a more direct light to the tribe. Their decorated skulls are taken back to the ancestral shrine where they undergo a ritual that allows them to walk between the afterlife and the grounds.

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Miscellaneous

AGE MALMSTONES:
The Monsaran have four malmstones that are achieved by honoring elemental turns. Each malmstone is represented by one of four moon phases: full, balanced, new, and mirror balance. Each elemental turn is represented by one of the elements on the wheel: ice, water, air, lightning, fire, and earth. They experience an Umbral and Astral twice. This is believed to create a "balanced" member of the tribe by the time they reach 24. As such, each malmstone is achieved at ages: 6, 12, 18, and 24.MONYALAVECHU DALAI
The Monyalavechu Dalai (otherwise called "Dalayala") are spirits of the sea. They are often spirits of deceased sailors or fishermen (though occasionally may be beloved creatures of the sea, former witches, etc) that use the power of the ocean to protect people from evil. They are often perceived as friendly spirits and are easy to commune with. They are part of the Dalayala Shivees.DALAIYALA SHIVEES
The Dalayala Shivees is a ritual tattooing tradition in the Monsaran. Ink is procured from an oceanic creature (such as a squid or cuttlefish) and enchanted to host a dalayala. The tattoo represents the pact that the Monsaran makes with the spirit. The spirit offers healing, luck, strength, and protection against evil in trade for daily offerings. This process can be done with spirits that aren't dalayala but the cost may be greater. Most tribe members have at least one dalayala.

The Monsaran mostly follow a traditional Xaelan structure. They are led by a Khan or Khatun and are guided by a Shulam (their adapted term for Udgan). They also have an assortment of designated ranks based on what the tribes-member does for the tribe. The Shulam is always female. Men cannot take the role of Shulam but those particularly inclined towards the occult occasionally take on the term, "Udgan."When tribe-members are skilled in more than one role (example: a fighter who also crafts), they may combine the corresponding ranks. The term, "Torol," is occasionally a suffix added to the end of a member of the tribe who has been recently brought in from another tribe. They maintain the suffix for one turn of the moon.Example:
Cototatorol.

— Monsaran Etymology —
Mongo - Silver
Saran - Moon

Though Monsarani has foundations in Old Auri, the tribe also speaks a language known as Kha-moana'lelo (translating into "The Ocean Tongue"). Kha-moana'lelo is primarily used in rituals or other forms of spellwork but has shown up in sun-to-sun items that are associated with the sea. Kha-moana'lelo is the written language of the Monsaran and is known for its beautiful, flowing lettering.Old Auri is used for general conversation and partially for naming conventions. The Monsaran practice an old tradition of giving names with unpleasant qualities to children born to a couple whose previous children have died, in the belief that the unpleasant name will mislead evil spirits seeking to steal the child. After their second moon, a Monsaran may choose a proper name.All children are given an "ocean name" or a "magick name" in Kha-moana'lelo. This name is usually kept secret and only known by family. It is given to their lover(s) during their handfasting.Outside of Old Auri and Kha-moana'lelo, the Monsaran have learned to speak and read: Hingan (including the Doman-dialect), have developed a "Seaspeak" similar to Huntspeak, and Eorzean Sign Language.

Image of script coming soon

The Monsaran are a magickally gifted tribe with practices encompassing much of the specializations Eorzea is familiar with in both present time and history. Unique to the tribe is their natural development of oneiromancy and selenomancy (the magick of dreams and magick of the moon).

The Monsaran are quite proficient with various tradesman skills. Their artisans include many of the familiar Eozean occupations. The tribe specializes in leatherworking, oceanic goldsmithing, carpentry, and fishing. They are often sought out for their pearls and a mysterious metal known as Monsarani gold.

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Photo: Israel Museum in Jerusalem’s 2013 exhibit

MONSARANI GOLD
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Photo: Alessandro Rodrigues

ALAIA BOARDS
The alaia boards are entirely sustainable because the wood that the Monsaran use are native to Vylbrand and grow like weeds. They also use every part of the tree. Leaves are made into feed for their horses.When they go surfing their horses will help them catch the waves by riding underneath the board.

Photo: Jewlery house Tasaki, Japan

PEARLING
The Monsaran have been known for their pearling since Othard (where they traded with the Kojin, HIngashi, and Doma) but since moving to Eorzea, they have gained renowned by associating themselves with Pearl Appeal.

Tribe Members

While non-Auri do not have an official say in tribe affairs, their opinions are respected on topics due to their associations. Honored members include: Cosette & Rainier Beaumont, and Rhysa Verkoh.

The Menagerie

— Dalai Sureg Etymology —
Dalai - Ocean/Sea
Sureg - Herd

Dalai Sureg is the name traditionally given to the various collected creatures that the Monsaran care for. While these are prominently wavekin, there are notable beastkin (such as the Usmori, "Water Horse"). While many creatures in the dalai sureg typically come and go as they please, they do not oft strive far from the protection of the tribal grounds. Several of the creatures will choose to stay and bond with the tribe and its ocean caretakers. These creatures go on to become willing mounts, familiars, and other types of travel companions.

— Moroodol Sureg Etymology —
Moroodol - Dream
Sureg - Herd

Moroodol Sureg is the name traditionally given to the herd of tapir that the Monsaran raise. It is believed that the first tapir came to the first shulam in a dream as a messenger from Nhaama, telling her that the heavens had been created. Since then, the tribe has raised and tended to tapirs and consider them one of their most blessed creatures. Tapirs are believed to eat nightmares and bring good dreams to those who care for them (and the opposite to those who don't). It is considered an unholy act to treat a tapir with maliciousness and is a banishable offense.Tapirs are chosen for Monsarani children at their birth and protect infants from spirits that would bring the child nightmares. The ritual that binds the tapir to the child extends the creature's life but also means that the tapir will die in the case that their caretaker does. The bond is considered eternal. Tapir skulls are placed upon the ancestral shrine alongside their caretaker's should Nhaama send the caretaker's soul back to care for the tribe.A tribe member who was adopted will be given a tapir after they spent one full moon with the tribe (as part of their official welcoming ceremony). Like any other Monsaran, this tapir is bonded to their lifeforce, extending the creature's life.

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Notable Tapir

Moroodol Sureg is the name traditionally given to the herd of tapir that the Monsaran raise. It is believed that the first tapir came to the first shulam in a dream as a messenger from Nhaama, telling her that the heavens had been created. Since then, the tribe has raised and tended to tapirs and consider them one of their most blessed creatures. Tapirs are believed to eat nightmares and bring good dreams to those who care for them (and the opposite to those who don't). It is considered an unholy act to treat a tapir with maliciousness and is a banishable offense.Tapirs are chosen for Monsarani children at their birth and protect infants from spirits that would bring the child nightmares. The ritual that binds the tapir to the child extends the creature's life but also means that the tapir will die in the case that their caretaker does. The bond is considered eternal. Tapir skulls are placed upon the ancestral shrine alongside their caretaker's should Nhaama send the caretaker's soul back to care for the tribe.A tribe member who was adopted will be given a tapir after they spent one full moon with the tribe (as part of their official welcoming ceremony). Like any other Monsaran, this tapir is bonded to their lifeforce, extending the creature's life.

Notable Usmori

Xaela are known for their connection to horses. While the Monsaran aren't different, they do have a twist. All their horses undergo kapa'a-kaikoa. This ancient ritual binds their horse to the tide, transforming it into an usmori (water horse). Horses take on oceanic properties and are reminiscent of kelpies.It is believed that the spirit of the horse resides in the usmori's mane. For that reason the mane is only ever trimmed so that it can continue to grow evenly. Usmori are believed to have spirits that can help or hurt their owner after death. When a deceased horse's spirit is content, the owner's herd will flourish; if not, then the herd will fail.A family may have a sacred usmori among their herd, which is signified by a lei'pupu (a garland of hand-picked, gem-like shells). When a favorite usmori dies, the owner disposes of the remains by returning the horse to the sea. As a sign of respect, the horse's skull hung around the tribe's ovoo. It is considered disrespectful for a horse's skull or hooves to be stepped upon.

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Notable Familiars

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Physical Characteristics

BREATH OF THE TIDES
The Monsaran are naturally able to hold their breath for a quarter bell due to a genetic development that has enlarged their spleens. Children are taught to dive and fish with this development from a young age. Later, after completing their Coming of Age trials, most take on the blessing known as the, "Breath of the Tides." This spell connects them to Namakha and allows them to breathe beneath the waves and manage depth pressures.MONSARANI HORNS
The Monsaran's horns have also changed over time. They seem to have a thin inner coating of nerves that allow them to feel through them. It's likely this development comes as an aid in dark waters where eyesight does them no good. The Monsaran notably have above average spatial awareness and have been rumored to be able to fit into any space as wide as the length of their horns.

Tribal Markings

COLORS OF THE SEA
Inspired by bioluminescent sea-life, the Monsaran decorate themselves in glowing paints. The patterns are often inspired by the ocean and cover spots personal to the tribe member. While this practice is more commonly seen during festivals, rituals, and other official gatherings, some of the Monsaran have been known to wear the paints in a lesser degree in their every day life.DALAIYALA SHIVEES
The Dalayala Shivees is a ritual tattooing tradition in the Monsaran. Ink is procured from an oceanic creature (such as a squid or cuttlefish) and enchanted to host a dalayala. The tattoo represents the pact that the Monsaran makes with the spirit. The spirit offers healing, luck, strength, and protection against evil in trade for daily offerings. This process can be done with spirits that aren't dalayala but the cost may be greater. Most tribe members have at least one dalayala.

Tribal Fashion

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The Flowers

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