Okay, here's my new culture. I can flesh this out more as needed:
Culture name: Saham'shat
Mythos: Saham'shat people believe that the Sun is a God (
Qomsha), and
Qomsha brings life, warmth, and growth to the world. His daughter the Moon (
Haket) watches over the night when the sun must rest. The Sun created the world and everything around us. Even though the Sun is powerful, it must rest as the Moon must. The Moon was created when the Sun realized he had to rest. Spring, Summer, and Fall are all considered seasons of life due to the warmth and the ability to grow and harvest food at the oasis. The cold of winter is thought to be a period of war between the Sun and the Dark Spirits. The moon keeps the dark spirits at bay during the night. Camels, which helped the Saham'shat build their fledgling society, helped traders cross the desert and are considered gifts from the Sun due to their ability to easily cross deserts. It is said that the Sun itself has ten-thousand camels, and is the richest being in the cosmos. The sun is the ultimate judge, jury, and executioner for wrongdoers, and people are often judged by being placed in the most remote part of the deserts to survive.
Society: Our society is led by a King (
Dene), and the
Dene rules over Maq'iq with approval of the Council of the Nine. The Nine are selected by lottery from Maq'iq's three non-noble castes every thirteen lunar cycles (approximately one quarter year): the Freemen (who are typically farmers and soldiers), the Priests, and the Merchants. Should a supermajority (six of the Nine) of the Nine see that the
Dene has become corrupt or unfit to rule, the
Dene can be removed from power and sent to the desert. Should the
Dene survive for ten days, or make his way back to the city, he is considered cleansed, and can reclaim his crown. The family of the
Dene is placed under the care of the Nine during this time. When a
Dene is removed from power, or dies, a new
Dene is selected by the current ruling Nine, again by supermajority. Typically, each block of three sees all members voting similarly on matters, but periodically there is a break in ranks. The
Dene rules alone, in theory, but many matters require the approval of the Nine first, particularly interstate matters and anything related to the welfare of the society.
The law is strict, but considered just by most - as camels are sacred, harming one is punishable by prison and a fine, whereas the intentional death of a camel is a most grievous crime and punishable by death. Harm done to a person is treated equally. Human life is valuable, and armed conflict is generally frowned upon, though defense of their people is allowed. Archery is both their primary weapon of war, and a competition sport for entertainment. Camels are not ridden for war, but are used for supply trains, by traders, and ridden by the
Dene. Owning a camel is a sign of wealth, piety, and status. Trade is considered to be a worthy profession, and the Saham'shat set up marketplaces and trading posts wherever is opportune to allow for the flow of commerce.
Legally there are no prohibitions against women ruling, but it has yet to happen, with the possible exception of an ancient, legendary queen (
Ailene). Women do appear in the lottery for the Nine, and are allowed to have property rights. Women are not allowed as Priests, however. There are large merchant businesses run by women, however, and many of the merchants are in fact female, and they are known for their intelligent business practices. The markets and temples of the city are the most frequented establishments, as piety and wealth are prized. However, the rights and dignity of all peoples, high and low status, are so prized that all prisoners and criminals must be treated equally. It is difficult for even the richest king to get away with the death of a lowly freeman. Some merchants practice slavery, but it is not a widespread practice at this time.
Sample sentences (I kind of winged it):
Mik awa sha Saham'shat.
We are the People of the Sand.
Teregostu au sha Maq'iq
Welcome to the Water of Life.
Qestana awa sha qistest moloq'Saham.
Camels are the greatest pride of the people.
Phenotypes: Similar to the Yemeni type described, but with darker skin, and a propensity for emerald green eyes to show up due to a mutation in their DNA.
Claims: The Sahamshat migrated Westward from their traditional homeland in the east desert to a lush and fertile oasis south of the mountains to the north of the Volgar. Their main city, Maq'iq, was created around the oasis, and is being used as a base to begin trade with nearby peoples.