May 22, 2013
Nomadic wanderers without a homeland, the Dulisi traverse the rivers of Tekuachi and Teokui. Mistrusted as vagabonds to outsiders, Dulisi rely on their strong family ties, fishing, and a variety of trade skills to survive wandering the world.
Dulisi value family ties and loyalty to the family and band. Because they are stigmatized by outsiders, cooperation among each other is very important, and when encountering another band in their travels, they welcome each other with open arms. Outsiders are not to be trusted, and it isn’t uncommon for Dulisi to speak in a Cant dialect to exclude non-Dulisi from details and secrets. Despite their (often unfounded) reputation for delinquency and fraud, they often find work amongst their host countries. Odd jobs such as repairs, aiding in harvests, and entertaining villagers with shows or performances are the most common means of making money. There is a bit of a paradox with the villages and cities Dulisi travel through – their cheap labor is often helpful, especially in times of short staffs or overabundant crops – but once the harvest seasons are over, tools repaired, and entertainment filled, most outsiders will grow wary of the vagabonds and drive them out of town if the Dulisi don’t leave first.
Well accustomed to this use and distrust, Dulisi rarely stay in one place for long than a few weeks or a month at a time. The rivers are their home, taking them along with the currents and giving their people true freedom. It is not an easy life, but few Dulisi lament it. Family and band are always around to assist and support one another, and one is never truly alone within a Dulisi group. Life is a journey worth celebrating – a jaunty tune to be sung. Festivals, music, dance and art are highly prized and cultivated. While a basic literacy is common to ease trade with outsiders, Dulisi carry on their traditions and legends orally. Bards and storytellers often come from river nomad groups.