Dalmites are a very diverse culture. Some tribes are nomadic, moving from place to place, while others are more settled, building permanent homes in small settlements and towns. But all Dalmites have some things in common, their dedication to the deities of Dal and their love for the forest.
Upon rising early every morning, the more devout Dalmites give a short prayer to their deity or to the one whose help they might need during the coming day. Breakfast might consist of a cereal made from wild grains and vegetables along with hot herbal tea and sweet berries. The average Dalmite then goes about his business, whether it is school for the youngster, an apprenticeship or shop for the adult, or a day of foraging or patrolling the forests. Lunch is taken at mid-day and is usually the largest meal of the day. Primarily vegetarians, this meal is more likely to include small amounts of meat than at other times during the day. Only at times of great hunts do Dalmites eat fresh meat. Otherwise, they eat venison or other dried and salted meat. Fish is common in areas near lakes, rivers, or coastlines. Roots, nuts, berries and leafy greens make up the bulk of the midday meal. The Dalmites return to their daily tasks after their noon meal. The evening meal is small, often consisting of vegetable cakes and fresh salads. A honeyed bread or mixed fruit is often served as desert. Dalmites usually retire with the sun, mumbling prayers of thanks and asking for blessings upon their loved ones.
Dalmites do not toil as long or as much as cultures more focused on agricultural sources for food. Although some tribes to grow small amounts of crops, most still rely on the bounty of the forest to provide them with the food they need. This hunter-gatherer society provides more time for leisure activities. Dalmites love to sing, dance, and drink sweet berry wine during the many tribal, clan, and national festivities. They also enjoy solitary moments walking through the still forest, or paddling on a lake or stream. Physical sports are popular, especially wrestling and a game played with a soft leather ball called Shinnae. Competitions of all kinds are conducted, including who can climb a tree the fastest and who can shoot an arrow the furthest.
Besides daily prayers, Dalmites often visit and give tokens of respect to the deities of their choice. Some deities, such as the goddess Zaolla, are happy to receive handfuls of flowers picked by those who ask for her favors. Others require sacrifices of food, grains, and even money on a regular basis. The Shamans who tend the shrines often collect the offerings for the poor or to help maintain the shrines. Most Dalmites visit shrines on at least a weekly basis and often more if they wish to receive a blessing from a particular god or goddess.
In times of war the normal lives of the Dalmites are disrupted. Each tribe pledges warriors to their clan leader who in turn pledges warriors to the Cae Gwea in Tilitha. When war is localized, such as the Duissa clan in the Venar Woods, Tilitha and the Clan leaders provide weapons, food, and other necessities to the beleaguered tribes. Some clans even pledge men and women to aid the Duissa in the south. It is not uncommon for young warriors of all clans to travel to the south to prove their worth and gain status as fighters. Healers and weaponsmiths often join the southern tribes to aid in the fight and to gain valuable experience. Those who choose to spend time aiding their brothers and sisters against the Tarians earn special honors in Tilitha and are often rewarded.
Childhood
"Young children" -Dalmite children are dedicated to the forest from birth, when a small sapling is planted in the child's name by the parents. This simple ceremony binds the child's soul to the forest and to Elean, reminding them of their purpose in life.
Children are given a name that is often based on that of a relative or a friend. The family name of the mother is also given to the child in most cases. Only in rare cases does the child take the father's family name. However, he will always be connected to his father's family, tribe, or clan and may use that in his formal greeting.
Very young children are cherished in Dalmite society and are allowed to run free among their tribespeople. Every adult keeps on eye on the children, guiding and directing their actions in a gentle and loving way.
"Schooling" -Children are first schooled by their family members and learn basic social skills. Parents also teach their children how to forage for food, collect feathers and other useful forest resources, and how to show respect to the deities of Dal.
The tribal elders, those mature and wise people of the tribe, pass on their knowledge to the children and organize more formal schooling. Stories and legends are taught to give the youngsters a feel for their history and culture. The children are also taught to read and write. Other elders teach the children the common language. They also receive religious instruction and are taught to respect the forest and nature. This foundation is invaluable to the Dalmite as he or she reaches adulthood and chooses a profession.
"Rites of Passage" -At the age of 12, children go through the Rites of Passage and are covered with the tattoos. During the period following this important threshold into adulthood, the child also chooses a token deity, the god or goddess the individual wishes to follow more than the others. This choice is often based on the talents and future aspirations of the child rather than on some spiritual calling.
"Apprenticeship" -The young person chooses a profession and works under a master in that profession as an apprentice. In some cases, the individual must travel to another tribe or even another clan to study their chosen profession. Some, such as artists and musicians even make the long trek to Tilitha to study under the most talented of the Dalmites.
This apprenticeship can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years, depending on the natural skill and abilities of the individual and the complexity of the profession. Most apprenticeships continue into young adulthood.
"Adulthood" -Dalmites are officially considered adults once they finish their Rites of Passage. However, most live with their parents until they marry or until they reach the age of 16 and are mature enough to live on their own.
"Pair Bonding" -If a Dalmite decides to formally bond with another, they usually do so for the first time at the age of 18 to 25. When a man marries a woman from outside his tribe, he leaves his tribe and joins the tribe of his wife's family. He becomes a full member of her tribe, leaving his family behind and taking any name she might have added to her own. Even if the couple separates, the man stays with her tribe until he either remarries or chooses to join another tribe.
Pair bondings are not usually permanent among the Dalmites and can last anywhere from a few years to longer. They can be dissolved by a simple agreement between the couple and are usually amiable. Children usually remain with the mother although male children often join their father at a later age.
"Professions" -A Dalmite usually chooses a profession based on his or her talent or interest. In smaller tribes, a person may choose two professions that relate closely to each other such as Wood-taking and Woodworking; others, such as healers, might become proficient weavers as well as dedicated healers.
"Old Age and Death" -The elderly are considered wise and they are treated with much respect by the Dalmites. Cared for and tended with love and compassion until their death, the elders of the Dalmite tribes impart their knowledge to the children and adults of their tribe. As Dalmites age, they are considered to be closer to Kainna, just as a large ancient tree, growing and spreading its branches in the forests gains only stature and strength as it ages. In times of crisis, the leadership of the clans turns to its elder citizens for guidance.
When a person dies, the shamans of the tribe conduct a ritual, which may be simple or very elaborate depending on the status of the deceased person and the honors the person has earned in life. Their body is wrapped in leaves and returned to the forest, where the spirit is allowed to escape and inhabit the woods forever. The spirits of the dead never leave the living but instead reside in a spiritual realm within the human world.
Lifestyles
"Housing" -The majority of Dalmites live in simple housing, either skin tents supported by branches or in wooden structures. Usually, these houses are built in the trees hidden among the branches. A family unit usually occupies each house although some may contain extended family as well.
Housing in the established towns and settlements can be expensive for the average Dalmite. However, there are usually properties for rent and inns available to shelter those who do not own houses. Once an individual becomes established in their profession, they can build or purchase their own homes.
Many tribes are nomadic and move their homes from place to place, following game or water sources in their clan area. Most Dalmites are semi-nomadic, moving between two or more established areas usually with the seasons. The northern tribes live in small settlements or towns that have prospered in peaceful times.
"Social Status" -Although women retain the clan leaderships and the title of Teila, men and women are equal in most respects. Women fight with men in wars, both men and women serve as compassionate healers and shamans, and both genders own property and can pass their worldly goods onto their heirs.
The most respected lineage of the Dalmites are those that descended from Llecilia, one of the earliest known leaders. Llecilia's descendents serve as clan leaders and still retain the position of Naiir al weh Teila. Most Dalmites alive today can trace their family back to one of Llecilia's daughters and they take great pride in this fact.
Two factors have the biggest impact on social status among the Dalmites; age and rank.
The elderly are the most respected of the people in the tribe and hold a place in the tribe only second to the leaders. Even then, they are often known to openly disagree with the leaders. It is a wise Gwea who tries to please the elders of his tribe for they have much influence with the people.
Teila, the Clan Chiefs, the tribal leaders, religious leaders, and other selected leaders have great clout in the Dalmite nation among the tribe members. Their rank determines their status in the community.
Reputation is more important to the status of a Dalmite than economic status. Dalmites are not materialistic by nature and it is not unknown for Dalmites to refuse to visit a merchant who has sold shoddy goods or who has cheated a customer.
Disloyalty to ones clan or tribe is also a major flaw among the Dalmites and they are slow to forgive. The lowest Dalmites are those who desert their clan or tribe and flee to other cultures or those who go against the clan, tribe, or Council policy. Only in very rare instances are these individuals welcomed back into the culture by their fellow Dalmites. Even family members have been known to mourn for those who leave the culture as dead or lost.
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