The Sigwa

The Other Side

 A respite in the swamp 

Within the South Shroud along the delta of the Hathoeva River a small hut sits near one of the largest mangroves along the shoreline. The youngest of the known residencies within the South Shroud, it is built within and against the root structure and canopy. Strategically placed to rest several feet above the natural seasonal flooding, the structure sways and moves with the whim of the swamps. Rope bridges and ladders offer open access to the higher platforms while hidden underwater passages give elder members secret tunnels to the higher reaches. Twisting interconnected tunnels between the large root systems of neighboring trees allow safe passage back to their territory. This winding way often gives the image of merging with and stepping from the trees at will, and allows the Sigwa to vanish back into their forest like ghosts.Stepping inside, you can find a cozy place to put your feet up and relax. Less protective of this new space, the hut is considered a community destination that welcomes all sorts from trappers and poachers to the wood wailers and Gridanian neighbor. Trade, storytelling, cooking, and socializing is all done within and around the hut as the Sigwa seek out new connections between their neighbors and beyond.

Crystal - Mateus: The Lavender Beds, Ward 13 Plot 11

The Remedy

 The Babaylan's Den 

Deep in the center of the Sigwa territory sits a hut that is tangled within the roots of the largest and wisest tree. A place that is protected above all else. Here the wise one clutches the home of the Babaylon, as if in the palm of a hand, trapped amid giant tangled roots. This is no place that you happen to stumble into, but a place that you are brought. Either by watchers seeking your judgement and asked to stay their hand, or by members of the Sigwa granting you the highest level of trust they can. The magic in this place is an intense almost oppressive force. Whatever fate brought you here, your return will leave you changed in some manner or form.Within the Babaylon crafts all manner of potions and salves, tinctures and powders, magics that can change fate, and those that will let you forget. All have a price, as nothing begets nothing, and you must always give equal what you receive. The choice to accept is yours to make, as your fate is yours alone to craft.

Crystal - Mateus: The Lavender Beds Ward 11 Plot 55

 history 

Deep in the South Shroud, tangled amid the mangroves and brackish waters of the Hathoeva River, hail a miqo'te tribe who call themselves the Sigwa. For as long as their memory serves, they've been haunting the thick forests keeping wailers and poachers alike from the heart of their territory. Dedicated to the oldest and wisest tree within their home, they follow the Will of the Forest as dedicated by the Babaylan and their connection to the forest's roots. A vow of loyalty that has persisted through generations and centuries of change as the star continues to turn, and one that will persist through many generations to come.The legend of their arrival, told in oral epics and tales of long ago heroes, was marked by a massive storm from the sea. This storm is where they derive their name that roughly translates to 'Tempest'. Washed ashore, it is said that the first of their leaders heard the call of the Elementals that drew them to the roots of their Wise One. Offered shelter, and given respite under the great canopy, the Sigwa pledged themselves to the growth and prosper of the mangroves along Hathoeva River. Learning the channels and root systems within the large river, they made their home in the delta that lead out to sea. Wrapping their homes within the canopy and deep into the wet earth, they shelter within the trees and seemingly disappear into the forest like ghosts. Protecting their home with confounding magics that leave travelers turned around and lost, some have been known to carry dim ghastly lanterns in the fog to lure unsuspecting visitors to their deaths. Rumors and warnings circle around the land in which they call home, as those who trespass rarely escape alive and those that do tend to be rather unwilling to return.Great beasts, like deep ocean leviathans, swim the waters the Sigwa protect. Old myth claims the beasts were once beached in the shallows of the delta during a time of great drought. The Babaylan at the time was considered one of the tribe's mightiest beastmasters, and sought to commune with the massive wavekin. Entering the waters that barely allowed the creature to turn, the Babaylan was submerged before appearing just before the mighty open jaws of the Buwaya. Though, rather than consume the miqo'te, the great beast retreated and allowed the Babaylan to swim close. With great effort, the clan worked to dig a deep trench that allowed the tide to come in and free the Buwaya. From this act of kindness a kinship formed between the Buwaya that swim the delta inland to breed and the Sigwa who swim the channels. Beastmasters within the tribe gained the 'Inner Beast' where it is referred to as the 'Buwaya's Blessing'. The miqo'te swim with the giants of their home, protecting them as they migrate from the delta out to sea and back again.Modern day sees the Sigwa as part of the forest as they still maintain the balance of the ecosystems within their territory. Recently more inclined to interact with the growing populations from Gridania and neighboring towns, they conduct caravans that travel to the towns and cities for trade. Often these are lead by the master merchant who helps with both haggling deals and closing them. With the drastic change in political climate across the Star, younger Sigwa have become much more interested in travel. A welcomed choice, the family is glad for the many stories that a traveling member of their family might bring home.

 hierarchy 

 Babaylan  The spiritual leader of the Sigwa. Through them, the Will of the Forest is made known as they honor the pact with the Black Shroud elementals. There is a special connection between the Babaylan and the oldest and largest tree in their territory, known as the 'Wise One'. It is said that their benefactors reside within the spirit of the tree, though only those gifted with Hearing are fortunate enough to know the difference. The Babaylan is responsible for guiding their people as they dictate who will join the council, as well as who will be cast out of their family. They perform last rites for the departed, facilitate trade between neighboring tribes and towns, and generally help the Sigwa survive in the shadows of the Twelveswood. Watcher  Watchers are responsible for keeping the territory safe, first and foremost. These are the warriors and the scouts that patrol the length and breadth of the swamp where the Sigwa call home. Willing and able, they put their lives on the line to dispatch quick justice to any threat that dare trespass on Sigwa land. Typically patroling alone or in pairs, they are who travelers encounter most often within the Twelveswood. Anything believed to be a danger, or otherwise unwelcome, will be driven out or swiftly silenced. There is no one weapon of a Watcher, be it a spear, a bow, their bare fists, or the might of their magic. Hunter  Those who provide for the tribe, they are in constant pursuit of their prey or quarry. Some hunt wild game, others map out local herbs, while others will fish in the swollen river or ocean at their doorstep. They are a hardy bunch that can be found alone or in hunting parties, but there is no other more capable of surviving off the land. Unlike the Watchers, they return at the end of the day's hunt in order to share in their spoils with those back at home. If you cross paths with a caravan of Sigwa, it is most likely they are hunters seeking a place to trade their goods for that which the forest might not always provide. For even a merchant is a hunter looking for the perfect deals. Tender  Tenders are the beating heart of the village, masters of crafts, textiles, cookpots, and young children. Some know what is needed to treat common ailments of the body. Many are skilled cooks and craftsman that proudly feed and shelter the whole village. All are skilled in childcare and the best melodies to help someone sleep. Usually a jack of all trades or a master of a handful, their skills are dedicated to the domestic centers of the tribe. Not all Tenders encompass every aspect of their position, but it is not unheard of for the elders to be skilled in cooking, child-rearing, crafting, gardening, medicine, and music. These are the ones most often found around a fire, eager to tell a tale to anyone that sits with them. Children  Children in the Sigwa are raised together while their parents are out performing their duties. They embody the saying 'it takes a village'. Once a child is old enough to move about with ease, typically at around six or seven summers, they're given free reign of the village and the surrounding territory. They are left undisciplined, allowed to sleep, eat, and bathe as they like, though this does not mean they are devoid of guidance. Allowing their natural curiosity to spur them toward people that inspire them, they are free to discover what role they wish to take up when they come of age. Lessons to a child are often words of wisdom given before they do something foolish, but ultimately the adults will allow them the freedom to experience the consequences of their actions.

 The Tenets 

 motifs