Tonkel Kin'toni Clan

History

Long before their turnings, the Tonkel clan was a tribe of nomad hunters, who traveled with the food, sleeping with weapons as there could be food who wandered into their camp through the night. Every man, woman, and child carried a weapon and knew every way it could be used. When the plague hit, their bodies had mutated and morphed into the weapons that they were using, sharp points from daggers and spears sprouted from their arms and legs, allowing them to become the superior hunter. Since they were originally nomads, they had traveled around with different varieties of animals.

Now that their main source of food has no use to them, they decided to make peace with the neighboring kin'toni Polgaru Kin'toni Clan as the Polgarus resided just outside the Mor'ust Dying Forest on the Polgaru Desert Plateau, where there were more traveling zu'aan in the area. The Polgaru would trade fresh zu'aan corpses in exchange for spare weapons or other kin'toni from the clan that was of no use to the Tonkel. They establish a home within the Mor'ust Dying Forest and live within the trees, using elaborate traps to catch any curious zu'aan who come wandering into the forest.

Because of the forest's name, the zu'aan are known to steer clear of the forest anyway, taking the safer route through the plateau. The forest itself was the perfect hiding place for the Tonkel clan as it always had a deep fog that cover the tops of the trees, keeping them hidden from zu'aan eyes. As the Tonkel were rarely seeing visitors, they established a trade route from the plateau with the Polgaru's to the forest in order to gain a food source. The mountains just north of both the forest and plateau are off-limits by both clans as they shared a common enemy, the Undal clan.

If attacks occur on one tribe, the other helps out as much as they can in order to push the enemy back to where they had come from. The alliance has now lasted for more than 3 years and both clans have no intention of causing any disturbance between their trade routes. The Tonkel were rather vicious in nature to anyone they don't know and they have a habit of killing other kin'toni to feast on. Though they were revolted by the taste, it had put food in their stomachs that held them over until they were able to receive their supply from the Polgaru.

The leader of the clan went by the name of Tonkeshka and she was originally the clan leader when they were zu'aan so the clan believed it only made sense if she was still the one in power. Tonkeshka was the most vicious of the clan and killed anyone who got in her way. She found that the trade with the other clans was a benefit as she knew of some other zu'aan turned kin'toni within their ranks. She was a strong soldier and commanded the Tonkel with such strength that she knew it intimidated the Undal clan, hence the reason so many of the attacks were pinpointed on their location.

She loves their reaction and looks forward to ripping the spine out of Undal's leader.

Psychology

The Tonkel took comfort in knowing that they were successful in hiding from others as the thick fog covered their dwellings at the very tops of the trees within the forest. The scent of moss that grew on the forest floor and on the roots of the trees masked the smell of the natural odor the kin'toni set off. The smell of the forest is so distinct that if an unknown origin enters it, the kin'toni can tell right away. The Tonkel is a strong hunting tribe that could be as formidable as warriors, which is why there is not a child in sight.

When the plague first hit, the clan couldn't bear the sight of its children writing in pain, thus causing them to dispose of them. The great reaping would be something that the clan would never forget as it was many of the parents killing off their offspring. The clan leader made sure to let her hunters know that the children would never experience a normal life again and that it was basically putting them out of their misery. The Tonkel mind is still as simple as it was but it understood that trade was necessary to feed so when the trade merchant came with their food supply, they knew that it was a person they could trust.

They would trade in any new Tonkel clan members that did not look the way that they did as they were no longer of any use to them. The Polgaru were the only ones that came into their dwelling, the Tonkel never went out into the plateau as the sun was so bright that it could disintegrate them. The forest was always such a dark place that they had gotten used to the climate and the feelings it gave them that if they were to go out into direct sunlight, it would kill them on impact. The Tonkel clan regarded themselves as powerful but knew how to be humbled, even if their leader wasn't humble herself.

They still had memories and habits from when they were zu'aan and they sometimes miss how they were. Some longed for their children back but they knew that it was for the better as their children would never grow up as they didn't age. Most of the clan are looking forward to a cure but love the way that they live now as they can do whatever they would like without the responsibilities of mortality or children.

They also found that the sap of the large trees they lived in made a strong substitute for alcohol and they lived for it. They sometimes traded it with the Polgaru as well as weapons and other kin'tori. Many lived for the production of the sap and added things within it to make it more appealing to others. The clan leader herself praised her clan members and allowed it to be traded as the Polgaru merchant kept asking for more. After 3 years of trading, the clan was able to start living happily once more, as if they were still their old zu'aan selves.

Biology

Ever since the plague first mutated the Tonkel clan, their skin turned a sickly grey and their eyes turned a bright shade of red, their irises turning jet black to adjust to the climate of their new home. As their bodies had changed, the original kin'toni had their weapons morphed into their systems as they held them close to their bodies. Some kin'toni have blades along their legs and forearms where others may have different weapon parts within their face or protruding out of their back like spines. Tonkeshka had slept in the arsenal the night the plague attacked them and she had many different weapons within her body.

The most noticeable one being the dagger that was vertically protruding out of her forehead, stopping just at the bridge of her nose. She loved her weapons and was surprised the next morning to see that they were attached to her like that. It was due to the weapon morphism that could differentiate between the new Tonkel and the original ones. The new members were considered not as strong and were traded off to the Polgaru as soon as possible. The new members could withstand the sun's rays as they were new kin'toni themselves who don't ever stay in the clan long enough to get accustomed to the climate. The fog was almost the same color as their skin, allowing them the perfect camouflage while they did their daily tasks within the clan.

The most noticeable thing, other than the weapons sprouting from their skin, is the way their tongue slithers from their mouth, almost snakelike. The clan wore almost no cotton clothing as it would be ripped to shreds if they tried to wear any. They stuck to pelts from the animals they had slain over the years, fashioning them into suitable clothes for them. New Tonkel members did not receive any weapons forged into their bodies but instead developed holes where one could forcefully place them. The original Tonkel kin'toni blood is so pure that the strain of the plague within them automatically assumes a place for blades or other weapons.

Of course, since they no longer needed weapons, the new members never received anything within the holes and knew that they were going to be traded off to the Polgaru the next time the merchant came. The Tonkel received corpses from the Polgaru but some were still alive upon arrival, resulting in new members being formed. Though they tried their best to make sure that new members weren't created, there were always a few out of every batch that would be turned. Of course, they were still clan members and although there is a bit of discrimination, every new member is welcomed and taught the ways of the Tonkel in order to properly protect the Polgaru.

As they were going to be traded as warriors, not slaves, something Tonkeshka made clear to the leader of the Polgaru's. If she heard wind that they were treating their members horribly, the next Undal attack would be deterred and directed toward their encampment.

Culture

The entirity of the Tonkel clan has no money, which is why they rely on the bartering system, trading with the Polgaru clan. The original members of the clan are treated with more respect than the new members, hence the discrimination not only with how they look but also how long they've been part of the clan. They all live at the very tops of the trees in the forest, using bridges to get from one tree to the next, using vines to go up and down the trees in order to meet the merchants or catch food. Every kin'toni within the clan knows how to utilize the weapons they have within their bodies after working through the initial phase of the plague.

They mainly rely on the Polgaru for food but can catch their own if a zu'aan comes too close to where their dwellings are as the moss is a great hiding place for deadly traps. They move like the fog and are quick to check to see what they caught. If it's a regular animal then they make fur pelts for their clothing. The Tonkel wear nothing but fur pelts as anything else would rip to shreds from their skin having blades within it. The pelts, if made properly, can withstand any blade and acts as armor if there was an attack on the clan. They mainly catch bearlike creatures call a folasot, a mammoth sized creature that can unhook it's jaw on command to eat whatever it wants.

It's pelt is a dark brown and has silver or grey streaks running through it. It makes the perfect clothing as it defends against any weather, including heat as it still insulates the coolness from the previous season. The Tonkel trade warriors, alcohol and pelts with the Polgaru and recieve food in exchange. The Polgaru live in the desert so it only makes sense that they need heat protection as well as something to get drunk off of so they appreciate the other parts of the trade. The warriors that the Tonkel send act as guards for the outer sections of the Polgaru dwellings.

Making sure they are protected and safe from any invader, including the Undal clan. Trade is only permitted with the Polgaru clan and no other outlying clans unless a messenger is sent and the words of said messenger sway the clan leader then trade will be considered depending on what the other clan has to offer. The Undal clan has never been one to be nice to the outlying regions under the mountain and find that the Tonkel clan is a formidable foe, something the clan knows for certain. The hatred for the Undal clan goes back to before the kin'toni, when the zu'aan were still the only beings on the planet.

The Undal zu'aan clan was ruthless even as normal mortals and made enemies with everyone they encountered. The Tonkel clan withstood their ranks and were able to claim the forest as their own once they became kin'toni. The Undal clan has been persistent with the many attacks upon the clan, some suspect that they're just trying to transport messengers for the clan leader but they're too ferocious and hostile to be dealt with.

Government

There is no set government within the Tonkel clan as there is only a leader who is the sheriff, judge, and executioner when she sees fit. The Tonkel clan has always been a matriarchy and Tonkeshka has been the leader ever since the beginning of the plague. Her ancestors were the leaders before her and the clan knows that she will be the leader until the end of time. Her clan believes in her and knows that she bears a strength that is unmatched by anyone within the clan. The trade between Polgaru is known as the lifeblood trade.

The imported goods being food supply whereas the exported goods are Tonkel warriors, alcohol, and pelts for clothing. Tonkeshka would have never thought about a trade before but due to the fact that the forest does not get many zu'aan passing through, she found it to be a major asset to the clan. The leader of the Polgaru clan knows how vicious the Tonkel clan can be as most of their army was decimated upon the first meeting with them in under an hour. Tonkeshka is a hard person to deal with but after throwing her a corpse, she agreed to a trade deal.

She knows that the Polgaru clan runs things a whole lot different on the plateau but she established ground rules for him when agreeing to add her warriors to his ranks. At times, there are elders that she holds meetings with, mainly for when she needs advice about the Undal clan. She knows how to give respect when the time comes as the elders were previous matriarchs before her. Of course, kin'toni do not age and cannot die of natural causes so the previous leaders are still a part of the clan and still advise her. There are no levels of government but they aren't savages.

They know a leader when they see one and are respectful when they speak to them. Every criminal is seen by the leader, every newcomer is seen by the leader and anyone who wants to die is seen by the leader. Punishments include shoving one to the tops of the trees, allowing the skin to burn until they beg for mercy, or allowing the members of the clan to punish how they see fit.nMoney is not of value to the Tonkel clan, they do not care about wealth or jewels. If another clan has something of value, the Tonkel will look another way unless it is of use to them.

Since they were originally traveling nomads, they never cared for money as they got their food for free. If a trade is established for weapons in exchange for something that can be useful for the Tonkel clan, then another trade route can be established. Traitors are killed on the spot, their head sent back to where ever they came from in order to send a message that they aren't to be trifled with. Because of the particular mutations that the Tonkel went through, traitors or outsiders are easy to spot and they are almost always captured to bring in to the leader.

The only outsiders allowed are the Polgaru trade merchants that make the journey into the forest every fortnight to deliver goods and take back what is expected.

Military

The entire clan is the military. They can use the weapons embedded within their body for combat as well as daily life things, like slicing food or opening things. They were already skilled hunters and with the mutations, they became skill warriors when it came time for battle. The clan follows the orders of the leader and trusts that she knows best. They follow their leader without question and will always fight for what is theirs. There are no specific ranks within the clan but the ones with the more weapons in the skin are regarded as a high-class warrior.

The leader is regarded as the highest-ranking warrior as she has the most weapons within her body but was also the leader before the plague came through. Each clan member is regarded with respect and they each have their own position within the clan. New members do not have weapons within their bodies but are still treated and trained as warriors. They are quick and agile and can do everything an original Tonkel can do but without their own body mutations. Because of the lack of bodily weapons, they are regarded more as a lesser or inferior version of the clan but they are still treated with respect.

In sparring matches, they can evade the weapons from an original and can even land some blows with their own weapons. The leader takes pride in all of her clan members, original or not and she is always pleased to hear how her members are doing when they go over to the Polgaru clan. Many of her members are regarded as special forces when they join the Polgaru ranks and she takes pride in knowing that she can continue to protect her beloved trade route. The Tonkel clan is comprised of military warriors that can take on 3:1 in battle.

They may not seem like they can fight as they aren't as big in the muscle on the outside but they can defeat tens of enemy kin'toni all at once. They each have training and sparring sessions within the trees and sometimes on the forest floor but they are always ready in the case of an attack. The attacks are always aided by the Polgaru army when it is between the forest and the plateau. The two clans fight side by side and are perfect allies as they help one another out when battling. The Polgaru military is mainly small in size but can take on many opponents at once as well.

The Tonkel warriors within the Polgaru military also fight alongside in battle to show off to the originals that they are still practicing the sacred ways of the clan even when they are apart. The militaries get along and even have conversations if battles end at night, catching up on what has been going on out on the plateau and how their members are getting on with the Polgaru people. Alcohol is usually broken open whenever the battles are a success and the two clans have a small party to celebrate. The two leaders of the clans convene and hold a meeting with the elders of both clans to ensure that trade is going smoothly and to discuss the next course of action.

Religion

When they were zu'aan, the clan believed in the goddess of the hunt as they were nomadic hunters. They worshipped her, calling her Geunta, as the leader was visited by her during the night, planning where the next big hunt would be. After the plague had changed everything, Geunta was replaced with the shadow god, Froshuet. He told the leader that the goddess of the hunt had been slain and that he will provide them shelter in the depths of the forest. The Tonkel clan then started to worship Froshuet and fashioned small figures of him to put in their homes within the trees as a form of a shrine to him.

The clan believes that he had found them in their time of need and is allowing them to get their strength from staying hidden in the shadows of the fog as well as the canopy of leaves from the large trees within the forest. The clan even left a single zu'aan corpse as an offering for the god every night in order to keep his protection. The leader of the clan says to have nightly meetings with the shadow god and says that they are doing everything correctly and they have never angered the spirit. She says that he appreciates the offerings but he does not eat so the clan can have the corpse for their own.

Of course, the clan continues to provide one each night for him just in case he changes his mind. The clan loves their home and is grateful to the shadow god for allowing them to stay there. The leader had said at the beginning of their new life that the god had taken a liking to us as the entire clan had survived the wave of plague whereas some other clans weren't as lucky. The Tonkel worship the god every night and ask for his blessings for a cure to be found, though they are unsure if the leader would appreciate such prayers. The clan has a group prayer every morning and a private prayer within their homes every night.

Although the god doesn't speak directly to them, their leader confirms certain things she talked about with the god in the morning. The clan is firm on their beliefs and will always keep Froshuet in their minds whenever they head to battle or when they are being sent off in a trade. Froshuet has never let them down and does provide protection for the members who join the other clan. Froshuet claims to have always been watching them and aiding them where Geunta has not. He guarded them every night and allowed them to take shelter in dark places in order to avoid being killed in hordes of animals when they were still zu'aan.

He says he had taken a liking to the clan and hoped that they would survive the coming plague and was joyful when each member made it out a kin'toni, offering his services once Geunta had passed on.

Miscellany

Nearby Groups

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Tonkel Kin'toni Clan

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