You are Hanataz

The Blue Veil is the name of one of a number of Hanataz caravans that ride the roads of the continent of Verdestia – which is considered the most northwestern of the civilized continents of the world of Zyathé. Like all Hanataz troupes, the Blue Veil are a close-knit group with much strong kinship. For the most part, they traverse the lands of the Republic of Zyranthea and the Sovereignty of Andvalla, which are the most western and the most southern civilizations of the continent. Because of the Blood-Touch that most troupe members carry, the Hanataz are outcasts from the civilized world. As such... they are a traveling people with their only homes being the wagons in which they ride.

You are a member of the Blue Veil troupe. And because you are a younger person, you are referred to as “Frenta”... which is roughly translated as “youth” in the common tongue that is spoken in the civilized lands. As a Frenta, you are in training to work the shows, to contest against those who would wager their coin, to help aid and defend the troupe, and, ultimately, to take over leadership when the current Bonduran are too old to carry on with their duties. The term “Bonduran” means “Protectors” when translated into the common speech. Most troupes have eight to twelve Bonduran who serve on the troupe council. Typically, however, there are one or two individuals that serve as “Prema Bonduran” and these are the primary leaders of the troupe.

The Prema Bonduran of your troupe are named Borag and Calnassé. Borag is “The Strong Man” of the Blue Veil and is a massive and incredibly strong Humanoid, owing to the Ogre blood in his veins. Nearly seven-foot tall with broad shoulders and a thick frame, he can wrestle five (or more) strapping farmers at once and win... consistently. But physical strength is not his greatest asset... for he is a good and honorable man; true to the members of the troupe and carrying a fatherly love that lies deep in his heart. Each of you have felt his encouragement and his admonishment... seen his tireless efforts to keep the troupe healthy and safe... and watched his patient and kindly ways – even with the littlest members of the Blue Veil. For you have also seen him wrestle a horde of these Yunstas... the Hanataz word for children... with a broad smile on his face as those same little ones pin him to the ground – laughing with glee as they bounce atop his enormous frame.

Calnassé is a Half-Orc and is nearly as strong as Borag, allowing 
her to take on four or more farmers herself. But, because she is 
smaller than the Ogre-Man – and her frame more lithe – she is 
typically able to win more coin. Most believe her to be the far easier opponent – a mistake that has led to many painful sprains, and many more empty purses. Calnassé is also cunningly smart and has helped the troupe avoid many problems with her quick thinking and extensive knowledge. But, like Borag, these are not her greatest qualities... for Calnassé is so much more than a strong and capable leader. In truth, she is as much a mother to you as any – with a will for your safety that is unmatched. Many times you have felt her embrace when the world brought you pain. And more times than perhaps you would like, you have felt the sting of her hand on your backside when you broke your honor.

As Prema Bonduran, these two are named as the Bravda and Vrenda of the troupe (which loosely means “All-Father” and “All-Mother” in common speech). It is a duty they never shirk. Borag and Calnassé have been married for many years and have three children. But the Hanataz way is not to dictate through rulership... nor does position pass by blood. Though Borag and Calnassé are the leaders of the troupe – both in name and by position – they serve under the guidance of the Bonduran Council and are appointed by them. But all troupe members – no matter their position – give deference and honor to Mother Salvensa, the wise and powerful Seeress of the Blue Veil.

Mother Salvensa is the matriarch of your troupe and a Diviner of no small ability. The people of the villages come to hear their fortunes from her – ill or fair – and to drop their coin into her old, worn, strongbox. Though quite advanced in age, her magic is still potent, and she can both heal and harm if the troupe is in need. She is a kindly woman with white hair and a wrinkled face that is often broken with a toothless smile. Her wisdom has served the troupe well since she became Seeress many decades ago. She is also as kind and loving as any grandmother could be... and often as mischievous as an imp.

Together, these three lead the troupe with strength, integrity, and wisdom; following the ancient code of the Traveling Folk. And, should the caravan be assailed, all three will make much trouble for those who would seek to bring violence upon their people.

But they would not be alone should a group of bandits or a roaming Orc war-party attack the Blue Veil. For within the troupe are a number of dangerous and capable foes... ready and able to defend the wagons, the elder-folk, and the children of the Hanataz should the need arise. Your thoughts run immediately to Vestia, the Mistress of Secrets, who is also a member of the Bonduran Council. She is a Human female with short, red hair and a freckled face. She has silvery eyes that evidence the Blood-Touch of the Fey – but, unlike many, the Touch is subtle. As such, she is often able to enter towns surreptitiously... to purchase important items for the troupe, make contact with an agent or ally, or gain information about a town’s intent toward the troupe. She is also a Sorceress of no small skill. There is also her partner, Skizzig – whose face and body are scarred from terrible burns in his youth. He is a Wizard of considerable ability.

Together, the two have used their magicks on more than one occasion to destroy those who would harm your kin – including the time you witnessed them burn alive an entire war party of Goblins that sought to slay your folk and loot your wagons. But Vestia and Skizzig’s magic is not just used for the defense of the Blue Veil. For when the people of the villages and towns come to the shows that your troupe puts on – which are called Carnivalles – the pair bring forth ancient magicks of the Hanataz. These illusions and phantasms were spell-crafted long ago by the first mage of the Traveling Folk, and are unknown to magic-users outside the troupes. Some say they date back to even before the Woe of Ruin... to the time of the Ethernic Civilization. The spells are sacred and secret, passed down from generation to generation.

They create booming bursts of dancing fire in the sky... conjure 
colorful phantoms that fly and dance like great wispy ghosts... and summon strange and wonderful creatures of sparkling light that awe and amaze those who attend their performances.

There is also Kray the Blade, whose skill with throw-knives, sword, and bow has rarely failed the troupe – even when contested against Elf-folk and Verdestian Rangers. His abilities have won much coin to fill the troupe strongbox in Borag and Calnassé’s wagon. Kray is a quiet man... measured... with a strong face and an intense gaze that seems to see to your very soul. He has a greenish tinge to his skin, though none know his heritage.

Many of you have been trained by him as there are few in the camp who possess his talents. Kray is also a member of the Council, though he rarely speaks in meetings.

Another member of the Bonduran is Brayan who is known as the 
Blind Wind. He is an older, Wood Elf male with long ears, gray hair, and bluish skin – owing to the Blood-Touch of Elemental Air. He was once an honored Monk in Kizmya’s Order of the Four Fates, but was banished from that same Order many years ago for some serious transgression. In spite of his banishment, Brayan is no less skilled and his blindness doesn’t appear to hinder him at all... whether he is contesting with his bo-staff, or counting the coin in the winner’s purse from that same battle. Brayan is a wise and soft-spoken person who has taught you many lessons through the years.

There are others as well that would aid the troupe in times of attack, should one occur. But aggression against the Hanataz caravans tends to happen infrequently as the fighting prowess of the Traveling Folk is well known across the continent.

Not all in the troupe are Fighters and Wizards, however. Yet all contribute in one way or another. This is the way of the Hanataz.

 
Mavea, along with her two older sisters, Elnass and Saevra, are all Spelldancers. These three have mastered many of the famed, magical Hanataz dances... including the Fire Dance, the Dance of the Phantoms, and the Six Movements of the Alsa’frese. These magical performances – like the Hanataz magicks practiced by Vestia and Skizzig – have been passed down since the early days of the troupes and are a secret well-kept by the Spelldancers. Their performances are crowd favorites, and many come to the Carnivalles for the sole reason of watching the women dance. As such, much coin comes to the Blue Veil due to the considerable expertise of the women. The three sisters are also exotically beautiful due to the Blood-Touch of the Noble Fay’aree. Elnass and Saevra are in their mid-thirties and have children who are rather near Mavea’s age. While Spelldancing is primarily an entertainment magic, some of the movements may be used for defense and/or aggression should the need arise.

The Spelldancers are not the only entertainers in the troupe. There are also Greyson and Grelda – a Human and a Half-Elf – married for some years now. Both Bards of excellent skill... with crisp clean voices of song... and quick, cutting wit. Their shows are popular with the crowds and are always well-attended. Grelda, in particular, can bring strong men to tears with her singing. Some say that the pair ran afoul of the Selen’hadrine and are in hiding with your troupe. None believe that Greyson and Grelda are their real names.

Beyond these, the troupe is also favored to have Selvra the Beastmaster, whose show with her tamed Owlbear and Manticore is perhaps the greatest attraction that your troupe offers. The beasts obey her completely and do her bidding without hesitation. How she is able to command and control these monsters you will never know. 

But the show is amazing and never fails to impress an audience. 
Selvra is a Druidess and bears the rather obvious Blood-Touch of 
Elemental Water (and an Abyssal Blood-Touch as well).

Then, there are the Jesters... Columbina and Zani. These brightly 
dressed clowns run slap-stick shows that delight audiences across the sovereignties. They are energetic, enthusiastic, and experts at making folk laugh. They are also quite annoying as they rarely step out of character even when there is no show going on.

Entertainment is not the only offering that the crowds come for at the Hanataz Carnivalles. Gambling is also one of the main attractions. In this, the Blue Veil are blessed of the gods to have Tevren Ziss, Freasha Firehair, and The Great Clasby. These three are gamblers with great skill in both knowing the odds, and in reading the faces of those they play against. They run games of Fool’s Down, Nubs & Lords, Blackdie, Kizmya’s Wheel, and many others to gain coin for the troupe. They win far more than they lose. Tevren is a mix of Orc and Elf blood and is quite handsome. Freasha is a Sundestian who bears a nearly unnoticeable Draconic Blood-Touch. Clasby is a Human that is Blood-Touched by the Abyssal as evidenced by the small red horns protruding from his forehead.

You are blessed of others, as well. There are Stoof and Leena, a 
Dwarven couple who are both afflicted with Twisted-Bones disease. They work the crowds and cover the bets for the troupe in contests of strength, agility, and skill. They are also excellent distillers and craft the clear, spicy spirits and the brown, sweet liquors that are mixed into drinks and sold to the crowds.

There are Sunessy and Frenne, the old spinsters, who both cook for the troupe and also make the richly-spiced and delectable dishes that are sold to the visitors at the Carnivalles. Since the Traveling Folk have to often make do with lesser cuts of meat and game, their skills both help put coin in your strongbox, and tasty morsels in your bellies.

 
And there are still others... Dren and Calva Steele who blacksmith for the troupe and keep the wagons rolling; Old Strem – the grandfather of the troupe – whose stories enrapt the Tent-Fires; Anton, the jovial priest who seems to always run afoul of the troupe’s Jesters; Hantz and Fendi, two little old Gnomes who are the troupe’s carpenters; Chelsea who is Half-Sarth, and both deaf and mute; and many more who make up the Blue Veil.

They are all your friends and companions... and the only family 
you know. As a Frenta, you are in training to become a part of the show in the years to come. Depending on your bent, you are being taught to perform, to fight, to gamble, to bring more attractions to the troupe – and yes, to perhaps pick a pocket, or run a little con, or seduce a lonely “Townie” for his or her last coin.

Even the very young are being groomed to serve. One of the jobs of the Frenta is caring for the little ones so the adults can manage the affairs of the troupe. It is impossible not to love them.

There is sweet Creeda, who at the age of four already has a voice that would charm even the stones... young Strend, who at seven is already showing talents with knives and bows... and tiny Jovessa, transfigured by the Skivers, but showing great skill in magic.

There is Kleista with her shiny eyes and tiny horns... Vezzy, mischievous and wild... she is gifted with The Sight, and will likely be “Mother Vezzy” in the years to come... Trom and Trem, eight-yearold twin boys who already can move through a crowd and clip a purse without being noticed... and Jannig, who is Borag and Calnassé’s burly, 11-year-old son.

Altogether, these many wonderful folk make up your kin, and you are thankful for each one of them. When you ponder what might have been your fate had you not ended up with the Hanataz – your thoughts go cold. The world is not kind to those of impure blood. Indeed, in some places you would not have been allowed to live. As you think on this, a smile comes to your face. Though you are not rich in material wealth; though others shun you for reasons you cannot understand... and though the road is the only home you know... it is good to be one of the Blue Veil troupe.

The Hanataz are the traveling people of the The Wy’rded World and may be found on all four of the “civilized” continents of Zyathé. They are the outcasts of “normal” society and are not welcome in virtually any town or village. As such, they have had to make do with no real home other than the road. As Hanataz, the troupe is the only family that a member knows. And their honor and devotion to the troupe is paramount.

The reason that so many “common folk” express such prejudices 
and fears toward the Hanataz is primarily due to the “Blood-Touch” of many of the Hanataz people. The Blood-Touch is a phenomenon that began occurring after the collapse of the Ethernic Civilization some 1,200 years ago (an event known as The Woe of Ruin). Since that time, each year, a small number of babes are born with strange and alien characteristics that mark them as a Blood-Touched individual. The Blood-Touch can be Deific (Havenal, Equial, or Abyssal), Draconic, Elemental, Fey, or even some unnatural blending of races such as “Ogre-Human” or “Lizardfolk-Elf.” 

Blood-Touch is identified by priests using the spell “Detect BloodTouch.” Parents often give their Blood-Touched offspring to the Hanataz to protect them from being ostracized, imprisoned, or even killed by superstitious locals. Some even do this if a child is Half-Elven, Half-Orcish, Half-Sarth, or any one of a number of different racial combinations – or if the child suffers from some horrible disfigurement or magic-resistant disease. “Pure of Blood” is a sign of status in the World of Zyathé. In more than a few places in the world, only those who are Pure of Blood may become members of government, serve as officers in the military, work in certain vocations, or even gain employment from the guilds. Though a Blood-Touch is often problematic for an individual, it can provide benefits to the one afflicted with it. For more information on the Blood-Touch, please see Secrets of Zyathé, our free player’s primer on the Wy’rded World. 

The Hanataz revere the gods Jinxx and Kizmya (the Trickster Lord and the Lady of Lucks, respectively) but also give great respect to Buffahn and Fuffahn (Lords of Brewing and Festivals), as well as 
Haleona, the Lady of Freedom; Brannad, the Rogue Lord (patron of good-natured rogues); Kaakeon, the Waylord of paths and roads; Mystos, Lord of Mysteries and Prophecy; and Chanze, Lord of Gambling. The full pantheon for Zyathé is outlined in Secrets of Zyathé.

In the world of Zyathé, the slang word “Shizzat” is considered a 
somewhat negative term and is sometimes used by those who are not Hanataz to refer to the Hanataz people. The Hanataz also use the word Shizzat to describe themselves among other troupe members (Shizzat or Shizz, individually… Shizzats, collectively). Note that a person who is not Hanataz who uses Shizzat in reference to the Hanataz folk might be viewed unkindly by a troupe member, generally depending on how the individual uses the word. 

All Hanataz troupes travel in brightly colored wagons and make 
camps on the outskirts of settlements… avoiding entering them 
other than to pass through. Since the Hanataz are effectively barred from coming into a town, provisioners often come to sell food and wares to the troupes. Interestingly though, Hanataz camps have become places of entertainment, where many of the same folk who would shun them in their home village or town come to see their performances which are called Carnivalles. 
Hanataz shows are for the commoners… not for the nobility… and are widely varied in their offerings. Gambling is popular in Hanataz Carnivalles; as are wrestling matches, jester-acts, skill-at-arms contests, and magical displays. Hanataz dancers are famed in the land as the primarily-female artists perform magical movements that mark them as Spelldancers. Escorts may also be hired and, as many of the Hanataz people have exotic heritages... this service is a popular attraction for lonely citizens. The troupes also serve interesting, spicy foods – and strong, flavored spirits – which are favored by the crowds. Lastly, all troupes have a Seeress who provides folk with views into their futures in exchange for coin.

Township leaders and many priests decry the arrival of a troupe and strongly encourage their populaces to stay away from the Carnivalles. That said, virtually everywhere the Hanataz travel, many still come to the camps to seek out the offerings of the Traveling Folk.

A number of Hanataz troupes may be found in Verdestia. These include The Fool’s Dance, The Red Wagons, The Blue Veil, The Silver Coin, The Night Song, The Purple Hue, The Bronze Bell, and The Yellow Lanterns.

There is also one permanent Hanataz settlement in Verdestia. It is a small town known as Alnea Drova which is located in one of the more dangerous areas of the continent – the Wargwood. Fascinatingly, the traveling troupes are not welcome in Alnea Drova and, in fact, would be turned away should they travel there. Individual Hanataz or small groups of such would not be turned away… but for a time would be viewed with suspicion. For more information on Verdestia, see the free Secrets of Zyathé player’s supplement available at GooeyCube.com

Long ago, many centuries before the Woe of Ruin, there were
no Traveling Folk… for the Blood-Touch had never manifested
itself within any of the High Races. But there came a day when
the mother of all Hanataz was born. Her name was Zylea Aléana,
and she was conceived in the coupling between an Elven dancer
named Kylanee Aléana and an unnamed traveling Jester. The two
were said to have consorted on warm spring eve some two thousandyears ago under the smiling light of a full-faced Luneós – which is the major moon of the world of Zyathé. Nine months
later, on the 22nd day of the last month of the year – which is
called Fool’s Day – Zylea Aléana came into the world.

If the tales be true, she was beautiful to behold with an uncanny
wit and unnatural charm that could make the most surly King
laugh ’til he cried. Her tricks were astounding and her jests
greater than any comedic personage who had come before her.
By the time she was just 16 years old, she was entertaining in
the highest courts and playing on the grandest stages of the
Ethernic Civilization.

But Zylea had a secret that none except her mother knew. Namely – that beneath her thick make-up and billowing, clowney
clothes – she had skin of reddish-orange, dark blue scales upon
her back, and tiny horns beneath her hair. This secret was kept
well for a number of years until Saltruna Vaerdassan – one of the
High Elven Kings – determined that he would have Zylea for his
own. He devised a plan to have the woman entertain in his court
for the birthday of his brother.

But this was just a ruse to bring her to his magnificent forest
city… and into his majestic cathedral in the trees.

The night before she was to perform, the King made his way in
secret to the guest suite in which Zylea was abiding. There, from
a hidden niche, he watched her disrobe and bathe in the open
pool in her chambers. As he regarded her, he was even more
enraptured when he saw her exotic skin and beautiful shape
gleaming in the moonlight. He then came forth from his place of
hiding and exposed himself to her – his lust inflamed – his desire
for her greater than anything he had wished for in all his life.

But Zylea rebuked Saltruna, and slapped his face for taking
such liberties.

Ashamed, the King left her presence and retired to brood in his
bedchambers… and to plot his revenge upon the lass who had so
belittled him in his own castle. Thus, on the night following, at the performance for Saltruna’s brother, a stage-hook chanced
to catch upon Zylea’s costume, tearing much of it from her body
– exposing her secret for all the world to see. The King feigned
aghast at the site of her… and others in the audience followed
suit as they had been prepared to do by the King’s order. A group of priests in the audience named her a demon, and she was cast from the courts… never to perform again.

Indeed, her alien appearance marked her for all in the realm; and
she was turned out of villages and towns wherever she traveled.
Then one day, as Zylea walked alone on a road, hoping beyond
hope that she could find welcome in the next town, an old man in a Jester’s hat – driving a colorfully painted wagon pulled by huge blue horses – came up beside her. Zylea regarded the wizened figure who held the reins and was taken aback at the brightness in his eyes and the warmth of his smile. The man asked if she would like a ride, and did not seem at all bothered by her alien appearance.

Zylea agreed and the two rode together for over a year.

’Tis said that the old man told Zylea many things in their time
together… for he was wise beyond wisdom. He spoke of life and
love and purpose. He talked of the Lifesong and The Way of All
Things and the first flows of the Zyanthuus – almost as if he had
witnessed creation himself. He told Zylea that she was special…
that she would be the first of many… and that much depended on her – and on those who would come after her. He even named her people, which are called the Hanataz, even to this day. The word has no translation in the tongue of the common speech… but some have said it means “The Fool’s Dance,” while others say it refers to “The Last Laugh” in some great comedic performance.

One day, Zylea awoke to find that the old man had left. Sitting
beside her were a necklace upon which hung the symbol of the
god Jinxx; a large, leather-bound, magical tome; and the Jester’s
hat that the old man had worn. Nearby was the brightly painted
wagon and the great blue horses that pulled it. Zylea donned the
necklace and the hat, and cracked open the tome. An inscription
had been written on the inside of the cover. All it said was:

“The greatest jest is yet to be played. Learn well your part.”

The tome was said to contain all the spells of the Traveling Folk;
the methods for the crafting of their magical tents, the enchanted movements of their Spelldances, and the many incantations that create the phantasms and illusions that even today delight the crowds at the Carnivalles. Zylea studied the tome intently… learning the conjurations and the magical dances while she crafted the first of the magical tents.

Soon thereafter, people began to come to Zylea’s camp – called by some unseen compulsion. Like her, these folk also had strange afflictions, deformities, and alien characteristics. And like her, those abnormalities had made them unwelcome in their home towns. Over time, these folk built their own wagons and together, the group traveled the roads of the grand civilization – hosting the first Carnivalles and beginning the legacy of the Hanataz. And it came to pass that Zylea discovered she had the power of divination… allowing her to peer into the future and see shades of that which was to be. She named this gift “The Sight” and began to use it for the benefit of her people.

Some years later, just before the Woe of Ruin occurred, ’tis said
that the old man came once again to Zylea, who was now of an
advanced age. The old man guided her, and the troupe she oversaw, to a remote and hidden valley in the northern reaches; far from where the great calamity would originate. There, the troupe would survive the great destruction that followed and, in the aftermath, began to establish their place in the new world.
In the years following the Woe of Ruin, it seemed that more folk
than ever before were afflicted with the Blood-Touch – and the one troupe became two, then three, then several. Other troupes were raised up on other continents as well, and the Hanataz people – though still ostracized from the general populations – achieved some measure of prosperity in the centuries that came afterward

 
In the year 222 SC – which is 222 years following the Woe of
Ruin – Zylea was laid to rest in a secret shrine on the continent
of Verdestia. Her writings and teachings, however, lived after
her and have been preserved by the many Hanataz troupes that
travel the roads of the world.