Fabada

Fabada, which lay along the northern border of the Mountains of Forgotten Dreams, was one of the most durable communities of Zakhara's High Desert.

Inhabitants
The settlement of Fabada comprised members from three tribes: the al-Shazzi, al-Waughiwan, and al-Zab. Collectively, they were called the Numtanajd.

Two types of homes were used in Fabada: permanent haristas, and portable tent-like pohtas. These structures were arranged into circles where the livestock could be kept so the tribes' herds would be safe from nighttime predators.

Culture
Marriage between the tribes was forbidden, but the tribes mixed in virtually every other respect, working and getting along with one another peacefully. At the end of every summer, each tribe would elect a kharah to be their leader. Karahs were always males at least 50 years old. Newly elected karahs would shave their heads and burn their hair in ceremonial fires to show their status. Each karah made all of the decisions for his tribe, and the entire Numtanajd did not do anything unless all of the karahs agreed unanimously.

Enlightened nomadic tribes such as the House of Dhi'b thought the Numtanajd were simple barbarians. The Numtanajd would offer gifts to nearby nomads to maintain peaceful relations.

Visitors were expected to contribute a lock of hair to prove their friendly intentions. The hair was stored inside water bladders for good luck.