Alkali

5 tribes:

The tribes, save for the Panigutch (see below) are closely related and are believed to have descended from a single ancestral group. As is true throughout the region, Tokamaki is the common language.

Vasatch – The largest and most influential tribe. The Vasatchi hold most of northern Alkali, approximately 1/3 of the entire land area. While most Vasatchi continue to pursue a traditional pastoral life – herding, some are settled – primarily ibn the capitol city of Saltine. Vasatchi have traditionally held the majority of government offices, and make up the intellectual and middle classes.

Some tribal members are to be found in Teton, and North Teton. In addition, a very few Ni’Mushi claim membership in the Vasatch. The exact relationship of the Mushan Vasatchi, and the development of their claim to tribal membership, is not clear.

Tribal leader Xeffer (pronounced as heffer) Kanab is Alkali’s current “leader,” sitting as head of the Council of the Five Brothers located in Saltine. Kanab represents Alkali on the Tokamak Council.

Xixi (pronounced as hiksee) – Patoralists. Are noted for supplying most of Alkali’s clerics. The Hixi are the smallest tribe and are concentrated around the holy city of Krovo (real world Provo) near Lake Bogon (real world Lake Utah).

Sahven – Patoralists. West central Alkali. Sahveni tribal members are to be found in eastern Teton.

Parven – Patoralists. East central Alkali.

Panigutch – Patoralists. Alkaline legend holds that the Panigutchi (Tokamaki - strangers) are not indigenous to the area, but arrived later, before the Berzerka, and adopted the aboriginal animist religion now to be found almost exclusively among the Ni’Mushin of the tri-border region. The Panigutch, while generally resembling the other tribes, tend to have lighter skin and hair coloring. Intermarriage between the tribes has lessened the physical distinctions over time throughout much of Panigutch tribal lands in the southeast.

With the influx of non-Vasatchi to the capital in recent years, tribal affiliation in some neighborhoods, usually among upper middle class inhabitants, have become somewhat less important.

Government

Following the 1998-2004 civil war, Alkali has little in the way of government. There is no body that is recognized as a central authority by the international community. The Council of the Five Brothers claims to govern the country, but its writ is not recognized outside the capital area. Warlords rule in the outlying areas, though relations between them and the Council have been improving and the warlords generally follow the lead of the Council.

As head of the Council, Xeffer Kanab is not a leader in the commonly accepted use of the word. The Council operates by seeking consensus among the members. Influence is proportional to the amount of respect of one’s tribe and that garnered personally.

Council members are appointed to head the various government ministries. A minister can be removed upon a vote of the Council.