Who can play a Dukhi character?
Anyone can play a Dukhi character. You don’t need previous knowledge or experience. We will provide players with everything they need to know. You will also have access to a Dukhi player mentor before the larp for questions and guidance.
The cornerstones of the Dukhi people
ATHEIST, but rich in rational TRADITIONS and rituals. Science is considered the objective proven truth.
COLLECTIVE COMMUNITY. The Dukhi aim for the common good, even when it demands setting aside your personal gains and opinions.
LOYALTY and STRONG MORAL. The Dukhi strive for accomplishing good for the many. Some decades of trial and error has established the best practice, what we now call tradition. Dukhi people aim to be better and evolve. Others would say the Dukhi are quite hard headed about their traditions. Loyalty only include their own people. Other allegiances can sway swiftly depending on how the wind blow.
A HARDENED PEOPLE. The Great War tore the Dukhi homelands to ruin. Every Dukhi has lost a friend, a lover or child in this war. Suffering, hardships, loss, sacrifice, pain and grief are all a part of the Dukhi collective trauma.
SOCIAL and KIND, but with limits and directness. Dukhi are straightforward and brutally honest when it comes to compliments, sexuality and relations. Some would say that Dukhi honesty is somewhat blunt or even rude. Arguing can be an expression of love, so can hugging and leaning on each other and strangers.
MATRIARCHY. Every woman is a hoya, a born matriarch, even if she does not hold a leading position at the moment. All Dukhi have equal value, but men are just not fit to rule, because of their inclination towards pride, hunger for power and war. Dukhi are in general polyamorous. The men are caregivers while the hoyas have leading positions at the front or at home.
THE PEOPLE / THE CLAN / THE FAMILY. A group of 5-15 Dukhi is your chosen or designated family. Several families live in a settlement or outpost. The three Dukhi clans differ from each other, but when it all comes down to it, the Dukhi people are one.
HONEST and TRUTHFUL, meaning you keep no secrets to your kin, and you speak your mind without shame or hidden agenda. If you are criticized, it is out of good will.
HIGHLY FUNCTIONAL UTOPIA. Although not flawless, the Dukhi consider their own society and culture the best available at this moment. Most Dukhis are content and there are no internal revolts.
These are the common cornerstones in the Dukhi culture. Although the Dukhi love a good debate, there is no room to question these core values and traditions.
The three Dukhi clans
The Dukhi people are divided into three main clans who inhabit different regions in what the Dukhi call Homelands. Each clan has many smaller groups, tribes, families and settlements. Although they are all Dukhi, there are distinct differences between the clans. We have put together a style guide for the different looks of the Dukhi clans, which players in each clan must follow as best they can.
Long River Clan
The river clan thrives along riverbanks, cultivating their villages amidst the flowing waters, deltas, and oases, dedicated to food production and science. Mostly farmers and philosophers, they espouse a liberal and tolerant political ideology, valuing diplomacy, exploration of new ideas, and extensive discussions.
Adorning themselves with the river face paint and clad in various colored and patterned clothes as well as a deep blue scarf, they symbolize the connection to the waters that sustain their livelihood and their riches. Their deep blue hoods represent their contemplative nature and attachment to their habitat. Solving minor conflicts involves long discussions and talks, reflecting their commitment to dialogue and negotiation as problem-solving tools.
Larp themes
Cultural Exploration and Diplomacy: Embracing diversity, exploring new ideas, and engaging in diplomatic relations with other groups.
Philosophy and Change: Delving into philosophical discussions about change, progress, and the evolution of their society.
Sustainable Growth and Expansion: Explore how the clan spreads its culture and ideas to other societies, clans or settlements. Balancing the expansion of their culture and influence while maintaining sustainability, unity and harmony within the Dukhi People.
Verbal Negotiation and Pragmatism: Engaging in lengthy discussions and negotiations as a means of resolving conflicts and making decisions.
Scorching Sands clan
The desert clan thrives in the arid deserts and dunes, embracing harsh conditions as their way of life. They are a blend of merchants and fierce fighters, valuing activity, cooperation for survival, and an expansionist mindset, particularly through military prowess. Adorned with face paint symbolizing the scorching sun and pale blue headwraps, their clothing is a mix of beige, sand tones, brown and leather details for practical uses.
Minor conflicts find resolution through a unique cultural practice called “tahib sahib,” involving non-lethal friendly stick fights. Love is expressed through massages, often delivered with a touch of intensity. Their storytelling customs center around weird tales, culminating in a tradition where everyone applauds at the tale’s conclusion, fostering a shared sense of community and entertainment.
Larp themes
Adaptation and Endurance: Focus on how to survive and thrive in the harsh desert conditions, emphasizing adaptability and resilience.
Conflict and Expansion: Exploring the balance between cooperation for survival and the desire to expand through military means.
Tradition vs. Innovation: Wrestling with the tension between preserving traditional ways and embracing new ideas for survival and growth.
Conflict Resolution: Encourage conflict resolution without resorting to lethal violence, using friendly stick fights as a cultural practice.
Sapphire Mountain clan
The mountain clan dwells between rocky mountains and secluded valleys in the north. They are staunch defenders and upholders of tradition. Their ideology revolves around loyalty to the Dukhi traditions, advocating isolationism and a conservative stance against change. Focusing on safeguarding traditions and home security, rather than risking further warfare. Adorned in dark blue mountain face paint and clad in shades of grey and details of dark blue, they project an air of steadfastness and resilience. However, this clan harbors prejudice against mutants, robots, or even strangers, fostering an insular attitude to protect their people and preserve their way of life.
Larp themes
Tradition and Isolation: Upholding and defending traditional values and customs, resisting change or external influence. Focusing on the security of the clan, even if it means isolating themselves.
Loyalty and Resistance to Change: Explore the tensions between loyalty to tradition and resistance to change.
Defensive Strategies and Prejudice: Address defensive strategies against external threats and the prejudice against the unknown: mutants, AI, robots or just any strangers.
Sacrifice for Security: Examine the theme of sacrifice for the greater good and preservation of the clan’s traditions.