Peleg: Native Cannibals

The "Native Cannibals" of Peleg are typical Draconians. They do seem to be native, as their origin on Peleg dates to some time before recorded history. Like most Draconians, they are usually cannibals. This Native Cannibal culture is largest nation on this world, and most of the Draconians on Peleg are either part of it or have strong connections into it.

Over half of the Native Cannibal population is centered around the planet's equator, and in this zone there is little organized challenge to their authority. However, they rarely wage war against other nations, because it's easier to relocate a relatively small part of their population, with their knowledge of Peleg geography, than it is to organize the entire nation of Native Cannibals for war.

However, once war has been declared, no nation has successfully directly opposed the Native Cannibals, because of their sheer numbers and efficient fighting strategies. (Their ability to "eat on the go," consuming fallen enemies and, if needed, fallen comrades, means that they do not have to keep supply lines open to maintain a military force. This also allows them to pursue long term hit-and-run style warfare on a massive level, using their marine abilities to their advantage on this amphibious world.) It is very difficult to get the entire nation of Native Cannibals to agree to do anything, but on those occasions they decide to officially expand their territory, the wisest defensive strategy seems to be evacuation.

The most common hand-to-hand weapon of the Native Cannibals is a "Fishing Lance," a sort of primitive trident. However, numerous other types of lances and hand-to-hand weapons are also common. Most Native Cannibal hand-to-hand weapons double as thrown weapon. Other Native Cannibal projectile weapons include spear throwers, small composite bows (with a strong pull,) blowguns, and slingshots.

Most Native Cannibal settlements are on small islands or in caves near the water. It is common for a Draconian dwelling to have both a water exit and a land exit. They sometimes tolerate settlements other than their own within their general territory. They are not particularly racist, however they tend to get along best with other races of aquatic talent. Races other than Draconians rarely participate fully in Native Cannibal culture.

Most cultures fear the Native Cannibals, because they do not understand their cannibalistic tendencies. Most of the Native Cannibals participate in a unique form of nature worship. They believe that private property should be limited to those who can protect it. This means presenting gifts to the strong and taking things from the weak. However, Native Cannibals typically share the necessities of life, such as food and shelter, with those in need, so this philosophy is not as harsh as it may seem.

An important part of this Native Cannibal nature-philosophy is to take the gifts the great nature spirit gives. This means that should an enemy fall into a Native Cannibal's hands, it would be a sin not to eat them, unless they are going to let them go. Native Cannibals actually have a moral obligation to eat their fallen battlefield opponents, if it is conveniently possible.

Part of the misunderstanding is due to the Draconian's strict diet of meat. They do not have teeth for chewing, and grains are difficult for them to digest. This effects their culture greatly. In the Native Cannibal language, the word "vegetarian" means "he who does not eat other Draconians." The words "extreme vegetarian" means "he who does not eat other beings."

Because of these misunderstandings, most cultures on Peleg choose to avoid extensive contact with the Native Cannibals. However, the Native Cannibal nation is so massive, with such a wide variety of subcultures and splinter groups, that it is impossible to hold any specific cultural trait to the entirety of the Native Cannibal population on Peleg.

In fact, the Native Cannibals specialize in all sorts of occupations. Common Native Cannibal occupatons range from Dragon Hunters to Net fishers, from Craftsman to Healers, from Hide Tanners to Water Filterers, from Gardeners to Shadow Warriors, and from Guides to Scholars. It seems that the Native Cannibals are capable of almost anything.