The Ofehibi are a Mengi cultural in the western and northern areas of Madriamilak. Their origins lay in Harimar's rise to power in 35 AA , which would bring about a wake of exile's escaping the rise of his Harimraj and its wars. Fleeing south, to the northern coastlands of eastern Sarhal, the Raheni exiles fled to their longtime trading parts of the Mengi cities (few of whom were even founded by Raheni merchants ages ago). Through centuries of intermingling, the Ofehibi were born, a culture known for their philosophically-minded tendencies and openness towards new ideas.
Slavery[]
Amongst the Mengi the Ofehibi were in a particularly advantageous position as the middlemen of the greater slave trade. Beginning with gnollish caravans bringing slaves from places such as Khetapera, Bulwar, Fangaula and even occasionally Cannor, who then sell them to Ofehibi traders. The Ofehibi slave-traders in turn act as the primary source for slaves bound for sale to the rest of the Mengi and across the gulf to Rahen.
Military[]
The Ofehibi were known for their extensive military, notably their defense, both on land and on sea. Likely stemming from their location on the forefront against the Shadow Swamp, the Ofehibi guarded the frontiers of the "holy land" against any would-be interlopers from the north and west.
Riverforts are one particular strategy utilized by the Ofehibi due to the vast amount of trade that is conducted along the Keygas river. These forts excel in protecting the waterways and crossing points that line their rivers along with being able to function as tollways for passing vessels and marketplaces for visiting merchants.
In regards to the piracy that was rampant across the Gulf of Rahen, due to both pirates and Raheni privateers, Ofehibi merchants outfitted their dhow vessels with sets of swivel guns. Their little weight allowed a quick placement anywhere needed on the ship. If a dhow was engaged, it often used its small size and superior maneuverability to score effective, disabling hits on an enemy's sails and rigging, allowing a quick escape.
Customs[]
The most notable custom of the Ofehibi, taken by the merchant-nobles of the land from their ancestors centuries past after the great exodus of the Raheni to Madriamilak is the custom of wearing a turban. It is well believed by the Ofehibi that simply wearing the turban assists to ingratiate oneself to the Raheni merchants they often deal with.
A favourite, if morbid, folktale among the Ofehibi is that of the gnoll who was a young and eager slaver with a mind set to make a fortune. After his first successful slave raid, the gnoll ordered his caravan’s navigator to plot a route to the Ofehibi and upon arrival was furious at the sight of the “roundheads”, who he mistook as Raheni. The gnoll slaver, blind with rage and assuming that he was now in Rahen, promptly strangled the navigator to death - whereupon he was informed of the local custom.