Kassafret

The Kassafret, or simply Kass, are a group of Okriti highlanders native to Peak Province. Their close proximity to the historical regions of Okso and Moklo and thus extensive contact with the Ofot people, has to led to them being the highland people group most familiar to the lowland denominations, and have come to share the most cultural traits with the lowlanders out of all the other highland groups. Sustained contact with the lowlanders and the comparative lack of contact between other highlander groups and the lowlanders has led to the Kassafret becoming the typical highlander in the eyes of the lowland peoples, with their characteristics and representations in folklore and media coming to be associated with all highlanders, and has informed the majority of the Highland's negative stereotypes.

The Kassafret are comprised of a variety of clans speaking the Kass Language that have a shared history and tradition.

History

It is disputed as to when the Kassafret emerged as a distinct cultural group, however it is agreed that their ancestors diverged from contemporaries of the early Ukubian clans by retaining a semi-nomadic lifestyle, in contrast to the sedentary agricultural societies of the Ukubians.

Modern history

A large number of Kass were greatly affected by disease in 12 PC due to a large outbreak of Purple Fever in modern day Peak Province. All 9 clans were effected by the disease with an estimated average of 80% of members within each clan contracting the disease by 10-10 12 PC. During this time the burgeoning government of Aakar Orit was making headway into the western highlands with steady occupation of settlements by armed forces, often using medical supplies to bribe locals into submission. Witnessing this, the nomadic Kass clans threatened an armed takeover of the United Okriti Republic in order to assert their independence and secure access to medicine, sending an official message on 19-10 12 PC. While the Kass were heavily effected by the disease, knowledge of historical clashes with the Okso Kingdoms made Orit's forces wary, as the Kass were known to fight even in their weakest moments and would often leverage their knowledge of the local area and traditional warfare tactics to overpower outside incursions.

While the Orit forces were better armed and in better health, their unfamiliarity with the area and tenuous relationship with the locals caused the Kass to pose a genuine threat, which came more apparent as they began raids for arms and medical supplies on 19-10, the same day as declaring their threat. Continued resistance from the Kass posed the possibility of halting the United Government's expansion and undermining their legitimacy, with continued raids continuing the Kass' advantage as they gained modern arms and medicine. On the same date as the initial threat, the Udumap of Masrit expressed that he would potentially support the Kass should they begin a true armed campaign, in spite of having pledged allegiance to the Unified government in 9 PC. This posed a further threat as Masrit was a key supplier of raw and refined minerals as well as traditional arms, while having a significantly large and healthy mobilizable populace. From this period, medicine from Haute eee was stockpiled in Nakrama while government forces withheld against the Kass with orders not to take direct hostile action. On 27-12 12 PC the Orit government offered their large stockpiles of medicine towards the Kass providing they pledge allegiance to the regime and take up the role of enforcement within the area. The Kass agreed, with all 9 clans affirming support for the Orit government. Government forces soon withdrew, despite outrage, to move further into the highlands as well as modern day Okso Province.

With the provincial elections in 29 PC, the Moflo of the Nainai Clan, Moflo Nainai Darfek, was voted governor of Peak Province. On 10-2 44 PC Governor Darfek petitioned the Dakma to grant Peak Province the status of Special Province in order to represent the highlander denominations and recognize the sovereignty of the Kass peoples. The proposal did not pass through the Dakma due to lack of support and having no official draft. By 22-3 44 PC governor Darfek proposed an official draft of the bill towards the Dakma, however it once again failed to gain majority support. Despite this, official talks with Darfek were engaged by Minister of the Defense Bureau, General Malela Teki. On 3-4 44 PC, General Malela announced the formation of the Kass Highlander Organization (KHO), which would act as a recognized body representing the Kass people, of which they would be granted special privileges within the military. The KHO would form regiments that would act as Okriti special forces, and were granted ensured access to military schools, whilst being able to freely maintain their own martial traditions within those regiment. The KHO would also ensure the protection of other Kass traditions such as burials, the clan system, etc.

Culture

-

Clans

-The Kass are traditionally split into 9 clans

National Significance

-

The Kass Highland Organisation

-

Language

-