Bahari

The Bahari are a hume population group in the Sidonian Ocean who identify separately from the Dragon Republic Sidonians, and are known for being sea-nomads and sea-barbarians. They embrace the shifting currents of the waters as a way of life, living much of their lives on ships. Most Bahari are proud raiders and pirates, but a few ship-tribes rely on fishing, salvaging, and legitimate trading with land dwellers.

Culture
Bahari have remained free by learning to survive in treacherous waters, sailing where Sidonians will not or cannot follow. Their fleets remain hidden near the most dangerous stretches of the Sidonian coast. Between the southern coast of Sidonia and the northwest rim of Xian Ti, the Thalassan Sea is troubled by sudden storms and cyclones, hidden reefs, and dangerous sea creatures over the sunken city of Thalassa. These waters have claimed many ships, and brigands from many cultures seek to recover the hidden treasures hidden by these deadly waters.

Leadership
On land, Sidon's laws are defined and enforced by the Dragon Republic; life at sea is different. On every ship, a captain’s word is law, and many sailors rely on this chain of command to keep order. Paradoxically, Bahari live outside the law, whether they’re standing on solid ground or the treacherous deck of a fast ship. As a matter of survival, each one recognizes the Code of the Sea, although many disagree on its particulars.

Code of the Sea
The most important concepts in the Code are loyalty to one’s captain (and the conditions under which you can justifiably mutiny), fair methods of distributing wealth (and the best times and places to steal it), and honorable ways of resolving differences (as well as the best ways to cheat in a duel).

Land dwellers are often baffled by the inherent contradictions of this code. No matter how a sailor defines a personal code of honor, Bahari unite against their common enemies, setting aside all differences. The Code has kept the Bahari around for generations, passing on traditions, superstitions, and contradictions from one generation to the next.