The Mawan

The Mawan are a nomadic people who most probably originate from the land now known as Nirieh Bavau. The name “Mawan” is thought to be a modern mutation of the old “Mavan,” which simply referred to a person from the country of Mav.

The history of the Mawan is closely tied to that of the old nation of Mav, and both are obscured by mystery. Nirieh Bavau is territory that was Mav and is therefore the modern equivalent. Though it is now a rocky area covered in deserts, it is said to have once been environmentally diverse with a great abundance of plant and animal life. “Bavau” is also probably a mutuation of “Mav.”

The Mawan tend to have deep olive complexion, with dark hair and many colors of eyes, including green, violet, yellow, blue, hazel, and grey. Mawan people are considered culturally to have an exotic beauty and an air of mystique. Their craft and clothing are greatly influence by their life of travel, representing styles from many different nations.

Mawan usually travel in caravans which function not unlike large families or mobile villages. A sense of community and sharing is vital to a caravan’s livelihood. Caravans typically offer trade to locals, and make great displays of poetry, drama, sleight of hand, dance, song, and other performances. Large Mawan caravans often operate as circuses. It is part because of this reptutation as performers that Mawan are rumored to have supernatural powers.

But this has some basis in truth. Amidst the swindling fortune tellers that use only cold reading to trick customers, many Mawan in this trade are genuine espers with some kind of second sight. The air of mysticism also emanates from a historical and mythical tie to Faery. Mav is a notion of the past that is associated with Noah and the mysteries of the Hidden Kingdom.

This may be why it’s believed that the Mawan have secret knowledge of the whereabouts of Jubelon and Jari, the fabled twins of Faery.

The Mawan at times congregate at gatherings of multiple caravans, an event that is referred to as the Grey Court.