Amayar

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General

The Amayar are the inhabitants of the Sea Folk Isles. The Amayar are short, not taller than the Cairhienin and fair, with light brown and hazel eyes common. They are a peaceful folk, who live a tranquil life, in which violence is very rare. As such, they have little interest in contact with the mainland, and when they do leave their islands, it is only ever to visit another of the Sea Folk Isles, transport between them being provided for free, according to Sea Folk law. Although the islands on which they live are technically governed by a Sea Folk governor, for the most part, they live their own lives according to their own customs (TWoRJTWoT, Ch. 19). In general though, they have little contact with the Sea Folk, as their lifestyles are so totally different that neither has much the other wants (TWoRJTWoT, Ch. 19).

Farming and Commerce

They raise goat, sheep and cattle and use both small horses, the size of mainland ponies, and oxen. They are the actual source of "Sea Folk Porcelain", which they consider they receive a fair price for from the Sea Folk (TWoRJTWoT, Ch. 19).

The Water Way

There is a strong belief amongst them that this reality is not truly real, but a waypost on the path towards another existence (TWoRJTWoT, Ch. 19). While not actually pacifistic, this does focus on acceptance of what is, rather than what might be wished for. This was known as the water way. When the Choedan Kal on Tremalking glowed during the cleansing of the Taint, this was taken by them as a sign that the time of illusions was coming to an end (WH, Ch. 35) and precipitated mass suicide, in which the Amayar wiped themselves out (KoD, Ch. 22).

Quotes

"When the salt first stilled after the Breaking, the Amayar asked our protection from brigands and raiders, and we owe them protection still," (Zaida, Knife of Dreams, Chapter 23).