Oqolaayo

The Oqolaayo are an ethnic group within the Refugium.

Description
The Oqolaayo are a group of people native to the Oqolaam territory, although they have colonized several islands near the Central Regions. Biblaridion has described the Oqolaayo as the most developed of the cultures within the Refugium.

Appearance
The Oqolaayo are often short (measuring around 5-5 1/2 feet in height), have taupe to ocher colored skin, and short hair in both men and women (bodily hair is virtually absent).

Culture
The Oqolaayo have a great love of art, poetry and music, and value self-expression highly. An essential part of Oqolaayo education is learning to play the hliwaltuu, a stringed instrument and a symbol of their culture.

Cuisine
An important element of Oqolaayo culture is keppam, a drink consisting of coconut water stepped in the petals of a rose-like plant (it may also include additional ingredients depending on region or personal taste). It is comparable to tea within the British culture, and it is considered proper etiquette for the host of gatherings to ensure their guests' cup of keppam is always filled.

Language
The Oqolaayo speak languages of the Oqolaawak family. Notably, the Oqolaayo’s interactions with other cultures has led to the formation of many creole languages, such as Ibu-Nai.