| Translated Tribal Name | The Drinkers of Blood |
| Territorial Island | Akaliwai |
| Chieftain | Choelath |
| Estimated Population | 70,000+ |
| Languages | Temegaru |
| Tribal Colors | Black, white and red |
| Notable Resources | Volcanic glass, tarska root |
| Notable Crafts | None. |
The Yamonari are the largest and most powerful tribe at over 70,000 strong. They share the island of Akaliwai with the Edo tribe, whom they battle frequently. The Yamonari are a warrior tribe with a fearsome reputation. They attack all the other tribes regularly, have no interest in trade and will kill any intruders into their territory without warning. The Yamonari tribe is notorious for practicing cannibalism. They eat prisoners of war, foreign captives and their own deceased as part of their funeral ritual. A common saying among these people is "Better to be in the warm belly of a friend than the cold, cold ground".
The Yamonari are a tall and well-built dark-skinned human race. Both genders wear their hair long, often adorned with colorful rocks, sharpened sticks, volcanic glass, dyes and braids. They paint their bodies with stripes of white paste and red dye, especially when going to battle. They likewise paint their long boats, weapons and shields. All of this is to make themselves appear as fearsome as possible.
The Yamonari worship Kano-Tabai, an "elder demon" that is said to live in the island’s central volcano. This tribe is led by Choelath who is both chieftain and head shaman. It is said that their flesh eating practice is to honor their demon god and that they bring their dark master live prisoners to feast upon. As if cannibalism and demon worship were not enough, the Yamonari are also frequent users of the tarska root which grants fearlessness and a kind of frenzied madness in battle.
In most places, the demon Kano-tabai is just a myth - a story told over a pint of ale in seaport taverns. The truth, however, is dark indeed. Kano-Tabai is real. He is a powerful demon that does indeed dwell in the heart of the volcano. Immune to fire, the demon lives in a cave close to fire spouts and pools of lava. In exchange for their worship and sacrifices, the demon grants their shamans powerful magic. The religion that the Yamonari have built up around Kano-Tabai is based around death. The Yamonari see all others as prey, victims and food. The Yamonari are arrogant, believing that they cannot be defeated as long as they serve the demon. They drink the blood of their enemies, they build their huts out of the bones, tendons and skin of their victims and adorn their bodies with items taken from victims.
Because of the magic granted to them by Kano-tabai, Yamonari shamans wield potent spells. This is the primary reason why this tribe is so powerful and has dominated the largest island for so long.
This website was last updated April 30, 2025. Copyright 1990-2025 David M. Roomes.