hejarbo-shoot huts that most Keshiri called home. The Neshtovar primarily used the Keshiri language.[1]

According to legend, it was the ancient Neshtovar that in mythic times brought the knowledge of the Great Battle, and the story of Kesh's creation, to the people from the planet's oceansidemountains.[1] The stories became gospel in Keshiri society, with the Neshtovar layering them over earlier stories of the Protectors and the Destructors.[5] Over the ensuing centuries, the Neshtovar led mapping expeditions around the coasts of Keshtah, finding the planet's landmass to be highly asymmetrical—this supported the story of the Great Battle, which held that Kesh's landmass was formed from drops of blood shed from the Skyborn gods.[1] The Neshtovar also undertook expeditions beyond Keshtah's coastlines, finding nothing but seemingly endless sea in all directions.[6]

In5000 BBY, the Neshtovar began a trial of Adari Vaal, a Tahv geologist accused of heresy. Through examination of volcanic rock, Vaal had uncovered evidence about the creation of Kesh's landmass that contradicted the story of the Great Battle. Vaal was the widow of Zhari Vaal, a promising young Neshtovar rider who suffered an untimely death when he was thrown off his uvak, Nink. Ironically, Vaal's findings were partially as a result of Neshtovari help, as a sympathetic rider had volunteered to bring her samples from the Cetajan Mountains. Vaal's hearings were attended by vast crowds of Keshiri, who watched as the geologist was cross-examined by High Councilor Izri Dazh. However, the fourth day of testimony was disrupted by a massive explosion in the nearby Cetajan Mountains.[1]

Although the