Tohiks

Tohiks are a traditional communal storytelling ritual in the fictional archipelago of Draeth in the world of Veridia. The term originates from the Draeth language, combining roots meaning "gather" and "voice." In the ritual, participants form a circle and take turns recounting a personal memory related to a prescribed theme, such as resilience or change. A moderator called the tohikmote oversees timing, keeps track of the memory shards, and ensures respectful listening. The memory shard is a small carved token passed from speaker to speaker; the shard indicates the next speaker and records who has spoken. Performances are typically held in village squares or harbor fronts, often around a communal meal, and may last several hours. Tohiks are credited with preserving local dialects and place names, transmitting practical knowledge about fishing, farming, and medicinal plants, and reinforcing social norms through shared recollection.

In historical notes, tohiks are said to have emerged after contact with a neighboring culture that introduced new storytelling forms; over time, they integrated music, dance, and call-and-response patterns. In contemporary fiction and worldbuilding, tohiks are sometimes used to explore themes of memory, community, and authority.