http://www.zalanthas.org/blogs/brideofson/archives/001404.html
Most of my 2.arm energy right now is being directed towards contributing to the compilation of a “master list” of ideas for the general economic workings of Armageddon Reborn. I have been tackling the GDB, scouring it for posts related in any way to the economy and sticking them up on the master list on the staff wiki. So far there are upwards of 200 ideas to be taken into consideration for the final vision of the system.
Anyhow, here are a couple more blurbs on the Basani, written by Onimantu. The first is a general synopsis, while the second is a description of the Basani relationship to food.
Synopsis:
The Basani are a group of humanoids who originated beyond the Known World many ages before the Cataclysm. They were separated from their tribe while they were exploring a system of caves. The Great Sundering, as it is called by Basani historians, locked them away in near-darkness for ages. Over time their bodies changed, adapting them to dark environments. The sense of loss and separation they felt in being cut off from their tribe also created a change in their psyche, driving the Basani to be avid historians. They approach survival with deadly seriousness as, due to their small population size, each life is tremendously important as it represents food that could be farmed, structures built, weapons or crafts made and so forth. A Basani's worth is measured by their contribution to their society, a driving factor in the average Basani's daily life. Creation is also cherished by the Basani. Basani associate creation, whether it be of art or goods, with the same natural creative impulse that sparks Basani life and fills the Little and Great Families of Kalamoor. In creation, Basani see a primary act that reflects the survival of their race, the home that they have built, and the rich culture that they have imagined into being. Family orientation, the creation of all things artistic and practical, contribution to the Basani society, and historical awareness form the bulk of what is referred to as "The Basani Experience". This experience means that the Basani are reserved around strangers and no outsider may ever truly come to know the Basani as they know one another.
Foods and Eating:
Basani foods are quite spicy and flavorful. Canakmara, the cavern that houses the town of Kalamoor, is home to a number of strange plants and fungi. Meat is not often found in Kalamoor, even though the town has access to reasonable hunting in Kalashasa. Overtime, being limited to eating mostly vegetables and fruit left the Basani preferring them and most Basani cuisine is centered around the plants and fungi native to the cavern, with meat used to accentuate the dishes rather than as the focus. The Basani typically eat when they feel the need. There is no real structure to this: though family meals may be scheduled, the Basani day often takes them away from one another during times of eating. When eating together as a family, the oldest are served first, then the youngest. Eating does not begin until the entire family has served itself food. Casual eating is just that, casual. Because of Kalamoor’s source of water, the Basani have grown accustomed to elaborate drinks ranging from a variety of teas to fruit-alcohols like brandy. It isn’t uncommon to see a Basani guide equipped with a skin full of spicy tea instead of water.
Cooking for the Basani is a strange affair to outsiders. When the Great Sundering first occurred, the Basani had no reliable methods of making fire in the caverns. In order to cook they used the steam vents in the cavern floor. Despite the ability to sustain fire now, they use materials that burn slow and low – open flame in the darkness of the cavern would temporarily disturb the sensitive vision of the cook. The Basani employ a method involving a fired clay pan filled with water over a covered fire pit. The steam is then used to cook meats and plants. When soup is made, the pot itself becomes the receptacle.
