1. We walk single file when we travel, to conceal our numbers. The last person in a line of travelling Desert Born will usually be someone chosen for his or her powers of observation: that person's task is to ensure that no traces such as footprints, threads of clothing, etc. that could betray our presence are left behind when we pass.
2. We meditate or perform ceremonies at sunrise and sunset. Note that Desert Born notions about day and night are reversed from most offworlders': day represents danger, due to heat and the risk of strangers seeing what they should not see, whereas night represents coolness and safety.
3. We share water, coffee or tea with friends, but not with enemies.
4. We have two names: a soft, or secret, name we use in-seeq; a hard, or public, name we use outside the seeq. This custom is beginning to fall into disuse to some extent, but you should be aware of it.
5. Whenever the word slave or any of its derivatives is said in our presence, we ward off by putting our right hand to our throat with the palm outward. This is sometimes referred to as "blocking the collar." It is critically important to be aware that, as escaped slaves by origin, the Desert Born have a visceral hatred for the institution of slavery.
6. We use "this" for friends, "that" for enemies. ("This is Joe Smith" vs. "that is John Rodgers, a very important person.")
7. We protect our secrets from offworlders. This includes our population size, how well we can fight, the extent of our technological expertise and anything else that might render us vulnerable.
8. More traditional Desert Born will sometimes spit on the ground in front of another person. This is a sign of respect, due to the value of water on Araxes.
9. We rarely if ever take prisoners, since prisoners require resources and manpower to guard and maintain. In general, those captured by the Desert Born can expect to be adopted if they are found worthy (which is not common) or killed.
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