Clan Structure
Plateaus are a highly nomadic species, nearly always on the move around Tryne. Because of this, they cannot really be pinned down to a specific habitat, though they usually prefer flatlands and warmer climates.

Plateau kaasht tend to have the smallest clans of any kaasht species, rarely exceeding 25 individuals. This is to allow each kaasht more room for individual study, as well as making it easier to keep track of the clan whilst on the move. Kits are rarer than in most other species, as most Plateaus are more interested in research than forming emotional ties. This does not, however, mean that Plateaus as a species are rare, though they may seem to be as they are so widely spread across Tryne. If two clans meet, members from one clan will usually join the other. This prevents inbreeding and helps the spread of knowledge and information.

Rank in a Plateau clan is entirely determined by knowledge and intelligence, as Plateaus prize knowledge above anything else. Because of this, clans may be seen led by a kaasht younger than level 7, or even a mundane. Plateaus have no defined gender roles and males and females hold equal status.

Many Plateaus, however, are solitary, or live in twos and threes rather than a true clan. Should they wish to join one, however, then an existing clan will generally welcome fresh blood - and knowledge.

Culture
As stated before, Plateaus value knowledge and learning above all other things. They are eager to both gain it and pass it on. Plateaus clans will shelter a traveller if they need to, although the newcomer will often be near-endlessly harassed in the Plateau's quest for new information. Still, Plateaus are a friendly breed, if not irritating at times. They do not as such hate any breeds, rather in the same way that they don't hate any colours. However they do find Valley, Forest and Mountain kaasht somewhat irritating at times. Despite this they are fascinated with any breed of kaasht, though they are most interested in the more secretive races - especially Mystics, Marshes and Isles. They also have great respect for Caves and Deserts, and enjoy talking to them.

Life in a Plateau clan is usually peaceful, as Plateaus dislike chaos and rarely argue. They prefer order and routine, and hate any disruptions. Despite this, Plateaus tend to be good fighters, although not nearly as skilled as the Plains kaasht. They will fight if need be, even if they dislike it greatly, as they consider violence to be a waste of time and energy. They are also experianced with survival skills in a variety of different habitats, due to their nomadic lifestyle.

Despite the fact that Plateaus are often unemotional and so rarely breed, they are far from neglectful parents, and will always make sure that their kits all well cared for. Given that many Plateaus are often busy with research, kits will often be raised by other clan kaasht as well as their parents. Education for a Plateau begins towards the end of the kit's first level, and in many ways a Plateau clan is somewhat similar to a Mystic clan. Kits are placed in 'classes', and will learn about as many subjects as possible, though scientific subjects are of course deemed to be the most important. Towards the end of the kit's second level, they are allowed to choose about four or five subjects to focus on - this is then narrowed down to two or three in the middle of the third level. The kaasht will generally focus on these ares of study for the rest of their life. At the beginning of the kaasht's fourth level, they may leave the clan if they wish, either on their own or in small groups.

Opinions on Other Species
Sky: A little dreamy, I would say, and maybe a little disjointed from reality. But I see no reason why that should come between us, they're a lot more agreeable than many of the species I've met in my travels. And they're evidently very close relations of ours too, which makes them all the more interesting. And I have to admit to being very curious about how they got their wings...

Forest: The word 'untrusting' springs to mind here. I see no logical reason for them to allow the Skies into their territory and yet drive us away. Do they believe us to be like the Plains kaasht? Such a shame, I would have liked to research into the plant life of the forests...

Plains: Now I'm sure they'd rip my head off to hear it, but I must admit to seeing odd parallels between them and the Forest kaasht they hate so much. I find them to be unusually closeminded, and I don't understand why they react so violently to us when we try to learn more of their society.

Mountain: Ah, their stubborness - I suppose it's either admirable or annoying, depending on your own point of view. It is a little upsetting that they aren't all that fond of us, but, although they're as interesting as every other species, we weren't all that fond of them either...

Desert: What an interesting honour system they have. Sometimes I wonder if their use of Spirit abilities shows close ties to the Mystics. All in all, yet another fascinating breed. I should very much like to accompany one on his travels through ancient ruins - what might we discover there?

Cave: A little more artistically minded than us, yes, but if there ever was a kaasht we could be truely understanding of, then it would be a Cave. They're so amazingly devoted to knowledge, just like ourselves. It's always an interesting experiance to talk with a Cave, and it's so regrettable that more of them don't leave their underground homes.

Beach: They remind me very much of the Skies, I have to say - and also ourselves, for their calmness. Though they have less interest in seeking knowledge, I feel I can very much relate. That, and I hear rumours of underwater cities of theirs....?

Valley: Well, they're friendly, I'll say that much, and it's nice to meet a kaasht who for once isn't going to bite your head off for wanting to learn more about them. But their pranks and their overblown senses of humour can get somewhat irritating after a while. I really do wish they would learn to take things seriously for once, they could be so interesting to talk to if only they would!

Old Mystic: Why must they hide themselves? Oh, I have no doubts they exist, but our knowledge of them is so regrettably sketchy. Of all the kaasht in Tryne, I would like to meet one of the Mystics more than anyone else...

Tundra: If only I could open up their eyes to the glory of science! But all they ever do is complain about how it'll get us nowhere and we shouldn't bother. How strange. I don't understand them at all...

Marsh: Isn't it amazing how many species you find out there that are so unwilling to let you find out anything about themselves? The Marshes are yet another regrettable example. Were we perhaps all like them so long ago, in the Time Of Madness? Why did they remain so primative whilst the rest of us progressed? There are so many unanswered questions these kaasht could help us with - if only they'd let us near them!

Isle: Fascinating! I dream of one day researching their unique tribal structure and beliefs. They seem so primative - is it possible their ledgends hold some valuable historic information hidden within? It's a shame, though, that they are so secretive and territorial. Why must all the more interesting species be like this?

Opinions on Other Kaasht Types
Mundanes: Given that most Plateaus respect knowledge over colour, Mundanes will generally be viewed in the same way as ordinary kaasht. The rarity of Mundanes makes them especially fascinating to some Plateaus.

Half-breeds: Halfbreeds are respected, and many Plateaus are interested in the way a halfbreed's personality works. They are fascinated by halfbreeds from two conflicting species (eg Sky/Plains), and they have great respect for Plateau/Caves and Plateau/Deserts.

Bi-colors: Due to their curiosity, Plateaus tend to be more aware of the existance of the Guild and Protectors than many other breeds - though most Plateaus still don't have much of an idea about them. They tend to be wary about bicolours, though they try not to show it. They understand that multicoloured kaasht cannot help what they are, and so view them with a kind of pity alongside their apprehension. Because bicolours are uncommon, many Plateaus also see them as another interesting research subject.

Protectors: Plateaus show the same fascination for Protectors as they do with the more secretive kaasht races. Most, however, hold back their curiosity, for fear of finding out and making public secret Protector information. A few, however, have trouble resisting the temptation to research further.

Guilders: Guilders are generally feared and avoided, although braver Plateaus may dedicate themselves to the study of the Guild, in the hope of uncovering more of their secrets.

Opinions on Colours
Plateaus have no hatred of any colours, though some interest them more than others. In general, they are most interested in iridescents, coppers, golds, and, above all, silvers.