The Daoudim way of life is quite simple. Their economy is based primarily on herding flocks of goats and herds of cattle. During the winter rains they move toward the interior, exploiting the brief growing season. During the summer heat they move towards the coasts, following the availability of water. Much of their food is derived from hunting, a favorite pastime of the men. In addition, the Daoudim regularly trade with the coastal peoples during the summer months. The constant ebb and flow of their lives creates a rhythm which is felt strongly by all of the Daoudim, and is celebrated in ritual and religion. Much as the Daoudim feel a strong enmity towards the coastal peoples, they could not survive without trading with them. The tensions between the two peoples is a central part of the lives of the Daoudim, and of the coastal peoples living in the more outlying areas.
Daoudim social life is centered around the clan and tribe, the essential units of Daoudim society. Clans typically have 20-50 members and tribes 100-250. Marriages are always arranged outside the clan but often still inside the tribe. Periodically the tribes of the Daoudim are united by a common cause or a charismatic leader but usually most go their own way. In general the Daoudim consider themselves a community of equals and follow whom they choose. A leader leads not by his strength but through his follower's willingness to follow. As of TR 718 a powerful chieftain of the Petar clan, Faesul, has managed to unite many tribes in a loose confederacy. This organization has many of the neighboring coastal peoples quite nervous. As of yet Faesul has made no hostile moves toward the coast, but most figure it is just a matter of time.
Wherever the Daoudim go, they bring along their tents and set up an impromptu 'village'. The tents are large, many big enough to sport separate 'rooms'. Typically they are floored with several layers of carpets which make them very comfortable and seemingly opulent.
Daoudim have a strong tradition of hospitality and will rarely turn away a traveller. Guests are welcomed into their tents, fed well, and often sent on their way with gifts. All that is expected in return is that the guest be polite, share in conversation, and of course return the favor when asked. Guests are temporarily accorded the rights of belonging to the host clan, and any insult or injury done to the guest is perceived as an injury to the clan. Guests are also under strong stricture not to misuse the privilege of hospitality, and any who do quickly acquire bad reputations. Daoudim have even been known to ask for and receive hospitality from blood feud enemies. While the situation might be unpleasant, neither side would allow the feud to interfere with the rules of hospitality.
Despite the simplicity of their lives the Daoudim are surprisingly intellectual. Most adults are literate and many own a small copy of the Ziryabite scriptures. The Fada'ilyen regularly turn out copies of the scriptures, as well as occasionally generating new works, which are eagerly read and proudly owned by the faithful. Quite intricate theological debates are a regular feature around the nightly campfires. Daoudim steelwork is also quite sophisticated and they are capable of producing fine blades and tools. The famous Taugari steel is apparently produced in the heart of the wastelands by non-Daoudim, but some of the Taugari skills seem to have been transferred.
Daoudim dress is a product of their desert lifestyle, with long flowing robes being preferred. Most wear light colors but darker robes are not uncommon. Many have richly embroidered hems and sleeves, and the Ghaziyen typically adorn their sleeves with descriptions of their exploits. Quotes from the scriptures are also favorite motifs for embroidery.
The status of women is apparently quite restricted in Daoudim society, but the reality is somewhat more complex. The Daoudim practice strick monogamy which has helped maintain the status of women, relative to other polygamous Numec groups. By custom women do not hold any positions of political leadership and are expected to be subservient to their husbands, but most men respect women's opinions, particularly with respect to issues within women's expertise, and women can wield substantial power 'behind the thrown'. Women make up roughly half of the Fada'ilyen and nearly 20% of the Ghaziyen, something which frequently surprises outsiders.
Children are prized by all and despite the harsh nature of Daoudim life and their nearly constant feuding, killing a child is always considered a heinous crime. While children know who their parents are, they are welcome in any tent at any time and adults are remarkably tolerant of their behavior. Most learn to ride camel-back as soon as they can walk and the boys are trained in fighting and hunting early.
The Daoudim primarily use camels as their mounts, and they have rightly earned their reputation as 'the ship of the desert'. Wheeled transport is virtually unheard of; most clans have enough camels to carry all members as well as all of their belongings. Camel breeding and training are highly prized skills and a well-bred camel can be very expensive. Camel theft, along with raiding for goats and cattle, are popular pastimes among the men.
Violence is common in Daoudim society and personal disputes between members of either the lay faithful or the Ghaziyen are usually settled by duelling. The Fada'ilyen are not supposed to be concerned enough with worldly affairs to need to resort to duelling and so typically goad warriors into representing them. Most duels are fought to either first blood or until one combatant is unable to continue. Also, duels normally are fought with the jambiya which lessens the mortality rate somewhat.