Ina Battataya is a religious principle found all across the Land of Dread, in many cases one of the few, or even the only connection between the different tribes. Meaning "Individually, one by one", it is the ultimate expression of individuality and the sense of self, and though interpretation differs from tribe to tribe, it's one of the few terms that barely underwent any change, only differing in pronunciation.
The most basic explanation is that the individual is seen as infinitely powerful, capable of reaching the very stars if they wish to do so, but that doesn't do justice to this concept's deepest meaning.
Interpretations[]
The Esemseru see Ina Battataya as the fundamental truth that anyone can become anything they strive to become. Though every hatchling is marked by birth to show their caste, that isn't in itself limiting; the achievements of someone from low standing can in fact become more prestigious exactly because of that background. For the Tribe of the Mountain, Battataya extends right into godhood, their leaders shedding themselves of their mortal skin and becoming new gods for them, forever known by the name they chose themselves.
The Nikiltu regard Battataya as a practical right, a claim on things. They believe that if someone discovers a fact, they "own" that truth, and it should forever be known as 'their' truth. Names are important things to remember.
The Masqutu regard the discovery of something as an unique individual thing, the creator being as important as the creation. It closely ties in to the ownership of truth in the Nikiltan tradition, but rather than 'owning' the truth of their inventions, the discoverer is merely considered to possess the keys to the locks of the universe.
The Basu focus their lifestyle on the "us, here and now" , their only connection to the world of a purely economical nature. During their trades, each Basan looks for new and interesting things, intent on becoming an unique encyclopedia of cultural knowledge themselves. It's seen as a personal challenge to remember and understand as much of the world and cultures without having to write any of it down, the more knowledge, the stronger the individual is. Unlike the Nikiltu, they barely record anything but the most important of things. "Just telling the youngsters everything would ruin their own journey before it even started." as one elderly Basan put it. They believe in an afterlife, with this life being mere training for that one.
The Hashhaltu seem to believe the individual is the only thing they should live with, never meeting up with their own species besides during childbirth. Utter and radical individuality.
The Banbirru interpret Battataya as the individual's connection with nature, which needs to be as harmonious as possible.