The Churka are a fierce, war-like people, thus much respected by the Yamari. The different Churka tribes are always warring against each other, forming treaties, breaking them and warring again. That is their way of life. During these wars, the tribes take goods and prisoners which they either keep or sell to the Yamari. The Churka are renowned horsemen and women. The tribes took to horses immediately upon their introduction by the Yamari. It is not unusual for children to learn to ride before they walk. Although the Churka keep herds of goats and cattle, horses have become the Churka's most prized possessions. Churka who choose to leave their homeland for other places are much in demand as horse trainers.
By law, the Churka are citizens of the Empire and must follow the rules and laws set out for all citizens. In practice, the Churka are left pretty much alone to live as they like. Two thousand years of Yamari dominance has taken its toll on Churka culture, however. Even the Churka themselves do not remember which of their customs, legends and beliefs were theirs before the Yamari came and which have come along since then. Ostensibly, the Churka worship the Mother Goddess, as do all Yamari citizens. But they also honor two other gods: Timal - Protector of the Hearthplace and Keruja - Bringer of Good Fortune. Perhaps, long ago, these were the Churka's original gods. But no one knows for certain.
The Churka culture is fairly egalitarian as far as men and women are concerned. The chieftains of each tribe, called "maikai's" are chosen by tribal elders, both male and female, for the leadership qualities admired by the tribes. Qualities such as ruthlessness, shrewdness in trade, and skill in warfare are particularly desired in a leader. All tribespeople wish to be chieftain at one time or another. The chieftain of each tribe is the most respected and feared person in that tribe and, not inconsequently, usually the wealthiest. Wealth among the Churka usually means horses. But it also means comfort. A wealthy Churka has a better tent, more furs and blankets, better food, more husbands or wives and slaves than other tribespeople. The Churka practice polygamy on both sides of the coin. A man or woman can have as many husbands or wives as they can afford and as many slaves. The Churka have gotten around the law against women slaves by making them wives. The roles are still the same, however. Male slaves, of course, are perfectly legal. Upon a parent's death, the eldest child inherits the majority of their wealth. Inheritance and skill at trading are the main ways that wealth gets passed around among the Churka. The Churka do a great deal of business with the Yamari whether it be trading horses, handmade goods or slaves. Churka slaves are much in demand by Yamari women since they are excellent lovers and invariably well-endowed.