From birth, the Skerji are trained to be trackers, survivors, and warriors. At 9 revolutions, acidic liquid is poured into the eyes of a child and they are cast out of the tribe without food and water. Blinded for at least one quarter of a revolution, this youth must survive on its own in the harsh deserts until its eyesight returns. This ritual teaches the child to not rely solely on eyesight and to realize the dangers of self-pity. The Skerji find this to be a necessary step toward adulthood, for the tribe is only as strong as its weakest member.
Despite having a militant culture built atop bloodshed, the Skerji are actually very intelligent. Not only are the Skerji trained in the art of warfare and melee combat, they also put emphasis on the teaching of logic, technology, and religion. The Skerji have developed an impressive set of technologies that includes the ability to navigate the “Speckled Sea” of space. Advancements in weapon technology have also been made, though the Skerji have never embraced the idea of long-range devices capable of mass-destruction. The use of such cowardly devices would only lessen honor gained in battle; and only the most honorable are admitted into Al’Subedion, the “Great Bed of Sand”, upon death.