Post by Gharn Oghier on Aug 18, 2021 7:19:17 GMT
Population: 950,000 | Races: Juodan 90%, Solyan 6%, Human 4% |
ORIGINS
Founded by the mighty warlord Gra'Haru Oghier in the year 568 (AC), after the opening of trades routes between humans and apeling tribes of the northern avarician jungle. Rapidly arming his forces with superior iron and steel armor and weaponry. Allowing the warlord to dominating neighboring tribes and incorporate them under his dominion. By the year 577 (AC), Gharn Oghier took his fathers place as the Grand Halach, High Warlord of Avaricia and Defender of the Juodan. Uniting the 40 greater apeling tribes and roughly 150 lesser tribes.
DIPLOMACY
THE CASTES
TATOANI - Non shamanic cavalry, with little to no magical ability, but still respected for their ability to raise and train raptor mounts. There are roughly 3000 Tatoani riders serving under the Grand Halach. Fierce and merciless warriors to face in battle.
TOPIELE - The common warrior caste, over 15,000 strong. Highly respected in their culture. With runic tattoos marking their bodies to symbolize every kill they've made in combat. A typical topiele warrior is equipped with common iron or steel plate armor. Often wielding spears, halberds, axes or hammers made of astral iron. Many having ritually crafted their own broad shields from greenoak of the jungle. A strong, thick and sturdy shield, often marked with the name of their specific tribe.
TLAMANU - The merchant caste, often nomadic and always traveling. These wealthy traders are the heart and soul of avarician society. As is tradition, every member of the region is expected to offer genuine hospitality to these wandering merchants. Granting them proper respect before they continue on their travels.
OKAIYU - The commoner caste, hunters, gatherers and farmers, weavers, crafters and builders. The backbone of their society and by far the most populous caste within the confederation. While no special rite of hospitality is required for them, they are granted a basic level of respect and treated as family like all apeling should be.
SAJALU - The slave caste, while many human and solyan captives in war were taken in as slaves to do hard labor under the direction their Okaiyu or Tlamanu masters. Many more were sold off either to the dark elves of the felands, or back to their own people if large enough payment was offered for their return.
TRADITIONS
RELIGION
The Juodan give reverence to an ancient Saimar lesser goddess known as Ashakhal Morghuln. The great mother is an spirit of both the wrathful wilds, the flowing energy that connects all life. According to legend, Ashakhal is responsible for the creation and ascendance of the Juodan race. Establishing a blood pact and sacred covenant with the elders of their kind. In return for her shield of protection and blessings of fertility, prosperity and bountiful harvests, the Juodan would gift here with regular offerings and sacrifices to fuel her immortality and infuse her with greater power. Just as life is cruel and full of suffering, so too is their goddess.
It is the Ak'hali feathered priesthood or organizes these sacrifices to bring forth the blessings of Ashakhal. While not all members of their race are faithful or reverent, it is expected that traditional laws and sacraments of their covenant will be respected by all who lay under the dominion of the great mother, for the destiny of the Juodan is in her hands. To refuse sacrificial offerings and deny their goddess would be breaking their ancient convenant. Resulting in plagues, famine, poverty and bad luck in their society.
While the Ak'hali don't teach of any afterlife, the Juodan tribes have long held the belief that death is an eternal dreamless sleep. A final rest from the struggles and suffering of life that only a great warrior can truly appreciate. To die an old age is to waste ones life away. To them, life is a constant battle to survive, for from the great mother they came and to the great mother they shall return, fading into blissful oblivion. While there is a concept of the veil and realms beyond in their religion, it is considered foolishness to dream of the greater divine cosmos. As nothing practical can be done by debating it.
CHARACTERS
GHARN OGHIER
Founded by the mighty warlord Gra'Haru Oghier in the year 568 (AC), after the opening of trades routes between humans and apeling tribes of the northern avarician jungle. Rapidly arming his forces with superior iron and steel armor and weaponry. Allowing the warlord to dominating neighboring tribes and incorporate them under his dominion. By the year 577 (AC), Gharn Oghier took his fathers place as the Grand Halach, High Warlord of Avaricia and Defender of the Juodan. Uniting the 40 greater apeling tribes and roughly 150 lesser tribes.
DIPLOMACY
TRADE ALLIANCES - For the past two to three decades, the confederation has established friendly ties with both the Satyr and Drayke communities across the sea in Primar. Establishing protected sea routes for mutual trade between their communities. A similar yet more distant relationship is held with the dark elves of the felands who are often willing to buy human and solyan captives as slaves. The confederation has had very minimal contact with the red orcs of the west, though most interactions have been friendly up to this point.
MONLING VASSALS - Relations with the southern, more nomadic monling tribes has been troubled for some time now, as the apeling confederation continues to push further south into their territory. While the monling tribes continue in their rebellious ways from time to time, the southern region of avaricia is considered a vassal of the confederation. Forced to pay tribute to their apeling overlords.
THE KINGDOM - As for the humans of the kingdom to the north, there have been dozens of border skirmishes over the past three decades. A brief war took place not long after first contact, when the humans unlawfully trespassed on sacred land. Clearing out 30 acres of lumber while unknowingly desecrating a holy spring dedicated to the reverence of the great mother Ashakhal. Leading to a failed invasion by the apeling and the death of the confederations found Gra'Haru. His son in later years would eventually take vengeance as he lead a force of ten thousands Juodan warriors to raid and pillage the nearby towns of Charne and Scaran. Leading to a peace agreement between the two factions that remains weak and shaky to this day.
SOLYAN NOMADS - Apelings have always had a fierce hatred of the sun elves. Who claimed the Juodan's ancestral homeland in the savannah after its fall as their own. Ever since the ascendance of Gharn Oghier as Grand Halach, he has lead several military campagins into the savanah. Pushing out many nomadic solyan tribes and claiming the riverlands as farming territory for his people. As well as establishing an outpost within the ruins of Khoran. An ancient dwarven city rich in iron and other mineral wealth.
SOLYAN NOMADS - Apelings have always had a fierce hatred of the sun elves. Who claimed the Juodan's ancestral homeland in the savannah after its fall as their own. Ever since the ascendance of Gharn Oghier as Grand Halach, he has lead several military campagins into the savanah. Pushing out many nomadic solyan tribes and claiming the riverlands as farming territory for his people. As well as establishing an outpost within the ruins of Khoran. An ancient dwarven city rich in iron and other mineral wealth.
THE CASTES
GRAND HALACH - The high warlord of all united tribes within the confederation. Archieftain of the thousand elders and defender of the Juodan people. Considered a high priest in their culture. Supreme ruler of fist of the great mother Ashakhal Morghuln.
AK'HALI - The official shamanic priesthood of the great mother Ashakhal Morghuln. The primal spirit of life. Known also as the feathered priests. The Ak'hali are second only to the Grand Halach in authority. Enforcing traditional law among the tribes and performing regular blood sacrifices to feed the immortality of their Saimar goddess.
KHUATHI - The noble caste, made up of several hundred mounted warriors. Lesser chieftains within the confederation. Known to be shamanic beast tamers of the highest skill. A sacred art beloved in their culture. By far the wealthiest and most physically powerful of their kind. The finest warriors the Apefolk have ever known. With a soul bonded Khuathi Lord often seen leading raiding parties.
AHUACAN - The thousand elders, a council of spiritual leaders and wise sages who assist in administrating over the individual tribes within the confederation. Often specifically chosen by the Grand Halach to offer guidance and wisdom as advisors.
AK'HALI - The official shamanic priesthood of the great mother Ashakhal Morghuln. The primal spirit of life. Known also as the feathered priests. The Ak'hali are second only to the Grand Halach in authority. Enforcing traditional law among the tribes and performing regular blood sacrifices to feed the immortality of their Saimar goddess.
KHUATHI - The noble caste, made up of several hundred mounted warriors. Lesser chieftains within the confederation. Known to be shamanic beast tamers of the highest skill. A sacred art beloved in their culture. By far the wealthiest and most physically powerful of their kind. The finest warriors the Apefolk have ever known. With a soul bonded Khuathi Lord often seen leading raiding parties.
AHUACAN - The thousand elders, a council of spiritual leaders and wise sages who assist in administrating over the individual tribes within the confederation. Often specifically chosen by the Grand Halach to offer guidance and wisdom as advisors.
TATOANI - Non shamanic cavalry, with little to no magical ability, but still respected for their ability to raise and train raptor mounts. There are roughly 3000 Tatoani riders serving under the Grand Halach. Fierce and merciless warriors to face in battle.
TOPIELE - The common warrior caste, over 15,000 strong. Highly respected in their culture. With runic tattoos marking their bodies to symbolize every kill they've made in combat. A typical topiele warrior is equipped with common iron or steel plate armor. Often wielding spears, halberds, axes or hammers made of astral iron. Many having ritually crafted their own broad shields from greenoak of the jungle. A strong, thick and sturdy shield, often marked with the name of their specific tribe.
TLAMANU - The merchant caste, often nomadic and always traveling. These wealthy traders are the heart and soul of avarician society. As is tradition, every member of the region is expected to offer genuine hospitality to these wandering merchants. Granting them proper respect before they continue on their travels.
OKAIYU - The commoner caste, hunters, gatherers and farmers, weavers, crafters and builders. The backbone of their society and by far the most populous caste within the confederation. While no special rite of hospitality is required for them, they are granted a basic level of respect and treated as family like all apeling should be.
SAJALU - The slave caste, while many human and solyan captives in war were taken in as slaves to do hard labor under the direction their Okaiyu or Tlamanu masters. Many more were sold off either to the dark elves of the felands, or back to their own people if large enough payment was offered for their return.
TRADITIONS
HOLLOWED GROUND - There are dozens of holy sites throughout the region that are believed to be touched by the divine hand of the great mother Ashakhal Morghuln. Ritually blessed by the Ak'hali feathered priests, these locations are guarded by their order and those who trespass without their permission are often executed on sight.
HOSPITALITY RITES - Each caste within their society is required by Ak'hali law to offer the hospitality and ritual reverence to those of any higher caste. They are expected to feed and house such higher ranking individuals for a minimum of three days, or until they choose to leave. Those of lower caste however do not require such reverence. To break such ancient laws of hospitalities can often result in execution or enslavement.
TOTEMIC CARVINGS - It is a common tradition among the lesser tribes of the confederation to carve intricate markings into the trunk of an elder greenoak tree. Stripped of bark with branches torn off to create a smooth surface. Such carvings typically are made as a series of images displaying the legends and history of their tribe. While not all tribes do this, it is a beautiful form of artwork and allows them to keep an ancient record of their tribes myths, stories and history. Often displayed in a central open area as a pillared totem where all can see.
DEATH RITES - While each of the individual tribes of the confederation has their own unique death rites, mourning rituals and funeral traditions. It is expected that at least three days of mourning be given to those who have lost family that was killed in battle. While not required by Ak'hali law, many tribes of avaricia have tree burning ceremonies for their honored dead of high rank in society. Wrapping their bodies in cocoa leaves and placed into the hollowed log of a freshly cut tree. Which is then burned on a pire. Its ashes collected and blown on the wind into the unknown.
BEAST TAMING - While the shamanic order of the feathered priests known as the Ak'hali are revered and respected for their ability to commune with the great mother Ashakhal Morghuln, the spirit of life. It is the Khuathi who are seen as truly blessed by their goddess. Beast tamers of any real skill are extremely rare and those who have the gift are seen as sacred and blessed. These shamanic beast tamers capable of creating soul bonds with their mounts, are treasured greatly in their society.
BLOOD OFFERINGS - There are three types of sacrificial offerings that take place within the confederation. The monthly, seasonal and yearly sacrifices, all of which are performed and organized by the Ak'hali shamanic order in honor of their goddess. The monthly sacrifice is typically a pure white, spotless, firstborn lamb that is selected and ritually sanctified. The seasonal offering occurs four times per year at every equinox. Typically a slave or captured warrior who is ritually cleansed and made to die by a thousand cuts. The yearly sacrifice is of special significance. Always a first born apeling child. Chosen by the priesthood and ritually sanctified in oil and incense. It is the duty of the Grand Halach to cut out the heart of this chosen sacrifice and burn it as an offering to the great mother. The chosen one is picked the 1st day of the year and prepared for a full year until the last day. Seen as a great honor in their culture to die for their goddess.
TOTEMIC CARVINGS - It is a common tradition among the lesser tribes of the confederation to carve intricate markings into the trunk of an elder greenoak tree. Stripped of bark with branches torn off to create a smooth surface. Such carvings typically are made as a series of images displaying the legends and history of their tribe. While not all tribes do this, it is a beautiful form of artwork and allows them to keep an ancient record of their tribes myths, stories and history. Often displayed in a central open area as a pillared totem where all can see.
DEATH RITES - While each of the individual tribes of the confederation has their own unique death rites, mourning rituals and funeral traditions. It is expected that at least three days of mourning be given to those who have lost family that was killed in battle. While not required by Ak'hali law, many tribes of avaricia have tree burning ceremonies for their honored dead of high rank in society. Wrapping their bodies in cocoa leaves and placed into the hollowed log of a freshly cut tree. Which is then burned on a pire. Its ashes collected and blown on the wind into the unknown.
BEAST TAMING - While the shamanic order of the feathered priests known as the Ak'hali are revered and respected for their ability to commune with the great mother Ashakhal Morghuln, the spirit of life. It is the Khuathi who are seen as truly blessed by their goddess. Beast tamers of any real skill are extremely rare and those who have the gift are seen as sacred and blessed. These shamanic beast tamers capable of creating soul bonds with their mounts, are treasured greatly in their society.
BLOOD OFFERINGS - There are three types of sacrificial offerings that take place within the confederation. The monthly, seasonal and yearly sacrifices, all of which are performed and organized by the Ak'hali shamanic order in honor of their goddess. The monthly sacrifice is typically a pure white, spotless, firstborn lamb that is selected and ritually sanctified. The seasonal offering occurs four times per year at every equinox. Typically a slave or captured warrior who is ritually cleansed and made to die by a thousand cuts. The yearly sacrifice is of special significance. Always a first born apeling child. Chosen by the priesthood and ritually sanctified in oil and incense. It is the duty of the Grand Halach to cut out the heart of this chosen sacrifice and burn it as an offering to the great mother. The chosen one is picked the 1st day of the year and prepared for a full year until the last day. Seen as a great honor in their culture to die for their goddess.
RELIGION
The Juodan give reverence to an ancient Saimar lesser goddess known as Ashakhal Morghuln. The great mother is an spirit of both the wrathful wilds, the flowing energy that connects all life. According to legend, Ashakhal is responsible for the creation and ascendance of the Juodan race. Establishing a blood pact and sacred covenant with the elders of their kind. In return for her shield of protection and blessings of fertility, prosperity and bountiful harvests, the Juodan would gift here with regular offerings and sacrifices to fuel her immortality and infuse her with greater power. Just as life is cruel and full of suffering, so too is their goddess.
It is the Ak'hali feathered priesthood or organizes these sacrifices to bring forth the blessings of Ashakhal. While not all members of their race are faithful or reverent, it is expected that traditional laws and sacraments of their covenant will be respected by all who lay under the dominion of the great mother, for the destiny of the Juodan is in her hands. To refuse sacrificial offerings and deny their goddess would be breaking their ancient convenant. Resulting in plagues, famine, poverty and bad luck in their society.
While the Ak'hali don't teach of any afterlife, the Juodan tribes have long held the belief that death is an eternal dreamless sleep. A final rest from the struggles and suffering of life that only a great warrior can truly appreciate. To die an old age is to waste ones life away. To them, life is a constant battle to survive, for from the great mother they came and to the great mother they shall return, fading into blissful oblivion. While there is a concept of the veil and realms beyond in their religion, it is considered foolishness to dream of the greater divine cosmos. As nothing practical can be done by debating it.
CHARACTERS
GHARN OGHIER
GREEN = SETTLED TERRITORY
YELLOW = CONQUERED LANDS
ADOXOGRAPHY