Alversia
21-06-2007, 22:25
The áthas Clans are several groups of Elves that live between the Elves in the east and the other cultures of the West. They are farmers and craftsmen and do not get involved in affairs outside their own borders unless neccesary. There are four clans that share this plain, The Síocháin, The Láidir, The Urraim and the Comhcheol.
Physical Characteristics
When middle-aged, an áthas Elf can be 6'7'' to 6'9''. They all have long blonde hair and delicate pale skin. They also have dark blue eyes and short, thin noses. They are thinly built and the females are off extreme beauty. An average áthas Elf can live to around 1,050 years old.
Government
Each of the four clans has it's own hierarchy and each is ruled independantly from the other. Each Clan has an Elder council in charge of the daily lives of the people while the Army Generals are ranked slightly lower than the councils. Each council is run by an Athair and he has the final say in internal affairs. If an event occurs that threatens all the Clans, then the 'Grand Council of the Four Unities' can be called. This is where the Councils of all the Clans meet and decide what to do. A vote decides how the Council and clans shall act.
Society
The áthas believe strongly in initative and humbleness before nature. Male and Female are seen as equal and any of the choices below can be either gender. In the áthas, you are chosen for ability, not gender. The Hierachy differs slightly from clan to clan but the basics can be outlined below:
Younglings: The Children and young adults have the least say in politics and foreign affairs. Children are treated well but expected to be independant from an early age. If a child cannot cope then the Clan will assist them. Young men work in the fields and also as apprentices to the craftsmen. Their views are respected but not influencial
Soldiers: Those who fight for the Clans have more political sway than the Younglings but prefer not to get involved in politics.
Craftsmen and Tradesmen: These classes have alot of influence in areas regarding trade but prefer not to gey involved in anything else
Farmers: This class is like the Tradesmen but do not get involved in the regular politics of the Villages.
Scribes: This class holds much sway over the politics of the Villages and of their daily running but do not understand the Farms enough to hold much sway there.
Elders: These non-council Elders act as Doctors and aides to the Council and others. They are highly respected by all classes. They also connect with nature and act as Priests at cerimonies
Generals: The Generals of the Army hold much sway in all affairs regarding the community. They have alot of influence in the Council
Council Members: The Council runs all aspects of Clan life. They are the most respected members of the clan and tend to serve on the Council until death
Athair: This individual can be male or female and is the head of the Council. They have the last say in all affairs and are followed loyally by their subjects. They also hold more importance in the Grand Council and have two votes instead of the councillor's one. The Athair is selected by the Council from the village. They pick the most experienced and able Elder to carry out the role of Athair.
Major Cities
As each clan lives a humble life, there are no cities to speak of. Each Clan lives in a gathering of villages and do not bother with grand monuments or statues. The only real building is the Temple of Unity, located high in the mountains. Pilgrims travel to the mountain to consolt nature and request guidance on certain issues. They believe firmly in nature and share a string bond with the elements. Their other main Fortress is that of Urbsalus, located deep in the moutains. It is one of the largest forts in the land and is the last stand of the Athlas Cland should they get involved in a war that threatens the lowlying plains
Trade
Much of the áthas trade is between clans and usually, merchants only venture out to trade if the Clan is in need of an item which cannot be gained from the Clan's homeland.
Technology
In tune to their farming lifestyles, the áthas have developed advanced farming techniques and also advanced tools. The Craftsmen can produce extremely complicated metalwork and sculptures with extreme care and love. However, this extreme attention to detail means that their output is not vast as they prefer quality over quantity. A áthas Farmer can use the same tools for most of his life.
Religion
The áthas do not worship a god but rather the elements. They have extremely strong bonds with the enviroment around them and often ask it for advice or guidance in difficult or delicate matters. The Elders who have committed themselves to a certain element are able to use it as a weapon as well as a guide. Fire, Water, Earth, Wind and Light each have their own followings of Elders. The Temple of Unity is the centrepoint of this following and is located in an impossible area, that cannot be accessed unless through a limited amount of walkways.
Population
As each clan lives inclusively and also breed slowly, the Populations are not huge by any stretch of the imagination. The numbers are listed below:
The Síocháin - 60,000
The Láidir - 35,000
The Urraim - 32,000
The Comhcheol - 42,000
The Clans are relatively small and only add about 2,000 to their number every year.
Military
The áthas are proud of their military and treat the Soldiers with great respect. The standard weapons of the Army are the Longbow and Katana. Each recruit goes through a gruelling regime including a full circumnavigation of the mountains every few weeks. They also make their own bows from the nearby forests. A Soldier is expected to make his own armour and to keep his own Katana throughout his entire service life. The Army patrols the borders of the region and also the Villages to keep the piece. Each clan has it's own military and they will only co-operate if the Grand Council demands it. They are expert Archers and have amazing accuracy over a magnificant distance with great speed. While they are effieciet at swordfighting, they are not experts and prefer to keep a safe distance and use ambush tactics in the forests and plains of their homeland.
The Síocháin - 20,000
The Láidir - 9,000
The Urraim - 10,000
The Comhcheol - 10,000
Coinage
Unless a trader returns an amount of coins, the áthas prefer to barter for what they need as money hold no value to them. They keep small amounts to give to one of their number if they are leaving for another land.
Recently a swathe of Refugees from the lands to the South-West have come and settled in the lands of the áthas clans. They have been welcomed with open arms and have settled into life with the áthas. They number over 170,000 and have made changes to their lifestyles to better fit in with their new comrades. They have abandoned slavery although the building of Forts and cities has been allowed to continue for reaspns of security. The 'New Elves' as they're known, now form the bulk of the field army and use their skill of hand-to-hand combat to compliment the Archers of the 'Olden Elves'
New Elven Army: 35,000
Modern Athlan Troops (http://www.theargonath.cc/pictures/hdelves/hdelves5.jpg)
Weapons
Athlan Bow (http://www.tms.org/pubs/journals/JOM/0211/fig3.gif)
Elven Helmet (http://www.alleycatscratch.com/lotr/Elf/ElfArmor/Third/3rdAgeFIDM_Helmet_a005_5_yu.jpg)
Athlas Sword (http://sunflow.sourceforge.net/gallery/v0054/katana.png)
Athlan Shield (http://www.aurorahistoryboutique.com/products/R000621_L.jpg)
Old Athlan Troops (900-300 Years Ago) (http://www.cine-collector.com/catalog/images/elrond_alliance2.jpg)
Weapons
Athlas Sword (http://www.kultofathena.com/images/thumbs/t_SW627.jpg)
Shield (http://www.ultimatetoys.com.my/New/Lotr/UnitedCutlery/ElvenShield/ElvenShieldSuperLarge.jpg)
Helmet (http://www.a2armory.com/images/lotr-pics/elvenwarhelm.jpg)
Athlan Bow (http://www.tms.org/pubs/journals/JOM/0211/fig3.gif)
Forests of Athlas
The forests of Athlas are amongst the most dangerous in the entire land. While certain paths were enchanted centuries ago to protect them, most of the forest plays to hosts of deadly and danerous monsters, plants and creatures that would make the blood run cold. The Athlas possess an intimate knowledge of the forest but even they never stray far from the paths that grant access through their lands.
Physical Characteristics
When middle-aged, an áthas Elf can be 6'7'' to 6'9''. They all have long blonde hair and delicate pale skin. They also have dark blue eyes and short, thin noses. They are thinly built and the females are off extreme beauty. An average áthas Elf can live to around 1,050 years old.
Government
Each of the four clans has it's own hierarchy and each is ruled independantly from the other. Each Clan has an Elder council in charge of the daily lives of the people while the Army Generals are ranked slightly lower than the councils. Each council is run by an Athair and he has the final say in internal affairs. If an event occurs that threatens all the Clans, then the 'Grand Council of the Four Unities' can be called. This is where the Councils of all the Clans meet and decide what to do. A vote decides how the Council and clans shall act.
Society
The áthas believe strongly in initative and humbleness before nature. Male and Female are seen as equal and any of the choices below can be either gender. In the áthas, you are chosen for ability, not gender. The Hierachy differs slightly from clan to clan but the basics can be outlined below:
Younglings: The Children and young adults have the least say in politics and foreign affairs. Children are treated well but expected to be independant from an early age. If a child cannot cope then the Clan will assist them. Young men work in the fields and also as apprentices to the craftsmen. Their views are respected but not influencial
Soldiers: Those who fight for the Clans have more political sway than the Younglings but prefer not to get involved in politics.
Craftsmen and Tradesmen: These classes have alot of influence in areas regarding trade but prefer not to gey involved in anything else
Farmers: This class is like the Tradesmen but do not get involved in the regular politics of the Villages.
Scribes: This class holds much sway over the politics of the Villages and of their daily running but do not understand the Farms enough to hold much sway there.
Elders: These non-council Elders act as Doctors and aides to the Council and others. They are highly respected by all classes. They also connect with nature and act as Priests at cerimonies
Generals: The Generals of the Army hold much sway in all affairs regarding the community. They have alot of influence in the Council
Council Members: The Council runs all aspects of Clan life. They are the most respected members of the clan and tend to serve on the Council until death
Athair: This individual can be male or female and is the head of the Council. They have the last say in all affairs and are followed loyally by their subjects. They also hold more importance in the Grand Council and have two votes instead of the councillor's one. The Athair is selected by the Council from the village. They pick the most experienced and able Elder to carry out the role of Athair.
Major Cities
As each clan lives a humble life, there are no cities to speak of. Each Clan lives in a gathering of villages and do not bother with grand monuments or statues. The only real building is the Temple of Unity, located high in the mountains. Pilgrims travel to the mountain to consolt nature and request guidance on certain issues. They believe firmly in nature and share a string bond with the elements. Their other main Fortress is that of Urbsalus, located deep in the moutains. It is one of the largest forts in the land and is the last stand of the Athlas Cland should they get involved in a war that threatens the lowlying plains
Trade
Much of the áthas trade is between clans and usually, merchants only venture out to trade if the Clan is in need of an item which cannot be gained from the Clan's homeland.
Technology
In tune to their farming lifestyles, the áthas have developed advanced farming techniques and also advanced tools. The Craftsmen can produce extremely complicated metalwork and sculptures with extreme care and love. However, this extreme attention to detail means that their output is not vast as they prefer quality over quantity. A áthas Farmer can use the same tools for most of his life.
Religion
The áthas do not worship a god but rather the elements. They have extremely strong bonds with the enviroment around them and often ask it for advice or guidance in difficult or delicate matters. The Elders who have committed themselves to a certain element are able to use it as a weapon as well as a guide. Fire, Water, Earth, Wind and Light each have their own followings of Elders. The Temple of Unity is the centrepoint of this following and is located in an impossible area, that cannot be accessed unless through a limited amount of walkways.
Population
As each clan lives inclusively and also breed slowly, the Populations are not huge by any stretch of the imagination. The numbers are listed below:
The Síocháin - 60,000
The Láidir - 35,000
The Urraim - 32,000
The Comhcheol - 42,000
The Clans are relatively small and only add about 2,000 to their number every year.
Military
The áthas are proud of their military and treat the Soldiers with great respect. The standard weapons of the Army are the Longbow and Katana. Each recruit goes through a gruelling regime including a full circumnavigation of the mountains every few weeks. They also make their own bows from the nearby forests. A Soldier is expected to make his own armour and to keep his own Katana throughout his entire service life. The Army patrols the borders of the region and also the Villages to keep the piece. Each clan has it's own military and they will only co-operate if the Grand Council demands it. They are expert Archers and have amazing accuracy over a magnificant distance with great speed. While they are effieciet at swordfighting, they are not experts and prefer to keep a safe distance and use ambush tactics in the forests and plains of their homeland.
The Síocháin - 20,000
The Láidir - 9,000
The Urraim - 10,000
The Comhcheol - 10,000
Coinage
Unless a trader returns an amount of coins, the áthas prefer to barter for what they need as money hold no value to them. They keep small amounts to give to one of their number if they are leaving for another land.
Recently a swathe of Refugees from the lands to the South-West have come and settled in the lands of the áthas clans. They have been welcomed with open arms and have settled into life with the áthas. They number over 170,000 and have made changes to their lifestyles to better fit in with their new comrades. They have abandoned slavery although the building of Forts and cities has been allowed to continue for reaspns of security. The 'New Elves' as they're known, now form the bulk of the field army and use their skill of hand-to-hand combat to compliment the Archers of the 'Olden Elves'
New Elven Army: 35,000
Modern Athlan Troops (http://www.theargonath.cc/pictures/hdelves/hdelves5.jpg)
Weapons
Athlan Bow (http://www.tms.org/pubs/journals/JOM/0211/fig3.gif)
Elven Helmet (http://www.alleycatscratch.com/lotr/Elf/ElfArmor/Third/3rdAgeFIDM_Helmet_a005_5_yu.jpg)
Athlas Sword (http://sunflow.sourceforge.net/gallery/v0054/katana.png)
Athlan Shield (http://www.aurorahistoryboutique.com/products/R000621_L.jpg)
Old Athlan Troops (900-300 Years Ago) (http://www.cine-collector.com/catalog/images/elrond_alliance2.jpg)
Weapons
Athlas Sword (http://www.kultofathena.com/images/thumbs/t_SW627.jpg)
Shield (http://www.ultimatetoys.com.my/New/Lotr/UnitedCutlery/ElvenShield/ElvenShieldSuperLarge.jpg)
Helmet (http://www.a2armory.com/images/lotr-pics/elvenwarhelm.jpg)
Athlan Bow (http://www.tms.org/pubs/journals/JOM/0211/fig3.gif)
Forests of Athlas
The forests of Athlas are amongst the most dangerous in the entire land. While certain paths were enchanted centuries ago to protect them, most of the forest plays to hosts of deadly and danerous monsters, plants and creatures that would make the blood run cold. The Athlas possess an intimate knowledge of the forest but even they never stray far from the paths that grant access through their lands.