Kaj'Ilel Tribe

Clan Kaj'Ilel

By Kal

The River Ilel

The river Ilel is named for the Spririt-God Kaj'ilel of the river and surrounding pastures. It rises in the mountains of northern Galdos and,without ever picking up any real speed, it winds its way westward to the sea. Though well north of the national boundary for most of its distance, it has its mouth close to the border of Tyedu with The Kurathene Empire. The river is rich in fish though not all are good eating.

The Kaj'Ilel are semi-nomadic Herdsmen and Fishermen. They have 4 small settlements called Nans along their migratory routes though these are barely more than staging posts. The Kaj'Ilel are renowned as tanners and, though few, Hunters and (particularly) Warriors are highly regarded among them for Kaj'Ilel has told them of 9 warrior gods who fought to protect them all from evil. Individually, members of the clan are pale skinned humans. Hair colour is invariably dark brown to jet black (until it greys) but eye colour varies across the full range. Males have large physiques and commonly stand over 6 feet tall. Females too are tall often reaching 6 feet but are much more slightly built.

The clan leads an essentially peaceful existence moving herds from place to place as pastures allow. Their travels to the west are limited by the encroachment of the great white bears which are drawn to the river estuary by the fish. To the east, carnivorous beasts from the forests on the Galdos foothills enforce a limit on the movement of the herds. In the summer when the snows recede, the migration route may be further north but is always limited by the edge of the true Tundra. In the winter it is further south and, when the weather is particularly harsh, may even be on the southern bank of the river though the grazing here is more broken and the crossing dangerous. As a group, the clan has limited contact with other clans of Tyedu, with Galdosian dwarves or with the border villages of the Kurathene Empire that surround them. As a result their existence has been essentially peaceful for many generations. The exception was a conflict with one of the Kurathene border villages almost a decade earlier. Relations have been restored but the conflict led to substantial loss of life on both sides, including Guldor (a leading village councillor) and T'Shanik (the clan leader) at the time. Individuals do feel the wanderlust common among the clan and have been known to travel widely among their immediate neighbours and beyond. Such travelers were responsible for initiating trade with the border villages and with the dwarves in the distant past. (Within the clan there is a predominance of LG alignment. Travelers tend to see less significance in other laws and rules than their own. Their innate belief in supporting others often lead them to actions that may be considered CG.)

Trade

The clan provides meat and skins to the villages in exchange for grain and roots. These provide the clan with a balance to the meat in their diet. They also provide a valuable exchange medium with the dwarves. Though there is some trade with the dwarves in meat and skins, the most valuable metal cooking equipment is obtained from the dwarves in exchange for some of the manufactured leather goods and grain which they prize as a key ingredient of their rich ale.

Customs & Kaj'Ilel

Kaj'Ilel guides the clan in their daily life, sometimes indicating that the herds should move from a place even when grazing still seems plentiful. He communicates such wishes through the clan shaman. Marriages are very special events within clan they bind whole families. They are rare but, once made, such commitments are taken very seriously. Kaj'Ilel requires the practice of monogamy. Serial monogamy is the norm. All physical relationships are announced. Changing partner without a clear (and public) declaration by both partners that an existing relationship is at an end, is seriously frowned upon. Though children may be conceived in a relationship, this rarely involves such serious commitment as a marriage. Indeed, pregnancy is often a time when relationships end. A pregnable female is highly regarded and usually has the choice of many suitors. Marriages when they do occur are often the result of liaisons beyond the clan. Children can expect support and guidance from any adult clan member but fathers, natural or (especially) adoptive, have a particular responsibility to see that a child is supported to adulthood (16). Often a child can claim several fathers. The spirit-god encourages mutual support within the clan and beyond. It is deemed good to help another in any way. The saving of a life in particular brings great renown to the saver. It also places a burden on the one saved to return the debt in some way.

Relationships beyond the clan are encouraged but the lack of a formal commitment often limits such relationships because of the outside partners' expectations. When such relationships do occur, physical size and dark hair are very much admired attributes. Conventional good looks are rarely a matter of attraction to a clan member.

The Nans and Curanir of Clan Kaj'Ilel

Currently : Nan Gelth (most westerly), Nan Goror, Nan Belthek, Nan Tralk (most easterly). The Nans of clan Kaj'Ilel are the four (more or less) permanent bases of the clan each led by a Curani. They are little more than staging posts between the foothills of Galdos and the mouth of the river. They have a varying population each some 10% of the total clan members. They are the homes of the elderly, the craftsmen (tanners and leather workers), women with child and others (few) who want to take a break from the treks with the herds. Though the Nans have (more or less) fixed positions, they have no permanent structures and in fact no permanent name. Each Nan takes its name from the current Curani. The Curani holds the post for life. A new Curani is a retired clan leader. The earliest retiring clan leader is always selected. In the event of no retired leader being available a Curani would be selected from among potential clan leaders he would be the leader designate. On retirement of a leader, the two would then be expected to change roles. This is the law but in living memory, this has never been applied. There are no permanent structures in the Nans though the buildings are clad with skins on both the inside and the outside of their wooden frames so they are both more substantial and much better insulated than their mobile counterparts. All four Nans are on the northern bank of the Ilel and located in defensive positions in curves of the river. They are centres of industry (tanning and leather craft) and fishing. They are also crossing points and basic ferries are maintained here.

Leadership

The clan has 6 principal elders : The elected clan chief. the tribal Shaman and the Nan Curanir, that is, the collective leaders of the four tribal staging posts. The clan chief's word is law - unless unanimously opposed by the other 5 elders. Such disagreements usually lead to the retirement of the leader. A new leader is chosen in theory by all 6 elders. In practice, each of the elders listens carefully to the wishes of the tribal electorate before casting a vote so, in effect, it's a democratic process. The leader is chosen essentially for his physical prowess but also for his wisdom and ability to keep the clan strong. The leader remains in office until the collective elders consider that there is someone who can do a better job. That may be after a season or after several decades. A decision to replace a serving leader can involve the setting of a task for the leader and his potential replacement. A proposal for change can come from any of the elders and must be considered in council. His proposal may be the result of lobbying by clan members. The clan Shaman always travels with the herds and the bulk of the clan. He has an apprentice in each of the Nans one of whom he will nominate as his ultimate successor. Replacement only occurs on the death of the Shaman though the Shaman elect may take on many duties for the tribe. The Shaman is responsible for interpreting the wishes of Kaj'Ilel and for seeing to the medical needs of the clan and its herds. The Curanir are responsible for the defence of the Nans, for the stocking of supplies and for maintenance of trade with the Kurathene border villages and with the dwarves of Galdos.

Carapacic Armour

The Kaj'Ilel trade in leather goods including armour but they reserve their carapacic armour for members of the tribe. Such armour is presented to every male on coming of age at 16 and includes a set of arm and leg plates and breast and back plates moulded to fit. They provide substantial protection from claw and tooth given their very light weight. The secret of the manufacturing process is carefully guarded by the clan but essentially involves multiple layers of hide/fish-skin thinly stretched and beaten over formers of various sizes. Though manufactured by a tanner, bonding agents are used and these are provided and blessed by the clan shamans.