Tor-Ered
Clan Tor-Ered
by Vichan Lyonsen
The Clan Tor-ered reside in a high valley located on Doreg-Magret one of the highest peaks of Tyedu. This valley is in fact the cauldera of the long dormant volcano that is Doreg-Magret. The high altitude and the extreme northern latitude makes for a bitterly cold region. However the natural steam fissures and pools of heated water allow for some relief.
Clan tradition says that they were led to this remote location by their "Spirit God" Pruoudhon to separate them from the quarreling tribes of the lowlands. In fact the Tor-ered became very reclusive, while they still traded with other tribes, it was always the Tor-ered who traveled to the roadside fairs and trading enclaves to sell their wares. They to this day, will not knowingly lead any non-member of their tribe, to their beloved valley. Marriage outside the clan is still the only exception to this general rule as like all the Tyedu clans, to create the greatest genetic diversity they must marry outside the clan.
The Tor-ered live off the land, like all Tyedu, they hunt the mountain goat and the great white furred bears that live in their valley for their meat and the fat on their bodies. They are craftsmen of high quality metal work, for there is a great quantity of metal ore near the surface of their valley, they also craft fine obsidian daggers and an occasional short sword of this black glass-like mineral. They also farm the small areas near steam vents where stunted crops can grow.
The Tor-ered govern themselves through a council of elders, however these elders are not necessarily the oldest among them, they are merely recognized as the most capable, or those who exhibit the greatest wisdom, this council is involved in everyday life of the Tor-ered. they decide what crops to plant, who will travel to fair and trade with the other tribes, they decide how each member of the clan can best serve the clan. There is little in the way of personal property to the Tor-ered, each is given that which he needs to survive, all game taken in the field is divided evenly through the clan. Each clan member is responsible for the well being of every other member.
Occasionally, a youngster of the clan will have a vision, this vision varies but often takes the form of a visitation by an Animal who speaks to the youngster giving him some task to perform. The task is never specific, but always requires extensive travel. It is believed that Pruodhon gives these tasks so that the clan does not stagnate, for the seeker will travel until he receives another vision, this second vision will specifically tell him/her to return home and impart all that he learned while on his travails.
On Pruoudhon: (prood-hawn)
Pruoudhon to the Tor-ered, is the god of the sky, he is represented by the clouds, or often he is seen in jets of steam issuing from the valley sides. The Tor-ered feel that Pruoudhon looks down upon them at all times, for they need only look into the sky to see his presence, even at night. A perfectly clear day can make them a bit uneasy, because it is so rare where they live.
Clan Tor-ered:
Members of the clan are human in all respects showing the complete range of eye and hair coloration that can be found in that race. The Tor-ered are for the most part, of pale complexion, with predominantly blond or red hair,they tend to pale blue or green eyes. They are of an extremely stocky build and of average to slightly less than average height, this gives them the appearance of being slow and clumsy which is not the case. Males exhibit an abundance of body hair, to the point where jibes about cross breeding with bears is often made. Hair is kept long and thick as it forms an excellent insulator against the cold.
The Clan can mostly be classed as LN in alignment, the structure of the clan requires a lawful outlook, and while they are interested in the good of the clan, so they might be considered LG amongst themselves, they are less interested in the overall well being of those outside their core (Clan) group.