The Wraeththu Chronicles (153 page)

Other tribes describe the Ferike as a race of scholars and artists, and it is true that they are a people that devote themselves to learning and creativity. The noble families live in high castles in the hilly, forested districts of Western Jaddayoth. The rest of the community live in small towns, generally along the shores of the many lakes found in Ferike.

Rich hara from other tribes often buy harlings off the Ferike to breed with their own sons, hoping, thereby, to increase the intelligence and artistic natures of their own families. Ferike hara are fey and pale with large eyes. Their pastimes include writing long, fabulous poetry and poignant, convoluted stories. Ferike books (always beautifully bound and illustrated) often appear in Emunah markets, but selling at massively inflated prices. It is said that Thiede of Immanion possesses an entire library of Ferike literature. The Ferike are also renowned for their brilliant artists and musicians, but it is a rich har's hobby to try and collect any of their works.

Time spent in a Ferike castle is supposed to be sublimely relaxing. The occupants are ethereally lovely, soft music enchants the ear, splendid paintings welcome the eye and the food Ferike cooks prepare is reputedly the best in the world for its subtlety of flavor. Surprisingly, not that much is known about Ferike social customs, for they are a private race, but there are many tales about the fabled Elisyin, a Ferike legend whom Ariaric of the Maudrah took as a consort. Between them, they produced three sons of biting, shrewd wit, all the more deadly because of their deceptively pretty appearance. Those wishing to learn more of this history should look for the Ferike book on the subject called "The blade, the reed and the shadow." Because of the difficulty in obtaining any Ferike works, serious students are advised to obtain permission from the Hegemony of Immanion to examine those volumes held by Phaonica's library. Although the Gelaming are sympathetic to researchers, and happily open their archives to anyone willing to pay for the privilege, it must be stated that the cost may turn out rather higher than expected. Accommodation does not come cheap in Immanion. Travel in Ferike, however, is not quite so expensive. It is recommended that any visitors to the region find a comfortable inn and pay one of the locals in ale to tell stories of Elisyin and his sons. This works out considerably cheaper than using the library in Immanion and is far more entertaining, even if the stories are rather less accurate.

The Elhmen (ELL-mun) are a mountain race found northwest of Ferike. They prefer to keep themselves to themselves and can be most unpleasant to strangers if the mood takes them. Whilst hardy and fond of a colder climate, they are markedly more feminine in appearance than most Wraeththu. This is not through sublimation of the male principle, but because of their religion, which is a celebration of water magic. They harness the power of the mountain falls and their appearance is uncannily nymphlike. Elhmen are mischievous and fond of playing tricks upon unwary travelers. They do not often show themselves, but it is said that if a wanderer should catch hold of an Elhmen har, he can ask for a wish to be granted. This is more likely to be a romantic rather than realistic premise, and probably a tale started in Ferike!

Although the Elhmen are not warlike in nature, they are quick to defend themselves and their privacy. This is usually effected by sending any interloper into an enchanted sleep before moving them to the boundary of their territory. The Elhmen also guard the entrances to the underground kingdom of Eulalee, home of the tribe of Sahale.

Sometimes the Sahale and Elhmen interact for religious or magical rites, for the Sahale are also known as the Fire People; thus the two tribes' magics are complementary.

The Elhmen live mainly in small communities scattered among the peaks, and have only one city—Shappa. This is built high in the mountains, a dazzling creation of stone towers and vertiginous streets. The Elhmen have no overall ruler. In fact, whoever does govern the Elhmen (if anyone does), does so in utter secrecy, for nothing is known about social administration within the tribe. Holy hara, who are definitely something more than mere priests, but no-one except the Elhmen know what, are called Esh. Travelers with money are generally welcome in Shappa and it is worth the visit if one is prepared to put up with antisocial treatment on the journey to reach it.

All Elhmen grow their hair very long, are generally fair in coloring and have ice-blue or cloud-gray eyes. Their faces are ascetic, their expressions dreamy, hinting at a secret smile. It is said that their touch is always cold. Whilst they are totally unaffected by cold conditions, and often go naked, clothed only in their magnificent hair, the Elhmen usually prefer to appear before strangers clothed in flimsy, floating robes. Another legend about this tribe is that taking aruna with an Elhmen har automatically raises one's caste by one level. As with many such pretty stories, the facts remain unsubstantiated.

As has been mentioned in the previous entry, the Sahale (SARL) are known throughout Jaddayoth as the Fire People. They live underground, beneath the mountain ranges of Elhmen and beyond, emerging only rarely for religious ceremonies. As befits their chosen religion, hara of this tribe habitually dye their hair red, but of varying shades to signify their position within the tribe, and their caste. Young harlings, until feybraiha, have hair of a strawberry pink color which changes to vibrant scarlet once they have come of age. On reaching first level Ulani, the hair color becomes crimson, whilst hara of Nahir Nuri level have hair that is so deep a color it is almost purple. Subtle shades within these four groups denote abilities, social standing and intelligence.

The capital city of Eulalee is Sahen (SARN), situated next to a vast, underground lake, framed by breathtaking stalactites, stalagmites and curtains of gleaming, mineral deposits. Other settlements on the same level as Sahen include the religious retreat of Pir Lagadre, visited by pilgrims from as far away as Megalithica. Of the lower levels of Eulalee, little is known by outsiders. There are rumors of strange, supernatural creatures living in caverns of fire, and of ancient shrines where lost gods live on unaware of the changes wrought upon the surface of the earth. Again, stories. There are many stories to be heard in Jaddayoth. The fires of Sahale heat sacred springs, where bathing in the water is said to promote health and beauty. Anyone brave enough to bathe in the actual flames can try and prove the myths that doing so gives unparalleled wisdom, never mind unparalleled third degree burns.

The ruler, or Lyris, of the Sahale dwells in the city of Sahen, attended by priest figures known as Lithes. Although, as a complement to the Elhmen, it might be expected that the Sahale present a predominantly masculine mien, this is not the case. They are typically harish in every respect, their only peculiarity being that, in spite of living underground, they all have rather dark skins.

Although the Emunah (Em-OO-nah) are principally a nonproductive tribe, they act as very efficient brokers for the other Jaddayoth regions. Emunah hara are a mixed bag of many different tribes. They inhabit the eastern coast of Jaddayoth, where their river-and ocean-going vessels can have easy access to other areas of Jaddayoth, the northern coast of Huldah and the sea canal to Almagabra. Law in Emunah is half-heartedly presided over (i.e., it can be bought) by a group of elected hara known as the Nasnan. They are presided over by a grand judge entitled the Garondel. It would appear that the only way to break the law in Emunah is to steal from Emunah subjects or to attempt

to defraud the Garondel's authorities, which are concerned with the administration of trade. Therefore, all travelers are advised to arm themselves well in Emunah towns. The advantages of visiting this region are that strangers are never questioned (or even noticed for that matter), and can come and go as they please. Visitors bearing produce to trade are welcomed with open arms and entitled to reduced rates at many Emunah inns. The principle towns are Oriole, Meris, Gaspard and Linnea. The Garondel and his committee reside in the capital town of Oriole.

In this region, little importance is attached to religion, although shrines may be found to many of the Aghama's different aspects deified in Jaddayoth. This is mainly for the benefit of travelers. Native hara use their innate talents for telepathy and illusion to secure prosperous deals for themselves and, unfortunately, to outwit unwary traders from abroad. Emunah are notoriously untrustworthy, but not cruel. If found out in their machinations, they will apologize with a smile, and perhaps offer to make amends by buying the offended party a meal (thus presenting themselves with the opportunity to get the unfortunate victim drunk and doublecross them again). However, once an Emunah har's respect has been earned (which is never easy for a stranger), they can reveal a deep and surprising loyalty. It is said that an Emunah friend, if indeed such a creature can exist, is a friend for life.

Known among the tribes as the Cat People, the Kalamah (KAL-uh-mar) live in the east of the region in elegant cities of rose and cream stone. At present, most of these are still in the process of construction, for the Kalamah work slowly and precisely, stopping their labors often for refreshment, rest and appraisal of their craftsmanship. Even so, the architecture found in Kalamah is unbelievably lovely. The Kalamah are a philosophical race and have made a thorough study of the feline mind, which they strive to emulate in numerous ways. They are fond of luxury and comfort, good food, excellent wine and soothing music. One of their main incomes is derived from the export of their wine, subsidized by the industries of carpet-making and perfumery.

Their religion, as most other tribes, is worship of the Aghama, but naturally mutated to fit in with their own particular beliefs. Here we have the lion-headed aspect of the god, upon whose statues is to be found the legend, "To be cunning without beauty and style is to light a fire next to an open door in winter." It has been said that all the most enchanting and destructive of human female souls have reincarnated in Kalamah. Perhaps that is a little too harsh; Kalamah never kill for sport, but have been known to make a hobby of breaking hearts. Whilst they are a race not easily provoked into a rage, it is strongly advised not to aggravate any Kalamah har to extremity, for once roused, they can continue an argument beyond any reasonable point, or avenge an offense with horrible suffering. As with the Ferike, harlings of this tribe are often sought after by the Maudrah and the Garridan (the only tribes who can cope with Kalamah temperament perhaps), so that harlings born of a union between the tribes may be blessed with the gifts of stealth, cunning and agility, as well as languid beauty. The fabled Ariaric of Maudrah, who is renowned for enriching his family's blood with the best stock, procured a Kalamah consort for his eldest son, Ostoroth. Unfortunately, this union was not destined to thrive. After being on the receiving end of some cruelty or another from his partner, the Kalamah Lissilma murdered Ostoroth in cold blood and, furthermore, effortlessly massacred a great number of the palace Aditi before he was overpowered. Ariaric was so impressed by this feat that he claimed Lissilma for his own son, professing that Ostoroth had embarrassed him dreadfully by allowing himself to be killed by a concubine. How Lissilma reacted to this remark is not recorded, but, being Kalamah, he probably settled comfortably into this new elevated position and overlooked the insult. Ostoroth was not fit to be remembered. His body was burned without ceremony, while Lissilma came to sit at the Archon's right hand, where he was professed to have caused much catastrophe among the other noble houses of Maudrah. A book, written by the Ferike on this subject and entitled, appropriately, "The claws of Lissilma," describes many of the intrigues initiated in the Kalamah's name.

Visitors to Kalamah are urged to end their journey in the city of Zaltana, where, it is said, if the claws of the Kalamah embed themselves in your skin, you will never

want to leave. It is true, the place is breathtaking, and if one is strong-willed, not too dangerous.

The Mojag (MO-hag) are regarded as cultureless barbarians by most of the tribes of Jaddayoth, although it would be a fool who did not regard them with healthy respect. Occupying only one small village on their arrival in Jaddayoth, within only a year or so, they had soon secured for themselves a huge area of land among the eastern mountains of the country. Only the formation of the Confederation of Tribes halted their advance toward other territories. This no doubt caused the tribes of Kalamah, Emunah and Roselane to give a sigh of relief, and those of Garridan and Maudrah to slacken their defences along the borders with Mojag.

Being a tribe dedicated to conquest and troublemaking of all kinds, the warrior castes of Mojag are generally found among the armies of other countries as mercenaries. Even the Gelaming have a troupe of Mojags, which they use for restoring order in any troublesome areas, and also as escorts for Gelaming personnel venturing into countries farther east than

Wraeththu caste system

Wraeththu hara progress through a three-tier caste system; each tier consisting of three levels.

KAIMANA (Ki-ee-marna) Level 1: Ara (altar)

2: Neoma (new moon)

3: Brynie (strong)

ULANI (Oo-lar-nee) Level 1: Acantha (thorny)