Strogun Clans

The entire length of Dae Aerinon is split from north to south by the Mirrored Mountains. Only three passes connect the west to the east: The Pass of Elmek, the collapsed pass at Stone Pike, and the Southern Gap. The Sarveki Empire dominates the eastern side. The western side is home to the Strogun Clans.

These clans once occupied much of the northern and southern continent east of the Mirrored Mountains, but have been pushed back a little at a time over the years until the Sarvekis pushed them behind the mountain passes, where the Stroguns have mounted an effective defense and held their ground for centuries.

In their own tongue, "strogur" simply means "clan." It is a fitting name for their culture since it’s based on a clan structure. Each clan is named after an animal that serves as their totem, spirit guide, and symbol. There are a multitude of small clans that have few members and very little influence, but there are eleven clans that have enough power to warrant special mention: Wolf, Eagle, Condor, Thunderhoof (buffalo,) Bear, Panther, Shark, Elk, Turtle, Wolverine, and Fox.

These clans once fought among themselves in much the same way as the Sarveki Noble Houses, but centuries of conflict with the Sarvekis have fused the clans into a solid and unified nation where internal conflict is quickly resolved.

Each clan has a Totem, a Chief, and a Totem Avatar. While the duties, powers, and titles vary from clan to clan, in general, each position works as follows:

The Totem is the animal the clan as a whole identifies as their spiritual animal. They respect the animal’s qualities and behaviors and try to mimic them as much as possible. They wear clothing adorned with body parts of the animal, or with designs and other decorations honoring the animal. Their fighting styles often mimic attacks and tactics used by the animal.

The Chief is the leader of his clan, and he rules with the help of the Elder Council. A clan’s territory is split into smaller districts (each clan calls these districts by different names, but they all serve the same purpose.) Each district appoints its own council from among its wisest and bravest men. They in turn vote and appoint one among them to serve on the Clan’s Elder Council. The Elder Council then elects one among them to serve as Chief. Once elected, a man is Chief for life. The Chief governs all matters within his clan and serves as his clan’s representative on the Circle of Chiefs, the ruling council that decides any matters that involve more than one clan.

The Totem Avatar is the man or woman who serves as a clan’s primary link to their totem animal. The Avatar always possesses significant magical power and skill. If a clan is large enough, they may have additional magic users, called "totem voices." These individuals are found, trained, and commanded by the Totem Avatar. Totem Avatars have their own council, called the Circle of Spirits. They work to ensure all people of all clans are healthy and productive. They plan seasonal rituals and holidays. They advise the Circle of Chiefs on all decisions, but the Chiefs are free to disregard the advice, UNLESS an issue affects all clans - such as war declarations, peace treaties, famine, or plague. In these situations, any decision made by the Circle of Chiefs must also be approved by the Circle of Spirits. If it is not, the decision cannot be issued.

Clans govern their own people and territories with their own laws, similar to the way individual states govern in the United States. They police themselves and their borders. Members of different clans are free to travel into other territories and conduct commerce with other clans, but inter-clan marriage or mating is strictly prohibited. If a child is born of two different clans, it is killed. The parents often die shortly after watching their child die.

It is very common for young hunters and leaders to spend time in service to other clans as part of their education. This practice fosters camaraderie and understanding among the Clans and helps to promote peace.

In times of war with the Sarvekis, the Circle of Chiefs picks one among them to serve as the War Chief. It is usually the Chief who rules the territory being threatened or invaded. Each clan supplies troops and supplies, which fall under the command of the War Chief or his subordinates.

Strogun society is as evolved and sophisticated as that of their Sarveki neighbors. They foster many forms of art, history, and music. Their methods of producing items are at least equal to Sarveki technology, and may be better, depending on the clan. Stroguns all speak the same root language, and an official version exists, called "Chiefs’ Speak," but most clans use a distinct dialect during day-to-day business.

In addition to their Totems, Stroguns respect the Five Fundamental Truths of the Elemental Way and rejoice in the Five Fundamental Pleasures (which are described in more detail in the novels.) Stroguns embrace diversity. All people are required to respect and honor the Totems, but no one is persecuted for practicing their faith in their own way or for holding additional or different beliefs from the norm.

Sarveki’s commonly group all of the Clans together by using the word "strog," which is an old Sarveki word for "beast." The term is highly offensive to all Stroguns.