Fantasy RPG Forum - Standing Trials

Posted: **Sat Jan 30, 2021 11:25 pm**

The Owaenar

The tribe lives semi nomadically in their territory with smaller pods and groups traveling
between established tribal strongholds built from sealstone and coral called ‘Caeins’. As the tribal members age they will often settle at these shelters and turn to algae cultivation or shell collection rather than raiding and hunting.

As a meritocracy, all members are judged by their accomplishments for the tribe and Phaetarak. While members will take it upon themselves to organize territorial defenses and raids, all important decisions about the fate of the tribe, appeasing Phaetarak, and diplomacy with other tribes and land factions falls on the elders to resolve.

The leviathan lives in the deep caverns under the tribal lands and receives sacrifices at entrances to these caverns that are, to the tribe, holy sites. The tribe will hold festival-holidays on the equinoxes and solstices called ‘Iswotan’ to gift Phaetarak with sacrifices and offerings. The elders will choose amongst the ranks of the Karar who will be honored with delivering the offering. These Iswotan are also an opportunity to socialize amongst a large gathering of the tribe.

Being a tribal meritocracy, Mer are expected to abide by the laws of the Owaenar or face the consequences. While there is no standing militia, any member of the tribe is expected to defend their territory and themselves. Infractions are met with swift punishment by the most senior tribesmer present. For less serious infractions either items of value are taken from the offender and given to the victim, or else to the tribe. For more serious infractions a duel against a chosen champion, either to first blood or death is conducted. For treason or murder, the Owaenar will execute the offender by any means they can.

Essentials

Territory: The Middle Orm'del Sea, bordering Volta to the north, the waters of the Minisink to the east, the waters of the Meerabelard to the west, and the Ivorian landmass to the south.
Subsistence: Rare plant/material gathering, algae farming, hunting, raiding, pearl/shell trade, alchemy reagent trade
Population: 20,000
Leviathan/Religion: Phaetarak the Insatiable
Government: Tribal Meritocracy
Leadership: Council of Elders known as the Idash, there are always 21.
Imports: Slaves, rare metals, surface goods
Exports: Pearls, rare alchemical plants, slaves, fish, shells/jewelry

Laws

1) Never blaspheme Phaetarak.
2) Idash decisions are final.
3) No murder of Owaenar, a duel sanctioned by both parties is legal.
4) No theft from Owaenar.
5) No cowardice in the defense of the tribal territory or kin younger than oneself.

Notable Ranks

Idash - ‘Elders’ = Those most experienced Mer who sit on the tribal council.
Karar - ‘First Spear’ = expert warriors/hunters and raid leaders, raised by the Idash.
Becwu - ‘Deep Priest’ = interpreters of Phaetarak’s will, often mages or skilled in medicine and history.
Arakwu - ‘Acolyte = those who have chosen to interpret Phaetarak’s will, but have not completed their training.
Kureic - ‘Second Spear’ = warriors/raiders
Salak - 'Mender' = healers skilled in medicine and herbalism

-Aisharak & Ologologotak

Posted: **Sat Jan 30, 2021 11:30 pm**

Phaetarak The Insatiable

Phaetarak is a massive three headed eel. The exact size of this leviathan is unknown due to it’s mostly reclusive nature. It lives in the porous caverns below the chasm region of the tribe’s territory. Blood sacrifices and treasure to horde in the caverns below are what sate Phaetarak. Some bold Mer invaders seek the deep riches of Phaetarak’s caverns. If they are not met with a violent end by the tribe, Phaetarak consumes them. Traditionally Phaetarak communicates his will to select Mer amongst the Owaenar who are then named priests and guide the tribe in executing the leviathan's will in tandem with the Idash and Karar.

While Phaetarak itself may not be ambitious or aggressive in expanding the territory, the tribe is always looking for opportunity to increase their holdings and thus offer more to the cave dwelling leviathan.