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Law, Government and Military
The Dalmite people are led by the Naiir
al weh Teila, or the Spirit of the forest. Although born with
a birth name, when a woman ascends to this position, her name
is changed to Teila and she holds that name until she dies or
until she hands her title to her daughter. If the Teila dies
without an heir or the heir is unable to lead, the Council will
choose the next Teila. Although in the past, the leader could
be challenged for her position, this is very rare today. If a
challenger does come forth, he or she usually disappears prior
to the battle or strange illnesses said to be brought on by Kainna
herself causes the challenger to withdraw. All Teila's are said
to be descendents of Llecilia, the earliest known leader of the
Dalmites.
The Elder Council is made up of Teila
and the Five Daughters of Teila, or the five tribe leaders. Also
included in the Council are the Naiir al Dal and the Cae Gwea.
Often, other trusted advisors are asked to sit in on Council
meetings although they do not have voting rights. Teila makes
all final decisions, however, in recent times, it is unusual
for her to go against the wishes of the Council. It is her desire
to keep the Nation united and to protect the Dalmite people from
extinction. The support of the other Tribe leaders is essential.
The Council sets policy for the Nation and settles disputes
between clans. Disputes that cannot be settled by the tribe councils
are often brought before the Elder Council for resolution. Any
violations of policy that affect other nations are a matter for
the Elder Council. The Council meets at least twice a year in
Tilitha although not all the tribe leaders can be present at every
meeting due to distance.
Each tribe consists of approximately
10 clans although some have more or less. The Namril Gwea presides
over a Tribe Council, which consists of the clan leaders of
her tribe. This council settles local disputes, organized trade
within their territory, and handles punishment for clans who
violate the Elder Council Policy. If the tribe councils do not
deal effectively with renegade clans within their territory
who violate nation-wide policy, the Elder Council will step in.
Within the tribe, the Namril Gwea and her tribe council set policy
and laws that do not fall under the jurisdiction of the Elder
Council.
Clans usually consist of several family
units and are led by a Gwea, or clan chief. The Gwea first
deals with all internal matters within the clan. Those between
clans or those not resolved by the Gwea can be brought before
the tribe council. The Gwea sets all clan laws and policy
not covered by the Tribal council or the Elder Council.
Each clan has its own warriors and
these warriors are pledged to the tribe during times of strife.
In turn, tribes pledge their warriors to Teila and the Dalmite
Nation. While the individual Cae Gwea or war chief retain control of
their individual unit, the Cae Gwea of Tilitha coordinates the
united tribes during times of war.
Renegade clans have been common throughout
most of Dalmite history. These clans have for some reason severed
their relationship with Tilitha and do not follow a tribe leader.
Most of these clans live peaceful existences deep within the
woods. A few cause trouble, raiding towns and settlements and
going against the policies of the Council. These clans are
often dealt with harshly by Teila and the Elder Council.
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The Tribes
Led by the Naiir al weh Teila, the Spirit
of the Forest, five individual tribes occupy the forests of Adellion.
These tribes are referred to as the Daughters of Teila and all
but one were named for the daughters of Llecilia, an early and
influential leader of the Dalmites.
Each tribe occupies different territories
within the entire range of the Dalmite Nation. Due to their
locations and distance from Tilitha, each tribe has its own individual
personality and has developed its own customs and traditions
in addition to the ones retained from the culture as a whole.
Renegade clans, which refuse to pledge
to any tribe or to Tilitha, do exist within the forests. Many
of these clans arose out of conflicts with policy set in Tilitha.
Some contain outlaws and cult members who emerge from their
hiding places in the forests only to cause trouble and have gathered
others. Other independent clans remain peaceful, living in
remote areas of the forests. Renegade clans are usually ignored
unless they violate the policies of the Nation and then they
are dealt with harshly by Teila and the Council.
Kisami Tribe
The tribe leader of the Kisami tribe is
also Teila, the leader of the Dalmites. The Aenik clan is the
clan of the most current Teilas and has remained in power for
several generations. Residing in Tilitha, the Aenik are the
most influential Tilithan clan. Other Kisami clans reside
in Tilitha or in small settlements scattered throughout the Mataril
Woods. Far from the war torn regions of the west, these clans
tend to live peaceful lives, trade with each other and more recently
with the Salan settlements and towns within the Bloodlands. They
are devoted to Teila and the Dalmite Nation. Throughout history,
the Kisami tribe has been relatively cohesive, gathering in Tilitha
frequently.
Celinde Tribe
The Celinde were formed many years after
the daughters of Llecilia ventured from Tilitha to claim the
clan territories. This tribe, located in the Tiaril Woods, remains
very close to the Kisami, and the tribe leader often sides with
Teila on important issues. The Celinde are a rather reclusive
people, their clans are very self-sufficient and tend to stick
to their small settlements. They are more wary of outsiders
than the other tribes due to skirmishes and poachers who cross
the Bloodlands border into the forest. The Celinde are the home
to the Ledri al weh Seit, a group of Dalmites whose purpose is
to protect the forest. While Ledri now inhabit every tribe and
forest, they began long ago among the Celinde.
Telantha Tribe
Occupying the far eastern territory
located within the Gailmai Woods, the Telantha tribe is deeply
religious. They have always cherished their shamans who have
risen to great power within the Dalmite society. Isolated from
much of the conflict to the south, the Telantha tribe has developed
unique and valuable skills and has flourished in their peaceful
forests. Trade is important among the Telantha clans and they
have recently opened up trade with the Salans. They have maintained
most of the traditional Dalmite rituals and ceremonies and have
added beautiful songs and stories to the lore.
Aerthilye Tribe
Located just east of the border with
the Tarians and occupying the Kilaral Woods, the clans of the
Aerthilye Tribe are much different from those further east. Skirmishes
with the Tarians to the west and the far bolder people of the
dry Bloodlands plains to the south have created more militaristic
clans among the Aerthilye. Their need to protect themselves
has led them to put aside some of the traditions of the Dalmites.
Some of the Aerthilye clans consider the eastern Dalmites to
be antiquated, resistant to change, and too cautious.
Since the most recent conflict with
the Tarians, the Aerthilye tribe has been very outspoken about
ridding the Venar Woods of Tarians. They have pledged their
support to the Duissa in the west and have gathered their warriors
to assist them if needed.
Duissa Tribe
Almost decimated by the recent Tarian
war, the Duissa tribe struggles to regain its presence in the
Venar Woods. Their towns, settlements and outposts were razed
and due to the Tarian military presence in the forests, they
have been unable to rebuild. Instead they have become entirely
nomadic, traveling under the cover of the deep forests, hiding
from the Tarians and planning their next move. Frequent raids
by the enemy and a deep prejudice against the Tarians which stems
back several generations have made the clans of this area very
warlike. In spite of their tenuous existence, they are deeply
religious. Teila's assistance during the recent battle has cemented
their relationship with Tilitha and they have renewed their pledge
to the Dalmite Nation.
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