Settlements and Clans of the Gailmai Woods - Telantha Tribe

Settlement of Crees

Creess is the home of the Telantha tribal leader and her clan, the Ashtao. Several other clans have also made the town their home but a woman from the Ashtao has been the leader here for several generations. The town is located on the Aira Cioda, a river, which flows south toward the Bloodlands and is in the center of the tribe's territory. Accessibility has also increased the trade status of the town, making it one of the most important trade centers in the eastern forests.

Practicing the art woodworking, the inhabitants of Crees spend their time growing, logging and replanting a variety of trees for the different items that can be made from the wood. The Dalmites of this town also create strong and sturdy boats. Canoes and small barges are among the watercraft available here. All are light enough to be carried to the water and back to their treetop homes. Hoisting them up into the trees also provides extra cover from any attacks.

Creess is also known for its extensive apple orchards, carefully tended and cultivated by the Dalmite farmers.

While most of their trade is with other Dalmite settlements, they do trade with the Bloodland inhabitants also. Wood and other goods are carried down stream to the where it is sold and transported to towns in the Bloodlands.

Crees is the largest town in the Gailmai Woods. While its residences are nestled securely among the tree branches and twisting vines, the market and shops surround the heavy tree trunks. While a few Bloodland and Salan traders enter the town, most traders are Dalmite and arrive with ponies laden with goods.

Clans of Crees

Three clans coexist within Crees, the Ashtao, the Shanti, and the Keden.

Crees is the home of the Ashtao clan, the clan of the Telantha tribal leader. The Ashtao are very proud of their heritage and trace it back to Telantha, the daughter of Llecilia. Extremely religious, the Ashtao has provided many well-trained and devoted shamans to the Dalmite nation. Legends and stories of the Ashtao also tell of prophets, some good and some misguided who left the Telantha to influence Tilitha and the world.

While all professions are present within the Ashtao, they particularly excel in those that center on religious life, scholarly pursuits, and research. The warriors of the Ashtao devote their lives to their patron deity and fight with zealous fervor.

The Shanti clan members are especially devoted to Elaen and a number of renowned Ledri have been Shanti Telanthans. Elaen's followers also plant and take trees for lumber, providing an important resource for trade. Woodworkers and carvers also are prevalent in this clan. This hardy band of Dalmites is well liked for their easygoing natures and excellent work ethics.

Considered to be the best constructors of canoes in the Dalmite forest, the Keden clan artfully creates the lightweight crafts which are sold all over the forest. They also create barges, which are used to carry goods down river to trade with the Bloodland residents. Keden river guides are the most skilled of the forest, handling their barges with expertise. They have also developed into successful traders and merchants.

Rakia Clan and Settlement

Located in the Cialoth Mos, an extension of low mountains that flow westward out of Sala, the clan of Rakia has created a small but permanent settlement. Fiercely independent, the Raki are rugged and strong willed. They are very protective of their families and most live their entire lives in Rakia, venturing out only to trade and to aid in warfare when called by the clan leader. Raki are such fierce warriors, that the Telanthan tribal leader has been heard to say she requires two warriors from other clans to equal one of the Rakia clans.

The people here have developed the training of wolves as both hunters and as messengers. Dens of wolves intermingle with the groves of trees that support the settlement. The wolves are guardians of the forest floor below the treetops of the Dalmite homes and are more like companions then pets. A watchful protective presence surrounds Rakia.

Due to their isolation in the foothills, the Raki have developed their own dialect of Dalmesh language and a few unique traditions. They also contain the largest population of those who worship Nydelik, the Raiser of the Mountains.

Rakia is also home to Dalmite miners, who split the rocks in the nearby mountains looking for minerals. Blacksmiths then turn the metals into finished goods, usually axes and other tools, which are traded throughout the forests. Rakia blackmiths are also talented jewelry makers, using the metals and gems mined from the surrounding areas. Their beautiful copper and gold jewelry set with precious stones is intricate and unique, and is sought after by Dalmites, Bloodland residents and Salans alike.

Other Telantha clans

Other clans roaming the woods of Gailmai are the Elora and the Randden Dalmites. Occasionally, a more elusive clan will wander into Crees from deep within the forest.

 

Settlements and Clans of the Mataril Woods - Kisami Tribe

The City of Tilitha

The ancient birthplace of the Dalmite culture, Tilitha is known for its beauty and mystery. Surrounded by huge trees even more ancient than the city, this "hidden mecca" as it is called by those fortunate enough to see its splendor, is the political, cultural, and religious center for the Dalmite Nation. It is the home of the Aenik clan, the largest of the Dalmite clans and led by the leader of the Dalmites, the Naiir al weh Teila.

Most Dalmites make at least one trip during their lifetime to Tilitha, either to trade or to attend one of the many religious festivals. The Elder Council meets at least twice a year to hear any declarations of policy or to air any concern and/or grievance they might have. Meetings are held before the glade of the Sacred Tree, a holy place that can be entered only by the Elders.

Legends tell of a tribe of people who lived on the plains to the east entering the forest to escape the wrath of the gods. Deep in the forest, they stumbled upon an ancient city, its walls crumbling to dust. The people of the tribe believed the city to be their sanctuary and using limestone blocks from a nearby quarry, they restored the walls of the city. Kainna blessed the tribe and took them under wing, reminding them of the promise humans had given to her, to protect her children as if they were their own. Eventually, this tribe mingled with the people of the forest and gave rise to the modern Dalmites.

The ancient walls are still maintained by the clans of Tilitha. The small quarry nearby is mined regularly and blocks are brought to patch the walls or the buildings inside the city. The majority of Dalmites living in Tilitha reside in treehouses set in the boughs of majestic trees. But some of the old buildings remain and are used for ceremonial purposes, government offices, and meeting halls. This mix of stone carved with the mysterious patterns of a lost civilization and the rich, lush green trees and vegetation create a beautiful and wondrous environment. Strange faces carved from the stone many generations ago peer down from the walls. It is believed that the ancient gods still inhabit the walls of the city and along with the gods of Dal, protect its citizens from evil. Dal shamans sometimes claim to have contact from the spirits of the Ancient Ones, who send warnings and blessings to the people of Tilitha.

In the center of the city is a huge courtyard, its floor covered with faded tiles, each skillfully painted and carved. A massive tree has grown through the center of the courtyard, its spreading branches reaching out to all corners of the city. This tree is known as the Tree of Life to the Dalmites, its roots reaching deep into the fertile soil and its crown touching the spirit world of the sky. The roots and soil represent birth and new beginnings while the spirit world is the home of the dead, those that now wander the forest freely without the constraints of the body.

Shaded by the huge tree, the market place is the center of life in Tilitha and contains goods from all over the forests, collected by the merchants of the city. Skilled craftsmen flock to the city to learn from Masters and perfect their craft. Artists, musicians, and poets are all welcome in Tilitha. It is not unusual to hear music along the street or see a crowd of children gathered around a master storyteller. A museum, dedicated to Crydia, a former Teila who was devoted to bringing culture to the Dalmites, is also located in the city within one of the ancient buildings.

Healers of renowned skill congregate, teaching each other ancient lore and new methods of curing illnesses and injuries. A Hands of Mercy Hospital has been recently constructed and is awaiting the first trainees who have been sent to Caeril to learn their skill.

Since soon after the reign of Crydia, one of the Tilitha's most enlightened Teila's, the city gates of Tilitha have remained closed to outsiders. Only those with special permission granted by Teila can enter the gates and permission is rarely granted. Most outsiders trade in Nonar and have goods brought to and from Tilitha by Dalmite traders. Until recent times, very few outside traders would venture as far as Nonar and most kept away from Tilitha and its magical gods. Tales of the Curses of Tilitha keep many far from its mysterious walls.

Clans of Tilitha

Several generations of Teilas have been chosen from the Aenik clan, ever since Crydia was placed in the position by the Council. The current Teila can trace her ancestry back to Crydia who was her great grandmother. Families within the Aenik tribe, as well as other tribes, claim to be descendents of Llecilia through her daughter Kisami. The Kaesi, Miri, Aerian, and Sevunna clans also reside in Tilitha.

Throughout the decades, the power of leadership has often passed from one clan to the next. All the Kisami clans claim to be descended from Llecilia through Kisami. The Kaessi clan claims its families are descendents of Leanni, the brave Teila who led the Dalmites in the War of Nine Kings. The Miri clan claims a connection to Marila, the charismatic girl who saved her people from a ruthless false prophet. For the most part, the various Kisami clans support the Teila, but they are often hovering in the wings in case the Teila dies without an heir, waiting to push their own Gwea into a political position.

All professions and all types of people belong to each clan within Tiltha. Every clan contributes warriors and shaman, and every clan has members who are servants as well as scribes and advisors. However, each clan has maneuvered for itself a niche within Tilitha. Within this niche, the clan can rise to a position of power as a group and influence Tilitha or possibly, even the Teila.

The Aenik is the clan currently in the leadership position. Prior to Crydia's rise to leadership, the Aenik were a rather quiet, scholarly clan, more interested in interpreting the words of Dal or researching new healing methods than leading a nation. But Crydia changed the clan and now the Aenik are very political. Many members hold important positions in the city, including leading the town, running a hospital, and advising the Teila.

The Sevunna clan leads the Elias Fros, loosely equivalent to a merchant or trading guild. This important establishment was found many years ago, initially to place some controls and rules in Tilitha to handle trade and merchant issues. The group has since spread beyond the walls of Tilitha and it is not uncommon to find members in other clans and even other tribes. Elias Fros is very powerful and a member is always assigned to advise Teila on market issues. While it is possible for a merchant to exist in Tilitha without membership in Elias Fros, the members of this guild often give breaks and deals to other members. So it those who are members do have an advantage. A large hall within Tilitha serves the group as a meeting place.

The Miri are now considered the scholars and artists of Tilitha and have established schools for those who wish to learn. Crydia, who brought culture and knowledge to Tilitha, trusted and supported a young Miri musician who brought her much comfort and happiness. Through him, informal schools were founded where young artists, musicians and scholars could study and enrich their talents. Dalmites from all over the forest come to Tilitha to train.

The Aerian clan is the most humble of the Tilitha clans. They claim no birthrights from leaders and do not typically vie for political positions, although there have been exceptions. Aerians make up many of the fishermen, miners, blacksmiths, craftsmen, and servants of Tilitha. Some are ambitious and become merchants and traders, others are artistic, but the bulk of the Aerians make up the important positions, which keep Tilitha alive and viable.

Among the Kaesi, honor in war is a tribute to their ancestor, Leanni. Bold, outspoken and ambitious, officers of the Tilitha army are often from the Kaesi clan. Every Kaesi family prides themselves on offering one daughter or son to the army or to serve with the Ledri. A member of the Kaesi clan usually leads Tilitha's guards. They are fiercely loyal to Tilitha and to the Dalmite Nation, willing to fight to the end for their people and for the forests. The Kaesi also provide many craftsmen, merchants and traders to the city and occasionally, even bards and scribes.

Nonar Clan and Settlement

Located on the Aira Uril which flows into the Yae Brin, an estuary along the northern sea, the Nonar settlement has established itself in an important location within the Mataril Woods. Lying directly along waterways that lead to Tilitha, the clan of this settlement are instrumental in moving goods into the capital city from throughout the Dalmite world. Boats laden with goods travel down the river and across the Yae Brin, returning with goods from the capital. From there, traders take the precious Tilitha items to other Dalmite settlements. Because of this trade, Nonar is quite prosperous and their merchants are well respected. Close to Tilitha, the people of Nonar interact often with the capital city, trading items, attending festivals, and bringing items from far away places to the people.

Nonar people are merchants, traders, fishermen, boaters, ferrymen and women, miners for precious amber, and various other professions that make this clan prosperous. Outgoing and confident, the Nonari often sends their young women to Tilitha to be trained in the ways of politics.

A small boatyard has flourished along the shore of the Aira Uril and some courageous Nonari’s have even traveled out to sea in their inventive canoes. Although dangerous, the young people of the clan love to challenge each other to build faster and more stable water craft and move their races beyond the calm bay waters to that of the sea itself.

Amber, a very valuable stone among the Dalmites, can be found along the shores of the Yae Brin and trade of this precious gem has increased the wealth of the clan.

One of the unique crafts of the Nonar people is the creation of items from the reeds, which grow along the shoreline. Careful nurturing have enabled products to be made by just simply harvesting the correct size and shape. Music pipes, blowguns, even windchimes are crafted from these reeds. As a result, all Dalmites here have a windchime outside their door. Walking among the town one could say that the trees were talking with music when the wind blows.

Other Kisami clans

Within the great expanses of the Mataril Woods, several other clans roam, including the Inga and Eengu Dalmites.

 

Settlements and Clans of the Tiaril Woods - Celinde Tribe

Settlement of Lerves

The settlement of Lerves is located on the shores of the Airee Poyan, a large lake surrounded by dense forest. Home of the Sinithiel clan, the leaders of the Celinde tribe, Lerves is the only true town in the Tiaral Woods. A few other smaller clans have also made a home here, some of them offshoots of the Sinithiel.

Amber, known as the Tears of Kainna, is found along the Aira Poyan. Valuable among the Dalmites, the amber is traded for many sorts of items. Because of this, Lerves has become the trading center among the Celinde clans. Since Celinde clans rarely venture outside of the forests, Lerves bustles with trade during much of the year. Only the rainy season, which occurs every winter, keeps traders home.

Besides trade and mining, the clans of Lerves also contain some of the best and most respected herbalists, people who collect and identify herbs. Many of these herbalists also trade for herbs from all over the world, often traveling long distances to gather various ingredients. Healers are also well known in Lerves although not as skilled as those in Tilitha. It is not uncommon for healers to spend time learning in Tilitha before they master their skills.

The largest bounty of this area is the abundant fish in the lake, which provides food for the town and food for trade.. Light wooden boats are poled out onto the lake, where huge nets are dropped. These intricate nets were once made exclusively from wood fibers and vines, but in recent times, are more often than not made from textiles imported from outside sources. Because these nets are expensive, only the powerful families become successful fishermen but they share their bounty with the others. Blessed by Graem, the Lerves Dalmites concoct delicious seafood recipes, some of them discovered and passed on to Tilitha where they have become favorites.

 

Clans of Lerves

There are three main clans located in Lerves, including the Sinithiel, the Amode, and the Leis.

Sinithiel is the clan of the Celinde tribal leader, who is descended directly from Celinde and then to Llecilia through Kisami. Unlike Tilitha, the clans in the tribal capitals are not as distinct. Ashia, the leader of the Dalmites ordered the Sinithiel clan, to form a new tribe in the west. All the current Kisami clans located in this region, including the Sinithiel were now Celinde. The Sinithiel named their settlement Lerves as other clans joined them or formed offshoots of the growing Sinithiel clan.

The Sinithiel are less reclusive than most Celinde clans due to their political position within the tribe. Most Sinithiel are leaders or scribes, but some also have taken positions as traders or merchants within the small settlement.
The Amode clan, which branched off from the Sinithiel, controls the amber mining near the town. Small groups of miners often set up camps along the river and then transport the amber back to the Lerves. Traders and merchants also often come from the Amode, as family members sell the items found by the miners.

The Leis clan was once a very small clan of herbalists and healers who moved around the forest in search of rare plants. They eventually settled in Lerves, finding a safe haven where they could continue their research into plants and healing. Today, members of the Leis clan function in various capacities within the town, but the best healers and herbalists are still Leis.

 

Uflera Clan and Settlement

Located on the high on the Cava Fer and along the headwaters of the Aira Hasa, lies the settlement of the Ulfera clan. Due to the proximity to the the Bloodlands border, the people of Ulfera are less reclusive than other Celinde clans. Disdainful of outsiders, as all Celinde are apt to be, the Dalmites of this settlement are more than ready to offer their services for a bit of amber or other precious items, which are then used to aid their clan.

Ulfera is the original home of the Ledri al weh Seit, which began as a border patrol many generations ago. Formed to protect the forests from poachers, the Ledri have grown in power, now covering the entire forest. A training camp located near Ulfera is still one of the most respected among many such camps. The people of Ulfera consider themselves to be closer to Elaen than most Dalmites. They are fiercely protective of their forest borders and have been known to shoot first and ask questions later. Most Bloodlanders avoid Ulfera unless they need the services of one of the sullen Dalmites.

The people of Uflera consider themselves the scouts of the Dalmites. Close to the open plains of the Bloodlands, they have worked to perfect the art of tracking, down to the bending of a leaf. Outsiders often hire them to track down criminals or to guide them through the forests. It is very uncommon to see an outside trader traversing the forest without a Dalmite guide, most of them from Ulfera. Traders and merchants from Caeril who wish to penetrate the unknown western Dalmite forest often pay the Dalmite guides in Ulfera for their services. Usually, a Ulferi guide is known for their silence and lack of social skills just as much as their prowess in the forest. Disdainful of outsiders, the Ulfera nevertheless have found a way to make them useful.

Herbalist among the Ulfera are some of the most skilled in the forest and have found a way to make one of the deadliest of poisons. Also, for a delaying tactic, they have developed sleep powers and potions.

The Ulfera Dalmites are also some of the finest crafters of bows and other weapons among the Dalmites. They carefully tend the nearby trees, using wood from the cherished Choakai tree to create especially strong and straight bows and arrows. The wood is treated with a specially prepared solution created from the Choakai sap and is then fired and baked. The resulting surface is strong and flexible, and very valuable.

 

Other Celinde clans

The independent Dalmites of the Celinde also include several other clans. The two most often see are the Cavaye and Sayasdenechi. However, more elusive clans also exist within the forest.

 

Settlements of the Kilaral Woods - Aerthilye Tribe

Settlement of Swawor

The settlement of Swawor is the home of the leaders of the Aerthilye Tribe, members of the Alafi clan. Until recently, the clan had occupied a settlement along the Aira Alafien, but war with the Tarians pushed them out of their settlement. The moved southeast, combining forces with the Swani clan. The small tribe welcomed the Aerthilye tribal leader and her people and the small settlement was renamed Swawor, which means the Haven.

Located near the borders of the Bloodlands and the Sakoian desert, Swawor grew quickly and has recently become important to the commerce within the forests. For many years, the Swani clan's small trading post had served the Dalmite Nation by passing goods from the east to the war beleaguered west. More recently, Swawor has opened up to commerce with other nations and introduced the reclusive Dalmites to more trading opportunities. Reflecting the independence of the Aerthilye Dalmites, the town attracts rougher and more rugged individuals than many Dalmite settlements.

Clans of Swawor

The Alafi and the Swani are the two largest and most prosperous tribes within the settlement of Swawor.

The Alafi are a clan of very skilled warriors and scouts. Frequent battles along the border with the Tarans and later, the Tarians, have honed the proficiency of the warriors with their specially crafted bows and daggers. The aggressiveness of this clan may be one reason they have held the leadership position within the tribe for so long.

The Swani are hardy traders, their settlement close to the borders with the Bloodlands and not far from the Sakoians. It is said that one should beware of haggling with a Swani merchant because he always seems to get the better deal in the end. The addition of the Aerthilye tribal leader and her clan to their settlement brought even more trade and commerce. Swawor became the outpost of the west and an important center for goods moving from the east to the war-torn west.

While the two clans get along quite well, the Alafi consider the Swani as simple people, members of a small trading clan. The Swani are somewhat awed by the skills of the Alafi, some of them unknown to the Swani before the merger. A few Swani are resentful toward the Alafi for their seemingly arrogant behavior and their intrusion into the small clan.

 

Beyudu Clan and Settlement

Nestled along the Aira Lillrian, the Beyudu clan barely escaped Rakzhan's troops. Only their small size and relative isolation saved them. Numerous clans from the Duissa tribe have fled to Beyudu making it a refugee camp of sorts. In fact, the Duissa tribe members far outnumber the Beyudi who were a very small and quiet clan before the battle.

Rather than resent the intrusion, the Beyudi, whose chief has marital ties to a Duissa tribe, welcomed the Duissa, even bonding some of the sons and widowers into the clan. Like most Aerthilye who escaped decimation, the Gwea feels that a larger number of Dalmites will help keep back the Tarians when they enter the forests again. For the time being, the Beyudi shelter the Duissa clans who have come to them for help. Many other Duissa remain along the Tarian border within the Aerthilye lands, but they have not established permanent settlements.

Blessed by Elaen, the area surrounding the Beyudu clan's small settlement is abundant in game. The people of Beyudu became very creative in setting traps. They are also very good tanners and furriers of the pelts. No part of the animal is wasted. Though not all the meat is roasted for eating, mixing it with certain saps and herbs have created a rather sustaining and tasty travel ration called Felimin. Foraged foods from the forest floor along with the dried or fresh meat supply plenty of food to the Beyudi and their guests.
They are famous for the fungi and moss that grows in prolific abundance on and at the foot of the trees that hold up their homes. This moss and fungi is brewed into a fermented drink that is very intoxicating and flavorful. Fiercely devoted to Adondra, razing their "crops" will bring down a terrible wrath in which no mercy will be given.

To protect the settlement, an elaborate system of traps has been set in the surrounding forests and often can catch men as well as animals. A person visiting the Beyudu Dalmites will definitely need a guide to avoid the maze of traps they have erected to keep their people safe.

 

Other Aerthilye Clans

The feisty and self-reliant Anosgar clan is often encountered in the depths of the Kilaral Woods. Other clans also exist but are less welcoming to strangers, especially since the war with the Tarians and usually stay hidden in the trees.

 

 

Venar Woods

The Dalmites settlements that once existed in the Venar Woods were destroyed by the Tarians. Remnants of several clans managed to escape across the Arallen into Kilaral Woods and join the Aerthilye. These clans swear vengeance for the deaths of their families and fellow tribe members. A few clans remain in small isolated groups within Venar, roaming the forest and hiding deep within the woods.

 

Ilurhirrum Clan

The Iluhirrum tribe contains the family of the tribal leader. Strong in body and mind, the Iluhirrum have led the tribe for many generations. The current Namril Gwea became the leader when every one of her family was killed by the Tarians. She managed to flee to the east with a small group and join with Teila. Returning to their nomadic roots, the Iluhirrum roam the woods of Venar and occasionally cross into the Kilaral Woods for supplies or to meet with members of other clans or tribes.

Prior to the war, the Iluhirrum were a relatively quiet, yet influential clan among the Dalmites. Religion and tradition is important to the Duissa and their leader often sided with the Telantha Tribe on council matters. Claiming to be descended from Llecilia through her daughter Duissa, the clan takes its 'royalty' seriously. Other than short periods of time in history, the clan has managed to hold on to the leadership role for many years, longer than the clans of other tribes. This has given much stability to the tribe and has given the clan a great deal of clout with the Teila as well.

Skilled at reaping the rewards of the forest, the Iluhirrum tended fruitful orchards, fished the nearby rivers, and traded extensively with the Tarans. While the relationship was usually strained, a few of the Taran clans actually had friendly relationships with the Dalmites prior to Rahkzan's reign. Most of these clans have since abandoned their Dalmite friends out of fear of repercussions from their dictator.

The Duissa are one of the only remaining tribes that still follow the tradition of physical challenges to the clan leadership. However, since a member of the Iluhirrum won the honor several generations ago, there has not been a successful challenge from outside the clan.

 

Other Duissa Clans

Members of other clans, including the Choissa and the Kediwen, fled from Venar and joined with the Beyadu clan in the Kilaral Woods. Remnants of a number of other clans still wander the Venar woods, usually staying out of sight.