The Alan-Atu are a nation of barbarians that live on the western slopes of the Ilquar Mountains in the Tamire region of Northern Hosk on Taldalas. The Ala-Atu are also known as the Goat People, and are primarily shepherds that tend large herds of goats and sheep. In appearance, they are very similar to the Uigan people, although they do not tattoo their faces or shave their heads. The Alan-Atu folk develop facial wrinkles early in their life, giving them a far older appearance.
The Alan-Atu chew a herbal root frequently that stains their teeth a reddish-brown, and also means spitting is a common practice. They dress in white, grey or green robes, and often wear woolen cloaks that allow them to blend in with their surroundings. The Goat People wear fur-lined leather boots and in winter, they pad out their clothing with more fur and various fur-lined hats. Unmarried women amongst the Alan-Atu wear veils that cover their faces below eye-level.
Society[]
The Alan-Atu are divided into families that are all nominally one large tribe. The families are only linked through arranged marriages, and will unite to fight any common foe. Blood feuds are not allowed amongst the Alan-Atu, and all disputes are instead settled through negotiations and peaceful arguments, and punishments are meted out in the form of property/herd fines. If a fine is ever not paid, then the "criminal" is black-banned from all trade by the other families unti it is paid. Both genders hold equal rank amongst the Alan-Atu, however genders are separated until marriage, with women tending some herds, and men tending others.
Magic has no real place amongst the Alan-Atu, and they were not overly affected by the loss of gods following the Great Destruction. However after this time, bards rose amongst the tribe, as the advisors and storytellers who guide the Alan-Atu and ensure they hold true to their original ideals. The Alan-Atu are notoriously suspicious of outsiders, not allowing them into their camps until they feel comfortable that the stranger means no harm. Once allowed in an Alan-Atu camp, the stranger is often given gifts and a great feast, to make up for the earlier suspicion.
Trade[]
Every autumn, the Alan-Atu come down from the mountains to the Ur'musk Valley, where they trade openly with merchants from the Imperial League, as well as the other tribes of the Tamire. The men and women of the Alan-Atu trade for metal items and weapons, as well as jewelry, grain and horses, whilst their hawk their own wares such as their goats, lambs, leather goods and baskets.
Defenses[]
The men of the Alan-Atu are not notable warriors, but they all have leather robes on hand, as well as strong leather shields to protect against invaders and predators. The shields of the Alan-Atu are decorated with their kills, and they are the only tribe who openly used shields in battle. The Alan-Atu are a semi-nomadic people who migrate twice a year between the mountain slopes in the spring, and their winter homes at the base of the mountains every autumn.
Because they share their mountain homes with the Wretched Ones, the Alan-Atu have developed heightened skills of detection, and often know when a war party is approaching. Alan-Atu can rarely ever be surprised, and use this to their advantage to often turn the tables on the Wretched Ones.
References[]
- Shadow of the Flame, p.146
- Time of the Dragon, p.23-25