Agathyrsi

Sighisoara Grand Gardens

by Dazzlinkat

"Here are those letters for the north gardens.

Could you spread a word amongst us on your rides today?"

Who Are They?

The Agathyrsi were the first people in Transylvania. Over the ages, others came with ideas of invasion and migration. With each one, new traditions replaced some of the old, evolving the Transylvanian culture a little at a time.
Even so, there were always those who held true to their oldest of old ways. These true holders of the First Traditions have become the backbone of the Transylvanian belief in superstitions and, most importantly, the powers of Garlic.

Medicinal Ways

The Agathyrsi are reknowned gardeners who grow the most potent garlics. Other herbs grow in these gardens all for use in the ancient medicinal ways of old.
Every village, town, and city has their Agathrsi who serves their communities as the mid-wives and medicine folk. Some even seek the Agathrysi for their elden advice and knowledge.
When the Teutonic Knights came to Transylvania and began forcing folks to convert to Catholicism, it was the Agathyrsi who advised people that it was alright to do so as there is always room to add another god or two.
Still, it was best to keep the practice of the old ways hidden and they lived by their own advice. Their shops became apothecaries and they even learned some of the new medicines. They also cleverly hid several of their old traditions within the antics of the annual Garlic Festivals, a disguise that the Catholic clergy have never caught on to.

by Tama66

"I suppose I could as its a bright enough day I'll have to have drink between horses.

A bit early to start planning the festivals but I won't mind letting the folks know."

by Dazzlinkat

The Riders

Riding their sure-footed mountain ponies is a very deep part of the Agathyrsi way of life and is even depicted in their art.
They are masters of mounted archery with their short composite bows before learning the art of the pistol.
The reknowned accuracy of the Agathyrsi has become legendary.
The Agathyrsi riders have turned this essential part of their lives into a courrier service called the Agathyrsi Pony Express.
They deliver letters too big for the meenger pigeons as well as small parcels that can fit in their messenger bags.
With a stables in every town, they can race through the gorges, hills, and mountains swapping steeds to deliver their messenger bags faster than anyone else.

by PHG

by Dazzlinkat

<<<<<

"It's not for the festivals. The howls have filled the Hoia Forest. We must be prepared."

>>>>>

"Oh! Yes. I will spread the word most urgently. And I will stop at the Silver Shop for a few more bullets before I head out."

by Dazzlinkat

by Pignatta

Agathyrsi Religion

The Agathyrsi believe in several gods and goddesses. Their names a tightly guarded secret shared only among the Agathyrsi themselves. Still, some knowledge of their gods has been learned over the ages.

• The head of their pantheon:
  THE FLAMING ONE: a goddess of heat, fire, hearth.

• The binary seconds in command:
  MOTHER: a goddess of earth and water
  FATHER: god of the sky
  

• The remaining gods:
  GOD OF KINGS
  GOD OF WAR
  GOD OF TIME: as shown by the sun and moon
  GODDESS OF LIFE: goddess of fertility and clerical powers