Alwaeinian

North of the Daulerim Empire lies the island of Alwaein. The island has been independent for its entire history and always kept itself separate from the larger Empires of the mainland. Therefore they also rarely intervened on the conflicts of the mainland. Instead they have build a society on their own, where primordial magic is still practiced.

Society

Society on Alwaein has developed differently from the societies on the continent. In a way they are a nation, but they have never been united into an Empire or similar. Instead they rely on a covenant of the different tribes, lead by the Taik and the Paklau Martmun as their leaders. The people of Alwaein value their isolationism, but in recent history, several tribes have begun to trade with the Daulerim Empire. Additionally the Empire of Illodia maintains several military settlements on Alwaein, despite of the Tragedy of New-Edlam. Interest of the outside world on Alwaein has been growing over the last decades. Additionally many Alwaeinians have also taken interest and even ventured outside of their island. The three tribes of Tapvul, Jasnal and Sasruli have become allies to the Daulerim Empire and have sent ambassadors to daulerim court in Malaral. Other tribes, especially those in the interior are more sceptical and feel outright threatened by the two empires. While many have a neutral opinion on either, many fear that the tensions between the two Empires will lead to a war, into which Alwaein could be dragged into. One of the most vocal enemies of the outsiders is Kaernak, who has recently been gathering supporters.

The Maghęou and the Taik

Alwaeinian society is divided up into tribes, so called Maghęou or Maghęoundi. Each tribe has their own identity and cultural practices. They united in a sort of covenant lead by the Taik, their chiefs and by the Paklau-Martmun, the druids. The biggest cultural division lies between the interior and the outer tribes. The interior tribes are the most numerous and most powerful, while the outer tribes are generally smaller and live less prosperous. Some like the Aghul live even in outride poverty on the barren western coast. The outer tribes also rely more on the raising of livestock as their land is less fertile than the interior valley. The outer tribes however are also those who've gotten into the most contact with the outside world. Some of them even embrace this contact as it brings them a new chance for prosperity. Each tribe has a Taik as their leader. The Taik is not hereditary, but elected by their people. In principal the Taik rules for a given amount of time, which is designated to them at the time of their election. The rules each how a Taik is chosen depends on the practices of each tribe.

The Paklau Martmun

The mages of Alwaein are called the Paklau Martmun, a name, which translates as "Sage of the Woodland". On the continent similar mages are merely called druids. The Paklauve practice a form of magic, which has largely been forgotten elsewhere, in favor of elven-style magic. Yet on Alwaein the old style has been perfected. Still the Paklau rever the living world and father in the reghim, their holy places. They are the backbone of alwaeinian society. When one becomes a Paklau, they have to forsake their alligiance to any specific tribe, but become solely dedicted to their druidic practices. As such they are expected to be neutral among the tribes and to counsel each and everyone regardless of their origin. Thus they are tasked with keeping the peace between the people.