Arikiri (Camurai)

Structure

The Voice, Might, and Coin
The three major leaders among the Camurai are the Voice of Shiri, the Warmaster, and the Grand Quartermaster. Each governing their own respective jurisdictions such as politics and religion, military, and economics respectively. Centuries ago these positions would've been filled by Chosen but in their absence the three were selected by the tribe elders, those at least eighty years old, and since then when a position needs to filled the remaining two elect an individual to fill the vacancy. In the event that two positions are vacant and in extreme cases all three, then the clan elders once again meet, but such events have rarely occurred. The head of the tribe is the Voice of Shiri, who also serves as the head of religion. With such a high ranking position the demands are quite rigorous. The Voice of Shiri is responsible for guiding the tribe and managing both political and spiritual dealings. This role was original granted the the Chosen of Shiri, however, no chosen of any kind has been seen in centuries. Thus the role falls upon the most gifted and experienced female mage among the tribe. The Voice makes frequent trips across Valaren to reaffirm and form deals with the Sareni lords and royalty. Much of their time is spent coordinating with ambassadors and priestesses to ensure the health and prosperity of the tribe. The Warmaster is the most skilled and strategic of the Camurai. Typically reserved to the Chosen of Taruk, this role has now been reserved only for males. It is an extremely draining and demanding role that requires one to coordinate, in times of war, warparties and war strategies/tactics. Additionally, they coordinate with the Sahalla, or master of crows, when commanding scouts and spies. Then there is the Grand Quartermaster, the most recent of the three, who oversees most economic and trade based dealings. The Grand Quartermaster commands influential merchants who have acquired some wealth among the Camurai and with these merchants seek trade deals with other provinces or factions. In recent years the Quartermasyer has spent most of their time within Valen. This move has lead to more exponential economic growth for the tribe and has helped further establish their relations.

Public Agenda

To regain their former glory and earn lands they can call their own.
To avoid bloodshed that has choked the lands for centuries, when possible.
To reestablish their spiritual connections to their deities.

Territories

The Camurai have no official state or widely recognized territory but they do hold three major settlements within Valaren Visatha, the capital, Dessa, and Kada'fel. Visatha the most populated and wealthy of the settlements is located near Valen, making communication and support much easier. Dessa is a fairly populated area with a major focus on hunting and farming and is pivotal in providing food and supplies to both the Camurai and Valareni. Lastly is Kada'fel. This settlement mainly serves as a military garrison and training camp and is located near the western border of Valaren. This settlement is crucial in maintaining a military presence amidst the fringes of Valaren and provides an excellent position for the collection of intelligence of potential threats.

Religion

Most of the Camurai worship Shiri and Taruk, but a few that live within Sareni towns also worship some human divines such as Saren. Worship plays a major part in the lives of the tribe and prayers are quite frequent. However, since the Incursion the Divines had been silent and many grow concerned over the fates of their people.

Foreign Relations

In most cases the Camurai welcome others with open arms but there are exceptions to this rule. Most elves, except for some Felvithar, are greeted with a cold disregard and members of the Kyr'tol tribe are meet with instant hostility.

Agriculture & Industry

The Camurai prioritize agriculture over industrialization to meet their growing demands. Dessa serves as the agricultural center of the tribe and is a pivotal source of food and supplies. Acres of grains, wheats, and fibers paint the landscape surrounding the settlement and dozens of herd animals graze the open fields. Hunters will also prowl the nearby verdant forests for game, providing food and highly sought after hides. The other settlements, while still mainting agricultural plots and husbandry, cannot compare to the sheer magnitude of production at Dessa, instead they aim to cultivate enough for the tribe and a small surplus for travelers and merchants.

Education

Prior to the age of twenty all Arikiri children are taught to read and write, simple mathematics, and history. Additionally, they are taught useful skills that will aid in their survival such as cultivation, hunting and tracking, and swordsmanship/melee techniques. For those that demonstrate magical or spiritual abilities they are taught these basics and are given the choice to pursue arcane teachings, these schools offer more offensive or defensive paths for their talents, learning to control and better utilize their gifts. After the Trial of Taka te Utai an official Camurai member can attend schools across Valaren, if they so choose. This opportunity has been a great boon to the tribe and has afforded them better understanding and technological advances.

Mythology & Lore

In the Dawn Era the Camurai believed that Shiri helped create and shape both the world and the realm of spirits. Soon thereafter, she molded spirits into the first Arikiri and taught them how to walk the thin line between these realms. Alongside Shiri was Taruk, who trained these new mortals in the art of the hunt and taught them the necessary skills to survive their harsh new world. More recently however, the Camurai have questioned this belief and have instead shifted their focus towards restoring the connection that had lost long ago.

Divine Origins

Shiri and Taruk took interest in the primitive Arikiri. These divine beings guided the Arikiri for centuries teaching them how to properly utilize spirit magics and pursue and kill with expertise and precision. Through these teachings the Arikiri soon revered these divines. Due to their rather mysterious and cryptic interactions many tales and myths spread among the Arikiri, none more popular than the All Mother and the Master of the Hunt. These tales of the All Mother and Master of the Hunt spread rapidly and many Arikiri flocked together to worship their new divine guardians. These tales and worships survived through the numerous events that had nearly eradicated the Arikiri. When the two tribes formed and parted ways, faith and hope in the divines prevailed most among the Camurai.

Tenets of Faith

Each of the deities has their own core tenets the faithful must follow:
The Principles of The Hunt are a set of rules for any Arikiri hunter to follow.
First, respect the lands and its bounties
Second, hunt only what is required for survival or rites
Lastly, waste nothing from a clean kill
The Truths of Shiri are the main guiding principles for all the Camurai to follow.
Respect one's ancestors and lineage
Respect and learn the teachings of spirits
Heal and recognize the lands and its bounties And above all, respect and ensure the survival of the Arikiri

Priesthood

The Songs of Shiri are the priestesses of Shiri, second to that of the Voice. The Songs are appointed by the Voice herself and are highly regarded within the tribe. The Songs primarily guide congregations and serve as diplomats to foreign officials.
Under the Songs, are the Melodies of Shiri. Young and devoted acolytes are selected by Songs to begin training in the ways of old and truly begin their spiritual journies. Melodies mainly help in guiding more mundane rituals and prayers and interact with tribe members to collect charity, volunteer, and other daily tasks.
Under the Sahalla, there are the Crows. Masters of reconnaissance and hunting, the crows could be considered the "priests" of Taruk. This term is applied loosely, as collective worship of Taruk is rare and is typically performed individually but the Crows do, however, work to ensure the tenets of Taruk are being followed by other hunters as to not displease him.

Political Influence & Intrigue

Faith is paramount within the tribe and as such those with power in the faith hold great sway among the people.

Neighboring Nations

• Great Houses of Valaran
• Jotunar
• Sareni / Valaren