The Anrivari

Structure

At the head of each tribe lied the Chieftain. The role of the Chieftain was to ensure the survival and prosperity of their tribe. The role is filled by the individual chosen by the majority of the tribe. This was established to allow the tribe to focus on a particular niche and adapt to their needs. Chieftains were expected to be the best warriors, diplomats, traders, and guardians of their people.
Under the chieftain was the Tribune, the second-in-command. The Tribune was primarily a militaristic and advisory role. This individual was appointed by the Chieftain and would assume control when the Chieftain was absent. In the event that the Chieftain passes the Tribune would serve as the interim chief.
The Elder Augur was the religious leader of a tribe and guiding its members in prayer and worship. The Elder Augur were also incredible astrologers and would interpret the constellations, using their signs to advise the Chieftain.
Augurs served the Elder Augur in prayer and astrology.

Culture

The single most important value for the Anrivari is community. Respect and contribution within a community are paramount in ensuring the survival of the whole.

History

What remains of Anrivari history praises their persistence for unity despite the actions of would be rulers. Early in the Dawn Era conflict was common among the tribes, especially for the ancient Talskarr tribe. Several tales speak of how the Talskarr ravaged the northern tribes and integrated them, creating a formidable force. As they moved south more and more would suffer under their heel. Only with the coalition of southern tribes, the Narsian Allegiance, and the revolt of oppressed northern tribes were the Talskarr defeated. But it wasn't the Allegiance that truly ended the Talskar, no, that honor belongs to harsh winters of the north. After the fall of the Talskarr the Anrivari tribes would enjoy decades of peace but all good things must come to an end.
During much of the mid- to late Dawn Era, along with the Arikiri, the Anrivari tribes were subjugated by the Arani Covenant, led by the Aravithar. For centuries the tribes lived under the Covenant's oppressive rule and some even took the opportunity to betray their people to gain favor among their Vithar overlords. During this time many of the tribes would be driven south to the heartland and the Felvithar would reluctantly expand at the behest of the Aravithar. There was little ill will towards the Felvithar as they had secretly aided the tribes the best they could, they even harbored hundreds of Anrivari after the assassination of an Aravithar "emissary", sowing the seeds of a solid relationship between these peoples for centuries to come. During the War in Heaven panic and turmoil gripped the Anrivari, as the constellations they had relied upon had vanished and only darkness remained.
During the Dragon Era, like the other races of Iskara, the Anrivari tribes endured a much harsher occupation. With the rise of the dragons few were fortunate enough to gain favor among their new masters, becoming some of the first Dro'atar, the Dragon Priests. Few records have survived after this period but what is known eludes to the origins of the ancient Blackfyre cult.
While much of Anrivari history during the Dragon Era is unknown, there is no mistaking the events leading to the end of an era. The concluding decades of the Dragon Era were extremely turbulent and this turbulence presented the perfect opportunity for the birth of a legend.
In 452 D.E. an Anrivari boy was born. For the next several years the boy would experience and see the chaos that gripped the world. In the following years Tarek Varro would accomplish many things and even entered the Empyrean Tower in his earlier years. He would train and study in the arts of war and become the first Ascendant, individuals blessed with great divine power. From this point he would lead the war against the dragons and usher in the Age of Divinity. Not long after the Anrivari would become the Sareni.

Disbandment

With the emergence of the Divines came drastic changes to the world and its inhabitants. The Anrivari were no exception. The Isran Saren helped usher in the Age of Divinity and with the praise of the Anrivari he would forever alter his new followers. The Anrivari were no more and the Sareni were born.

Religion

Old Anrivari religion focused on the worship of a pantheon based on the constellations that had guided the tribes for centuries. Of the pantheon only a few have confirmed and legitimized records of them. This pantheon was led by Oro, the Peacekeeper, the embodiment of both peace and war. Next was Phera, the Kind Mother, the wife of Oro and the goddess of fertility, growth, and compassion. Beneath them lied Cerberos, the Undying, the god of patience, endurance, and persistence. The last recorded god was Renithar, the Silver-tongued Smith, the god of crafts, smithing, and trade.

Foreign Relations

Generally the Anrivari were well disposed to the other races but the actions of the Aravithar soured their attitude towards elven kind. The Felvithar however, are the exception and have proven to be a reliable ally.

Divine Origins

The exact origins of the Anrivari faith is unknown but it is speculated that the constellations became increasingly more integral in the daily lives of Anrivari life, blossoming into faith.

Cosmological Views

The Anrivari believed that the gods forged the world in a time of upheaval and through this upheaval the gods grew weak and vanished. Only the constellations were left behind to guide the scattered tribes.

Priesthood

The Augurs were the authority in regards to faith and would lead members of the tribes in community prayers. The Augurs were adorned with long furs and pelts and many had elaborate tattoos dedicated to the gods. Augurs are appointed by the Elder Augur who is in turn selected by the tribe's Chieftain.

DISBANDED/DISSOLVED

Type

Geopolitical, Tribe

Demonym

Anrivari

Government System

Tribalism

Economic System

Barter system

Currency

No official currency was used by the Anrivari tribes, instead they relied upon a simple barter system.

Location

Teldara

Related Ethnicities

• The Anrivari