"Beneath Attea's loving gaze, we unite our people. Eight gods, eight graves, and eight clans to tend to them. None shall shatter this sacred alliance."
-First Vedraskiiae of the Sun Clan, 11005 GY
Clans
Sekhavi clans have been in place for the past three thousand years. About 85% of Sekhavi live in a clan. Each clan is composed of villages, towns, and cities that are within the same geographic region and worship the same chief god, determined by which god or goddess' grave is within their territory. They are tasked with guarding and maintaining the upkeep of that grave, and should anything happen to it, the entire clan will be held responsible.
Clan names follow a person's family name, such as "Ivadryn Renakai Aviisa Da'Krithera of the Frost Clan." Clan membership is determined based upon which settlement a person has been accepted into. Outsiders are only accepted into settlements on rare occasions, and thus, are rarely clan members. Changing clans due to relocation or marriage is a natural process. Marrying into another clan is slightly preferred, but is by no means a requirement and depends on the settlement. Many smaller villages arrange marriages with other villages or clans in order to keep bloodlines diverse. A woman will typically travel to her husband's clan, but it is not unusual for the reverse to occur.
The clans have an agreement of peace and since the Sekhavi are not a warlike people, there are rarely disputes. If there are, it is typically over borders or use of resources. Borders are held firm by law and agreements must be made with both clans if they are to be moved. Resources within a clan's borders must not be touched by other clans unless permission is granted, typically in times of hardship. Sekhavi may venture into other clans' territory for traveling or recreation, but they are not permitted to use more than is necessary. For example, a group may travel through another clan's territory to visit a family member and they may catch a rabbit for food along the way, but they may not hunt multiple and bring the excess back to their clan. Hunting parties must remain within clan borders, as well as those who wish to gather wood, water, herbs, and so on. Permission may be granted by the nearest settlement if it is a small-scale, temporary gathering of resources, but larger operations must be approved by the majority of Iraakae in that clan.
Clan Meetings
Attea's Hearth
All of the clans meet at Attea's Hearth three times a year, in mid-Prythen, mid-Masi, and the end of Obann during the festivals. Generally, the most able-bodied Sekhavi make the journey to Attea's Hearth.
The Sakasviiae of each clan meet on the day Syl is full every month. They assemble at the grave of their respective chief deity and discuss safety, resource management, clan well-being, and signs from the gods.
The Sun Clan
A Sun Clan city
- Chief god: Sakasvan (all creation, the sky, the celestial bodies)
- Territory: Far southwest of Sekhav
- Color: Red
- Population: 23% of clan-dwelling Sekhavi
- Reputation: Wealthy, lavish, powerful, and bold
The Sun Clan is the most modern and prosperous clan in all Sekhav, boasting three cities and numerous towns. This clan holds the greatest responsbility: to tend to the grave of the supreme god, Sakasvan. Their culture has blended with that of the Vathne to the south, which reflects on their style of dress, dialect, weaponry, and push towards modernization. They have not lost their heritage, however, and still honor the traditions of the Sekhavi people. There is a growing faction that is pushing for the Sun Clan to break free of the clan alliance and to become its own nation, but they remain a vocal minority. They have been accused of being too friendly with other nations, especially the Vathne, and are derided for their soft, civilized life. Still, the clan is respected for their influence, as nearly a quarter of clan-dwelling Sekhavi live among them.
The Forest Clan
Sekhavi foothills (Claudel Rheault)
- Chief goddess: Attea (the planet Aertha, fertility, and motherhood)
- Territory: Southern border, Sekhavi foothills region
- Color: Green
- Population: 18% of clan-dwelling Sekhavi
- Reputation: Farmers, hunters, generous, and peaceful
The Forest Clan makes their home in the Sekhavi foothills. It is a bed of rolling hills and cold evergreen forests that provide the people with lumber, crops, herbs, and many other natural resources. The Forest Clan invented terrace farming and cut stairs into the sides of mountains upon which they plant their crops. They have frequent contact with the Bolaan plainsmen, riding their horses along the border and trading their goods. They are viewed favorably by the other clans for their generosity with their resources and often permit other clans to forage in their territory. They have not adapted to the same harsh conditions as the other Sekhavi, thus, many see them as good-hearted but soft.
The Valley Clan
Ellekastri Valley (Anubhav Rana)
- Chief goddess: Fanskae (all plants, animals, and livestock)
- Territory: Southern border, Sekhavi foothills region
- Color: Yellow
- Population: 13% of clan-dwelling Sekhavi
- Reputation: Herdsmen, cattlemen, skilled riders, wild and independent
The Valley Clan lives in the Ellekastri Valley which cuts through the middle of the Sekhavi Mountains. The people live in smaller towns and villages, with their vast herds of sheep, goats, elk, and yak covering the land. They also have bred a specific type of horses that have adapted to the higher altitude with their large bodies and thick coats. Many yaks that the Valley Clan breeds are used across Sekhav, and the people of the Valley Clan are proud of their fine animals. Many of these people still live a nomadic lifestyle and venture to different parts of the valley based on the needs of their livestock. They cling to the old ways and garner much respect for doing so.
The Mist Clan
Tilhakasiil Ocean coast (Midjourney)
- Chief god: Korshak (war, defense, honor, manners, discipline)
- Territory: Western coastline
- Color: Violet
- Population: 16% of clan-dwelling Sekhavi
- Reputation: Strong, militaristic, seafaring, fishermen, stern
The Mist Clan is the only clan with a fleet of ships, albeit a small one, at their disposal. They live on the rocky western coastline marked by dramatic cliffs. The air is icy and wet, and waves slam against the rocks. The Mist Clan trades with the Kieruskans, but are hostile towards the Vathne. They guard the Antahv Pass, which is a wide stretch of flat coastline that leaves the Sekhavi vulnerable to a southern invasion. They build their villages along the edges of cliffs overlooking the Tilhakasiil Ocean at dizzying heights. They are known for being stern and cold, but they guard Sekhav with vigor. Some of the best blacksmiths hail from the Mist Clan, and their weapons are prized for their simplicity and durability.
The Sky Clan
- Chief goddess: Desvyna (music, poetry, song, creativity)
- Territory: Northwest mountains
- Color: Dark blue
- Population: 9% of clan-dwelling Sekhavi
- Reputation: Deeply religious, prideful, storytellers and songwriters
The Sky Clan people live in the tallest mountains in the northwest of Sekhav and the highest points of Istra. They pride themselves on their ability to survive at such heights and the incredible scenery inspires their many songs, poems, stories, and other creative outlets, such as intricate stone carvin. Traders cannot reach them at this height, so they live very isolated lives. Wood is scarce at this height, so they live in fur tents, stone houses, or caves. Their religious devotion is unparalleled, perhaps due to the sacred mountain Elatrasvae being within their territory. They are both beloved for their artistry and reluctantly tolerated for their eccentricity and perceived arrogance.
The Silver Clan
- Chief god: Baasvi (work, commerce, trade, stone, and silver)
- Territory: East-central mountains
- Color: Gray
- Population: 12% of clan-dwelling Sekhavi
- Reputation: Miners, stonemasons, metalworking, trade, wealth
The Silver Clan is known for their rich silver mines in the eastern mountains. Many people from other nations come to work the mines and share in the profit, which much of the clan reaps the benefits of, but some are displeased at the booming industry within their borders. Sometimes the Sekhavi are compensated, but many times, they are not. In recent years, the Silver Clan has begun to start their own mining operations, but competition is stiff. They are known for their shrewd merchants and skilled craftsmen, but are looked down upon for allowing their land to be used by lowlanders for profit. After the Sun Clan, the Silver Clan is the second-wealthiest clan in Sekhav.
The Frost Clan
Northern Ellekastri Valley (Jeremy Bishop)
- Chief god: Vedrasva (order, justice, wisdom, mercy)
- Territory: Northeast mountains
- Color: Light blue
- Population: 6% of clan-dwelling Sekhavi
- Reputation: Hardy, cold, traditional, intellectual
The Frost Clan lives in the northeastern mountains, the region with the most snow and ice in Sekhav. They are sparsely populated, though not as much as the Night Clan, and mostly live in small villages on the sides of an icy valley. It is common for them to engage in debates surrounding history, philosophy, and justice around their bonfires at night, following the teaching of the goddess of wisdom and justice. Rare minerals and gems have been found in their territory, but they refuse to allow mining operations to take place, much to the frustration of foreign businessmen. The Frost Clan people are seen as isolated and cold, but they are not disliked, rather, they tend to be forgotten about.
The Night Clan
The Shield (Philipp Trubchenko)
- Chief god: Harthas (slumber, dreams, prophecy, death)
- Territory: Far northern mountains
- Color: Black
- Population: 3% of clan-dwelling Sekhavi
- Reputation: Mysterious, isolated, primitive, very traditional
The Night Clan is the least populated and most sparsely populated clan. Their territory has no northern border and extends up towards the ice sheet known as The Shield, which has been extensively explored but appears to have no end. The land is as cold as the people who inhabit it. The Night Clan holds to their traditions more firmly than any other clan. Their people live in small villages far apart from each other, mostly near Kinsman's Valley. It was their god, Harthas, who was corrupted by Luxanis and they are viewed as partially responsible. Still, they are granted respect from the other clans and perhaps a bit of pity.
Humans are always very interesting to see fleshed out further in fantasy settings; I also love denomination being heavily based around a clan's respective patron deity. Adds a lot of mystique and intrigue to each clan!