|
Before the Naranites came, the continent of Shantalla was occupied by various hunting tribes. These tribes made war on one another, carried out fueds, and generally made life miserable for each other as they each fought to control the whole of Shantalla- their tribe and no one else. They had no central government, no lasting alliances or governments, and poverty and disease reigned. In a flash of light over the mountain range known as the Vandoimountains, the Naranites appeared, stranded on this land. They had been cast out of their own homeland, to pay for their pride and self-righteousness, so they said. Led by Naran, from whom they got their name, the Naranites settled in the Vandoi mountains, naming the land Naranrod. They united the tribes together, and the tribes settled in two countries- the plains and rolling hills of Eolande, and the dense forests of Kernaran.They pledged to serve the Naranites forever in whatever was asked of them, so long as the Naranites kept the peace for them and gave them wisdom and help should any country attack them.
Eolande and Kernaran together covered almost all of the continent of Shantalla, and formed a close alliance. The tribes came together as one people, though they lived in two slightly different countries, and named themselves the Aystama- the whole, united ones. The Aystama built their culture around the Naranites, and their government officials are required to take a pilgrimage before they are confirmed to their station. This journey is to the Vandoi mountains and meet with the Naranites for a week, talking with them. The Naranites, living in the midst of the two countries, were protected in seclusion by the tribes, and in return for that and imported food, they taught the pygmy people more efficient ways to grow and catch food, and gave them the gifts of iron. |
|
|
Now the Naranites and the Aystama carry on a trade relationship, though the Aystama still revere the Naranites. The Naranites still provide iron and other ore from the Vandoi mountains, but they also provide order, and a system of government for the Aystama. They also provide a judicial system for the Aystama when a case comes up too hard for the Aystama to solve. The Aystama revere the Naranites as higher beings sent to teach them, and provide them with food. Because the lands of the Aystama surround the land of the Naranites, none but the Aystama visit the Naranites, and the Naranites enjoy their seclusion. |
|
