Tribal Arcana - Tome 1

Tribal Arcana - Tome 1

Religion. The backbone of many people's willpower. Everything happens for a reason. Or does it? Everyone has their own ideas on the existence of higher powers, some viewing them as powerful omniscent beings. But what if that higher power wanted more power? And the only way to do that was to betray those below? What would people do? How would they react? Could we stop them? Would we be doomed? Of course, one other question comes to mind. What are the chances of that happening? Next to none, really. And that's if you're being nice.
The Ludagh are an oddity amogst the other tribes of Mirka, having a almost messianic view of nature. If it lives, it's a miracle to them. The Ludagh can spend hours just staring at a tree and walk away happy. That's probably why the Shukari dislike them. The Shukari respect nature, but not to the lengths that the Ludagh do. They think the Ludagh take it too far, ending with constant disputes and rivalries. It escalated into a dangerous balance, one which the other tribes have to take care not to upset, which the Dotarne learned a little too late and ended up stuck in the middle of it.
The Dotarne keep themselves to themselves, mostly, but will lend a hand to a needy Ally. They just want to live their lives free of the complications of politics. Because of this, they are used by some unscrupulous tribes, but the Dotarne don't mind either way. The Teknolgik is definately one of a kind. Rather than resort to tribal techniques like others, they actively seek out technology that is dotted around the planet, more advanced than simple bows and spears. They can find weapons like rifles and handguns, but they are rare. Ammunition, however, is even scarcer, so such weapons are rarely used often.
One thing that all tribes hold in common is that each member of each tribe chooses to worship a powerful diety, or Aeon. These Aeons bestow powers upon the individual when they are called upon. In times of dire need, a person can assume the form of the Aeon and fight with the Aeon's strength. The Aeons themselves are not at peace, either. Existing only in the Otherworld, the Aeons are split into two factions, commonly referred to as Light and Dark. These factions reflect in the Existantial world, as many evil do-ers pick Dark Aeons. All Aeons used to be people at one point, too, but gave their bodies to purge the world of an unstoppable evil. What made the Aeons split, however, is unknown.
Light from the sun bounced off the river's glassy surface at all angles, illuminating areas that which normal sunlight couldn't reach. The leaves of bushes acted as the edge between water and land, waving gently in the breeze. White petals from the nearby trees flitted past in the air. In the shade of a nearby tree stood a wolf, sniffing the petals as they fluttered past, sighing a contented sigh. Compared to other adult wolves of his tribe, this one was rather tall and strong. Showing off his physical prowess was probably his main concern, as the only item on his chest was a purple jewel that hung around his neck. Around his waist was a deep-blue 'skirt', held up by a leather belt. A blue woolen strip hung at the front of his waist and was flanked by brown leather pouches. His wrists were shielded by gold bracers covered in arcane writing and his white mane was tied either side of his head in ponytails, with feathers stuck in the bands so that they faced downwards.
He was a member of the Ludagh tribe, if his appreciation for nature wasn't a giveaway. He wasn't anything special, but was an adept hunter, catching food for the rest of the tribe. He chose to worship Ifrit, the Light Aeon of Fire. His downfall was that he followed the Ludagh beleifs to the letter, shunning anything that wasn't mentioned. He wouldn't deviate from those rules at all. Not even setting one hair out of line. Naturally, this made him extremely stubborn and hard-headed. He was dependable, though, and would go to great lengths not to let people down.
"Still here, Nalerenn?" said a gruff voice behind the wolf.
Upon turning around, Nalerenn was greeted by a familiar face, to him. Before him stood a lion with golden-yellow fur and a brown mane, tied behind him in a ponytail that jutted out from the back of his head. Like Nalerenn, he had a bare chest and arms, except for the beaded band around his upper arm. He wore brown buckskin leggings and breechclout. He stood tall and proud, leaning slightly on his lance which he stuck into the leafy ground. Unlike Nalerenn, he chose to follow the Light Aeon of Earth, Gaia.
"Lucien" replied Nalerenn in a deep, yet warm voice. "How long have you been standing behind me?"
"Long enough to wonder if you were just a statue"
"Well, it is a beatiful view"
"It is, I'll give you that, but it doesn't do well to dwell on views all your life. You're still young, Nalerenn. Get out and do something"
Nalerenn sighed and crossed his arms.
"Did you come here just to tell me that?"
"Of course not. Being your mentor, I have a job to do. And so do you. Elder Toke wants you and I to ask a favour of the Karnolic"
"The Karnolic? Such a trip would take days. It's too dangerous for the two of us"
"Which is why he told us to meet up with a Dotarne healer before we go. It's not pre-arranged, so we will have to negotiate it when we get there"
"When do we leave?"
"As soon as we're ready. Just make your preparations and meet me at my hut. We'll leave fom there"
Nalerenn stepped forward and stepped past Lucien. He stopped as Lucien spoke to him.
"This might be our last time as teacher and pupil, Nalerenn. We can see how much of my teachings you have picked up on"
Nalerenn nodded and smiled, then continued on his way to his own family's hut.
"So, you're heading out with Lucien Dakard?" Nalerenn's mother asked, her voice as soft as wool. "Sounds exciting. Are you excited?"
"Yes. It will definately be a nice change to staying on Ludagh territory. I could do with a change of scenery"
Nalerenn picked up some potions his mother had brewed for him and slipped them into the pouches on his belt.
"Do you have everything you need? Is that enough potions for you?"
Nalerenn sighed and smiled.
"Yes, mother, I'm sure this is enough. We will be fine"
"You can never be too careful, Nalerenn. Expect the unexpected and you will be prepared for anything"
"What?"
"Oh, nothing. It's just something that Elder Toke used to say when he was your age"
"Okay, I think I have everything we'll need"
Nalerenn turned around and was face-to-face with his mother, her nose almost touching his. She had a light-grey tone in her fur, which Nalerenn had inherited, along with white hair. She was rather slim but beautiful, according to the other men of the tribe. She would say she was average. She had a white apron tied over her deep-green dress. Unlike other tribe members, she never bothered herself with the Aeons. Instead, she took up herbalism to help the community.
"Are you sure you'll be okay?" she asked, her voice sounding slightly worried.
"Yes, I'll be fine. I've learned a lot from Lucien. I'll put it to use if I get in trouble"
His mother smiled and gave him a slight peck on the cheek before returning to her chores.
"Every day, you remind me more of a young wolf pup I used to look after. He was very enthusiastic, quite like you are now"
"Oh? Can you remember his name?"
"No, it was years ago, when you were just a pup. You and him used to play together. Shame I can't remember him. Or what happened to him"
"Strange. I can't remember him. I'd better go. Lucien must be ready by now"
"Good luck and safe journey! Don't forget to pray at the temple before you leave!"
"I'll be fine, mother. I'll be back before you know it"
Praying was considered to bring the best luck to travellers and warriors, especially if you asked your Aeon to protect you on your journey. Nalerenn prayed often, stopping at Ifrit's temple every time he walked past it, to say a quick prayer before continuing on. Today was no different. In fact, it was paramount that he stopped to pray before heading off. He stood outside the domed building and stared at the black icon above the doorway, telling others that this was Ifrit's temple. He took a deep breath, then stepped through the doors.
Instantly, he was greeted by a warm heat. The temple's were blessed in such a way that the followers of an Aeon would feel most comfortable inside them, often by changing the humidity or heat through magic. Nalerenn felt most comfortable in the heat, which would help relax him while he would pray. The interior of the temples were all similar. Circular rooms with statues of the Aeons on the perimiter, with places for people to kneel in front of them. Most also had rooms for the curators to rest and change in. Others only had one room for such a purpose.
The temple was almost empty, except for two curators who wandered around and polished the statues. Nalerenn made his way to the nearest one and gaped up at it, kneeling down on the floor in front of it. Ifrit looked more beast than man, looking like a giant brown and orange lion with black horns that extended in front and behind of him, over his head. Clothed only in a small loincloth and gold bracers, he resembled the essence of strength and brutality to many, but to followers he was a warrior at heart, feeling at home on a battlefield. The gold tattoo around his chest and back furthered his mythical status, as only black tattoos were capable within the Tribes.
Nalerenn held his hands in front of him and clasped them together, beginning his prayer. His usual prayer was to ask for a safe day for him, his relatives and friends and his tribe. Today, however, was different. Over and over in his prayer he repeated his one request. He wanted to prove to Lucien he was an able student and had learned everything he had taught him. Moreso, however, Nalerenn wanted to show Lucien he could fight as well as hunt. But he wanted to show it better than just taking down some native monsters. A voice snapped him out of his prayers.
"Nalerenn" whispered Lucien, tapping Nalerenn's shoulder. "There's been a slight change of plan. We have to create a bond between the Karnolic and our tribe as well as ask a favour, so we have to take a goodwill gesture with us"
Nalerenn finished his prayer and turned to face Lucien.
"What do you have in mind?"
"I'll be giving them one of my best animal skins. You'll need to find something on the journey. I've taken a dreamcatcher from the store, if you can't find anything better. We should head out now. We might get to the Dotarne villiage before nightfall"
Nalerenn stood up as Lucien left the temple. He glanced over to the Ifrit statue, staring at the beast standing tall and proud over the spot Nalerenn had just knealt down. Nalerenn grinned and made his way out of the temple, following Lucien as he led the way. He was stopped by his mother as they reached the gate.
"You must be Lucien Dakard, am I right?" she asked Lucien.
"Yes. And you are?"
"Nalerenn's mother. I've heard some great things about you. Nalerenn speaks highly of you"
"He's a good pupil, if a little deviant, at times"
"You will take care of him, won't you? He's all I have"
"I'll do my best, but I'm sure he can take care of himself"
Nalerenn's mother smiled, then noticed him standing behind Lucien, staring back into the villiage and surrounding forest. She plodded over towards his and held his hands.
"You will be careful won't you? Do what Lucien asks of you and don't take unnecessary risks"
"I will"
"Oh, and take this with you"
His mother fumbled around in her pockets and pulled out a sphere. The inside of it seemed to be filled with water.
"What is this?"
"Oh, I forgot you don't know how to use Orbbs. They play back whatever is recorded into them, like a message to someone or a memory. You just have to hold it to your ear and think about the Orbb. It will react to your thoughts and will show you what it holds in your mind"
"What's on this Orbb?"
"That's for you to know. Watch it when you get some free time"
"Come, Nalerenn" interrupted Lucien. "It's about time we left"
Nalerenn jogged to catch up with him and waved a farewell to his mother. She waved back, smiling warmly as she did. It almost made Nalerenn feel homesick already. He turned around again and followed Lucien, who marched ahead on the worn forest path. Many uneventful hours passed as the two headed closer and closer to their destination, hindered only by the sun getting lower and lower in the sky.
"We have to negotiate a healer with the Dotarne, am I right?" asked Nalerenn, breaking the hour long silence.
"Yes. I'm not sure how we will, just yet, but we aren't leaving without one"
"Is the path to the Karnolic that dangerous?"
"Yes. I haven't travelled there myself, but I've heard from others that it is"
A rustling in the nearby bushes made Nalerenn divert his attention, but nothing became of it.
"It shouldn't be too hard, though" Lucien continued. "The Dotarne are known for their hospitality"
A large shadow shot between some trees to the side of the path, whicn made Nalerenn freeze immediately. Lucien hadn't noticed it at all.
"Nalerenn, what's wrong? Why have you stopped?"
Nalerenn opened his mouth to answer, but he didn't need to. Between the two, a large beast had just landed, after jumping out of the undergrowth. At first, it looked like a giant rock, but upon closer inspection, it turned out to be a feared beast. It stood as tall as an oak with thick arms that draped to its sides. It's head looked squashed to it's torso, which was undoubtedly huge. Many had been attacked by this beast, but failed to bring it down. With Nalerenn on one side of it and Lucien on the other, it was trapped. The only thing was that the combatants weren't exactly one hundred percent sure they could win.
"Nalerenn!" shouted Lucien, readying his lance. "If things get too rough, just run! Don't try anything heroic"
"I'm not a fighting expert like you, Lucien" started Nalerenn, unsheathing his twin daggers. "But this looks bad"