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Post by ϞSymreeϞ on Jun 30, 2010 14:09:36 GMT -5
~The Thoros Avarní~
They live just to the south of the Gray Area, covertly protecting and guarding it. As they defend the Gray Area, the Gray Area defends them with its magic. Once under protection they can't be affected by magic, but it is limited to the borders of the Gray Area and their territory. Once they reach one year, they pledge their secrets and are bound to silence for life. Only Guards and Wardens travel the Gray Area consistently, and they appear as wraiths out of the mist. In their very existence they must not have magical talent, or the free magick would corrupt their senses, quickly driving them insane. They are given abilities once inside the Gray Area; such as speachless communication and the ability to travel faster in their wraith-form. Their minds are also affected, and they are not only physically but mentally changed once within the Gray Area. As with any equine, too much time within it can, and will, drive them insane. Those lost to its mists become true wraiths, black shadows with glowing eyes and a driving blood lust for all who dare to venture within. They have been known to attack the Guards and Wardens, but since the Thoros Avarní are similar to wraiths once within the land's borders, mostly the two groups are at an uneasy peace.
Social Hierarchy
~ The Dráthvar & The Council ~
They are the channel for the wishes of the Gray Area, and only one serves at a time. Past Dráthvar have no title, but are respected. Current Dráthvar have a silver cast to their eyes, which clouds to white as they serve the Gray Area.
The Council heads the tribe, making decisions and coordinating the protection of the Gray Area based on the Dráthvar's information. They lead the tribe into war, and resolve domestic disputes brought to them.
~ The Wardens ~
With a startling scarlet cast to their eyes, the Wardens are selected on their abilities of a firm mind amidst magic and their leadership skills, they coordinate within the Gray Area. They almost live in the Gray Area, and once inside can mind-speak any other warden and all members of their troop. Wardens also rarely pledge to a mate.
~ The Guards ~
Under a Warden, five Guards and several apprentices make up a troop. They patrol, guard, and protect the Gray Area from outsiders. All members in a troop can mind-speak each other, and each Warden has two groups, which are rotated so Guards spend less than half their time in the Gray Area. Most Guards have families, although time is given off for foal raising, mares in late pregnancy, and when injured.
~ The Apprentices ~
Apprentices are from one to two years old. At their first birthday all foals enter the edge of the Gray Area to see who is chosen. Those unmarked are apprenticed to the Council, a Healer, or to an outside Scout, while those whose eyes receive a yellow sheen are apprenticed to a Guard. When a yellow-eyed apprentice turns three they either take on a scarlet or purple cast, to determine if they are Guards or Wardens.
~ The Foals ~
If foals show signs of magic within their first year of life, they are kicked out after they reach six months old. This practice developed because those with magic cannot reside in or near the Gray Area without suffering extreme symptoms or death. Foals are strictly forbidden from the Gray until they are apprenticed.
Spiritual and Political Leaders
~ The Dráthvar ~
Mare or stallion, young or old, they are the channel for the Gray Area. Some are like an oracle, not remembering what they said and don't have control over what they say. Others can read fully into the Gray Area to interpret it's message. Transitions happen by choice, taken by dishonor, or from failing health. The transition occurs overnight to the length of three days, and is permanent. Tribal acceptance: Dráthvar
~ The Council ~
They are the tactical leaders of the tribe, and should view the situation with a calmer outsider's perspective. They never enter the Gray Area unless in extreme danger, and the Wardens lead from the inside.
Ethical, Moral, and Spiritual Beliefs
The Thoros Avarni are not particularly religious, they do not worship any particular god, because they associate the miracles which these gods often seem to preform with the magic of the outside world. They consider all magic users to be of the same belief system.
They are a very independent and rather harsh tribe. They think in a way that is very scientific, terms such as survival of the fittest, and evolution. While some may risk their lives for other members of their tribe, these tend to watch out for themselves, and see any sort of sacrifice for another as weakness. The Drathvar is the channel for the Gray Area, and the ways of the strange place is the closest thing to religion that they know.
Traditions and Rituals
When the foals first go into The Gray Area at two years of age, they feel their first connection to the gray, and their eyes take on a yellow sheen. Apprentices wander into the gray to be marked as Guards or Wardens. The eyes of the new guards turn to purple, while those of the Wardens turn scarlet. When the next Drathvar is chosen, their eyes will fade to their silvery shade of gray from the yellow apprentice eyes. Those with a strong understanding of tactics will remain unmarked, and will be taken into the Council.
Particular Characteristics
Generally of the larger and/or thick-coated breeds, as the mountain air gets extremely cold. Since even in the summer the air is cool, light skinned, small, or desert equines do poorly here. The Moya, Alarions, Streans, and all pegasi breeds do well.
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