Nests of Altan
Political structure:
Matriarchal with federal government structure. Each city or nest (Qul in Pidgin language) has its own temple or hall dedicated to Leiden and the city's high priestess is also its queen, but the first priestess of the Temple of the Wind That Sings in High Nest is the most important queen , enjoying respect and obedience from the other nests. Every 10 years the Leleadi are celebrated in the Nests, religious festivals at the culmination of which the goddess sends a silver feather indicating which priestess will lead the Nest for the next 10 years. Every 20 years the priestesses of all the Nests take part in another Lelead, called the Golden Lelead in which the goddess awards the golden feather to the priestess who will lead all the people of the Altan.Main religion:
The cult of Leida, the goddess of the winds, is central to the life of the Altan. The Temple of the Singing Wind at High Nest is Leiden's main place of worship on Valenor. Unlike the Nest temples, the High Nest temple is open to all, even non-Altan as long as they are followers of Leyden.Capital:
High Nest, a city made up of flying islands. The Temple of the Singing Wind, located on the largest island, is the city's main focal point and the center of Altan political and religious power. Like the other Altan Nests, most of the islands are not accessible to non-Altans, but the temple and its Fezzan neighborhood, which translates to "walkers' quarter" at the bottom of the main island, are open to outsiders and are a large market open to all.Geography:
Most of Altan's territory consists of mountain ranges and islands, with some flat areas. To the west, their territory has been corrupted by Darkness due to the summoning of the enemies of the Kamamaya Caliphate.Trade:
Due to corruption in the west, much of the Altan's trade is directed eastward, to the League of Susaydis, who are also their allies in the fight against the Darkness.Culture:
The Altan are known for their mastery of the art of aerial engineering, building cities on flying islands and nesting among mountain peaks. They are deeply spiritual and devoted to the Leiden cult, whose influence is evident in their daily lives. The matriarchal structure of society is a unifying element, as the priestesses of Leyden lead the nests with wisdom and authority. The Altan are also skilled traders and craftsmen, known for their feathered artwork and their ability to work light metal into tools and ornaments.Art and Fashion:
Altans typically wear simple undergarments, complemented by jewelry and other accessories that create their everyday attire. The quality and quantity of ornaments indicate the rank and wealth of the owner. When the Altan prepare for battle they wear armor and weapons, however highly decorated and embellished with feathers and other brightly colored accessories. Most of the decorations are made up of small mirrors, colored glass, shiny metal and other reflective materials. Some Altan, especially among young warriors, wear metal spirals on their ankles which, when the Altan makes a diving attack, produces a sinister hiss similar to the screech of a bird of prey. In stark contrast to all the rest of the people, the "Night Raptors", an elite unit of Saboteurs, renounce any decoration that could make them visible and wear only blackened weapons and armor, in order to move without being noticed.Threats:
In addition to corruption in the West, the Altan may face external threats from the Kamamaya Caliphate, who have shown hostility towards the Altan (and everyone else on Valenor...). Their alliance with the League of Susaydis is crucial to their security against these threats. Lately the worst attack conducted by the Caliphate has been the use of monstrous flying creatures, used to attack the Qul and destroy them. The appearance of these monstrous creatures is enough to throw into panic every nest in the vicinity, which until recently was considered safe on mountaintops or flying islands. Internal threats are also due to the Black Vulture clan, a clan of corrupt Altan dedicated to the worship of the Old Gods. Many Vultures are Ghouls and therefore very difficult to kill and their raids have destroyed more than one Qul.Royal Pair:
Each nest has its own king or queen. However, the first priestess of the Songwind Temple is considered the most important queen of the Altan. The current royal couple consists of a priestess queen and a warrior king, both chosen for their skill and wisdom. Within a clan the Altan are divided into castes, by function, so the males are Defenders, warriors and teachers, the females are gatherers, explorers, priestesses... and so on. This means that inside the nest the male organizes defense, outside the nest the female conquers a new territory and so on.History:
The history of the Nests of Altan begins with the end of the Great Crusade, the Avian slaves of the Empire abandoned on the battlefields, head north in search of a place to settle. After many years of searching, they arrived at the Peninsula of Storms, an isolated and heavily windswept region, which they interpreted as a sign from Leiden, made them decide to settle there. Unfortunately for them, the Kamamaya Caliphate was also interested in expanding their dominions in that desolate area. Over the past two centuries, the history of the Altan has been filled with conflicts with the Caliphate and heroic defenses against the Darkness that has corrupted parts of their territory. Loyalty to the cult of Leyden has always guided their path, and the construction of cities on flying islands has been a testament to their ingenuity and determination. Their alliance with the League of Susaydis was a strategic move to deal with external threats and combat the Darkness that threatens Valenor.
Type
Political, Confederation
Capital
Alternative Names
Birdmen
Head of State
Government System
Monarchy, Theocratic
Power Structure
Federation
Economic System
Market economy
Official State Religion
Location
Official Languages
Neighboring Nations
Notable Members
Related Ethnicities
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