Across the vast, rolling steppes, the rhythmic beat of hooves thundered in unison with the heartbeat of the land. Altani, a young Sholeon rider, perched effortlessly atop her sleek horse, gazed over the horizon where the sun met the earth in a blaze of gold. The wind whispered through the tall grasses, carrying the songs of her ancestors—tales of fierce warriors and swift riders who had roamed these endless plains.
With a gentle nudge, Altani urged her horse, Sarnai, forward, feeling the powerful bond between them. Together, they embodied the spirit of their people—free, wild, and untamed. Ahead, the banners of her clan fluttered, marking the gathering place where her family awaited. The Great Gathering was near, a time for celebration, trade, and honoring their heritage. But for now, Altani savored the ride, the wind in her hair and the open sky above. She was Sholeon, born to ride, to roam, and to honor the old ways.
The Sholeon people are a stoic and skilled horse-riding people, traveling across the vast plains of their homeland in large, nomadic groups alongside their great horse herds. Known for their dusky skin, slanted brows, dark hair, and lithe, angular figures, the Sholeon are the shortest of the human races. Their smooth olive skin and sharp features give them a distinct appearance among the peoples of Tavomia.
Riders of the Endless Plains
The Sholeon have a natural affinity with horses and other animals. It is even said that some members of their tribe can communicate with horses through thought. They are masters of horseback riding and the bow, with Sholeon cavalry being renowned worldwide for their prowess. Nearly all Sholeon children grow up in the saddle, learning to ride as soon as they can walk. This lifelong bond with horses is so strong that Sholeons are often noted for the distinctive gait of someone who rides for most of their life.
Clans of Honor and Tradition
Sholeon society is organized around clans, each led by a chief, often referred to as a Khan, who is advised by elders. Leadership within the clans is typically passed down through merit rather than heredity, with leaders chosen based on wisdom, strength, and their ability to inspire loyalty. Family is the cornerstone of Sholeon life, and they travel in extended family groups. Marriage is seen as a partnership of equals, with both men and women sharing responsibilities for family and clan duties.
Sholeon families are closely knit, and it is common for multiple generations to live and travel together. They value community and mutual support, often taking in members from allied races or those in need, particularly their close allies, the Yurvonians. Yurvonians are often found among the Sholeon, sharing their skills and cultures, and it is not uncommon for them to intermarry. The Sholeon also maintain a tradition of sending envoys and diplomats to neighboring races and cultures, particularly to maintain their alliances with the Yurvonians and other friendly groups.
Reverence for the Spirits
The Sholeon worship the same gods as other races in Tavomia but pay particular homage to Ang, Rashida, and Ketos. Ang, as the creator, represents adaptability and resilience, traits highly valued by the Sholeon. Rashida, the goddess of fate and the underworld, is honored for her connection to life and death, which the Sholeon see reflected in their nomadic lifestyle. Ketos, associated with nature and animals, is revered for the harmony he represents between the Sholeon and their beloved horses.
A unique aspect of Sholeon religious practice is the tradition of portable shrines to their ancestors. These shrines, which are small and easily transportable, are placed in their tents when they camp. Honoring one’s ancestors is a significant part of their religious observations, but it is considered a private affair. Families maintain these shrines to remember and seek guidance from those who came before them, reinforcing the importance of heritage and family bonds. The Sholeon also have shamanistic practices, involving rituals with drums, chanting, and dance to commune with the spirit world and seek guidance from their ancestors.
Traditions of the Nomads
The Sholeon have a rich cultural heritage that includes a variety of unique practices and traditions that reflect their nomadic lifestyle. They live in portable, round tents known as yurts or gers, which are renowned for their sturdiness and ease of assembly. These dwellings are often richly decorated with clan symbols and patterns, showcasing the identity and pride of each family group. Their ability to move these homes quickly allows the Sholeon to follow seasonal migrations, moving between different regions of the plains to find grazing lands for their horses or to hunt seasonal game.
Archery holds a special place in Sholeon culture, not just as a means of defense or hunting, but as a celebrated art form. Archery competitions are common during the Great Gathering and other gatherings, where they serve as both sporting events and ceremonial displays of skill. The Sholeon are also known for their practice of eagle hunting; some clans train eagles to hunt small game, a tradition passed down through generations that underscores their deep connection with nature and their environment.
Music and dance play integral roles in Sholeon society as well. They are known for their throat singing, a vocal style characterized by deep, resonant tones that echo across the steppes. This music, often performed alongside traditional dances, reflects the rhythms of the plains and mimics the movements of horses and other animals. Dance and song are woven into everyday life and important ceremonies, celebrating their heritage and bringing the community together in both joy and mourning.
The Great Gathering: A Time of Celebration
The Great Gathering is the most important event of the year for the Sholeon, a time when all clans come together at a central settlement to discuss matters of importance, trade, and elect a leader for the coming year. This grand celebration, timed with the seasons, typically takes place after foals have been born and grown to an age where they can be sold. Sholeon horses are highly prized throughout the world for their endurance, speed, and temperament. During the Great Gathering, the Sholeon trade these horses with merchants and visitors, though they always keep the best for their own people.
The Great Gathering is more than just a time for trade—it is a festive occasion that encapsulates the very spirit of Sholeon culture. The normally quiet and expansive steppes come alive with the sounds of music, laughter, and the thunder of hooves. This is a time when marriages are arranged and celebrated, binding clans together through alliances of blood and honor. It is also a time for contests of skill, where the best archers, riders, and wrestlers compete for glory and the favor of their gods.
Announcements of great importance, whether the birth of a future leader or the forging of a new alliance, are made during the Great Gathering, with the entire Sholeon people bearing witness. Merchants from far and wide set up their stalls, trading goods from distant lands in exchange for the finely crafted wares and exceptional horses of the Sholeon.
The Great Gathering also serves as a time of renewal, both spiritually and physically. The Sholeon gather in great circles to honor their ancestors, performing rituals and dances that have been passed down through generations. It is a time when old grievances are laid to rest, and new pacts are forged in the spirit of unity and mutual respect.
The central settlement where the Great Gathering is held is usually empty throughout the year, except when tribes pass through to restock or maintain the area. During the Great Gathering, it becomes a bustling hub of activity, with tents and yurts filling the landscape, and animal pens and large clearings prepared for the various events and ceremonies.
In the evenings, the Sholeon gather around massive bonfires, where stories are told, songs are sung, and the bonds of kinship are strengthened. The Great Gathering is not just a meeting—it is the heart of Sholeon life, a time when the people come together to celebrate their shared heritage, renew bonds, and prepare for the challenges of the year ahead.
Language and Naming
The Sholeon language is a melodic language, characterized by a series of guttural and nasal sounds, with a distinct emphasis on the vowels. It features long, drawn-out syllables, and the pronunciation often involves the use of the throat and the back of the mouth. Reflecting their nomadic lifestyle, the Sholeon language also includes terms and phrases specifically related to horses, riding, and nature.
Sholeon names are often inspired by qualities admired within their culture, such as strength, courage, and wisdom. They also reflect the Sholeon’s deep connection to their heritage and traditions. Names are given based on significant traits or events, and it is common for individuals to receive new names to mark major achievements or changes in their lives.
Male Names: Batu, Temujin, Kublai, Toghrul, Ogedei, Subutai, Jochi, Borte, Khasar
Female Names: Khulan, Soronzonbold, Yesui, Khutulun, Bora, Tuya, Esugei, Altani, Tseren, Alangoo
Family Names: Altan, Bayar, Borjigin, Batuula, Bagatur, Temur, Khongor, Noyon, Tumen
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