Avvar

The Avvars are a human tribe that has been around since the days of the Tevinter Imperium. They are of Alamarri descent and have always held Ferelden as their home land. Much like the Chasind Wilders, these people live far away from civilization and instead take up residence in the Frostback Mountains.

Culture

Though their culture has declined over the years, some Avvar clans still exist today. The existing clans live in holds that bear the name of the clan that live there.

Hold-Beasts

Being very in-touch with the world around them, each Avvar tribe also has a "hold-beast" that ties the clan to the gods. This animal represents the physicality of the world around them, but also the spiritual connection to that which is beyond. Those of a clan treat their hold-beast with respect and reverence, treating it as their kin. The hold-beast is granted full independence to live as it chooses and is never forced to stay with the clan. When a hold-beast is strong and happy, there is joy. When it sickens and dies, Avvar see this as a sign of ill omens.
Some tribes will offer gifts to their hold-beast to bolster their strength. Others would refuse to do so for fear of causing the hold-beast to become dull and weak.

Augurs

Many complex spiritual matters are brought before a clan's shaman, the lore keepers of the mountains. Each clans shaman, or augur, watches the migrations of birds seeking wisdom from the Lady of the Sky and communes with the universe beyond the physical world. They also keep the old songs and retain the knowledge of proper rites to honor the gods and spirits of the mountains. The majority of Avvar shamans are incredibly powerful mages whose traditions stretch back further back then any history of the Circle of Magi.
It is assumed that Avvar shamans do not recognize the Chantry or the Maker, though it is unclear what their exact position on the matter is. One thing that is known for certain is that Templars are not welcome in the Frostbacks. This is wise as many rituals would horrify Chantry members. Even the most mild rites allow shamans to commune with spirits, sometimes going to the point of inviting the spirit into their own body. These shamans are no fools, though, and are well aware that some spirits do not wish to depart from a mortal body. Their rituals are well-guarded secrets, but one can be assured that they have considered such possibilities and have measures to protect against such.
Only one mage is chosen to be the clan's augur. Along with all the spiritual communing involved in the task, they also give council to other mages of their clan. Often this guidance will be derived from information granted to them from the spirits of their gods.

Disputes

When two or more parties come together in an argument, a trial of some skill is put together to determine who is in the right. The trial would be determined by the hold's leader, who may often defer to their augur. Often these would be feats of some physical strength, such as climbing up a cliff face in some sort of race. If the leader believes one may be more in the wrong than the other, they may put one at a disadvantage such as tying rocks to that individuals body.

Legend-Marks

Avvar who accomplish some great deed are brandished with a legend-mark. This is a title that replaces one's surname in honor of the great deed performed by the individual. Unfortunately, no recorded stories exist to tell of the wondrous deeds of any such individuals.

Foreign Relations

Unlike almost every other group of humans, the Avvar have a decent relationship with the dwarven kingdom of Orzammar. The two trade supplies that the other find difficult to find or make. The dwarves also find the Avvar a useful deterrent against both Ferelden and Orlesian activity in the mountains.

Parent ethnicities

• Humans

Related Locations

• Frostback Mountains