TORANEYA
‘We give our thanks to Halb, Rund and Dahr. In our devotion we ask for
nothing but happiness for our people. If only you could understand the truth
as we do, a better person you could be.’
Nickname: ‘The Priests’
Languages: Toraneyan
Population: Säuger 90%, Eluvian 5% and Drummon: 5%
Government: Religious oligarchy
Leadership: Three heads of each of the Orders in the nation
Lifestyle: Agrarian and settled communities, religious, tolerant
SOCIETY
The Toraneyan culture is very friendly and welcoming. The
nation of Toraneya is somewhat tropical and resource rich, which
gives the people plenty to share with others. Their culture is built
upon strong spiritual beliefs, which has led to the construction of
vast monuments in honour of the gods and many avatars.
The Toraneyan people can seem somewhat naive to outsiders,
their friendly and generous nature is easy to take advantage of.
The Toraneyans believe that all Sauger are one big family, with
whom the world is shared. Eluvian and Drummon are joyfully
treated like permanent house guests in this arrangement. Some
families of Eluvian and Drummon people – and foreigners from
other nations – travellers, craftspeople and merchants, have all
found a home in the nation. However, the somewhat strange
rules and strong religious observances can also serve to dissuade
foreigners from remaining for too long.
The Orders play an extraordinarily important role in Toraneya.
Each order has its own hierarchy, and more members and
servants at the temples than any other nation. The nation as a
whole is not lead by one leader, but rather by the three heads of
the Orders. The Toraneyans believe when necessary the gods
have strengthened their nation by sending an Avatar to lead them
through times of crisis – though there has not been need of such a
leader for generations. Priests and monks (both male and female)
study at the temples, travel as itinerants or serve local towns and
villages. The leadership within communities is often given by
default to the highest ranking religious leader the area.
Otherwise, elders are respected for their wisdom and may serve
as local leaders without a formal process of appointment.
Matters of importance are escalated for decision through the
religious hierarchy.
The Orders provide protection, education and medicine to all the
people of the nation, on an equal basis. The temples are home to
not just priests and their trainees, but also martially trained
guardians and monks, architects and craftsmen. The temples are
also responsible for overseeing the Kamhos, the guilty. These
54
are people who have broken any law of the nation, and been sentences to penitence in service to the
temples. Thus a large section of Toraneyan society lives in direct service at the temples, and is in turn
looked after. Of course, the nation of Toraneya has many more people than those who serve in the
temples, of course. Farmers and herders, merchants, craftspeople, fisherman, every occupation is
needed in the generally dispersed and agrarian communities.
The Toraneyan people value life above all things. This leads to their usually generous and forgiving
natures. It also means that they are reluctant to commit violence upon others, though it does not
prevent them from doing so when there is strong need. But when threatened, the Toraneyans have
been able to mobilise practically the entire population to defence in a short time – religious duty and
fervour can be a strong motivator. Toraneyan members of the Armsmen and Rangers Guilds are not
as numerous as in other nations. However, the Toraneyan Order of Dahr does have a significant
number of militant devoted and trained guards. Some train and serve as guardians of the Kamhos,
others study martial ways as a method of bettering the body and spirit.
LAW
Toraneya has no capital punishment – even for extreme crimes. Instead, all crime is punished by
religious penitence. The local religious leader is usually asked to be both judge and jury for all crimes
– serious crimes might be escalated from a local level to a higher level in the temples if necessary. In
all cases, the victim or representative of the victim or family is given the chance to forgive the
perpetrator, through a form of mediation – and if mediation is successful, no punishments may be
enforced at all. Where mediation is declined or not viable, punishments are bestowed at the behest of
the judge, and thus they can be quite variable. For minor infractions the penalty may be a fine or
period of prayer and abstinence. For serious crimes – or where the perpetrator refuses or is unable to
uphold the minor penalty – they are sentenced to a period of service as a Kamhos, ‘the guilty’. The
period is usually a minimum of a year, and often for many years. The Kamhos serve as labourers and
servants in the temples, and all the great monuments have been built with Kamhos as labour force.
The Kamhos are well treated and well looked after, although the lifestyle they are permitted is quite
frugal, monk-like. Should a Kamhos die by accident or suffer harm during their service, it is
considered that the gods are choosing this penalty, but no other violence or physical punishments are
permitted against a Kamhos. To abscond from service as a Kamhos is the greatest offence against the
law and the gods – the only time a Kamhos may be subjected to violence is if they attempt escape.
Once the period of service is completed, the Kamhos is set free and there is no ongoing consequences
– it is assumed the gods have forgiven the perpetrator.
As the period of service as a Kamhos can be years or even decades, children can be born among the
Kamhos – relationships and even marriages among those who serve are not forbidden. Children born
into such situations are considered to be great gifts, born to servants of the gods. Toraneyan children
born in these circumstances are adopted into the church as raised as monks or priests – they suffer no
stigma for the circumstances of their birth. Children of foreigners who are serving as Kamhos are
returned to their closest family in their home nation.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
The people of Toraneya have embraced the Guild style of training. Prior to the arrival of the guild
system, education of young people was ad hoc, training within the family or apprenticeships within
towns as needed. It was an easy transition to the specialised guild structure. The Orders in Toraneya
have the oldest and perhaps most comprehensive structure in all of Dantir, and this has not changed
much even with the arrival of the guild system. The Orders themselves also support the training of
people in ways of the guilds within their temples as required. Guardsmen, crafters and the Kamhos all
need to learn skills they need to serve the temples. Thus the temples sometimes may host Guild
trainers within their walls, or work in partnership with the Guilds to offer education.
55
RELIGION
The Toraneyan people are devoted to honouring the gods. Toraneyan cities and towns each hold some
form of monument to one of the gods or to a specific Avatar. And there have been many Avatars
acknowledged in Toraneya – perhaps more than in all of the nations of Dantir. The method of
celebration of religion can be very personal to each person in Toraneya. While visiting the temples
and giving prayers and offerings of food or valuables is a regular part of observance, personal prayers
and individual spirituality is just as important.
It is a core belief, taught to all Toraneyan children, that the Sauger people - and the Mea-kai and
Haohaer peoples too - were created in the lands of Toraneya. Every child learns this story-
“Upon the sandy beaches the gods called to the oceans and the creature of the sea responded. They
called to the jungle, and the creatures of the land came to their call. They called to the sky, and the
birds came down to listen. The gods sang to them their song, and the creatures of the world danced.
As they danced, the animals and the fishes and the birds raised up, walking on two feet and reaching
out with new hands so that they could better dance. When the song was over, the Sauger, the Mea-kai
and the Haohaer peoples looked at themselves, and each other, and rejoiced in their new form. The
gods lay upon each the duty of protecting the land, the sea and the sky, and all the creatures in it – the
creatures they had once been. Then the Mea-kai went back to the sea, the Haohaer to the sky and the
Sauger prepared to make a life for themselves from the land. Eventually the Sauger people multiplied
and moved away from the shores where they were born – by sea and by land – and became the Sauger
people of all Dantir.”
Not all Sauger people believe this tale – but it is generally regarded as true by Toraneyans, and if not
true then at least harmless by anyone else.
MAGIC
The Toraneyan people embrace magic the same way as everything else. Magic can be both interesting
and useful, and is learned along with other trades by those who are so inclined. However, those who
pursue magic power for its own sake is sometimes regarded with suspicion, as though the individual is
seeking control over the elements, over the world – a power that should be reserved for the gods.
Hence while magical learning is available at institutions in Toraneya, the teachings are often tempered
with the practical applications and teaching in other skills.
TRADE AND INDUSTRY
The Toraneyan people happily embrace fair trading in all its forms. Trade occurs by both sea
and land. They have adopted the common currency from Septoria. Their lands are rich in
timber, stone, minerals and environment suitable for fruits and crops of a tropical nature, and
products from the sea. In particular the Toraneyans trade with various tribes of Ekhai Lahui, as
often as not in the form of barter. Due to this, the Toraneyans are closer to the people of Ekhai
Lahui than any other peoples, and often Toraneya is the first place a wandering Lahuian will visit.
NAMES AND LANGUAGE
The Toraneyan language has its own written symbology and spoken forms. The Toraneyan
belief that they were the first Sauger of Dantir has led to reluctance to use other languages for
formal and especially religious practices, although the spoken languages of Creole or foreign
languages are accepted as necessary in all other parts of life.
Toraneyan personal names are very individual. Usually names are long with many syllables, but
only one long word. Each part or group of syllables of the name is a description, or title, or name
of a hero or honored relative. But each name is made up of several parts, thus no two names are
ever the same. Often nicknames or shortened version of the personal name are used. In
56
addition, a surname name is used, a kind of family name. However, the surname is associated
with the place of origin of the Toraneyan – their town, or region of a city – rather than their
family linage. In this way a child might have a different surname to both their parents – if the
child is born and raised in a different town than their parents were raised in, etc. In contrast to
the personal name, the local name is very short. Often the local name can be used to identify a
Toraneyan, rather than their long personal name, or instead of a nickname. But when talking to
someone from the same region, the personal name or nickname is used.
Example names (non gender specific): Kanelakhanakra Vichet, Changsurirothenothenom Mau,
Engchawadechasalip Bona, Pheakkleinuon Vithu, Rathanakea Akra, Rothanoudom Maka,
Sovannarithara Chea, Visopichthirith Pich, Khembonakhaeng Oudom, Vanidavishu Soty,
Benjakalyani Oh, Darareaksmey Lou, Kanleakhana Nuon, Mittaheapsothy Sita, Sopheamakutra
Tavy
DRESS
The Toraneyan people dress in loose clothing, suitable for their mostly tropical environment. Flowing
skirts, robes, tunics, pants, scarves and sashes are worn by both genders, in cloth of cotton and silk.
The Toraneyan people enjoy bright colours for clothes and jewellery of gold, silver and precious
stones when available. The Toraneya people are adaptable, and happy to change their appearance to
suit the environment when travelling, but usually retain their preference for bright colours and
decorations.
HISTORY
Toraneya has a long recorded history, the temples keeping careful written records of events large and
small. Many times throughout their history, in times of trouble, the Toraneyan people have
followed the leadership of an Avatar, a spiritual leader said to be born of the gods themselves.
However, there has been remarkably little change in the nation over the recorded centuries. Toraneya
has had many conflicts with their neighbors in Kenaan. According to the Toraneyan histories, the
Kenaani covet the resources and lands of Toraneya, and have sought to take them by force several
times. Each time, the Toraneyan people have rallied to defend their lands, repelling the attacking
Kenaani through sheer force of numbers, even though usually the Kenaani are better armed. The
jungle slopes are no place for the Kenaani favoured cavalry fighting. However, the Toraneyan people
usually do not hold strong feelings against their Kenaani neighbours. When the Avantine invaded the
continent of Dantir, the Toraneyans came to the aid of their neighbours. Subsequently, Toraneya itself
was attacked by the Avantine – all but destroying a temple dedicated to Dahr. But the temple guards,
monks, Kamhos and normal citizens united to fight off the invaders, surprising even the regimented
forces of the Avantine. Such is the dedication the Toraneyans hold to their lands, and to each other.
ENVIRONMENT
The region of Toraneya is mostly tropical, ranging from sandy beaches to denser rainforest and jungle
upon the hillsides that separate the region from its neighbour Kenaan. The region is extremely rich in
many kinds of resources. Stone and mineral mines in the hills; and good lands for farming closer to the
sea, where over the centuries the land has been permanently claimed from the jungle through great
effort.
How others see the Toraneyan people:
Avantine – A lack of desire means that so
long as you leave them alone, they will not
interfere. A mistake we will not make
again.
Eluvian – In the summer sun, it is easy to
bask in the warmth of the gods love. When
the sun turns to night and warmth to the
cold, we will see how the Priests fare then.
Drummon – So much power, so little
direction. Should they actually care about
the world we could be rid of the orax
forever. Instead more of ours die to protect
their sorry temples. For that I have no
respect for them.
Jorgenwyld – I can respect their strength in
combat. I cannot respect their zealous
piety.
Randwelt – The Priests ask for little but
their strength in spirit and strength makes
them a threat to their neighbours. Much to
our delight.
Ekhai Lāhui – They are so close to
understanding yet still so far away! We
feel for them strongly and will try to help
them on their way.
Kenaan – Favoured of the gods? Bah. One
day they will be tested, tried and found
wanting. When that happens, they can cry
to the gods all they wish. No one will hear
them.
Septorian – Spirituality doesn't feed the
body. They don't understand that true
power comes from what you have, not
what you don't.