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Boromir: "Is it not a strange fate that we should suffer so much fear and doubt for so small a thing? So small a thing!"
- J. R. R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring II:10

Ayten

Ayten Camp

The Ayten were a nomadic desert people of Greater Harad. They were of Apysaic stock, however they differed from other Apysaic peoples (both settled and nomadic) by their humane and life-affirming culture, their matriarchal societal structure, and their belief in complete equality. The Ayten were generally opposed to slavery and avoided violence, except when necessary for self-defense purposes. They spoke a language that had some similarity to Harûze.

Political Structure[]

The Ayten's political structure is based on the Tanat, meaning "Clan." Seven major clans roam the lands of Sîrayn. The Ennat or Matriarch of each is the leader of the clan. In times of war, there is an Alaka (Warlord), usually the eldest brother of the Matriarch, who leads warriors into battle, but the Matriarch always has a say on how war will function. Once a year, the clans all meet at Rintark so that goods can be exchanged and marriages arranged between clans. After this, they return to the mountains for their summer pasturage.

Societal Structure[]

Women are highly revered in Aytanna society. The clan structure is matriarchal and marriage is matrilocal (a husband moves in with his wife's family). This cements the bonds between clans and families. Social activities and personal activities and decisions are influenced, if not controlled by the clan, but freedom of choice is respected within these bounds.

Ownership of goods is generally considered to be clan-wide, though some skilled and hard-working laborers may be considered to have personal property. There are no slaves among the Ayten, and they abhor the concept of it.

A clan is viewed as a large, extended family. There are groupings of extended families beneath a clan, known as an Aysat (pl. Ayset, perhaps "band"), who procure food and water for one another. Clans have ownership of specific wells, and their locations are highly guarded.

During the winter, the bands meet and move to lower elevation so they can raise their cattle.

Military Structure[]

Both men and women fight among the Ayten. Boys and girls are trained in arms at the age of nine. They favor the faranj, a one-edged, curved longsword, though some teach the use of the javelin. Most combat is waged from horseback, and all children are taught how to ride. They favor hit and run tactics, and will rarely meet another on the field of battle.

Currency[]

The Ayten mint no coins, and rely on a barter system. However, their economy does include coins minted among other peoples of the Sîrayn.

Appearance[]

The Ayten are humble and usually dress plainly. On festival days and clan meetings they may wear decorative headveils and fine jewelry, but the outward display of wealth is otherwise rare.

Diet[]

The Ayten usually eat camel's milk and goat's milk, dried fruits and vegetables, and some grains. In the summer they eat more fresh fruit and vegetables.

References[]

  • MERP:Greater Harad
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