Shifter

Shifters are one of the major races of Nora. Known to themselves as the aniyuhwuyu, there are six major divisions based on dialect and subculture:

  • Asoyuh-Aisuh (Cliffwalk Tribe)
  • Ganatlai-Ganega (Beasthide Tribe)
  • Gayadahi-Galunusti (Wildhunt Tribe)
  • Gu'hita-Aisuh (Longstride Tribe)
  • Gu'hita-Ganuhdoguh (Longtooth Tribe)
  • Udotluhsu'i-Hayelasdi (Razorclaw Tribe)

Politics


Suda Atsiluh

The Suda Atsiluh, meaning "Six Fires", is the central council of shifters. An atsuhs'tati from each tribe would assemble each summer to hold council, renew kinships, decide tribal matters, and participate in the Sun Dance. New atsuhs'tati would be chosen during this time, if needed. Being one of the atsuhs'tati was considered the highest honor for a shifter; however, the annual gathering meant the majority of tribal administration was cared for by the usual tribal chiefs of each tribe.

Inner Tribal Organization

Tribal chiefs were chosen based upon noble birth and demonstrations of honor, glory and wisdom.

There are two types of inner-tribal societies: Ayastigi, made up of younger men, and Ganuhnawa-Tidineya, for elders, shaman and leaders. The Ayastigi existed to train warriors, hunters, and to police the community. The Ganuhnawa-Tidineya regulated peace ceremonies, selected camp locations, and supervised the Ayastigi during buffalo hunts.

Wakan

Shifters worship either Dhanni, Tala Errin or Yunis and Helos. There are also shifters that are wakan, or blessed, who are also called clerics. To become wakan, a shifter's prayers must be answered by the gods, or they must see a sign from them. Wakan possess great power and act as the tribal healer. They dress in fur and feathers, which is why they are also sometimes called "owlbear men". The clerics are the ones who decide when the time is right to hunt.

Culture


The nomadic shifter tribes survive on hunting, and mastadon is their main food source. These animals are the chief source for items which shifters make from their flesh, hide and bones, such as food, cups, decorations, crafting tools, knives, and clothing. Not a single part of the animal is thrown away except the massive heart which is put in the ground after being killed as a sign of respect for the hunt.

The tribes move following the seasonal migration of mastadon. The shifters create easily disassembled huts that allow the nomadic life of following game. When the shifters domesticated smilodons, the tribes rapidly integrated them into their daily lives. The smilodon has a strong place in shifter culture used as valued pets and guardians. Although shifters hunt other animals, such as elk or antelope, mastadon is the primary game food source.

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