Eight Horse Clans of Lumban
The *Eight Horse Clans of Lumban* are the proud and nomadic peoples who roam the vast, rolling plains of their homeland, bound together by shared ancestry, deep-rooted traditions, and an unshakable reverence for their horses. Though each clan governs itself independently, they come together two or three times a year at *Il-Father*, the sacred gathering ground, to settle disputes, arrange marriages, and trade livestock.
- **Life on the Roaming Plains**
Each of the eight clans follows the great herds, moving with the seasons to ensure their horses, cattle, and sheep have fresh pastures. Their lives are deeply entwined with their steeds—horses are not just transportation but companions, symbols of status, and even spiritual guides. Clanspeople are raised in the saddle, learning to ride before they can walk, and every major life event, from birth to death, is marked with equestrian rites.
Their homes are sturdy, round *yaras*, portable dwellings made of felt and wood that can be packed up and transported quickly. Despite their nomadic nature, each clan claims ancestral lands within Lumban, to which they return when the herds require rest or during times of hardship.
- **The Eight Clans and Their Ways**
Each of the eight clans has its own customs, warbands, and specialties:
1. **The Karaj** – Known as the *Storm Riders*, they breed the fastest warhorses in Lumban. Their warriors are feared for their lightning-fast raids and unmatched skill with the bow. 2. **The Ulnar** – The *Bone Keepers*, tasked with preserving the histories of Lumban through oral tradition and sacred carvings on ivory and stone. 3. **The Galtai** – Called the *Great Herdlords*, they control the largest horse herds and hold enormous influence over the trade of mounts. 4. **The Veshkar** – Masters of steel and leather, they are the *Forgers of the Plains*, crafting the best weapons, tack, and armor. 5. **The Orzhen** – Known as the *Sky Walkers*, they are spiritual guides who interpret omens from the stars and winds. They hold the greatest sway at the Il-Father gatherings. 6. **The Brannai** – Fierce warriors and mercenaries, they are the *Shield of Lumban*, hired by other clans for protection and battle. 7. **The Selkai** – Called the *Riverborn*, they make their camps along the great rivers, mastering fishing and boat-building, a rarity among the horse clans. 8. **The Durnai** – The *Silent Watchers*, experts in espionage and assassination. They are both feared and respected, ensuring balance among the clans.
- **Il-Father: The Gathering of the Clans**
Several times a year, the clans converge at Il-Father, a vast, ancient plateau where their ancestors once swore their first oaths of unity. Here, under the watchful eyes of their gods and elders, decisions are made that shape the course of all Lumban. Marriages between clans are arranged to strengthen alliances, grievances are aired and settled, and young warriors prove themselves in fierce contests of riding, archery, and combat.
Trade at Il-Father is legendary—thousands of horses exchange hands, along with finely worked leathers, weapons, and rare goods taken from the fringes of Lumban. Diplomacy is as important as any warrior's strength, and skilled negotiators often wield more power than swords.
Though the clans are often scattered across the plains, their unity at Il-Father reminds them that they are all Lumban—proud riders of the endless steppe, bound by blood, honor, and the rhythm of hooves on the earth.
