Recluse

 
The island of Recluse is a beautiful place inhabited by the Claichtan Oir, known to the outside world as the Claitans. The Claitans practice the ideals of order and balance with nature. Located on the northern coast of Khorarda, Recluse experiences mild summers and cold winters. Rugged highland cliffs rise several thousand feet above the sea, and fertile plains ensure a bountiful harvest for the country's farms. The rugged beauty of the island serves a perfect setting for the stern exuberance of its inhabitants.

Early History

Little is known about the Claitans before they arrived on Recluse. Their society, traditions, and their magic grew from the struggles of the first nomadic tribes who settled on the island. Survival during the long winter months was extremely difficult. Under the leadership of a chief named Cruithain the tribe developed a philosophy of strict self-discipline that enabled them to cultivate their fields during their short summers and construct robust shelters against the ice and snow.

A generation of Claitans prospered and multiplied while Cruithain was their chief. When he died he left no heir so he was succeeded by his top advisor, a priest named Wae. During Wae's time the Claitans continued to pursue the virtues of discipline and perseverance that Cruithain had instilled in them. Wae put Cruithain's teachings into written form and expounded on them.

Wae is known to have said "Know thyself." Self-knowledge follows closely behind the knowledge of God, and self-knowledge for anyone means knowledge of sin. "My own heart shows me the way of the ungodly."

Recent History

Within the last two centuries a great debate has arisen among the Claitans over the nature of discipline and order. Two very different view points are represented by the Cormaens and the Seyrteans. Both groups believe that there are always consequences to doing something well and that these consequences affect the world around them.

The Cormaens teach that the concentration of order in the local area has a tendency to increase the chaos in the world. The Cormaens say that the exchange of order and chaos is usually so diffuse that it is of no consequence. However, great acts of order need to be weighed against need. Their mode of magic draws its power by transferring order from the outside world to the mage's control. The Cormaens argue that all magic is powered by such means, thus proving their view point is correct.

In contrast, the Seyrteans believe that chaos is transformed into order, or vice versa by every event and process that occurs. They believe that chaos can (and ought to be) reduced, but doing so requires wisdom and sacrifice. To act without wisdom is to increase chaos. Their mode of magic draws its power by using knowledge and toil to convert the unfocused energy of chaos into a coherent product of the mage's will. The Seyrteans argue that all magic is powered likewise, thus proving their viewpoint is correct.

Some followers of Wae believe that Humility, Generosity, Love, Kindness, Self Control, Faith, and Zeal need to be used to resist and ultimately over come the depravity of the Odium, Romanium, and Germanium. Most understand that this could take centuries and it is more important to defend the tranquil and ordered life from outside invasion from people who covet fruits of order but are unwilling to practice the discipline required to create excellence.

The teaching of Wae guides this civilization. If things are worth doing they are worth doing very well. Goods from this region are highly desired because of their high quality and superior durability.

Chanton Magic

The Claitans have used Wae's teaching to develop Chanton magic. They use Chantons to enhance many aspects of life and work, from the smiths laboring at their forges to the warriors defending their homeland. Every Chanton has a specific purpose, or focus. Most Claitans know at least a dozen Chantons, and the highly skilled may know hundreds!

Minor Chantons can be sung, hummed, or even whistled alone, but the more powerful Chantons often require three or more participants. A group of people engaging in a shared Chanton is called a Choron. The smallest Chorons are composed of a Pellor, who leads the Chanton, and one or more Resonors who follow the Pellor. Depending on the complexity of the Chanton, the Resonors may echo the Pellor or they may answer the Pellor with counterpoints and alternating rhythms. Larger Chorons are used for massive building projects and for the support of the Reclusian army in times of war.

Chantons can focus the minds of the participants on a specific task, enhance the senses, and reduce reaction times. Chantons are typically a highly social form, and participants report feeling a sense of calm and a heightened awareness of the rest of the Choron. Some even claim to gain an almost telepathic link with their Choron within the focus of the Chanton.

The Claitans pass down Chanton magic through apprenticeships, and they rarely accept non-Claitan apprentices. Solo Chantons are the easiest to learn, while the role of Pellor is is quite difficult to master.

All Chantons require the use of Wae Agents. Most agent requirements are specific, and complex Chantons often require more than one agent. Two of the more common agents are Shum Moss and Tesheld seed oil. Both Shum Moss and Tesheld weed grow wild on the island, and local farmers cultivate these crops as well. However, the growing capacity on the island is limited and the annual usage often exceeds supply. Therefore the Claitans must look to their neighbors in Keldeg to supplement their stocks.