Maiko's Note
They don’t build cities. They ride them. Every ranch is a moving poem—hooves, wind, and sun. I’ve always admired their way of living: not by borders or laws, but by the rhythm of grass and sky.
The Awashalani were never conquered. They just made a deal, rode in from the sunrise, and charmed the Empire into leaving them be. That’s the thing about them—you can’t pin them down, but they’re not lawless either. They’re grounded in ways that don’t need fences.
And if you walk the henge at dawn and feel the light touch your skin, you’ll understand something wordless that only the plains can teach.
They live in rhythm with the world. Not behind it.
The Riding Poets
Shindjal: Awashalani
Faction:
Awashalani
“The sun rises, the herd moves, and the land remembers its path.”
1. Overview
The Awashalani are a plains-dwelling people known for their horsemanship, sun rites, and deep-rooted traditions. Though absorbed into the Imperi kòu Hanjelani, they retain a distinct cultural identity grounded in clan structure, seasonal cycles, and a strong sense of ancestral continuity. Their society is built not around cities, but around ranches - widely scattered family estates, each largely self-sufficient but united through trade and shared solar observance.
2. Origins & Background
The Awashalani are descended from the plainsfolk of the generational ship Theseus. Early after landing, their ancestors moved into the vast grasslands of Shawadjàn, where they began domesticating animals and tracking seasonal migrations. Their name comes from awashar (horse) + -lani (people).
They famously re-bred the small Falabella horses of Earth into the powerful Faradun, a line of strong and resilient warhorses suited to Madun’s expansive terrain. Though under Imperial rule today, the Awashalani were never conquered by force. Instead, they integrated voluntarily, trading their strength in cavalry and livestock for autonomy and continued prosperity.
3. Cultural & Environmental Context
Awashalani culture revolves around three pillars: the sun, the horse, and the clan. They live in scattered ranches, each ruled by extended family elders. While they do not form towns or cities, they are not nomads - each family maintains deep ties to their land and its henge.
Solar henges serve as cultural centers: ritual spaces for festivals, seasonal tracking, and clan gatherings. These sites are carefully maintained and protected, aligning with the cycle of Daninsha, the star goddess they honor.
Awashalani clothing is practical but decorated - cloaks and saddlecloths are often stitched with sun-shaped runes, and warriors may paint ceremonial designs onto shields, horses, or garments during festivals. Tattoos, especially facial ones, are rare and viewed as uncultured - more common among the Kosuklani or Pashevalani.
4. Role in the World
Though peaceful by temperament, the Awashalani field one of the most respected cavalry forces on the continent. They trade all kind of agricultural goods like grains, wool, and leather. Their military contribution to the Empire includes:
Fast-moving archer cavalry trained in ambush and retreat tactics.
Elite heavy cavalry wielding long lances, often armored and mounted on powerful Faradun steeds.
While they do breed the massive Krovil, these beasts are not used in war. Their bulk is valued for transport and agricultural strength, not battlefield speed.
The Awashalani maintain good standing with the Empire, benefiting from state-backed trade of horses, grain, and beasts. They also share ideological ties with the Kosuklani, though the latter are more ascetic and nomadic. The Awashalani prize stability, and many see Empire cooperation as a way to protect that.
5. Language & Terminology
Awashalani = People of the Plains (awashar = horse)
Awashar = horse
Faradun = rebred warhorse descended from Earth’s Falabella
Awasharana = horse-herder or ranch master
Daninsha = “Our Star” – sun goddess
Henge = stone circle marking seasonal changes
Hanjeran = toward the future / post-solstice period
6. Notable Locations & Figures
Sacred Henge of Shanrah - The oldest known henge still in use. It marks the longest day of the year with perfect solar alignment.
Makel the Elder - A legendary horse-breeder and advisor who helped negotiate early Awashalani terms with the Empire.
Yelun of the River Ranch - Celebrated warrior and poet, remembered for her twin bow style and fierce loyalty to the plains.
7. Lore Snippets & Anecdotes
“A fence is just a slow death.” - Awashalani proverb
“She who knows the path of the sun will never lose her way home.”
Children are taught to read the shadows of henge stones before they are taught numbers.
Maiko's Note
They don’t build cities. They ride them. Every ranch is a moving poem—hooves, wind, and sun. I’ve always admired their way of living: not by borders or laws, but by the rhythm of grass and sky.
The Awashalani were never conquered. They just made a deal, rode in from the sunrise, and charmed the Empire into leaving them be. That’s the thing about them—you can’t pin them down, but they’re not lawless either. They’re grounded in ways that don’t need fences.
And if you walk the henge at dawn and feel the light touch your skin, you’ll understand something wordless that only the plains can teach.
They live in rhythm with the world. Not behind it.
