The Ahlids: Mountain-Born Kin of the Veylani
Overview:
The Ahlids are a unique people born from the mingling of ancient dwarven and elven bloodlines, who have embraced the way of life and worldview of Veylani – human tribes that living in eastern lands of Erriovala continent. Ahlids dwell in the rugged highlands and dense forests of the Erriovala region, blending the craftsmanship and resilience of dwarves, the grace and mysticism of elves, and the shamanistic, nature-bound traditions of the Veylani tribes. As proud members of the Erriovala Tribe Alliance, the Ahlids serve as master smiths, forest guardians, and spiritual mediators.

Geography and Settlement
• Homeland:
The Ahlids inhabit the Kivimetsä (“Stone Forest”)—in Ahlidari: Kivimetsa (kivi = stone, metsa = forest)—a mountainous expanse where towering pines grow among granite cliffs and crystal-clear lakes. Their settlements are carved into mountain caves and nestled in forest clearings, combining dwarven stonework with elven architectural elegance.
• Villages and Strongholds:
Their communities, called Kallidun (kalli = rock/cliff, -dun = fortress), are fortified yet harmonious with nature, featuring stone halls adorned with living vines and glowing runes.

Society and Social Structure
• Clan System:
The Ahlids organize themselves into clans (suku), each descended from a legendary ancestor who embodied the union of dwarf and elf. Clans are led by a Ruhtinas (ruhti = chieftain, -nas = honorific), advised by a council of elders and shamans called Noita (noita = shaman/witch).
• Role in the Alliance:
Within the Erriovala Tribe Alliance, the Ahlids are respected as master smiths, rune-carvers, and spiritual guides, bridging the mystical and material worlds.
• Kinship and Hospitality:
Like the Veylani, the Ahlids hold hospitality sacred, welcoming travelers and allies with feasts and protection.

Language and Names
• Language:
The Ahlid language, Ahlidari, is a lyrical language blending the melodic vowels of elves, the sturdy consonants of dwarves, and the rhythmic intonation of Veylani speech. It uses a runic script combining angular dwarven glyphs with flowing elven curves and Veylani symbols.
• Naming Conventions:
Names often combine natural elements with ancestral honorifics:
◦ Male: Kivemir (“stone jewel”), Elorund (“star guardian”)
◦ Female: Metsalan (“forest home”), Väinla (“river place”)
Clan names often end with -dun (fortress) or -la (home).

Religion and Spirituality
• Animistic Beliefs:
The Ahlids share the Veylani reverence for Haltijat—spirits inhabiting every stone, tree, and stream. They believe these spirits are ancestors and elemental forces guiding their fate.
• Pantheon:
Their deities reflect their mixed heritage:
◦ Kivatar, Earthfather god of stone and craft, protector of smiths and builders.
◦ Metsala, Nature Mother goddess of growth, renewal, and the wilds.
◦ Laulakyntä Väinla, “Song-weaving Lady,” goddess of song, fate, and the northern lights, keeper of ancestral memory.
• Shamanism and Rune Magic:
Shamans (Noita) perform rituals to commune with spirits, heal, and bless weapons. Runes carved into stone and metal serve as conduits for magic and protection.

Economy and Craftsmanship
• Master Smiths and Artisans:
The Ahlids are renowned for forging legendary weapons, armor, and enchanted artifacts. Their craftsmanship combines dwarven metallurgy, elven artistry, and Veylani symbolic motifs.
• Woodcraft and Weaving:
They also excel in carving intricate wooden totems and weaving textiles embroidered with clan and spirit symbols.
• Hunting and Gathering:
Supplementing their craft, the Ahlids hunt forest game and gather herbs, maintaining a deep respect for the balance of nature.

Culture and Traditions
• Festivals:
◦ Rautajuhla (Rauta = iron, juhla = feast/festival): Celebrating Kivatar’s divine craftship with forging contests, offerings, and communal feasts.
◦ Valonpäivä (Valo = light, päivä = day): Honors Laulakyntä Väinla and the return of the sun, featuring song, dance, and storytelling. It happens at days of spring solstice.
• Oral Tradition:
Epic poems and songs recount the deeds of ancestors, the forging of great artifacts, and the harmony between stone and forest.
• Runic Lore:
Runes are central to Ahlid culture, used in magic, history, and art. Their runic system is a unique blend reflecting their tri-cultural roots.

Warfare and Defense
• Warrior-Smiths:
Ahlid warriors are heavily armored but agile, wielding rune-etched weapons forged in sacred forges. They combine dwarven endurance, elven finesse, and human Veylani guerrilla tactics.
• Spirit Blessings:
Before battle, shamans bless warriors and weapons, invoking ancestral and elemental spirits for protection and strength.
• Alliance Defense:
The Ahlids stand as stalwart defenders of the Erriovala Tribe Alliance, guarding mountain passes and sacred sites.

Physical Appearance and Clothing
• Appearance:
Ahlids typically have the pointed ears and slender features of elves, combined with the sturdy build and rugged hands of dwarves. Their skin tones range from pale to earthy hues, often with hair colors from deep browns to silvery blond.
• Clothing:
Their attire blends practical mountain gear with elegant embroidery and rune-inscribed armor pieces. Cloaks woven from forest fibers and lined with fur protect against the cold.

For reference style check "karelian clothes".

Hallagovar: The Maritime Heart of the Erriovala Tribe Alliance
Overview
Hallagovar is a vital sub-alliance within the Erriovala Tribe Alliance, situated in the southern reaches of the vast north-eastern continent. It serves as the crucial maritime and trade link between the northern tribal cultures and the southern realms of Humanierra and Vozneslya. Hallagovar’s people are humans who blend the seafaring traditions of the western Erriovala with the disciplined combat techniques and craftsmanship of the Ahlidea. This fusion creates a society that is both fiercely martial and economically dynamic, known for its superior iron armor, weaponry, and rich coastal resources.

Geography and Environment
• Location: Southern coastal provinces of the Erriovala continent, bordering the cold western steppes and the southern seas.
• Landscape: A diverse terrain of forested low hills, rugged coastlines, and fertile river valleys. The climate is temperate but influenced by northern winds and sea storms.
• Natural Resources: Abundant fisheries, rich fur-bearing animal populations, medicinal herbs from coastal and forested areas, pearls from coastal waters, and sea salt deposits. Copper deposits rival those of the Ahlidea highlands.
• Settlements: Coastal towns and fortified hilltop settlements dominate, with harbors facilitating trade and naval expeditions. Fortifications are common, reflecting the region’s strategic importance and history of raids.

Society and Culture
• Population: Predominantly human, with a strong tribal identity linked to the Erriovala confederation.
• Social Structure: Organized into clans and sub-alliances, each led by chieftains who swear fealty to the Erriovala chieftain council. Clans emphasize martial prowess, craftsmanship, and trade acumen.
• Cultural Traits: Hallagovar culture values a balance of offensive military tactics and strong defensive fortifications. Their warriors are trained in both naval combat and land-based warfare, often equipped with finely crafted iron armor and weapons.
• Language and Names: The Hallagovar tongue incorporates Nordic and Germanic linguistic elements, with place and personal names reflecting natural features, clan heritage, and martial virtues (e.g., Koparvik, Fjellgard, Isdalheim).

Economy and Craftsmanship
• Trade Hub: Hallagovar acts as the primary maritime gateway for the Erriovala Alliance, facilitating trade and cultural exchange with Humanierra and Vozneslya. Their ports bustle with merchants, sailors, and craftsmen.
• Craftsmanship: Renowned for producing superior iron armor and weapons, Hallagovar smiths combine Ahlidea metallurgical techniques with their own innovations. Copper mining and processing are significant economic activities.
• Natural Products: The region exports high-quality furs, medicinal herbs, pearls, sea salt, and copper. Fishing and fur trapping are vital livelihoods for many coastal and inland communities.
• Raiding and Defense: Hallagovar coordinates raids against southern ports, leveraging their naval strength and knowledge of coastal waters. Defensive fortifications protect their settlements from retaliatory attacks.

Military and Warfare
• Tactics: Hallagovar warriors favor a blend of aggressive offensive maneuvers and well-prepared defensive positions. Their combat style reflects the hybrid influence of Erriovala cavalry ferocity and Ahlidea measured discipline.
• Naval Power: Their fleets are skilled in coastal navigation, raiding, and protecting trade routes. Ships are often armed and armored, crewed by seasoned warriors.
• Armor and Weaponry: Hallagovar’s iron armor and weapons are prized throughout the alliance, combining durability with craftsmanship that incorporates runic motifs and practical design.

Religion and Spirituality
• Pantheon: Hallagovar worships deities connected to the sea, trade, warfare, and natural cycles. Their gods embody the harsh northern environment and the tribe’s martial and economic pursuits (e.g., Thalrik, Eirhild, Bergvar).
• Rituals: Maritime blessings, forging ceremonies, and warrior rites are common. Shamans and priests invoke divine favor for safe voyages, bountiful harvests, and victory in battle.
• Cultural Festivals: Seasonal festivals celebrate the sea’s bounty, the forging of weapons, and tribal unity, reinforcing social bonds and spiritual devotion.

Role within the Erriovala Tribe Alliance
• Strategic Importance: Hallagovar is the alliance’s southern bulwark and maritime gateway, enabling exploration, trade, and military expeditions beyond the northern continent.
• Cultural Bridge: Serving as a cultural and economic bridge to Humanierra and Vozneslya, Hallagovar facilitates the flow of goods, ideas, and people, enriching the alliance’s diversity.
• Military Contribution: Their naval and land forces are essential in coordinated raids and defense, complementing the Erriovala’s cavalry and the Ahlidea’s fortified mountain strongholds.
• Economic Contribution: Hallagovar’s exports of copper, furs, herbs, and salt bolster the alliance’s wealth and self-sufficiency.