The Ordion men are a fiercely independent, proud and united tribe who supply the bulk of the special amristh grain to Shan’Thai. Their history is somewhat turbulent, firstly splitting from the Thairans, becoming two tribes (the Ordáns and the Dionia) engaging in years of war before finally becoming at peace with all. The Ordions inhabit Ordána and Dion, also encompassing the area in-between where there are various settlements. Despite being a tribe consisting mainly of farmers, they are a rather advanced and sophisticated people.

Appearance. The Ordions are typically dark haired and dark skinned. They display more traits of the humans that have inhabited Aeruillin first of all (referred to as "natives") than of the Avennorian people who integrated themselves into the Thairan tribe. Though the common hair colour is dark brown, although black and lighter shades of brown appear from time to time in this tribe. Occasionally however, there are those who are born with blonde hair. These people are considered to have been blessed by the Aeoliran Goddess of Light, Nakashi, and consequently given higher social standing. Often these people become priests and priestesses of the temples – in fact it is almost expected that these people will do so, as in the eyes of the Ordions, only such people are holy enough to undertake such positions. Hair is never cut amongst those who have been blessed by Nakashi, to do so would imply the person was rejecting their gift. Traditionally hair is kept long in this tribe anyhow – although men tend to keep it trimmed at around shoulder length, women, hip length. Females keep theirs tied back whilst working, but wear it how they wish at other times. This could be as a plait, braid, or simply pulled back and secured with a piece of ribbon. There are no traditional styles as such, although women of higher social standing tend to place many individual plaits within their hair. This sends out the message to others that they are able to have a maid, and the time to engage in such a lengthy process.

Eye colours range between muddy browns and deep greens. Rarely do blue hues occur. Their eyes also tend to be slightly slanted – another trait passed on through the native Aeruillin humans. Often, Ordion faces are also beset with small skin blemishes that seem to be more prevalent when the sun is fiercer. They are small and protrude slightly from skin, the colour slightly darker than that of the skin. Cheekbones are high and defined, even in those who are overweight, and they often have slender, shapely noses. Lips are not red, but yet again take on the looks of the native ancestors, and are light brown in colour. The mouths of this tribe are often wide, meaning that the Ordions possess smiles that are told of in poems and ballads. Their skin is darker than that of a typical Aeruillin tribe; also it seems to reflect the sun, giving them a strange, shiny appearance.

Men are often thickset, well muscled and big boned. Women tend to be similar. Rarely is a slender frame seen amongst this tribe. This does not mean that they are fat – they are a tall people measured by Santharian standards, over two peds on average, so carry off their size well, it is in proportion, although to some smaller tribes and races, the Ordions can seem to be giants!

Coat of Arms/Sign. The current coat of arms is a combination of the individual versions that the separate tribes once used, and more recent symbolism. The individual versions were crude and simple. The original Ordán coat of arms was circular in shape, with a single green amristh stalk placed centrally upon a blue background and a simplistic scythe drawn diagonally across the middle. The Dionia had one which was vertically oblong in shape with a circle in the middle and there was a brown amristh stalk centrally within, upon an orange border.

Now, the coat of arms is circular; to represent the united front that the tribe has, with two amristh stalks crossed centrally, one green, the colour of the Ordáns, and one brown, the colour of the Dionia. These stalks are at the forefront of yet another circle, however, this one is split down the middle with a single black line, representing the fact that this tribe was once split. The background is yellow, the colour of the united Ordions.

Territory. The Ordions have two major cities which they inhabit - Ordána and Dion, which are found in northwestern Aeruillin, along the edge of the Burning Sea. The areas were chosen specifically by the tribe when they started out, as the land was fertile, and suitable for the growing of amristh.

Ordána, although the oldest established city, is the smallest and most modern of the two. This is due to the years of destruction it experienced when the Thairans were at war with the Ordions. It is fairly compact and has many storehouses, as this city is nearer to Shan’Thai than Dion – often much of the amristh harvest is transported to Ordána in preparation for the journey to the large port. Close to two and a half thousand people inhabit the city.

Dion was established a little after Ordána. It was not subject to the constant devastating attacks that its sister city suffered, so it is far larger and more traditional in design. The sprawling layout can be confusing to a visitor. Locals are always happy to point someone in the correct direction though. Around five thousand people live in Dion. They also have numerous settlements between these two cities. These places are where the bulk of the farming takes place, especially those near the outskirts of the two cities. There is an unofficial border, although how far and long it is changes from person to person. It is generally accepted that a little distance to the left of Dion and the right of Ordána, Ordion territory ends.

People. This tribe is not afraid of hard work. They strive to keep their independence, and so many are masters of more than one trade. Besides working the amristh fields, members of this tribe may be the owner of a smithy, run a small farm, weave cloth to sell or brew beverages for consumption. Many would work long hours to achieve everything that needs to be done in a day, rather than ask someone else to help. However, sometimes they become so focused on a project that they ignore those around them, often causing others to take offence at their apathetic behaviour, which eventually brings shame to themselves. Ordions have incredible stamina, focus and determination, which helps them to attain their goals.

They are a little too proud, and some would say snobbish. Although they happily welcome travellers and visitors into their territory, it is likely that the attire and attitude of the stranger would be discussed and compared amongst neighbours and friends. They are polite though, such matters would not affect how they would treat the person – however, to create a good impression amongst the Ordions, it would be wise to be dressed cleanly and neatly.

The pride of the tribe sometimes manifests itself through conflict among young adults. Often males will attempt impossible feats to prove themselves to the females, and fights between two men wanting the same woman can be incredibly dangerous to the general health of the suitors. If a young man has a black eye, often knowing heads are nodded between the older members of society. They know the cause of the affliction.

Ordions have never been good at business though, the reason why they did not survive when attempting to run a port (see History). When breaking from the Thairans, they did not possess the knowledge of trading, bartering and accounting that those they left did. It seems not to be within their nature to understand numbers and money. An Ordion can spend much time and effort making complicated embroidery, but is unable to engage a simple and fair trade. This is part of the reason why they wish to be independent from others – as an Ordion will always get the bad end of a deal, being easily cheated and won over by what they see as superior knowledge of those that they are trading with. They simply do not have the minds for such matters.

Some people within this tribe have an innate weather sense that generally only comes to fruition in later years of life, although they are few and far between. Braèma (the title for the person who is the leader of the Ordions) Brianna was said to have this sense, which is why the tribe prospered well during her years of rule – she was able to tell when the rains were coming, or if the summer was to be unusually hot, and make according orders concerning management of the amristh fields. It is hard to know who truly has such an ability and who does not, as many people claim to possess the ability in order to have the fame and standing that comes with it, so finding a true weather reader is almost impossible.

Since the Ordions live in an area dominated by humans, they have little contact with other races. They would not react negatively towards a dwarf or an elf though, instead, they would make the stranger feel welcome. This would be mainly through curiosity and wanting to seem friendly, more than because they possess a genuine tolerance of all races. They are not like the Thairans, who seem to have little time for any beings other than humans.

The Ordions believe that children should be given the chance to attain knowledge, for people who are intelligent are far more attractive to others than those who are unschooled and untutored. Because of this, schooling is compulsory and provided free of charge to everyone. Children are sent to learn from about four years of age. Along with the traditional subjects of writing, arithmetic and history they also take lessons in skills such as embroidery, cleaning and agriculture. There is no segregation between the boys and girls; both sexes participate in the same lessons. From roughly twelve years of age children will start to learn a trade, and also join relations in the amristh fields for a few days each week. They still attend school though, and only when they are sixteen may they be allowed to leave, although there is an option to stay on for an extra two years for those who wish to become teachers themselves.

Births and deaths are celebrated in the traditional manner, as dictated by the Aeoliran religion. Unusually, they do tend to have marriages in the temple of Jenevére, Goddess of Soul, rather than that of Har’wyn, God of Health. This is for no particular reason, although it is thought that since Jenevére is also seen as being close to mortals, more united with them than the other deities are. This makes them feel closer to her than Har’wyn, and thus wish to celebrate marriages in her temple, than that of her husbands.

Housing. The Ordions are fairly advanced in matters of architecture. They enjoy building houses of unusual shapes and sizes. No house is the same, and like clothing, they see their house as a reflection of themselves. An introvert would build a fairly simple house, with few accessories, whilst an extrovert would build something magnificent, full of colour, made to stand out from the rest. They tend to be one storey only, although those with more important standing may build houses of two, three or even four storeys. The palace in Dion for the Braèma has six storeys, and magnificent engravings all over, showing how important he or she is to the tribe.

The interior is kept clean and tidy, this is important to Ordions – and untidy house would bring shame upon the family. Furnishings are once again as elaborate as the person can afford to be, even simple, poor families take pride in the appearance of their home.

Their temples are matters of tribal pride, often centrally located within cities and settlements. Especially those to Arkon and Sheára, the two Gods which this tribe places great emphasis upon, are fabulous. The God of Creation will have a living, breathing building, full of plants and flowers, constantly tended too. There is a temple in Dion to Arkon that is made only from plants intertwined together, not one stone is present. The Goddess of the Seasons has many Sheáraé-Hairn within Ordion territory, she is a favourite of this tribe, and her temples are lovingly laboured over.

Clothing. Clothing is important to the Ordions. It reflects not only the wearer, but also the respect that the wearer has for the people around him or her. Men and women are taught to sew as children and are able to make complicated and fantastic outfits by the time they are mature. To ask someone else to make your clothes for you is the ultimate compliment – it means that you believe the person’s clothes are of an impeccably high standard, so you wish to wear them. It does not necessarily mean that clothes must be made upon request, it is simply a saying within Ordion culture, such as one may admire a painting upon a wall.

The most unique item of clothing that the Ordions wear is the Waér. This is a large hat with an incredibly wide brim, often up to half a ped in length, woven together from amristh stalks. It is worn during work, keeping the sun off their heads and protecting their skin from the direct glare. This means that they can wear clothes that expose skin the sun. All those who work in the fields wear their Waér, along with a simple outfit, which covers necessary areas from the gaze of others.

Ordions like to dress well during times of relaxation however, they do not simply remain in their work clothes, there are specific outfits for such times. Should a neighbour pop in, then the host must look respectable, to be dirty and dishevelled would be dishonourable towards the visitor. It also works vice-versa – the visitor must show respect for the host in dressing appropriately.

Every Ordion has several sets of special clothes that are worn only on special occasions, such as weddings and festival days. A person often feels nervous when wearing these items, especially if for the first time, as it is a reflection on their embroidery skill, and how much respect they are showing for the occasion. The village gossip will always note the tribe member who is not wearing something suitably flashy and cause embarrassment to that person. Much time is spent on these outfits; precious gems are often sewn throughout the cloth and no expense is spared. Perhaps the most valuable items that an Ordion possesses is what is within his or her wardrobe. Some rich and paranoid members of society will actually employ people to guard their clothing!

Diet. The Ordions like to partake of a varied diet; they enjoy and appreciate different textures and flavours immensely. Along with fish, which is easily accessible, they breed various meats such as inja (a type of goat), jarkras (a small, woolly bear-like creature) and numra (a large bird). Small crops other than amristh are grown, such as polent (a type of desert rice) and thirla (an underground vegetable). Also, there are plenty of edible plants that line the sea. They are specially dried and prepared before being cooked, being considered somewhat of a delicacy within Ordion society.

Ordions love to experiment with different combinations of flavours. They grow a large variety of herbs and spices that they also take to Shan’Thai to trade. A meal in an Ordion inn is a suffusion of so many aromas and flavours that it becomes an experience many people never forget.

Weapons. There was a time when the Ordions were adept in many types of weapons, during the long years of war that the tribe went through, first when fighting each other, then the Thairans. During the more recent, peaceful years they have lost much of this knowledge, although the army is still a formidable force within this tribe, and often in use fending off attacks from opportunist sea pirates that would try to raid the amristh fields during quiet times.

They do have considerable skill when using scythes however – this tool can be deadly in a confrontation. Those who work in the amristh fields like the aura of power their cutter can bring and often carry it around all the time, not just during harvest time when it is needed. An accurate, sweeping stroke can often disembowel an enemy before they can even draw their sword.

Occupations. Men and women are now seen as equals within Ordion society (with a few exceptions), although it was not always the case. There was a belief that women were for childbearing and looking after their husbands only, and that they could do little else, except for those blessed by Nakashi. Arkh Paladis, one of those women who was said to be blessed, and the woman who proposed the plan that would eventually save the tribe (see History), changed this belief however. Although she was killed by her own people for her suggestion, the fact that it eventually saved them led the first Braèma Hacra to declare equal status for both the sexes.

A majority of the Ordions work in the amristh fields, although generally, save those who oversee the sprawling crops, this is not exclusive. Most have another trade, such as a cook in an inn, a builder or a sergeant in the army. There are those who don’t work the crops, such as priests and attendants to the Braèma.

Government. The Ordions are led by the Braèma, which literally means “wiseperson”. It is a hereditary position, the line begun by the man attributed to saving the Ordions, Hacra (see History). The firstborn son takes precedence over any daughters in the passing on of the title, this tribe holds the belief that the wisdom is stronger in the man, for a female can be affected by emotions. However, the greatest Braèma have often been female – during the time of Braèma Brianne the tribe prospered and almost doubled in population, due to her brilliant decisions regarding the management of the amristh fields and excellent foresight regarding seasonal patterns – some even say that she was gifted with the ability to predict the weather. They are considered the wisest member of the entire tribe, and every decision the Braèma makes is regarded as correct and proper, no matter how odd it may seem.

Often the Braéma has numerous partners to which they are bonded, but not married, simply because their position allows them to do so. Also, marriage to one particular person can cause discontent amongst the tribe, as gossips often make out that the person will influence the Braèma - even though decisions they make are correct, it is accepted that outside influences can sway judgement. The Braèma has a palace in both the major cities, along with homes in various settlements – every area of Ordion territory has a place for their leader to stay. He or she will travel throughout their life, never being settled in one place for an extended period of time.

Production/Trade. The Ordions produce the main bulk of the special grain amristh, which is traded in Shan’Thai, mainly with Strata. It is stored in the massive granaries following harvest, and four or five times a year, a portion is sent to Shan’Thai for trading. Also, the herbs and spices this tribe grows are traded, along with Waéré (plural of Waér), which the workers who tend to the Shan’Thai amristh fields are glad to have. The money received in return for the amristh is used to buy items in Shan’Thai that the Ordions are unable to produce themselves, often precious gems and exotic foods which have come from Sarvonia and Nybelmar. They also trade with the Rhulrans, who give them musical instruments in return, and a small portion of amristh is traded with Shan’Zarathan every few years, in order for them to buy water purification equipment.

Natural Resources. Both main cities of the Ordions are on fertile ground near the sea. These spots were chosen specifically, by the tribe in its infancy, as they were suitable for the growing of amristh, and also other crops, such as the herbs and spices the Ordions are so fond of. Also, they are close to the sea, a precious water source. Stones that line the sea bottom are used for building, and there are plenty of edible sea plants within the waters, along with fish. There is, of course, plenty of sand, which has various uses.

Holidays, Festivals and Observances. The Ordions have retained the Aeoliran beliefs that they had when they were Thairans. They are not as devout as their parent tribe however, although they are not slack in their ways. Arkon and Sheára are often bought to the forefront of their worship. The God of Creation is important due to his association with the Earth, and consequently the growing of crops. The Goddess of Death is celebrated more as the Goddess of the Seasons within this tribe, as her turning of them, not matter how slight, can make such a difference to the quality and abundance of the amristh. The Ordions must beseech her not to bring the rains to early, for if she does so and harvest is not finished, it can spell disaster for the crops. There are many Sheáraé-Hairn within Ordion boundaries, and depictions of the Goddess are more favourable than most tribes see her. Priests and priestesses are those people who have been blessed by Nakashi – that is, they have been born with blonde hair, a rare thing amongst this tribe. Those with normal hair colour who have proved themselves devoted to a particular God may be accepted into the priesthood however, although they may never attain to be High Priest or Priestess.

The Ordions do celebrate, every year, the day that they split from the Thairans. This is the fifth day of the second month, and there is often a week-long festival, the grandest taking place in Dion. It is a holiday for everyone; normal, everyday life is suspended. Entertainers line the streets, banquets are prepared, the best outfits are worn, and fun is had by all.

Another celebration is that of the day when the war with the Thairans finally ended. Often, mock battles are staged; re-enactments of what went actually happened. A group of Thairans are sent to be with the Ordions on this day, as representatives of the tribe. They bring gifts, to apologise for the events that have happened in history, which the Ordions accept, offering a small gift of their own in return.

Also remembered is the day when Paladis’ was stoned to death by her own people, for suggesting the plan that would save them all. This is not a day of joy however, it is one of reflection and sadness, and vows by all that such an event will never happen again. Every member, even the youngest of babies with help from their mothers, cast a single stone at a straw effigy of Paladis’, and then take the stone to their heart, and thump their chests. This is done in silence.

Important Achievements. The trading relationship between the Ordions and the Thairans is truly what keeps both the tribes in their comfortable way of living. Their Amristh supply, shipped to Strata and transported from there in the far north, is important to many Sarvonian tribes.

Time Table of the Ordion Tribe * The Rebellion of Garda The workers of Shan’Thai are the lowest of the low within the port city, made up of mainly native humans to Aeruillin, there when the Avennorians discover the continent, and Avennorians themselves who have given cause to be rejected by their people (mainly those who have objected to the treatment of the human natives). They spend long hours slaving in the fields to produce the special grain, amristh. Conditions for them are poor; they are paid little, and often mistreated by their masters. Finally, a worker named Gardra speaks out against the suffering they endure – and is killed for his efforts. He has done enough however, and the workers leave Shan’Thai following a rebellion in which they destroy the fields of amristh. Close to fourty thousand people hope to start a new life. * The Founding of Ordána, the Freedom Settlement Following two months of wandering, a suitable area is found to settle. The land is fertile and near the Sea, suitable for the growth of amristh. It is named Ordána, an ancient Aeruillin word that loosely means “freedom” or “broken away”. They call themselves the Ordáns, loosely meaning “free people”. Amristh production is started immediately, with a vision that they can take the trade from Shan’Thai. * The Cracks in midst of the new Liberty After ten years of hard labour to get Ordána up and running, they add the prefix Shan, meaning port. Now "Shan Ordána“, they declare themselves to a place of trade like "Shan‘Thai“. The word has been spread about the new port by Ordáns who have infiltrated Shan’Thai, whispering in ears of a new place of trade. Initially they do well, as Amristh production in Shan’Thai has been almost non-existent for some time. Shan'Thai is not worried by this new development however, seeing the fledgeling traders as only a small pile of bricks next to their vast city. The Thairans do not see the Ordions as a threat in any way, so simply allow the tribe to continue with their efforts. The Ordions lack the business skills that their former masters possessed, so are cheated by many people who see them as inexperienced and consequently an easy swindle. It is disheartening for the tribe. Cracks begin to appear in the original unity that they possessed. * The Splitting and the Founding of Dion and the Dionia Only fifteen years after becoming a port, sales are dwindling due to the unprofessional approach the Ordáns take to trading. A group of disgruntled people decide that the only way to solve the situation is to start afresh, and leave. They move a little way down the coast and find another suitable spot to start a settlement. It is named Dion, and the people name themselves the Dionia. It takes ten years of intensive labour for Dion to become Shan’Dion. The fierce determination of the Dionia makes such a feat of building an entire city from scratch possible. Understandably, residents of Shan’Ordána are unhappy about this. Their sales barely allow them to survive, and they cannot afford competition. * The Ordán Attack of Shan'Dion For the first time, a leader is elected by the Ordáns. The first leader Goran (son of Gardra) grants himself the title Arkh, which is used by the leaders of any port town. He immediately declares war on Shan’Dion. This means that only thirty-three years after the united group of workers who pledged to stay together and destroy Shan’Thai started up a new settlement, does the first real battle between them begin. The people of Shan’Ordána instigate the first attack against Shan’Dion, and taking them by surprise they manage to destroy a good quarter of the amristh fields. A counter attack swiftly follows. And so begins a war that lasts fifty years. Following the first surprise attack, little damage is done to either side by any attacking forces. This is due to the trek each army faces to launch an attack, and also the lack of fighting experience each people have. * The Rejected Peace and the Forming of the Rhulrans People from Shan’Ordána are once again disgruntled, and a group travel without the knowledge of Arkh Goran to Shan’Dion, in an attempt to make peace. They skirt around the attacking forces and enter the city, seeking out those Dionia who also wish for peace. They present their case to the council of Shan’Dion. It is dismissed, and they are told to join the fight or to leave. The people leave, and eventually become the Rhulrans, holding on the united spirit that the Ordáns once had. * The Reunion of the Ordáns and the Dions in the Fight against the Thairans In the later years of the war, the attacks become less frequent, until they suddenly stop coming from Ordána. The Dionia presume that they have won the war. Then, a few Ordáns on horseback arrive, with no army following behind. They shout an unintelligible warning from the distance, but are shot by archers before they can reach the city. A few days later, thousands of Ordáns are seen on the horizon, more than have ever been seen before. Upon sighting the city, they hold up their hands, and remain in the same place, some distance from the city. They do not look like a fighting force, they are bedraggled, and a look of desperation is seen upon their faces. They are not attacked – it is obvious that they are in no condition to fight. There has always been a sense of unity amongst these people, so weapons are laid down until the situation is explained. One Ordán is allowed into the city, and he explains that the city of Shan’Ordána and its surrounding settlements have been ravaged by the army of Shan’Thai. It seems that the Thairans have finally been riled enough by the competition and want to destroy the two new ports that have been slowly bleeding them of trade. The army is only a day away. Naturally, the Dionia are suspicious – there is fifty years of hatred between these two tribes – and allow only women and girl children into the city, the male Ordáns must remain where they are. They would be allowed in if Shan’Thai’s army were seen. Preparations for battle are made. Sure enough, the next day the army is seen on the horizon, the male Ordáns are allowed into the city and given weapons. They fight together, side by side for the first time in half a century. The Thairans are unprepared for such an onslaught, believing that they could take the city by surprise, banking on the fact that any Ordáns making it to Dion would be killed immediately, and consequently unable to give a warning. They are massacred. It is a great day for the two tribes, and it is decided that the war between them should end. They merge into one people, determined to work through the turmoil and rebuild the devastated Shan’Ordána. The newly christened Ordions set to work once more, following the renewal of the united spirit that they held so long ago. * The Thairan Occupation of the Ordions A mere ten years pass, and the struggling Ordions are attacked once more by the Thairans. The attackers have learnt from their past mistakes, and easily overrun the tribe. So the occupation of the Ordions begins. Both towns are stripped of their port status and all members of the tribe are sent to work the amristh fields for excessive hours. The entire crop is rerouted to Shan’Thai, and once more, the port city begins to grow in wealth. * First Uprisings against the Thairan Rule Thirty years into the occupation, and the first uprisings have been easily quashed. Yet, the people still cling to some sort of hope that they might be delivered from their situation. * The Long Way Back to Freedom Seventy years have passed and hope only exists as a glimmer in the dark recesses of the minds of the Ordions. Few are alive who remember the days of freedom; to the new generations the occupation is simply normality. The underground organisations gain few victories. * Unexpected Assistance: The Rhulrans A full century into the occupation, and the tribe is really suffering. Their masters have not treated them kindly, many are stricken with illness and all are underfed. Resistances have been easily broken, and the perpetrators executed as an example to all. Then, whispers of help creep amongst the dilapidated tribe. The underground organisations have a new plan – finally! Hope is renewed. It turns out that the group of people they cast out during the years of war with each other have prospered. They call themselves the Rhulrans and they are willing to help. An underground network of epic proportions is put into place. The Thairans have long since settled into the belief that they cannot be moved, and so suspect nothing. If anything is seen, it is only laughable in the eyes of the arrogant Thairan tribe. So, people are fed and treated for their sicknesses. Then they are armed, and a plan of battle is drawn up. * The Victory over the Occupants A full one hundred and one years, eleven months and four days following the capture of the Ordion tribe by the Thairans, an epic battle is fought. The Occupiers are caught unaware and are easily chased out from the territory. There are great celebrations that night. They immediately set out to rebuild the ports, hoping once again to become Shan’Ordána and Shan’Dion. A woman named Paladis, who is Nakashi blessed, is the new Arkh. She is put there as a symbol of thanks to the Goddess of Light, for her help in defeating the Thairans. * The Stoning of Arkh Paladis During the first month into her leadership, Arkh Paladis realises that Shan’Thai will return stronger than ever, and it was only a matter of months before they did. She is a clever and wise woman and formulates a plan that she believes is the only way out of the situation. Upon proposal to her people however, there is such outrage that she is stoned to death, unable to get away from the angry crowd in time. This moment has been remembered in many tragic ballads and stories within Ordion life, they are not proud of what they did. * The Long Awaited Peace One man in the crowd did not throw stones when Paladis announced her plan. His name was Hacra, and he was a simple field worker. He managed to see what the rest of his tribe did not – that Paladis’ Plan was indeed feasible and likely to save them from reoccupation. He realised that time was precious, and travelled to Shan’Thai with only his horse for company. By disguising himself by wearing a full-length garment that covered himself fully, he entered the city. He would have been killed on sight should he have been discovered. He rode to the palace of the Arkh, and requested an audience, stating that he knew how to save Shan’Thai. Perhaps there was some sort of divine intervention upon that day, for he was let in and allowed an audience with the most important man in the city. Hacra spoke with confidence, telling Arkh Damran the Second of Paladis’ Plan, these are his exact words, as recorded by the scribe – “Please listen to what I have to say before you kill me. I am an Ordion. My people wish only for freedom. You wish for your wealth and prosperity. We can provide you with this, if you can too grant our boon. In return for our promise not to trade amristh within our cities, and to sell all our crops to you, we ask that you do not engage with us in the art of war again. In agreeing to this arrangement, both tribes prosper and survive. You may kill me now, if you wish, for I am done.” Luckily, Arkh Damran saw that the plan was good, and beneficial to the Thairans. Hacra was allowed to live. Arkh Damran sent his army to Ordána, this time not bearing weapons however, but gifts of food, cloth and basic supplies. The Ordions accepted the offering, and so peace was finally made between the two tribes. The prefix of Shan was dropped from the two cities of the Ordions, so they were simply Ordána and Dion once more. Hacra was elected to be the first Braèma (Tharian – Wiseperson) of the Ordions.