Akela

Akela covers the middle of western Eria, a wide grassland ringed by dense forest to the north, south and east, where a league of five great tribes rules, united in reverence for the Eagle. The Akela are red-skinned and notably tall; travelers claim half the grown men top six feet. They wear buckskin loincloths in summer and bison-hide robes, leggings and boots through the heavy winter snows. Hairstyles differ among the five clans, but no Akela will willingly cut their hair, and braids or ponytails three or four feet long are common.

They are nomads who follow the vast bison herds across the plains, riding a tamed breed of wild horse with great skill. The bison gives them most of their food and the material for clothing, shelter, ornaments and countless tools, so every boy learns tracking and, above all, archery from horseback. When on the move they live in hide-covered teepees that are quick to raise, strike and carry. They are fine craftsmen in hammered silver and gold jewelry set with gems, the raw materials probably coming from the northern hills of Akwatuk.

The Akela almost never quarrel among themselves but are extremely warlike toward others, often raiding the Kutchin and Tamarac. Like the Tamarac they prefer close combat with stone axes, clubs and bison-horn daggers, and they prize counting coup: tapping a foe in a vital spot with an ornate wooden coup stick, meant to cause no harm, to show courage and scorn for the enemy's skill. Their religion likewise honors bravery; they worship the Great Spirit, which takes many forms and is symbolized by the eagle, and eagle feathers awarded for valor measure a warrior's prowess and his favor with the Spirit.