Havar

Havar is Alba's most populous region, a country of rolling plains and thick forest with Skye on its northern border, Avalon northeast, Arden east and the sea to the south and west; the corsair haven of Cymbri also lies on its western coast. Its fair-skinned, usually brown-haired people live under the druids. The High Druid is both spiritual and political head, Guardian of History, Teacher and Keeper of Stonehenge, and students come from around the world to learn Druidism, History, Music, Nature and similar subjects from him; anyone may attend so long as they show him respect and behave properly.

Religious rules are strict. Foreigners are welcome but may not speak of, or even display the symbols of, any faith but Hawwa's. Out of respect for the druids, the Havar wear no fur or hides and think those who do are barbaric. They live mainly on fruit, vegetables and herbs, hunt only what they truly need, and offer part of every kill to Hawwa, yet they are skilled hunters and trackers with short bow, dagger and spear. They write in druid-taught runes, prize bardic skill and elemental magic, keep clean, orderly settlements, and raise cows and goats mainly for milk. They know little metalworking and make most tools of wood and stone.

The High Druid is an absolute monarch who makes every law and settles every dispute, but the Elder Druids choose his successor and will join to remove one who endangers the peace. Each of the four districts has an Elder Druid above the druid chieftains of its settlements. Aw, home of Stonehenge and Hwarrum, is the most prestigious; Awtam is the southwestern coast through which trade flows to Ys and the south; Ashara in the east separates Aw and Awtam from Arden; and Havoc is a disputed arc from northeast to southwest hemmed in by Cymbri, Skye and Arden. All settlements are huge circular communal houses of fine oak, round in Hawwa's honor.

Havar is far from peaceful. Cymbrians and Ska bands raid its borders and Havar strikes back, making Havoc a battleground for all three peoples. Cymbrian ships harass the whole coast and their warriors cross into Havar by land; the Ska rarely come by sea but make short raids over the land frontier, and Arden's Sidhe often meddle in human affairs. Havar's only close ties are with its main trading partners, Avalon and Ys.