Who are the Ashlanders? They are the nomadic people of Morrowind, but what are their beginnings? Everything started at Summerset Isles, when the Prophet Veloth led a group of Altmer from the Summerset Isles. These Elves later became the Chimer under the guidance of the Daedric Lords Azura, Boethiah, and Mephala. This group settled in the land we now know as Morrowind.
Over time, the culture of high Velothi vanished and the people divided into several tribes. Because Morrowind (or known then as Resdayn) was plagued by Nord invaders, some of these tribes consolidated, eventually pushing away the Nord invaders, and gave up their nomadic ways, settling in cities and worshipping the Tribunal. These tribes eventually grew into the Great Houses of Morrowind as we know them today.
The rest, those who kept their nomadic ways, those that decided to stay true to Good Daedra and teachings of Veloth, those are the Ashlanders, keeping old traditions alive.
Religion
So what traditions? They don´t have a religion as we know, they rather practice shamanistic ancestor worship of not only their forefathers, but of Good Daedra as well - Azura, Boethiah and Mephala. There are several Ancestor cults, each Ashlander tribe having their own Ancestor cult.
The religion is usually passed on by an Oracle-Seer, Wise Woman with the gift of prophecy, who is protected by group of holy warrior-heroes, the chief being the Warrior-Protector of the cult. The dream visions and prophecies of the Wise Women are a respected tradition, and are usually passed on their successors.
Ashlanders also honor their dead, constructing burial caverns where they bury their dead. These caverns are guarded by ancestor spirits, most likely spirits of those who were buried there. Is itnecromancy? Ashlanders don’t think so. Most likely, the dead willingly decide they will guard those caverns, because it is an honor to protect their earlier ancestors from desecration. It is this which ties into Ashlander’s belief that necromancy is heresy, mainly profaning the bones or spirits of their ancestors.
The Ashlanders do not dwell on things which they have lost, but rather look foward with hope on what the future will bring from these losses. Words of the Wind clearly depicts that with this:
I will not pray for that which I've lost
When my heart springs forth
From your soil, like a seed,
And blossoms anew beneath tomorrow's sun.
Another interesting thing about Ashlanders is their Nerevarine Cult. Since both the Temple and the Empire had outlawed the Cult it had a relatively small following, made up primarily of just a few wise women and their protectors.
This cult believed that the Ancient Dunmer hero Nerevar would be reborn, uniting the Dunmer, pushing the Empire out of Morrowind and restoring the pure, traditional life and faith of old Velothi. The Cult also believed that the Tribunal are false gods and this Nerevarine wouldunmake them. And we know how that ended up, don’t we?
On another note concerning Nerevar, the Wise Women would tell tales of one Alandro Sul, a shield-companion of Nerevar. Apparently, this Alandro Sul came to live with the Ashlanders after the death of Nerevar, eventually leaving behind a set of Wraithmail. This artifact has since been lost, but it is said that whoever wears the Wraithmail, or perhaps even uses just one Ringlet, will be endowed with the spirit of Alandro Sul and thus be possessed by him.
In more recent events, after the Red Year the people of Morrowind dismissed Tribunal as false gods and Dissident Priests took control over the Temple, restructuring it into New Temple. The doctrine again became focused on worshiping Good Daedra (Reclamations) and implemented a more tolerant policy towards Ashlanders and their beliefs. Indeed, the new doctrine actually honored them, because Ashlanders were seen as following the “true vision” for a millenia while Great Houses were blinded by Tribunal. Many Dunmer seek counsel of Wise Women now, just as they worship Good Daedra again.
Tribal Hiearchy
As Ashlanders are nomads and their society is of a tribal nature, the hiearchy plays a very important role in their lives. There are few titles and roles that define every member of tribe, so let’s take a look at them.
Society
The Ashlander society is comprised of nomadic camps which have portable huts of hides stretched on chitin frames which can be quickly dismantled and packed atop a guar when moving to new hunting grounds and grazing grounds for their guar and shalk. The Ashkhan of the tribe has a much larger yurt, though the khan's hut is simply a larger, more elaborate version of a family hut. Some particular qualities exclusive to these Ashlander camps include reed windchimes, organic lanterns of varoius colors, as well as decorative bug bowls.
The majority of Ashlanders serve the tribe as scouts, herders or hunters, with each tribe also having a healer who can be either Oracle-Seer or any other member. As the Ashlanders are nomadic, the herds must be looked after and food must be hunted, but the herders and hunters are also charged with guarding the treasures of the land that nourish the Ashlanders and make them strong. The herders are responsible watching over the tribe's herds of guar and shalk, as well as butchering them for their meat to feed the tribe. The herders will also tan the guar hides, render the shalk resins, and season the shalk shells. The craftsmen of the tribe will take these things and make the things the tribe needs, as well as what they will sell to traders and other tribes; they will use the shalk resin to bind their chitin into weapons and armor. The herders and hunters also serve as warriors beside the Ashkhans and Gulakhans when war arises between tribes.
Culture and Customs
As previously stated, Ashlanders are nomads and are heavily influenced by their tribal nature. Their whole economy and society is based on the nomadic herder-hunter foundation. They herd guar and shalk and hunt wild guar along with any other wildlife.
Unconcerned with becoming wealthy, theyfind pleasure in simpler things. Almost all of their belongings are made from the enviroment around them. Weapons, armors and even clothes are all organic and of simple design.
They find pleasure in hunting, in taking their time while sneaking up on their prey and surprising it with a swift silent arrow. These virtues come from the Daedra they worship, namely Boethia, teaching them to be quiet, patient, and cunning.
While they can meet all their needs out there in wild, by hunting, herding, and gathering, they often trade with travellers or Great Houses, typically guar hides, shalk resins, and sometimes even ebony.
In their relations with other tribes, traditionally Ashlanders claim the right to raid other Ashlander tribes, and non-Ashlander settlements, for booty and slaves. This raiding is generally done to prove strength, as well as to gain goods and respect. Even though they claim this right, the Ashlanders will not usually attack such folk as travelling traders, caravans, and goods shipments unless they feel that the persons involved had wronged them in some way.
When feuds between tribes arise, they may be settled by the champions of the tribes, however wars sometimes do occur. They have strong militaristic and authoritarian traditions grounded in their ancestor worship. When war erupts almost all members of the tribe, not just the champions and warriors, participate in the fighting. Typically Ashalnder weaponry is made of chitin, namely basic bows, spears, swords, daggers and the like. The Ashlanders are also excellent fighters while in their own territory, even outmatching the Empire’s legions. Wars are typically avoided for the most part, mainly due to the fact that the Ashlanders are very few and the lives of their people are too dear to waste. They are, however, extremely brave once in battle.
Among their own, their etiquete is very proper and polite, which means they quite easily take offense from outsiders. Outsiders are expected to be courteous, provide gifts to Ashlanders - who sometimes even name a gift they desire. Gifts are considered a token of courtesy among strangers and affection among friends.
When an outsider first enters the camp, a gift is a sign that the stranger is cautious, considerate, and aware of the other’s wants and needs. Many traders and travellers familiar with Ashlanders´ society know that gift can be difference between death and life, asAshlanders will draw weapons if they feel offended. Gifts of money are usually taken as tokens of deference and respect.
It is considered rude to enter the yurt of an Ashkan or Wise Woman without permission and is seen as incosiderate to enter a yurt unclean. Ashlanders may challange a stranger who enters a yurt without an invitation, though forgiveness maybe be granted if the stranger leaves when asked.
Challenges are very solemn and serious, never made lightly, but they can be made just for sport. In that case it’s acceptable to decline, though when challenged for honor, it’s shameful to decline. Horn challenges come from offense given in speech or action, or may be challenges of statur or ritual.
It is possible for an outsider to be adopted into the tribe as a Clanfriend, but there is a test first - Harrowing. The outsider must be judged by the spirits and ancestors as worthy.
Ashlanders may also be cast out or choose to leave the tribe. Those who willingly leave the tribe settle among the Great Houses, abandoning their nomadic life, are known as the Velothi. The Velothi are despised by Ashlanders, considered weak and soft, while Great Houses look down upon them as an insignificiant underclass.
Some of them might form rogue camps, or becoming mabrigash - renegade witch-warrior women who practice dark magics. The mabrigash steal vital essence of the men in order to give themselves power and live. (Do not mistake mabrigash with Mabrigash Tribe from ESO, they are completely two different things.)
Dealings With Outsiders
Ashlanders tend to dislike all foreigners as well as their fellow Dunmer which have given up the Ashlander ways. The Ashlanders wish for the foreigners to leave Morrowind, or at the very least to leave them in peace. Even though they harbor a harsh dislike for the Empire, no Ashlander is fool enough to make war against them, though if such a war might be won, many Ashlanders would most likely cheerfully give their lives to the cause.
In their dislike for foreigners, Ashlanders harbor particular biases against certain races.
Of course the Ashlanders also dislike their fellow settled Dunmer, as well as any Ashlander that gives up their ways to settle down. The Ashlanders believe themselves to be the only ones that have remained true to the sacred rites and customs of their forefathers. The House Dunmer have presumably become soft and abandoned traditional ancestor worship and the pure teachings of Veloth for the 'false' gods of the Tribunal, andembraced the comforts of civilization that corrupted their High Elven ancestors; Ashlanders which have settled are also viewed in this way.
The Ashlanders accuse almost all Dunmer Great Houses of stealing their lands and scorn the Great House Dunmer for giving into the Empire. They also hold personal biases against them as well. They view the Telvanni as being ruled by old, evil wizards who are (Bad) Daedra worshipers and necromancers. They view House Hlaalu as a pack of lying thieves. They say that Hlaalu sends their traders to try to trick them out of their treasure, and if the Hlaalu cannot trick them, they send soldiers to drive them from their lands. They have less resentment for the Redoran, as they believe some Redoran to be honorable, though they also believe some of the less honorable wish to steal their lands.
Ashlander Tribes
First four tribes I’ll name are those of Vvardenfell, during Third Era, and I have no idea how many of these tribes survived Red Year. Other tribes will be of the mainland, during Second Era (ESO).
Now mainland tribes:
Conclusion
Ashlanders, are people preserving the old ways of Chimer. I hope this proves valuable to anyone who reads it in understanding Ashlanders and maybe even the whole Dunmeri nation more.
Ashlander Wise Women, Notes from Huleeya, The Mabrigash Trial, Ashlands Hymns, Urshilaku Tribe, Zainab Tribe, The Five Far Stars, Words of the Wind, Nerevar Moon-and-Star, The Real Nerevar, Saint Nerevar, Nerevarine Cult Notes, A Short History of Morrowind, Vivec and Mephala, Before the Ages of Man, The Reclamations: The Fall of the Tribunal and the Rise of the New Temple, History of Raven Rock, Events of Morrowind and ESO
Who are the Ashlanders? They are the nomadic people of Morrowind, but what are their beginnings? Everything started at Summerset Isles, when the Prophet Veloth led a group of Altmer from the Summerset Isles. These Elves later became the Chimer under the guidance of the Daedric Lords Azura, Boethiah, and Mephala. This group settled in the land we now know as Morrowind.
Over time, the culture of high Velothi vanished and the people divided into several tribes. Because Morrowind (or known then as Resdayn) was plagued by Nord invaders, some of these tribes consolidated, eventually pushing away the Nord invaders, and gave up their nomadic ways, settling in cities and worshipping the Tribunal. These tribes eventually grew into the Great Houses of Morrowind as we know them today.
The rest, those who kept their nomadic ways, those that decided to stay true to Good Daedra and teachings of Veloth, those are the Ashlanders, keeping old traditions alive.
Religion
So what traditions? They don´t have a religion as we know, they rather practice shamanistic ancestor worship of not only their forefathers, but of Good Daedra as well - Azura, Boethiah and Mephala. There are several Ancestor cults, each Ashlander tribe having their own Ancestor cult.
The religion is usually passed on by an Oracle-Seer, Wise Woman with the gift of prophecy, who is protected by group of holy warrior-heroes, the chief being the Warrior-Protector of the cult. The dream visions and prophecies of the Wise Women are a respected tradition, and are usually passed on their successors.
Ashlanders also honor their dead, constructing burial caverns where they bury their dead. These caverns are guarded by ancestor spirits, most likely spirits of those who were buried there. Is itnecromancy? Ashlanders don’t think so. Most likely, the dead willingly decide they will guard those caverns, because it is an honor to protect their earlier ancestors from desecration. It is this which ties into Ashlander’s belief that necromancy is heresy, mainly profaning the bones or spirits of their ancestors.
The Ashlanders do not dwell on things which they have lost, but rather look foward with hope on what the future will bring from these losses. Words of the Wind clearly depicts that with this:
I will not pray for that which I've lost
When my heart springs forth
From your soil, like a seed,
And blossoms anew beneath tomorrow's sun.
Another interesting thing about Ashlanders is their Nerevarine Cult. Since both the Temple and the Empire had outlawed the Cult it had a relatively small following, made up primarily of just a few wise women and their protectors.
This cult believed that the Ancient Dunmer hero Nerevar would be reborn, uniting the Dunmer, pushing the Empire out of Morrowind and restoring the pure, traditional life and faith of old Velothi. The Cult also believed that the Tribunal are false gods and this Nerevarine wouldunmake them. And we know how that ended up, don’t we?
On another note concerning Nerevar, the Wise Women would tell tales of one Alandro Sul, a shield-companion of Nerevar. Apparently, this Alandro Sul came to live with the Ashlanders after the death of Nerevar, eventually leaving behind a set of Wraithmail. This artifact has since been lost, but it is said that whoever wears the Wraithmail, or perhaps even uses just one Ringlet, will be endowed with the spirit of Alandro Sul and thus be possessed by him.
In more recent events, after the Red Year the people of Morrowind dismissed Tribunal as false gods and Dissident Priests took control over the Temple, restructuring it into New Temple. The doctrine again became focused on worshiping Good Daedra (Reclamations) and implemented a more tolerant policy towards Ashlanders and their beliefs. Indeed, the new doctrine actually honored them, because Ashlanders were seen as following the “true vision” for a millenia while Great Houses were blinded by Tribunal. Many Dunmer seek counsel of Wise Women now, just as they worship Good Daedra again.
Tribal Hiearchy
As Ashlanders are nomads and their society is of a tribal nature, the hiearchy plays a very important role in their lives. There are few titles and roles that define every member of tribe, so let’s take a look at them.
Society
The Ashlander society is comprised of nomadic camps which have portable huts of hides stretched on chitin frames which can be quickly dismantled and packed atop a guar when moving to new hunting grounds and grazing grounds for their guar and shalk. The Ashkhan of the tribe has a much larger yurt, though the khan's hut is simply a larger, more elaborate version of a family hut. Some particular qualities exclusive to these Ashlander camps include reed windchimes, organic lanterns of varoius colors, as well as decorative bug bowls.
The majority of Ashlanders serve the tribe as scouts, herders or hunters, with each tribe also having a healer who can be either Oracle-Seer or any other member. As the Ashlanders are nomadic, the herds must be looked after and food must be hunted, but the herders and hunters are also charged with guarding the treasures of the land that nourish the Ashlanders and make them strong. The herders are responsible watching over the tribe's herds of guar and shalk, as well as butchering them for their meat to feed the tribe. The herders will also tan the guar hides, render the shalk resins, and season the shalk shells. The craftsmen of the tribe will take these things and make the things the tribe needs, as well as what they will sell to traders and other tribes; they will use the shalk resin to bind their chitin into weapons and armor. The herders and hunters also serve as warriors beside the Ashkhans and Gulakhans when war arises between tribes.
Culture and Customs
As previously stated, Ashlanders are nomads and are heavily influenced by their tribal nature. Their whole economy and society is based on the nomadic herder-hunter foundation. They herd guar and shalk and hunt wild guar along with any other wildlife.
Unconcerned with becoming wealthy, theyfind pleasure in simpler things. Almost all of their belongings are made from the enviroment around them. Weapons, armors and even clothes are all organic and of simple design.
They find pleasure in hunting, in taking their time while sneaking up on their prey and surprising it with a swift silent arrow. These virtues come from the Daedra they worship, namely Boethia, teaching them to be quiet, patient, and cunning.
While they can meet all their needs out there in wild, by hunting, herding, and gathering, they often trade with travellers or Great Houses, typically guar hides, shalk resins, and sometimes even ebony.
In their relations with other tribes, traditionally Ashlanders claim the right to raid other Ashlander tribes, and non-Ashlander settlements, for booty and slaves. This raiding is generally done to prove strength, as well as to gain goods and respect. Even though they claim this right, the Ashlanders will not usually attack such folk as travelling traders, caravans, and goods shipments unless they feel that the persons involved had wronged them in some way.
When feuds between tribes arise, they may be settled by the champions of the tribes, however wars sometimes do occur. They have strong militaristic and authoritarian traditions grounded in their ancestor worship. When war erupts almost all members of the tribe, not just the champions and warriors, participate in the fighting. Typically Ashalnder weaponry is made of chitin, namely basic bows, spears, swords, daggers and the like. The Ashlanders are also excellent fighters while in their own territory, even outmatching the Empire’s legions. Wars are typically avoided for the most part, mainly due to the fact that the Ashlanders are very few and the lives of their people are too dear to waste. They are, however, extremely brave once in battle.
Among their own, their etiquete is very proper and polite, which means they quite easily take offense from outsiders. Outsiders are expected to be courteous, provide gifts to Ashlanders - who sometimes even name a gift they desire. Gifts are considered a token of courtesy among strangers and affection among friends.
When an outsider first enters the camp, a gift is a sign that the stranger is cautious, considerate, and aware of the other’s wants and needs. Many traders and travellers familiar with Ashlanders´ society know that gift can be difference between death and life, asAshlanders will draw weapons if they feel offended. Gifts of money are usually taken as tokens of deference and respect.
It is considered rude to enter the yurt of an Ashkan or Wise Woman without permission and is seen as incosiderate to enter a yurt unclean. Ashlanders may challange a stranger who enters a yurt without an invitation, though forgiveness maybe be granted if the stranger leaves when asked.
Challenges are very solemn and serious, never made lightly, but they can be made just for sport. In that case it’s acceptable to decline, though when challenged for honor, it’s shameful to decline. Horn challenges come from offense given in speech or action, or may be challenges of statur or ritual.
It is possible for an outsider to be adopted into the tribe as a Clanfriend, but there is a test first - Harrowing. The outsider must be judged by the spirits and ancestors as worthy.
Ashlanders may also be cast out or choose to leave the tribe. Those who willingly leave the tribe settle among the Great Houses, abandoning their nomadic life, are known as the Velothi. The Velothi are despised by Ashlanders, considered weak and soft, while Great Houses look down upon them as an insignificiant underclass.
Some of them might form rogue camps, or becoming mabrigash - renegade witch-warrior women who practice dark magics. The mabrigash steal vital essence of the men in order to give themselves power and live. (Do not mistake mabrigash with Mabrigash Tribe from ESO, they are completely two different things.)
Dealings With Outsiders
Ashlanders tend to dislike all foreigners as well as their fellow Dunmer which have given up the Ashlander ways. The Ashlanders wish for the foreigners to leave Morrowind, or at the very least to leave them in peace. Even though they harbor a harsh dislike for the Empire, no Ashlander is fool enough to make war against them, though if such a war might be won, many Ashlanders would most likely cheerfully give their lives to the cause.
In their dislike for foreigners, Ashlanders harbor particular biases against certain races.
Of course the Ashlanders also dislike their fellow settled Dunmer, as well as any Ashlander that gives up their ways to settle down. The Ashlanders believe themselves to be the only ones that have remained true to the sacred rites and customs of their forefathers. The House Dunmer have presumably become soft and abandoned traditional ancestor worship and the pure teachings of Veloth for the 'false' gods of the Tribunal, andembraced the comforts of civilization that corrupted their High Elven ancestors; Ashlanders which have settled are also viewed in this way.
The Ashlanders accuse almost all Dunmer Great Houses of stealing their lands and scorn the Great House Dunmer for giving into the Empire. They also hold personal biases against them as well. They view the Telvanni as being ruled by old, evil wizards who are (Bad) Daedra worshipers and necromancers. They view House Hlaalu as a pack of lying thieves. They say that Hlaalu sends their traders to try to trick them out of their treasure, and if the Hlaalu cannot trick them, they send soldiers to drive them from their lands. They have less resentment for the Redoran, as they believe some Redoran to be honorable, though they also believe some of the less honorable wish to steal their lands.
Ashlander Tribes
First four tribes I’ll name are those of Vvardenfell, during Third Era, and I have no idea how many of these tribes survived Red Year. Other tribes will be of the mainland, during Second Era (ESO).
Now mainland tribes:
Conclusion
Ashlanders, are people preserving the old ways of Chimer. I hope this proves valuable to anyone who reads it in understanding Ashlanders and maybe even the whole Dunmeri nation more.
Ashlander Wise Women, Notes from Huleeya, The Mabrigash Trial, Ashlands Hymns, Urshilaku Tribe, Zainab Tribe, The Five Far Stars, Words of the Wind, Nerevar Moon-and-Star, The Real Nerevar, Saint Nerevar, Nerevarine Cult Notes, A Short History of Morrowind, Vivec and Mephala, Before the Ages of Man, The Reclamations: The Fall of the Tribunal and the Rise of the New Temple, History of Raven Rock, Events of Morrowind and ESO
Great write up! I love their parts in Morrowind.
A minor side note: Urshilaku tribe is also the most welcoming of outsiders, i.e. only disliked instead strongly disliked/hated, since they knew the Nerevarine might come to them as one.
Great write up! I love their parts in Morrowind.
A minor side note: Urshilaku tribe is also the most welcoming of outsiders, i.e. only disliked instead strongly disliked/hated, since they knew the Nerevarine might come to them as one.
Awesome article, Karver. And such fascinating pictures))))
Can' help it but notice some resemblance between the Ashlanders and the Orc tribes)))
Awesome article, Karver. And such fascinating pictures))))
Can' help it but notice some resemblance between the Ashlanders and the Orc tribes)))
This article rocks, Karves. Very proud to see so much content in the past few weeks from both you and Phil. You are wild boys! Love the extensive reference section. Makes me want to run a Ashlander build. And that's the goal of these articles, I think, to inspire. I read Phil's and want to make a Valkyrie build with Dawnbreaker, I read yours, Ashlander. It's great stuff to be inspired to create new things. This game is 5 years old and still inspires such creativity and now scholarship.
This article rocks, Karves. Very proud to see so much content in the past few weeks from both you and Phil. You are wild boys! Love the extensive reference section. Makes me want to run a Ashlander build. And that's the goal of these articles, I think, to inspire. I read Phil's and want to make a Valkyrie build with Dawnbreaker, I read yours, Ashlander. It's great stuff to be inspired to create new things. This game is 5 years old and still inspires such creativity and now scholarship.