Narano

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The Narano was a powerful culture of warrior-mages who existed for several centuries during the First Chaotic Period along the Nara River. Very little is known about the Narano, as they were later absorbed into (or more likely conquered by) the Marcon Alliance and the bulk of information comes through secondary sources.

Chester Rumbarahl

Chester Rumbarahl is known to be Narano in origin (though many sources claim he was Marconian). Indeed, it is most likely Chester fought against the Marconians during his second (or perhaps third) life, and only served them in a much later life. It is also possible he never served the Marconians at all, and that his status as a Marconian was an invention of the Marcon Alliance. cf. Lelerough, Destroyer of Worlds.

History

Very little is known about the Narano. Their origin (which Clan they originated from) is supposition at best, but based on their location along the Nara and the timing, the Lamb Clan makes the most sense. It is also possible they originated from another, as-yet-unknown clan.

As a culture, the Narano appear to have begun around 3216 B.G.A., when they built several city-states along the Nara river. Their population may have been centered in the Nara River Delta, but they appear to have abandoned this area by B.G.A. 3,000.

Towards the end of the Chaotic Period, the Narano culture became more heavily focused on the military. The bulk of their forces possessed some form of magic, and the leaders were always powerful warrior-mages. At home, skilled craftsmen and enchanters produced weapons and armor, still highly sought three millennia later. Many of their crafting techniques were still in use well into the Ages of the Alliance.

The Narano were eventually absorbed by the Marcon Alliance. Whether it was a peaceful partnership, conquest, or the Narano simply formed one of the founding nations has been a subject of no small scholarly debate.

Culture

The Narano culture was very artistic; of the survivng artifacts attributed to them, the bulk are statues or frescoes. This artistry extended into their fine craftsmenship of weapons and armor, many of which were still carried well into the Golden Age. Many of the best-known examples of Narano weapons were acquired at great expense by early Slayer Dragons and later interred with them, leading to a relative non-existence of these weapons in modern times.

It is believed that there was no "warrior class" but rather everyone was expected to be a skilled fighter. Swordsmiths had to know how to use the swords that they forged. A significant portion of the population (much higher than in other civilizations of the time) were magically gifted. It is likely they the Narano selectively bred themselves for this purpose.

Most of what is known about the Narano culture was written by Emilie Sachen, who claimed to be the reincarnation of Chester Rumbarahl. Her writings are not considered a reliable source by most scholars.

According to Emilie, the Narano valued their women, but did not respect them. Women could not own property and divorce was not allowed. Men could take multiple wives and prostitution was both legal and taxed by the state. At the same time, harsh punishments were inflicted for anyone who mistreated women. Rape was punishable by death, and even spousal rape was recognized (the Narano are thought to be the earliest culture to make this distinction).

As Emilie said:

A man could receive 40 lashes for beating his wife, but she still couldn't leave him....

End

Emilie maintains that the Narano were conquered by the Marcons, and that they had ideological differences and "would have fought to the death to maintain their independence". Some evidence supports this claim: Narano crafting techniques were not used by the Marcons, and many of their weapons and armor eventually made their way to the far side of the Greater Continent where, thousands of years later, they were put to work fighting the Marcons.