The Erayax (Eray Axe)

Kraterocracy in essence where might is right. Mostly the bigger, stronger races rule the various sub structures of the Erayax, that is certainly not to say there is not room for intelligence and leadership within the Erayax social structure.

The ruling clans decide on the (lord chieften) and they are then supported by the clan leaders of between seven and fifteen, or more of the most powerful clans. In most regards they are outwardly a loose federation of Clans. That suggests a greater degree of unity than exists however. The Erayax political and social structures are extremely complex. Yet, violence often is at least a part of the equation.
Erayax are not one homogenous group, they are a myriad of tribal groups of many population sizes. Some of the larger humanoid races generally lead the rest by might if nothing else.
It is unclear why, despite their individually competitive subcultures that can, at times result in deaths – Erayax, as a rule do not fight wars, as such amongst themselves en masse. In a general sense they are reasonably well disciplined socially, among themselves at least. The council of tribes formed to organize them whilst maintaining much of their autonomy. This came down to fifteen of the largest and most ferocious tribes. Of the fifteen tribes 6 were Orc, 4 Human, one halfling, one gnome, a dwarf and a pair of (NOT SURE). One of the councils will be the Lord Chieften (Nominally the highest chief of all – the Erayax would never be ruled by one though). The council often merely administers the will of the tribes.
Various races have carved out effective niches for themselves, some fine examples, Gnomes and Goblins particularly are often “looked after” because of their ingenuity and the range of services that they can provide. The list of other races that have done this is far to extensive to fully capture.

It is largely unknown outside of the old lands of Ashnoor that the Erayax share a great deal of culture and are highly cultured as a homogenous group amongst themselves.

They accept war and violence as simply part of culture and carry on.

Erayax art is as diverse as anywhere else in Ashnoor given the wide range of racial and cultural mixes living in these lands.

It varies greatly from social group to social group.

Aringale. The Erayax are well aware they hold the old Kingdom capital from the southerners.

There are still rich lands as well within their control.

There is a very ancient esoteric history among the Erayax – most (among the Erayax at least) claim it is the original history of Ashnoor. The Erayax often claim that the knife accord was the finals schism between them. However, they had split back in the days when the many walked among them. Eraya had led them to the harsh northern reaches where they thrived under her tutelage until the terrible day their Goddess Elder left. The texts say she returned to the table of gods (the afterlife of feasting and plenty) – This had an almost cataclysmic impact on the Erayax. Their collective grief at the idea they may have offended her changed them irredeemably. They went into decline and for generations they had eked out a meagre survival, more often than not on the brink of extinction.
It didn’t kill them though, it made them stronger.
Once they had gained a foothold in the inhospitable northern wastes a series of remarkable events turned their fortunes. All these generations after Eraya left them, still devout, the Erayax whether in response to their environment, or part of the impact of their collective angst or maybe a combination had within their own diverse populations become militaristic with a hierarchy akin to might being right. This serves some races better than others, Orcs and humans particularly lorded over the Erayax in the main part. More often the Orcs. Erayax Orcs were unique in many ways in Ashnoor, perhaps in the world. These Orcs specifically had an affinity of sorts with a ferocious predatory beast native to these parts. The Woag – It would seem that only an Erayax Orc can tame, break in and ride a Woag. They bond with the animal in some inexplicable way and from that time on work remarkably well as one, in a sense.
Having bounced back from the brink of annihilation, they eventually expanded south and began to remix with the Ashnoorians they had broken from. Despite, at the time, many hierarchical similarities between their cultures, they were as foreign to each other as they could be. There was an uneasy coexistence for several years. Political turmoil and inter racial war fare kept the Ashnoorians busy enough, the Erayax embedded themselves where they best fit in.
Then came the Knife Accords. Ashnoorians had more than enough of fighting amongst themselves. The knife accords effectively brought representatives from all races to the table and against the odds firm alliances were hammered out. The beginning of what became known as racial blindness.
This did not fit with the Erayax at all. Oh, they had been represented at the table. A bullish brute of a human who rejected every argument for racial equity and alliances. He had almost started more than a few fights, specifically to disrupt proceedings. The Erayax did not want the accord signed.
Once again, they moved into the northern wastes, they watched and waited. As inhospitable as the wastes are, their second exodus was less shocking to them. Among the various races of the Erayax, they accepted colder, they accepted harsher, they accepted the way things were.
A deep-seated hatred began to brew because of the “peaceful” face presented by the southerners, whilst the Erayax knew them to be capable of absolute ferocity. “We are they” was the catch cry of those most vocal about their displeasure at the very existence of the southerners.

Most of the north of the island of Ashnoor.

Powerful despite their diverse structures. The Erayax have "guilds" identical in nature to the guilds in the south. The only difference perhaps is the singular focus of the Erayax guilds - the Erayax call them "orders" - Warriors order, Skirmisher's order, Healer's Order, Mages Order, Anti Magics order etc...

Era Ya Tamarax - the goddess who named the Erayax and who walked with them in exile into the bad lands where they were forged in blood, fire, salt and ash.

Era Ya taught the first Erayax the ways of survival in the badlands, how to hunt the beasts that often hunted them and how to cultivate the safest of the wild foods that grew in the northern reaches.

Era Ya - The Goddess who walked with Erayax is observed daily in most actions.

Hostile towards the southerners (Geldheim, Hadovean and the unaligned).

Wary of Bardagans

Might is right is the ultimate deciding factor in all situations.

The Goddess came to the world with other sky gods.

Era Ya goes by many names and she shows herself in many forms to best nurture the varied races that make up the Erayax faction.

Era was said to have limited shape shifting abilities. Whilist she was limited to humanoid forms, it is said her abilities were behind the many faces she presents.