Stårmuta
Background
The Nomads, by their very nature, are a nomadic people, who travel in clans across The Forests of The Wilds. While they are mostly happy within their clans and make decisions autonomously, once a year all the clans gather to discuss important matters and settle larger disputes.Roles
Everyone has a part to play within the Stårmuta. Below is a list of those roles:| Name | Translation | Known As.. | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Låvtælar | Lawspeaker | Wise | Memorises and recites the law, advising the elders on previous verdicts and overseeing the Stårmuta. |
| Aldra | Elder | Calm, even-handed | Respected warriors and chiefs whose words will be accepted when they decide on a verdict. |
| Arkaprast | Chief Priest | Power broker | Has both religious and political power. Can speak, sway votes, and bring people under their “protection.” |
| Skæld | Skald | Storyteller | Not official, but speak on behalf of others, using words to entertain and sway others, creating lasting memories. |
| Sæmlyng | Assembly | The Crowd | Everyone in attendance, the listeners, the people watching and remembering what has been done. |
Structure
1. Adsævleygyng
Adsævleygyng means 'oathspeaking'. It could be seen as swearing in. Anyone from the Sæmlyng who wishes to speak on an issue, as well as all of the Aldra make an oath to speak the truth. It is sometimes accompanied by songs of justice and truth. It takes place under the tree, with the oath-taker placing their hand on the oathstone, speaking the words and leaving a drop of their blood on the stone.2. Åppråpet
Åppråpet translates as 'the call' and is the part of the Stårmuta when those who wish to speak on an issue are called forward. One person for each issue has their name marked down and recorded so that they can be called upon during the Åmtælar. While this is going on, it is common for Skæld to entertain the Sæmlyng with stories of what has happened at previous Stårmuta and the outcome of the decisions which were made, akin to a "previously on..." segment.3. Åmtælar
Åmtælar means 'testimonials' and is when those whose mark has been recorded are called upon to speak on their issue. Each case is addressed in priority order, as decided by the group of Aldra, the Låvtælar and the Arkaprast. For each issue, the case is raised, evidence is given, and others may be called to speak on it. Sometimes a Skæld will add some poetry to the case, and if anyone has a counterpoint, this is heard too.4. Druftalsar
Druftalsar translates as 'deliberations'. This happens after all of the cases have been heard and is usually when those who haven't started drinking begin to indulge. The deliberations themselves only involve the Aldra with the support of the Låvtælar, to provide information about the law, previous verdicts and ensure that a ruling is reached for each issue.5. Ævjyuralsan
Ævjyuralsan means 'verdict' and is the point at which all of the verdicts are read out. Everyone gathers around the Oathstone, and those who raised issues step forward one at a time to hear the decisions which were made. These rulings are announced by the Låvtælar, along with the impact of those verdicts.6. Slottård
Slottård is Old Tongue for 'final words' and is most people's favourite part of the Stårmuta. While the Arkaprast says some final words, the focus of the Slottård is the feast. Any weddings, fights and other fallout from the Stårmuta take place. It is a general time of celebration and a final chance to get drunk with friends before the clans part ways for another year.The Oath
On this, the first rock, that has stood here since the world first woke.Under this, the first tree that has shaded this grove since the world’s first breath.
In the sight of this, the first peak, that has lingered in the distance since the world’s eyes opened.
By this, the blood of the first people to walk from the mountains into the forests and do claim both in their name.
In this, the witness of all those present here today in body and spirit. I swear nought but truths will pass my lips, nought but wisdom shall cross my mind and nought but justice shall be delivered by my hands.
What a great festivity / tradition. This must be an enormous gathering, with every clan assembling in one place. I really love how cozy The Wilds feel :)