Valoria

Plains Deer Tribe

Appearance: Neutral earth tones with patterns that blend into the grasslands. They have antlers with unique functions (like the female with larger antlers for drying herbs and the male with shorter, flatter antlers for digging).

Habitat: Open plains with tall grasses and scattered trees.

Abilities: Skilled at building small houses, sheds, and simple greenhouses. They excel at gardening and foraging.

Hierarchy: Led by a council of the eldest and wisest deer, decisions are made collectively.

Forest Deer Tribe

Appearance: Camouflage colors like greens, browns, and spotted patterns to blend with forest underbrush. Vines often grow on their bodies.

Feet: More like wolf paws instead of hooves for better grip on rough, overgrown terrain.

Habitat: Dense forests with thick undergrowth and towering trees.

Abilities: Expert climbers and builders of treehouses and elevated structures. They forage for berries, nuts, and other forest foods.

Hierarchy: A single leader known as the "Grove Keeper," who is advised by a circle of trusted deer.

Coastal Deer Tribe

Appearance: Oceanic colors like blues, greens, and sandy hues. Sleeker bodies with less fluff are better for swimming—tiny webbings in their armpits for gliding in water.

Habitat: Coastal areas with sandy beaches, cliffs, and tidal pools.

Abilities: Excellent swimmers and builders of structures that can withstand ocean tides, like stilt houses. They gather seaweed, fish, and shellfish.

Hierarchy: Led by a "Wave Warden," who is chosen based on their swimming prowess and knowledge of the tides.

Desert Deer Tribe

Appearance: Sandy and golden hues with patterns that mimic the desert landscape. Short fur to manage the heat.

Feet: Wide, flat hooves to navigate dunes.

Habitat: Arid deserts with vast dunes and sparse vegetation.

Abilities: Expert diggers and builders of underground burrows to escape the heat. They can find water sources and are adept at surviving harsh conditions.

Hierarchy: Governed by a "Sand Sage," a wise deer who understands the desert’s secrets and can locate water.

Mountain Deer Tribe

Appearance: Gray, white, and rocky patterns blend into the mountainous terrain. Thicker fur for warmth.

Feet: Strong, cloven hooves for climbing rocky surfaces.

Habitat: High-altitude mountains with rocky cliffs and sparse vegetation.

Abilities: Excellent climbers and builders of stone structures. They forage for hardy plants and are skilled at navigating steep terrains.

Hierarchy: Ruled by a "Peak Patriarch" or "Matriarch," the strongest and most experienced climber.

Tundra Deer Tribe

Appearance: White, gray, and icy blue hues to blend into snowy environments. Thick, insulating fur.

Feet: Broad hooves to walk on snow and ice.

Habitat: Cold tundras with snow-covered landscapes and minimal vegetation.

Abilities: Skilled at building igloo-like structures and foraging for lichens and moss. They are resilient to cold temperatures.

Hierarchy: Led by an "Ice Elder," an experienced deer who knows how to survive in the harsh cold.

Origin of Veloria

In ancient times, Veloria was a vast and undivided land where the Great Deer Tribe lived in harmony. The land was a tapestry of diverse ecosystems, ranging from lush forests and open plains to serene coastlines and towering mountains. The deer, endowed with intelligence and creativity, thrived together, sharing knowledge and resources.

The Unified Tribe

The Great Deer Tribe, known as the "Herd of Unity," was led by a wise and benevolent leader named Aeloria. Under Aeloria's guidance, the deer built a magnificent central settlement known as Eldergrove, where all could gather to share stories, trade goods, and celebrate their unity. Eldergrove was situated in the heart of Veloria, surrounded by the abundant plains that symbolized the tribe's unity and strength.

The Great Division

As generations passed, the curiosity and adventurous spirit of the deer grew. Many began to feel the pull of unexplored lands and untapped resources. The younger members of the tribe, in particular, were eager to discover new horizons and establish their own identities. This desire for exploration and individual growth led to a pivotal moment in Veloria's history known as The Great Division.

Aeloria, understanding the need for growth and change, called a grand council in Eldergrove. Representatives from all families and groups within the Herd of Unity attended. After much discussion, it was decided that those who wished to explore and settle new areas of Veloria would be free to do so. They would form new tribes, each adapted to their chosen habitats, while still maintaining the bonds of kinship and mutual respect.

Formation of the Tribes

With Aeloria's blessing, several groups set out to explore Veloria, leading to the formation of the distinct tribes we know today:

Plains Deer Tribe: Those who remained in the open plains continued to honor the traditions of Eldergrove. They are known for their agricultural prowess and strong community spirit.

Forest Deer Tribe: A group ventured into the dense forests, embracing the challenge of the wild terrain. They developed into skilled foragers and builders, with their vine-covered bodies blending seamlessly into the forest.

Coastal Deer Tribe: Some were drawn to the ocean's edge, fascinated by the mysteries of the sea. They became adept swimmers and fisher-deer, building homes that could withstand the tides.

Desert Deer Tribe: Adventurers sought the arid deserts, learning to survive in harsh conditions. They became resourceful diggers and resilient navigators of the sandy dunes.

Mountain Deer Tribe: The call of the mountains attracted a hardy group that thrived in high altitudes. They mastered the art of climbing and built stone shelters among the cliffs.

Tundra Deer Tribe: The bravest journeyed to the icy tundras, adapting to the freezing temperatures. They became experts at building insulated structures and foraging for sparse food sources.

Legacy of Eldergrove

Though the tribes now live in different parts of Veloria, the memory of Eldergrove and the teachings of Aeloria continue to bind them. Annual gatherings are held in Eldergrove, where representatives from each tribe come together to share knowledge, celebrate their diversity, and renew their bonds of unity.