Here's the completed NS. Might add something small later, but probably not.

[center][h1]The Maod[/h1]
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[h2]Background[/h2][/center]
The Maod are an old people. They have lived in the region along the Siug river since before the first runes were carved in stone, and so their history before that is a mystery. The oldest songs tell of a conqueror by the name of Koit who came to the land by boat with a few chosen warriors from the ruins of their previous home, across the sea. At the time, the land was ruled by a terrible wyrm who enslaved its population and demanded tributes in the form of human sacrifices, to sate its hunger for flesh. Koit would not submit to this beast and led the people of the region in rebellion against it, and managed to corner it in its lair in the north, where the river flows from the mountain. He and his warriors were victorious, but he did not slay the beast; instead, it bargained for its life by promising him to reveal the location of a magic sword with which he and his kin could rule the land forever. In addition, the wyrm would carry him on its back and support his reign for as long as he lived. Koit agreed to the terms and was rewarded the sword Surm, with which he indeed was able to conquer the region. He was from that day known as the first Dragon King of the Maod, but little did he know that he would also be the last.

On the day of Koits death, the wyrm attempted to regain control of its former domain. Although it was unable to defeat the remainder of Koits warriors, it did manage to steal the sword Surm with it in its escape back to its old lair in the mountains. Without their great leader, the Maod warriors did not dare pursue it, and the weapon was lost seemingly forever. Koits wife Eha, however, prophesized her late husband’s return, and the return of the sword with him.

Koit and Ehas offspring, eight in total, still commanded enough power and support from the populace to remain in power. No one was strong enough to claim the position of king though, so they agreed to rule a part of the realm each and formed a council, known today as the Istung, in which they could decide on national affairs.

Regardless of the degree of truth in the old song most Maod believe in it. Although there has been no recorded sightings of the wyrm since the days of Koit the Istung is very real and ever present in Maod society, and only people of the dragon blood may sit on the esteemed council, or indeed hold any position of power within the realm. 

The key to understanding the Maod today is grasping the three concepts that make up the base of their culture; individual strength, honor and tradition. A Maod must be strong and able to fend for itself. Accepting help is fine as long as the favor is returned, but completely relying on others to survive is unacceptable and often accompanied by public scorn. A Maod must also look after its honor, and vigorously defend it if it is slighted. Failing to respond to false accusations and slander is the same as admitting guilt in the eyes of the Maod. Tradition is also of great importance to the Maod. The ancient customs and rituals of their people have been performed in pretty much the same way since before anyone can remember. Variations and innovations to these customs are not tolerated. Maods who go against this are almost considered not Maods at all, or agents of the wyrm.

The Maod are not very religious, but they do have gods, or at least demi-gods. The three chief deities of their faith are Koit, god of dawn, Eha, god of dusk, and the wyrm, god of secrets. The wyrm, seen sometimes as the enemy and sometimes as the guide to the unknown, is not worshiped as a deity as such (although there are rumors of wyrm cults among the Maod), but still respected for its power. Other lesser deities include local heroes and famous family members, and so the faith differs from household to household.

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