Strawmen - Revision history

Siddharth1: /* Origin Theories */

2025-02-18T23:50:23Z

Origin Theories

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:50, 18 February 2025
Line 40:		Line 40:

	===Origin Theories===		===Origin Theories===
	Because of their appearance in ancient oral histories (dating back to the [[Age of Darkness]]), many historians suspect the Strawmen were created by the [[Empire of Roads]], perhaps to fight in the Roads War. However, as the ~~Stramen~~ are clearly a form of magic-tech, and the Eladamri are not believed to have had this technology, this theory is considered unsound.		Because of their appearance in ancient oral histories (dating back to the [[Age of Darkness]]), many historians suspect the Strawmen were created by the [[Empire of Roads]], perhaps to fight in the Roads War. However, as the Strawmen are clearly a form of magic-tech, and the Eladamri are not believed to have had this technology, this theory is considered unsound.

	Still others suspect that they were actually created much more recently. This theory has two parts. The first is that only those created by humans during the late Dynastic/early Second Chaotic periods of the [[Mage Wars]] exist, and these were retroactively "written in" to the oral traditions of various cultures in order to make them appear more fearsome. The second part of this theory says that they were originally created, probably during the Intermediate or First Chaotic periods, then "got loose" when their original masters were annihilated, and this accounts for the wild Strawmen found in later periods.		Still others suspect that they were actually created much more recently. This theory has two parts. The first is that only those created by humans during the late Dynastic/early Second Chaotic periods of the [[Mage Wars]] exist, and these were retroactively "written in" to the oral traditions of various cultures in order to make them appear more fearsome. The second part of this theory says that they were originally created, probably during the Intermediate or First Chaotic periods, then "got loose" when their original masters were annihilated, and this accounts for the wild Strawmen found in later periods.

Siddharth1: /* Old Strawmen */

2020-09-27T23:16:23Z

Old Strawmen

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:16, 27 September 2020
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	===History===		===History===
	The Strawmen feature very heavily in the [[Rowen]] oral tradition, and creatures in many other such histories are believed to be Strawmen. Even the name comes from Rowen, where the sort of clay the strawmen are made from was confused with the clay-rich mud, mixed with straw, used in building many Rowen fortifications. Hence the name "~~strawmen~~".		The Strawmen feature very heavily in the [[Rowen]] oral tradition, and creatures in many other such histories are believed to be Strawmen. Even the name comes from Rowen, where the sort of clay the strawmen are made from was confused with the clay-rich mud, mixed with straw, used in building many Rowen fortifications. Hence the name "Strawmen".

	Numerous contemporary accounts of Strawmen survived the [[Mage Wars]]. It is difficult to conclusively prove many of these accounts, but the texts are of known provenance. However, because the term "strawmen" did not come into wide use until the [[Ages#The Second Age\|Second Age]], it is difficult to to tell with any certainty.		Numerous contemporary accounts of Strawmen survived the [[Mage Wars]]. It is difficult to conclusively prove many of these accounts, but the texts are of known provenance. However, because the term "strawmen" did not come into wide use until the [[Ages#The Second Age\|Second Age]], it is difficult to to tell with any certainty.
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	Because of their appearance in ancient oral histories (dating back to the [[Age of Darkness]]), many historians suspect the Strawmen were created by the [[Empire of Roads]], perhaps to fight in the Roads War. However, as the Stramen are clearly a form of magic-tech, and the Eladamri are not believed to have had this technology, this theory is considered unsound.		Because of their appearance in ancient oral histories (dating back to the [[Age of Darkness]]), many historians suspect the Strawmen were created by the [[Empire of Roads]], perhaps to fight in the Roads War. However, as the Stramen are clearly a form of magic-tech, and the Eladamri are not believed to have had this technology, this theory is considered unsound.

	Still others suspect that they were actually created much more recently. This theory has two parts. The first is that only those created by humans during the late Dynastic/early Second Chaotic periods of the [[Mage Wars]] exist, and ~~that~~ these were retroactively "written in" to the oral traditions of various cultures in order to make them appear more fearsome. The second part of this theory says that they were originally created, probably during the Intermediate or First Chaotic periods, then "got loose" when their original masters were annihilated, and this accounts for the wild Strawmen found in later periods.		Still others suspect that they were actually created much more recently. This theory has two parts. The first is that only those created by humans during the late Dynastic/early Second Chaotic periods of the [[Mage Wars]] exist, and these were retroactively "written in" to the oral traditions of various cultures in order to make them appear more fearsome. The second part of this theory says that they were originally created, probably during the Intermediate or First Chaotic periods, then "got loose" when their original masters were annihilated, and this accounts for the wild Strawmen found in later periods.

	Finally, an argument has been made that the Strawmen actually pre-date [[Antiquity#Classic Antiquity\|Classic Antiquity]] and that they were created by the enemy of the [[Eladamri]]. When the Strawmen emerged, humans were still fighting the same war as their ancestors.		Finally, an argument has been made that the Strawmen actually pre-date [[Antiquity#Classic Antiquity\|Classic Antiquity]] and that they were created by the [[Iname]], the enemy of the [[Eladamri]]. When the Strawmen emerged, humans were still fighting the same war as their ancestors.

	[[Category:Course Books]]		[[Category:Course Books]]

Siddharth1: /* Magic-Tech Strawmen */

2020-09-27T23:14:49Z

Magic-Tech Strawmen

CourseDirector at 04:05, 27 December 2018

2018-12-27T04:05:19Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:05, 27 December 2018
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	Finally, an argument has been made that the Strawmen actually pre-date [[Antiquity#Classic Antiquity\|Classic Antiquity]] and that they were created by the enemy of the [[Eladamri]]. When the Strawmen emerged, humans were still fighting the same war as their ancestors.		Finally, an argument has been made that the Strawmen actually pre-date [[Antiquity#Classic Antiquity\|Classic Antiquity]] and that they were created by the enemy of the [[Eladamri]]. When the Strawmen emerged, humans were still fighting the same war as their ancestors.

			[[Category:Course Books]]

CourseDirector at 16:41, 16 November 2018

2018-11-16T16:41:28Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:41, 16 November 2018
Line 23:		Line 23:
	By the end of the Dynastic Period, strawman production had come to an end, and surviving strawmen were quite rare. Most had won their freedom in some fashion or another and ventured into the world. A few still served as laborers, but most became adventurers and free peoples. They were not widely accepted, but most found friends in other fighters, and throughout the [[Mage Wars#The Second Chaotic Period\|Second Chaotic Period]], they helped in bringing about the end of the Mage Wars.		By the end of the Dynastic Period, strawman production had come to an end, and surviving strawmen were quite rare. Most had won their freedom in some fashion or another and ventured into the world. A few still served as laborers, but most became adventurers and free peoples. They were not widely accepted, but most found friends in other fighters, and throughout the [[Mage Wars#The Second Chaotic Period\|Second Chaotic Period]], they helped in bringing about the end of the Mage Wars.

	It is believed that all Straman production had ceased by 250 [[B.G.A.]]. Strawmen live a long time, but are not immortal. They did not have the ability to construct strawmen of their own, so by that measure they could not "reproduce". Even in the [[Ages#The Golden Age\|Golden Age]], Stramen were not widely accepted, though at least in the [[Alliance]] they were celebrated (strawmen had fought beside [[~~Uther~~]], and at least one strawman almost became one of [[The Ten]].		It is believed that all Straman production had ceased by 250 [[B.G.A.]]. Strawmen live a long time, but are not immortal. They did not have the ability to construct strawmen of their own, so by that measure they could not "reproduce". Even in the [[Ages#The Golden Age\|Golden Age]], Stramen were not widely accepted, though at least in the [[Alliance]] they were celebrated (strawmen had fought beside [[Eieber]], and at least one strawman almost became one of [[The Ten]].

	As the era of the Mage Wars came to a close, many Strawmen settled into isolated communities in [[Sindall]]. Since they did not need to eat or sleep, these communities often only mimicked human settlements from the outside. They built houses, grew and harvested crops, and joined into family units. Many humans and other races even came to settle with Strawmen, and often such villages became centers for art. Strawmen excelled at artistic expression.		As the era of the Mage Wars came to a close, many Strawmen settled into isolated communities in [[Sindall]]. Since they did not need to eat or sleep, these communities often only mimicked human settlements from the outside. They built houses, grew and harvested crops, and joined into family units. Many humans and other races even came to settle with Strawmen, and often such villages became centers for art. Strawmen excelled at artistic expression.

Siddharth1 at 05:09, 20 July 2016

2016-07-20T05:09:08Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:09, 20 July 2016
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	The term "Strawman" ~~reffers~~ to two distinct sets of beings ~~that were~~ often confused with one another. One is an artificial construct given life through [[Magic-Tech]], the other is a being... far older.		The term "Strawman" refers to two distinct sets of beings, often confused with one another. One is an artificial construct given life through [[Magic-Tech]], the other is a being... far older.

	==Magic-Tech Strawmen==		==Magic-Tech Strawmen==

Siddharth1: /* Origin Theories */

2016-07-20T05:08:35Z

Origin Theories

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:08, 20 July 2016
Line 40:		Line 40:

	===Origin Theories===		===Origin Theories===
	Because of their appearance in ancient oral histories (~~that is, stories~~ dating back to the [[Age of Darkness]], many historians suspect the Strawmen were created by the [[Empire of Roads]], perhaps ~~as warriors~~ to fight in the Roads War. However, as the Stramen are clearly a form of magic-tech, and the Eladamri are not believed to have had this technology, this theory is considered unsound.		Because of their appearance in ancient oral histories (dating back to the [[Age of Darkness]]), many historians suspect the Strawmen were created by the [[Empire of Roads]], perhaps to fight in the Roads War. However, as the Stramen are clearly a form of magic-tech, and the Eladamri are not believed to have had this technology, this theory is considered unsound.

	Still others suspect that they were actually created much more recently. This theory has two parts. The first is that only those created by humans during the late Dynastic/early Second Chaotic periods of the [[Mage Wars]] exist, and that these were retroactively "written in" to the oral traditions of various cultures in order to make them appear more fearsome. The second part of this theory says that they were originally created, probably during the Intermediate or First Chaotic periods, then "got loose" when their original masters were annihilated, and this accounts for the wild Strawmen found in later periods.		Still others suspect that they were actually created much more recently. This theory has two parts. The first is that only those created by humans during the late Dynastic/early Second Chaotic periods of the [[Mage Wars]] exist, and that these were retroactively "written in" to the oral traditions of various cultures in order to make them appear more fearsome. The second part of this theory says that they were originally created, probably during the Intermediate or First Chaotic periods, then "got loose" when their original masters were annihilated, and this accounts for the wild Strawmen found in later periods.

	Finally, an argument has been made that the Strawmen actually pre-date [[Antiquity#Classic Antiquity\|Classic Antiquity]] and that they were created by the enemy of the [[Eladamri]]. When the Strawmen emerged, humans were still fighting the same war as their ancestors.		Finally, an argument has been made that the Strawmen actually pre-date [[Antiquity#Classic Antiquity\|Classic Antiquity]] and that they were created by the enemy of the [[Eladamri]]. When the Strawmen emerged, humans were still fighting the same war as their ancestors.

Siddharth1: /* Magic-Tech Strawmen */

2016-07-20T05:07:37Z

Magic-Tech Strawmen

CourseDirector at 15:38, 20 May 2016

2016-05-20T15:38:57Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:38, 20 May 2016
Line 28:		Line 28:

	However, because they could not make more of themselves, and no one knew how they were created in the first place, by [[A.Y.]] 1100, there were likely no more strawmen alive. Many communities, now populated by humans, remained, carrying out their traditions for some time. But these, too, would eventually perish, and by the [[Ages#The Second Age\|Second Age]], few even believed the strawmen had ever even existed at all.		However, because they could not make more of themselves, and no one knew how they were created in the first place, by [[A.Y.]] 1100, there were likely no more strawmen alive. Many communities, now populated by humans, remained, carrying out their traditions for some time. But these, too, would eventually perish, and by the [[Ages#The Second Age\|Second Age]], few even believed the strawmen had ever even existed at all.

	~~==Recreation==~~
	During the late [[Mage Wars#The Dynastic Period\|Dynastic Period]], mages all over the [[Agras Plain]] used [[Magic-Tech]] to produce their own Strawmen, based on observations and accounts of the original.

	~~These Strawmen were used as slaves and expendable soldiers throughout the Second Chaotic Period, sometimes even fighting their own inspiration.~~

	It is unclear exactly who created these Strawmen or when, but the making of them was lost sometime before the end of the Mage Wars. Many Strawmen survived into the [[Ages#Golden Age\|Golden Age]] but were often treated with great hostility, or even killed for sport (as they were not considered sentient creatures). By the early Golden Age, no more Strawmen of any type were known to exist.




	==Old Strawmen==		==Old Strawmen==

CourseDirector: /* Magic-Tech Strawmen */

2016-05-20T15:32:40Z

Magic-Tech Strawmen

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:32, 20 May 2016
Line 2:		Line 2:

	==Magic-Tech Strawmen==		==Magic-Tech Strawmen==
	During the [[Mage Wars]], many races and creates were given life by means of magic. This process typically involved beginning with a creature of mundane origins, and either taking away, or adding to it until the desired effect was achieved. However, that method had a tendancy to produce beings that were unpredictable, wreckless, and bad at following orders. In some cases, this was the desired effect, creates like [[~~Viverin~~]] were originally devised as a sort of automated protection system, a colony could be established in a city's sewer system, and keep out unwanted intruders.		During the [[Mage Wars]], many races and creates were given life by means of magic. This process typically involved beginning with a creature of mundane origins, and either taking away, or adding to it until the desired effect was achieved. However, that method had a tendancy to produce beings that were unpredictable, wreckless, and bad at following orders. In some cases, this was the desired effect, creates like [[Viverren]] were originally devised as a sort of automated protection system, a colony could be established in a city's sewer system, and keep out unwanted intruders.

	The Strawmen had a very different purpose and origin.		The Strawmen had a very different purpose and origin.
Line 15:		Line 15:
	During the [[Mage Wars#The First Chaotic Period\|First Chaotic Period]], Strawman production was very sparse. Each strawman took many months to produce, usually as the work of a single mage. For this reason, they were most often used as guards or outpost defenders, augmented by human soldiers and fixed enchantments.		During the [[Mage Wars#The First Chaotic Period\|First Chaotic Period]], Strawman production was very sparse. Each strawman took many months to produce, usually as the work of a single mage. For this reason, they were most often used as guards or outpost defenders, augmented by human soldiers and fixed enchantments.

	By the [[Mage Wars#The Intermediate Period\|Intermediate Period]], entire empires were propped up on the backs of Strawman labor. This marked a peek in their extant populations. Whole armies were produced and sent to war, while others remained at home as laborers and field hands.		By the [[Mage Wars#The Intermediate Period\|Intermediate Period]], entire empires were propped up on the backs of Strawman labor. This marked a peek in their extant populations. Whole armies were produced and sent to war, while others remained at home as laborers and field hands. The [[Agras Plain]] saw particularly heavy Strawman production, even creating entire factories.

			The [[Marcon Alliance]], however, spelled the death-knell for Strawmen. For reasons that are not entirely clear, the Marcons supremely hated strawmen. This was confusing, as Marcons also practiced slavery, one would assume they would leap at the chance to acquire slaves that didn't require food or water. But Strawmen can't suffer, they can't feel pain or want, and Marconian tradition held that this was vital, both in enemies and as slaves.

			Throughout the [[Mage Wars#The Dynastic Period\|Dynastic Period]], Marconian troops waged a war of extreme prejudice against the strawmen, going out of their way to kill them and wreck production centers. This, in turn, led to strawman revolts in areas where they were commonly used, as sentient beings, the strawmen knew they would be butchered and destroyed with far greater ferocity than anyone else.

			By the end of the Dynastic Period, strawman production had come to an end, and surviving strawmen were quite rare. Most had won their freedom in some fashion or another and ventured out into the world. A few still served as laborers, but most took on the roles of adventurers and free peoples. They were not widely accepted, but most found friends in other fighters, and throughout the [[Mage Wars#The Second Chaotic Period\|Second Chaotic Period]], they helped in bringing about the end of the Mage Wars.

			It is believed that all Straman production had ceased by 250 [[B.G.A.]]. Strawmen live a long time, but are not immortal. They did not have the ability to construct strawmen of their own, so by that measure they could not "reproduce". Even in the [[Ages#The Golden Age\|Golden Age]], Stramen were not widely accepeted, though at least in the [[Alliance]] they were celebrated(strawmen had fought beside [[Uther]], and at least one straman almost became one of [[The Ten]].

			As the era of the Mage Wars came to a close, many Strawmen settled into isolated communities in [[Sindall]]. Since they did not need to eat or sleep, these communities often only mimicked human settlements from the outside. They built houses, grew and harvested crops, and joined into family units. Many humans and other races even came to settle with Strawmen, and often such villages became centers for art. Strawmen excelled at artistic expression.

			However, because they could not make more of themselves, and no one knew how they were created in the first place, by [[A.Y.]] 1100, there were likely no more strawmen alive. Many communities, now populated by humans, remained, carrying out their traditions for some time. But these, too, would eventually perish, and by the [[Ages#The Second Age\|Second Age]], few even believed the strawmen had ever even existed at all.

	==Recreation==		==Recreation==

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:14, 27 September 2020
Line 2:		Line 2:

	==Magic-Tech Strawmen==		==Magic-Tech Strawmen==
	During the [[Mage Wars]], many races and creatures were given life by magic. This process typically involved beginning with a creature of mundane origins, and either taking away, or adding ~~to it~~ until the desired effect was achieved. However, results of this method unpredictable, reckless, and bad at following orders. In some cases, this was the desired effect: creatures like [[Viverren]] were originally devised as a sort of automated protection system, of which a colony could be established in a city's sewer system, and keep out unwanted intruders.		During the [[Mage Wars]], many races and creatures were given life by magic. This process typically involved beginning with a creature of mundane origins, and either taking away, or adding attributes until the desired effect was achieved. However, results of this method were unpredictable, reckless, and bad at following orders. In some cases, this was the desired effect: creatures like [[Viverren]] were originally devised as a sort of automated protection system, of which a colony could be established in a city's sewer system, and keep out unwanted intruders.

	The Strawmen had a very different purpose and origin.		The Strawmen had a very different purpose and origin.

	The earliest accounts of ~~Straman~~ production date to the beginning of the [[Mage Wars#The First Chaotic Period\|First Chaotic Period]] when they were produced as a sort of expendable foot-soldier. Because armies frequently had to travel long distances to attack neighboring city-states, an automaton who required neither food nor water and could march for days without rest was considered invaluable. As the war progressed, different powers began shaping Strawmen for their own purposes. They were still primarily soldiers, but some were used as laborers and domestic servants. Indeed, entire empires were built on backs of Strawman labor.		The earliest accounts of Strawmen production date to the beginning of the [[Mage Wars#The First Chaotic Period\|First Chaotic Period]] when they were produced as a sort of expendable foot-soldier. Because armies frequently had to travel long distances to attack neighboring city-states, an automaton who required neither food nor water and could march for days without rest was considered invaluable. As the war progressed, different powers began shaping Strawmen for their own purposes. They were still primarily soldiers, but some were used as laborers and domestic servants. Indeed, entire empires were built on backs of Strawman labor.

	A typical Strawman was intelligent, but unemotional. The ones built as soldiers were often very smart, some learned magic, others became inventive enough to modify and upgrade themselves. The only thing Strawmen never learned was how to make more of themselves.		A typical Strawman was intelligent, but unemotional. The ones built as soldiers were often very smart, some learned magic, others became inventive enough to modify and upgrade themselves. The only thing Strawmen never learned was how to make more of themselves.
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	By the [[Mage Wars#The Intermediate Period\|Intermediate Period]], entire empires were propped on the backs of Strawman labor. This marked a peak in their extant populations. Whole armies were produced and sent to war, while others remained at home as laborers and field hands. The [[Agras Plain]] saw particularly heavy Strawman production, even creating entire factories.		By the [[Mage Wars#The Intermediate Period\|Intermediate Period]], entire empires were propped on the backs of Strawman labor. This marked a peak in their extant populations. Whole armies were produced and sent to war, while others remained at home as laborers and field hands. The [[Agras Plain]] saw particularly heavy Strawman production, even creating entire factories.

	The [[Marcon Alliance]], however, ~~spelled~~ the death-knell for Strawmen. For reasons that are not entirely clear, the Marcons ~~supremely~~ hated Strawmen. This was confusing, because as Marcons practiced slavery, one would assume they would leap at the chance to acquire slaves that didn't require food or water. But Strawmen can't suffer, ~~they can't~~ feel pain or want, and Marconian tradition held that this was vital, both in enemies and as slaves.		The [[Marcon Alliance]], however, rang the death-knell for Strawmen. For reasons that are not entirely clear, the Marcons hated Strawmen. This was confusing, because as Marcons practiced slavery, one would assume they would leap at the chance to acquire slaves that didn't require food or water. But Strawmen can't suffer, or feel pain or want, and Marconian tradition held that this was vital, both in enemies and as slaves.

	Throughout the [[Mage Wars#The Dynastic Period\|Dynastic Period]], Marconian troops waged a war of extreme prejudice against the Strawmen, going out of their way to kill them and wreck production centers. This, in turn, led to Strawman revolts in areas where they were commonly used: as sentient beings, the Strawmen knew they would be butchered and destroyed with far greater ferocity than anyone else.		Throughout the [[Mage Wars#The Dynastic Period\|Dynastic Period]], Marconian troops waged a war of extreme prejudice against the Strawmen, going out of their way to kill them and wreck production centers. This, in turn, led to Strawman revolts in areas where they were commonly used: as sentient beings, the Strawmen knew they would be butchered and destroyed with far greater ferocity than anyone else.

	By the end of the Dynastic Period, ~~strawman~~ production had come to an end, and surviving ~~strawmen~~ were quite rare. Most had won their freedom in some fashion or another and ventured into the world. A few still served as laborers, but most became adventurers and free peoples. They were not widely accepted, but most found friends in other fighters, and throughout the [[Mage Wars#The Second Chaotic Period\|Second Chaotic Period]], they helped in bringing about the end of the Mage Wars.		By the end of the Dynastic Period, Strawman production had come to an end, and surviving Strawmen were quite rare. Most had won their freedom in some fashion or another and ventured into the world. A few still served as laborers, but most became adventurers and free peoples. They were not widely accepted, but most found friends in other fighters, and throughout the [[Mage Wars#The Second Chaotic Period\|Second Chaotic Period]], they helped in bringing about the end of the Mage Wars.

	It is believed that all Straman production had ceased by 250 [[B.G.A.]]. Strawmen live a long time, but are not immortal. They did not have the ability to construct strawmen of their own, so by that measure they could not "reproduce". Even in the [[Ages#The Golden Age\|Golden Age]], Stramen were not widely accepted, though at least in the [[Alliance]] they were celebrated (strawmen had fought beside [[Eieber]], and at least one strawman almost became one of [[The Ten]].		It is believed that all Straman production had ceased by 250 [[B.G.A.]]. Strawmen live a long time, but are not immortal. They did not have the ability to construct strawmen of their own, so by that measure they could not "reproduce". Even in the [[Ages#The Golden Age\|Golden Age]], Stramen were not widely accepted, though at least in the [[Alliance]] they were celebrated (strawmen had fought beside [[Eieber]], and at least one strawman almost became one of [[The Ten]].

	As the era of the Mage Wars came to a close, many Strawmen settled into isolated communities in [[Sindall]]. Since they did not need to eat or sleep, these communities often only mimicked human settlements ~~from the outside~~. They built houses, grew and harvested crops, and joined into family units. Many humans and other races even came to settle with Strawmen, and often such villages became centers for art. Strawmen excelled at artistic expression.		As the era of the Mage Wars came to a close, many Strawmen settled into isolated communities in [[Sindall]]. Since they did not need to eat or sleep, these communities often only mimicked human settlements. They built houses, grew and harvested crops, and joined into family units. Many humans and other races even came to settle with Strawmen, and often such villages became centers for art. Strawmen excelled at artistic expression.

	Because they could not make more of themselves, and no one knew how they were created in the first place, by [[A.Y.]] 1100, there were likely no more strawmen alive. Many communities, now populated by humans, remained, carrying out their traditions for some time. But these, too, would eventually perish, and by the [[Ages#The Second Age\|Second Age]], few even believed the strawmen had ever even existed at all.		Because they could not make more of themselves, and no one knew how they were created in the first place, by [[A.Y.]] 1100, there were likely no more strawmen alive. Many communities, now populated by humans, remained, carrying out their traditions for some time. But these, too, would eventually perish, and by the [[Ages#The Second Age\|Second Age]], few even believed the strawmen had ever even existed at all.

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:07, 20 July 2016
Line 2:		Line 2:

	==Magic-Tech Strawmen==		==Magic-Tech Strawmen==
	During the [[Mage Wars]], many races and ~~creates~~ were given life by ~~means of~~ magic. This process typically involved beginning with a creature of mundane origins, and either taking away, or adding to it until the desired effect was achieved. However, ~~that~~ method ~~had a tendancy to produce beings that were~~ unpredictable, ~~wreckless~~, and bad at following orders. In some cases, this was the desired effect~~, creates~~ like [[Viverren]] were originally devised as a sort of automated protection system, a colony could be established in a city's sewer system, and keep out unwanted intruders.		During the [[Mage Wars]], many races and creatures were given life by magic. This process typically involved beginning with a creature of mundane origins, and either taking away, or adding to it until the desired effect was achieved. However, results of this method unpredictable, reckless, and bad at following orders. In some cases, this was the desired effect: creatures like [[Viverren]] were originally devised as a sort of automated protection system, of which a colony could be established in a city's sewer system, and keep out unwanted intruders.

	The Strawmen had a very different purpose and origin.		The Strawmen had a very different purpose and origin.
Line 13:		Line 13:
	The first Strawmen may have been created as early as the late [[Age of Darkness]]. Anecdotal evidence suggests they were present at the fall of [[High Tower]]. Some books on how they were made survived into modern times, though the exact method was lost by the start of the [[Ages#The Golden Age\|Golden Age]].		The first Strawmen may have been created as early as the late [[Age of Darkness]]. Anecdotal evidence suggests they were present at the fall of [[High Tower]]. Some books on how they were made survived into modern times, though the exact method was lost by the start of the [[Ages#The Golden Age\|Golden Age]].

	During the [[Mage Wars#The First Chaotic Period\|First Chaotic Period]], Strawman production was very sparse. Each ~~strawman~~ took many months to produce, usually as the work of a single mage. For this reason, they were most often used as guards or outpost defenders, augmented by human soldiers and fixed enchantments.		During the [[Mage Wars#The First Chaotic Period\|First Chaotic Period]], Strawman production was very sparse. Each Strawman took many months to produce, usually as the work of a single mage. For this reason, they were most often used as guards or outpost defenders, augmented by human soldiers and fixed enchantments.

	By the [[Mage Wars#The Intermediate Period\|Intermediate Period]], entire empires were propped up on the backs of Strawman labor. This marked a ~~peek~~ in their extant populations. Whole armies were produced and sent to war, while others remained at home as laborers and field hands. The [[Agras Plain]] saw particularly heavy Strawman production, even creating entire factories.		By the [[Mage Wars#The Intermediate Period\|Intermediate Period]], entire empires were propped on the backs of Strawman labor. This marked a peak in their extant populations. Whole armies were produced and sent to war, while others remained at home as laborers and field hands. The [[Agras Plain]] saw particularly heavy Strawman production, even creating entire factories.

	The [[Marcon Alliance]], however, spelled the death-knell for Strawmen. For reasons that are not entirely clear, the Marcons supremely hated ~~strawmen~~. This was confusing, as Marcons ~~also~~ practiced slavery, one would assume they would leap at the chance to acquire slaves that didn't require food or water. But Strawmen can't suffer, they can't feel pain or want, and Marconian tradition held that this was vital, both in enemies and as slaves.		The [[Marcon Alliance]], however, spelled the death-knell for Strawmen. For reasons that are not entirely clear, the Marcons supremely hated Strawmen. This was confusing, because as Marcons practiced slavery, one would assume they would leap at the chance to acquire slaves that didn't require food or water. But Strawmen can't suffer, they can't feel pain or want, and Marconian tradition held that this was vital, both in enemies and as slaves.

	Throughout the [[Mage Wars#The Dynastic Period\|Dynastic Period]], Marconian troops waged a war of extreme prejudice against the ~~strawmen~~, going out of their way to kill them and wreck production centers. This, in turn, led to ~~strawman~~ revolts in areas where they were commonly used, as sentient beings, the ~~strawmen~~ knew they would be butchered and destroyed with far greater ferocity than anyone else.		Throughout the [[Mage Wars#The Dynastic Period\|Dynastic Period]], Marconian troops waged a war of extreme prejudice against the Strawmen, going out of their way to kill them and wreck production centers. This, in turn, led to Strawman revolts in areas where they were commonly used: as sentient beings, the Strawmen knew they would be butchered and destroyed with far greater ferocity than anyone else.

	By the end of the Dynastic Period, strawman production had come to an end, and surviving strawmen were quite rare. Most had won their freedom in some fashion or another and ventured ~~out~~ into the world. A few still served as laborers, but most ~~took on the roles of~~ adventurers and free peoples. They were not widely accepted, but most found friends in other fighters, and throughout the [[Mage Wars#The Second Chaotic Period\|Second Chaotic Period]], they helped in bringing about the end of the Mage Wars.		By the end of the Dynastic Period, strawman production had come to an end, and surviving strawmen were quite rare. Most had won their freedom in some fashion or another and ventured into the world. A few still served as laborers, but most became adventurers and free peoples. They were not widely accepted, but most found friends in other fighters, and throughout the [[Mage Wars#The Second Chaotic Period\|Second Chaotic Period]], they helped in bringing about the end of the Mage Wars.

	It is believed that all Straman production had ceased by 250 [[B.G.A.]]. Strawmen live a long time, but are not immortal. They did not have the ability to construct strawmen of their own, so by that measure they could not "reproduce". Even in the [[Ages#The Golden Age\|Golden Age]], Stramen were not widely ~~accepeted~~, though at least in the [[Alliance]] they were celebrated(strawmen had fought beside [[Uther]], and at least one ~~straman~~ almost became one of [[The Ten]].		It is believed that all Straman production had ceased by 250 [[B.G.A.]]. Strawmen live a long time, but are not immortal. They did not have the ability to construct strawmen of their own, so by that measure they could not "reproduce". Even in the [[Ages#The Golden Age\|Golden Age]], Stramen were not widely accepted, though at least in the [[Alliance]] they were celebrated (strawmen had fought beside [[Uther]], and at least one strawman almost became one of [[The Ten]].

	As the era of the Mage Wars came to a close, many Strawmen settled into isolated communities in [[Sindall]]. Since they did not need to eat or sleep, these communities often only mimicked human settlements from the outside. They built houses, grew and harvested crops, and joined into family units. Many humans and other races even came to settle with Strawmen, and often such villages became centers for art. Strawmen excelled at artistic expression.		As the era of the Mage Wars came to a close, many Strawmen settled into isolated communities in [[Sindall]]. Since they did not need to eat or sleep, these communities often only mimicked human settlements from the outside. They built houses, grew and harvested crops, and joined into family units. Many humans and other races even came to settle with Strawmen, and often such villages became centers for art. Strawmen excelled at artistic expression.

	~~However, because~~ they could not make more of themselves, and no one knew how they were created in the first place, by [[A.Y.]] 1100, there were likely no more strawmen alive. Many communities, now populated by humans, remained, carrying out their traditions for some time. But these, too, would eventually perish, and by the [[Ages#The Second Age\|Second Age]], few even believed the strawmen had ever even existed at all.		Because they could not make more of themselves, and no one knew how they were created in the first place, by [[A.Y.]] 1100, there were likely no more strawmen alive. Many communities, now populated by humans, remained, carrying out their traditions for some time. But these, too, would eventually perish, and by the [[Ages#The Second Age\|Second Age]], few even believed the strawmen had ever even existed at all.

	==Old Strawmen==		==Old Strawmen==