Altan Saryk
The Altan Saryk are a nomadic wanderborne people of Mythgaradda, notable for their continuous migration, collective navigational abilities, and association with an ancient traveling monolith known as the Saryk Cairn (often called the Roadstone by outsiders). They are widely regarded as one of the most difficult cultures to track, define, or politically engage, due to their refusal to settle and their practice of leaving no lasting trace of their presence.
They are sometimes referred to in external sources as the Golden Step Caravan, though this name is not commonly used by the Altan Saryk themselves.
Overview
The Altan Saryk exist entirely in motion. They do not establish permanent settlements, claim territory, or construct lasting monuments. Instead, their identity is maintained through shared practices, oral tradition, and their collective relationship to the Saryk Cairn.
They are multi-ancestry in composition and adopt members selectively, though a distinction is maintained between those born into the tribe and those who join later in life.
Origins
No definitive origin of the Altan Saryk has been established. Oral accounts suggest the tribe formed gradually around the Saryk Cairn, which is believed to predate the people themselves.
Attempts to identify a homeland or founding event have failed.
The Saryk Cairn (Roadstone)
The Altan Saryk migrate with the Saryk Cairn, an ancient monolith believed to anchor their collective navigational abilities and shared instinct. The Cairn remains at the physical and cultural center of the caravan.
Main article: Saryk Cairn
Social Organization
The Altan Saryk do not recognize permanent leaders. Instead, they rely on rotating functional roles and collective responsibility.
Main article: Social Roles of the Altan Saryk
Membership
The tribe distinguishes between those born into the Altan Saryk and those who join later in life.
Main article: Sarykhun and Zökhari
The Returning Walk
Members born into the tribe undertake a solitary rite at maturity to test attunement to the Cairn.
Main article: Returning Walk
Philosophy of Motion
Altan Saryk culture is governed by a belief that stagnation—physical or emotional—invites decay.
Main article: Philosophy of Motion
Visual and Material Culture
Altan Saryk identity is expressed through practical clothing, restrained ornamentation, and portable markers of belonging.
Main article: Visual and Material Culture of the Altan Saryk
Environmental Impact
The Altan Saryk leave no lasting trace of their passage, dismantling camps completely and dispersing all signs of habitation.
Relations with Other Cultures
Settled societies frequently misunderstand the Altan Saryk, interpreting their practices through sedentary norms.
Notable Individuals
- Altaryn — A Sarykhun separated from the tribe after losing attunement to the Cairn due to divine interference.
See Also
This article reflects external scholarship and observation. The Altan Saryk do not maintain written histories and have not verified this account.