The Elamle Arroin use an odd caste system (which derives from the myth of the first people). All the fourth caste aren't rulers, the society wouldn't be balanced. Instead each caste beyond the first is incremented with a set of idols that are necessary for some occupations: ruler idols only come from the fourth caste, war idols only from the second, so rulers and warriors are picked in those castes. Most generic idols like fishing or agriculture exist in every caste and the first caste has no extra idols except the generic ones. To be chosen as a ruler, sea captain or anything else, there's a special competition at the issue of which the council of elders tells you what job you're fit for. The castes are the Patient, Brave, Curious and Wise (i hope it doesn't sound too ludicrous. It does to me but i'll cope with it)
Quick sketch of the myth, i think it could be made into a counting-out rhyme but in french:-)
First man and women had everything they needed and just had to bow down to pick up food. When bad times came, they had to grow and hunt and fish their food so they learnt to be Patient.
Their children, second men and women had to cope with the bad things. They learnt to be Brave in the face of adversity.
Their children, third men and women, finally left home because things were so bad they wanted something new. They learnt to be Curious and set out to sea.
Their children, fourth men and women, settled in the new land. Elamle-ata showed them Wisdom so they made peace with the elves and Miirdek became their king.
Their children once again farmed, hunted and fished. Since then the cycle goes on.
Maybe they're able to recite all history like this, but i doubt it.
Jerome
End of The Glorantha Digest V8 #559
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