Changes

The '''Slah-haii''' or 'most ancient' represent the benevolent pantheon of gods who created the [[Hrud]], and intended them to bask in the sun and be fruitful. However, this changed when the their deities entered a ruinous war with the [[Yaam-khoh]] or 'mirror devils', and were variously slain, crippled or forced to flee.{{Fn|7}}

However, the empire of the Slann eventually dwindled, the pace of their civilization slowed, and their genetic experiments largely abandoned. They do not seem to have suffered from any physical conflict, wars, or disasters. Rather, the reasons for abandoning their active role in galactic affairs and falling into long dream of indolence and introspection appear to be have been driven by a sudden and drastic change in their race's motivations. With their change in motivations, they have lost interest in material conquest and power. It is perhaps the case that the Slann had discovered something yet unknown to other races, a secret of the universe, a spiritual truth or a supreme metaphysical insight.{{Fn|1b}}

The Slann inhabit and area north of the galactic pole, living upon a number of proximate and prosperous worlds. They are a closed, but homogeneous society, with similar technical bases, language and culture on each planet. Slann may also live as primitive savages on planets beyond Slann space, including [[Imperium of Man|Imperial]] planets. Such Slann make little or no contact with their more advanced kin. These primitive Slann can be found in settlements throughout the galaxy, likely as a part of greater pattern of galactic settlement. They will rarely trade with other races and are unpredictable in the matter of dealing with territorial disputes or any for of rivalry. The is little the Slann actually want or need, and traders will often get the feeling that they are being watched and studied, and that the actual exchange of goods is of no importance to the Slann.{{Fn|1b}}

The Slann live in a hierarchical society. The greatest and most respected individuals are the [[Great Mages]], who are sought in battle for their formidable knowledge of magic, philosophy and the arcane sciences. While these Great Mages remain aloof from society, they are nonetheless often sought by social leaders. Slann society is tribal, and the leader of each tribe is known as the [[Mage Chief]]. With the exception of the primitive Slann, Slann tribes never fight each other and tribal relations are peaceful. The Slann are expected live according to a strange, mystic and unfathomable ritual, as part of which each Slann passes through life-stages. The call of the life-stage is a seemingly real and unstoppable thing to a Slann, and can happen any time. A peaceful technician may become a wanderer, a warrior, a hermit, etc.{{Fn|1b}}

The concept of a warband is an important aspect of Slann attitude to life. Slann who feel the call to become warriors will either join a tribe's warband, or form their own. Due to the unpredictability of this recruiting method, warbands will change all the time. Slann warriors are known as [[braves]], and the number of braves plus a leader make up a [[Slann Warband|warband]]. A senior officer known as a [[warleader]] commands a group of warbands. Larger armies will have many warleaders, who will meet before battle to discuss plans and exchange ideas with experienced warleaders, [[warchiefs]], and mages. The warleader who is largely in chage is known as a [[Slann Warchief|warchief]], who is selected from and by other warleaders{{Fn|1b}} The Slann fight for reasons beyond other races' understanding. A warrior fulfilling an important part of its life-cycle sees its immediate goal as fighting, giving no consideration as to why this is. A Slann would think of tactics no more than question the act of war, with their primary objective being fulfilling the 'warrior code'. Defeat is not a Slann concept, and troops doomed in battle must die in combat and attacks should be decisive and never half-hearted. Slann fight for the love of fighting and a gallant defeat is as valuable as a glorious victory. Many Slann believe they are fated to die in battle and are perfectly happy to do so.{{Fn|1d}}