Land
The Aranwyth tribal lands can be divided into the northern highlands in the Forloss Hills, and the lowlands in the south and southwest. The highlands, with its wooded groves and copses in the vales, and grassy ridges are the tribal pastures.
The clans live in the lowlands during winter, moving into their highland settlements with their herds during spring and summer, only to return again in late Earth Season.
Sheep
Sheep are the by far most common livestock, and every clan owns thousands of them. Raiding by both Telmori and Sazdorf hunters are common, and can have a major economic impact if not taken seriously. Thus, the lonely shepherd boy is a rare occurrence. Instead shepherds travel in groups, moving systematically from one grazing area to another. Feuds between clans about grazing rights are not uncommon.
Hunting
Deer are hunted during Fire Season, when they move into the mountains. Sable and impala can be found grazing the eastern valleys in Fire and Earth Seasons. Many species of bird can be found in the Six Sisters area.
Farming
Because of the unfavourable soil and climate, rye is the main crop. It is sown in early Sea Season in the highland valleys, and is harvested late Fire or Early Earth Season. It is also common as a winter crop, and is then sown when the clans return to the lowlands in Earth Season. Oats are produced as well, as it is the preferred grain for horses. Oat is also used to make the famous Toena pudding.
Traveling Young Men
It is not uncommon for young men of the tribe to gain employment in other parts of Sartar during harvest. This takes the burden of supporting them off their clans, and is at the same time often welcome and cheap labour for the surrounding tribes.
Trade
Trade is extremely important to these people, since their own natural resources are so scarce.
Wool is the most important natural resource for the Aranwyth. It is easy to transport, and does not perish easily. It is traded after the sheep are sheared in Sea Season. In fact, the route from the Aranwyth lands to Swenstown is called the Wool Trail by other tribes.
Lambs are usually dropped in mid Storm Season, and sold at markets in Sea and Fire Seasons.
Horses
Horses are of prime importance to the Aranwyth. They read meaning into the colours of the horse, and a horse's head suspended near a sanctuary or on the gables of a house confers supernatural powers to the place. It is not unusual for the wealthy to be cremated with their favourite horse. Mare's milk is drunk for ritual purposes.
Horses have many uses, and the Aranwyth keep several different breeds. The battle-trained White Stallions are a sought after commodity among warriors in Sartar. Products made from horsehide are sold as luxury articles in Swenstown and Boldhome. Horsemeat can be eaten, but rarely is, except under extreme circumstances such as to prevent starvation, or for ritual purposes.
Horse bones and cartilage are used to make glue. From horsehide a number of articles are manufactured, including fine shoes and belts. Stylish fur coats are made of the sleek coats of foals. Horsehair has wide use in upholstery, mattresses, and stiff lining for coats and suits. Horse manure is used for fuel.
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