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McCaullich Ancestors.

The birth of the wandering chieftain.

Many years ago before the cataclysm the Highlands were peopled by many descendants of Picts and Caledonians. As the years went by closer family ties grew with those who became a permanent fixture of the High Mountains known as the Taurathen Range . The people were dour and resilient, and a strong warrior tradition grew in these lands. When the cataclysm came and the lands about were altered, the Highlands stood tall and strong against the terrible events of those days. While below on the plains and the lands that were inundated, chaos reigned, but high in the mountains, in the secret valleys and high pastures, the families closed ranks in order to protect their people and their traditions. In these dark times many evil deeds were perpetrated and dire legends arose of savage men who were merciless ‘gainst all strangers. None would venture into the high mountains for many years. In time the real names of the mountains were forgot by the lowlanders, and the range became known as the Central Highlands of Caledonia .

The people of the mountains themselves though, carried on their everyday lives, raising cattle, harvesting their meagre crops and hunting and gathering the bounty of the forests, hills and lochs, the wild game, and the berries and nuts of the woodlands. The folk of the Highlands were self sufficient in wool, leather and horn, even smelting their own iron and steel from small deposits, and many were brewers of renown, creating mead, beer and whiskey.

In these times there was a family whose father was wise in the ways of the mountains. Many it was who came to consult him and ask his aid. His memory for cures for sheep and cattle was legendary. He knew how best to build a house and how to shear a sheep. He knew how to shoe a horse and where to find the best trout. He could choose the right place for crops and even, it was said, deliver a baby. It seemed that this man knew of all things, or at least had the intelligence to look carefully at a problem and work it out after a deal of thought. His name was Duncan , and since his grandfather’s name was Culluch, he was known as Duncan Mac Culluch.

Now Duncan was appreciated in all parts of the highlands in more ways than one, and as his knowledge became more and more in demand, and his reputation spread he began to travel about, and being unwed, and not unattractive, he became the object of desire of many a highland lass. Consequently, over the years he fathered more than a few children, may of whom took the name of McCulluch, which over the years lengthened somewhat, to become, McCaullich.

As Duncan grew older, he began to be accompanied by several of his sons, some of whom were also called Duncan , and as his health failed him his eldest son took up the mantle. Having lived with his father for many years the knowledge had been passed on to him and the band of clansmen who travelled with them, and who in time of war became Duncan ’s personal warband. They lived a nomadic life style, travelling the lands of the Taurathen range, giving advice and helping the clan to flourish, even in years of hardship. The name Duncan became synonymous with the leader of this band of men whose lives were dedicated to helping the clan survive, and as the years passed by, and more and more children grew up, joined Duncan’s band, married lassies and spread their knowledge, many became known as one of the McCaullichs which was an honourable family to be part of. The leader of this group was always a man of great knowledge and wisdom who passed on the knowledge of generations, until it came to be that he was recognised as the wisest of al the clan, and widely accepted as the clan chieftain.

Today, the tradition continues, and Duncan and his warband wander the lands, staying only a few days in one place, before moving on to help another settlement or isolated farmer. This does of course mean that it’s usually difficult to track Duncan down, but this is not too hard for the average clansman and it means that the tradition is carried on so that all of the clan benefits from his knowledge.

Additionally, the chieftain is also asked to mediate in disputes between clansfolk, and either he or one of the senior members of his warband will be despatched to help resolve conflicts. The warband are also used to deal with attacks from goblins or other creatures, and in battle when the clan is gathered they form the centre of the army. This roving band of warriors, craftsmen, drovers and bards, also train clansfolk in weapon skills and tactics, and consequently there are many skilled fighters in the highlands.

Overall, this system has enabled this clan to thrive over the years, and they have become strong, proud and some may say, belligerent. But ask a McCaullich for aid, and if you are honest and true, they will help you in any way they can.

Penned by Robert of Clachanmuir