Nomad

The nomad is a horseman from the vast plains. He excels at riding horses and shooting bows. A nomad’s life is harsh, and he may place a low value on human life. Nomad armies of mounted archers are fearsome opponents because of their mobility. Horses, cattle, and sheep are vital to a nomads life, and loyalty to one’s clan and chief is demanded of all. Nomads spend most of the day in the saddle.

Role

Nomads rarely leave their clans. Others may consider him to be cruel and taciturn. Nomads value their friends highly but tend to be curt with outsiders.

Distinctive Appearance

None

Special Benefits

The nomad’s background includes intensive training in archery and riding. The nomad suffers no penalties to attack rolls or rate of fire when firing from a moving horse. However, range penalties are still in effect.

Special Hindrances

Nomads prefer mobility over heavy protection; thus, they will wear only leather, studded leather, ring, scale, or chain mail armor.

Since they spend so much time on horseback, nomads walk with a bowlegged gait and suffer a -1 to their base movement rate on foot.

Class

Barbarian

Attribute Requirements

Constitution of 14 and Dexterity of 13

Barred Beliefs

None

Race Requirement

Only humans may be nomads.

Bonus Weapon Proficiencies

Short composite bow or short bow, scimitar, and lance

Required Weapon Proficiencies

None

Recommended Weapon Proficiencies

Lasso, knife

Barred Weapon Proficiencies

None

Bonus Non-Weapon Proficiencies

Riding (Land-Based)

Recommended Non-Weapon Proficiencies

Bowyer, Animal Handling, Endurance, Survival (any), Direction Sense

Equipment

When created, the nomad must purchase either a riding horse or a pony. The nomad must also buy a bow as soon as possible.

Wealth Options

Nomads receive the normal 5d4 x 10 gp. As with other barbaric kits, the nomad must spend all but 3 gp or less. As noted above, the nomad must buy a horse or pony and a bow.

Homeland Terrain

None

Economic System

None