The Beastherds

The Beastherds

Overview

The Beastherds are nomadic bands of beastmen that roam the mainland. They include many different beast-like races, like the centaurs, the minotaurs, and the satyrs, among others. It is not uncommon for those inflicted with the curse of lycanthropy to run away from their normal lives to travel with the Beastherds. Though, it is important to note that the Beastherds do not count Lizardfolk, Yuan-Ti, or any other scaled race among their numbers.

Structure

The titles and positions available vary from tribe to tribe, though they will always have a leader. This may sometimes be ruled by a shaman or chieftain, or, if they're more militarily inclined, they could be ruled by their greatest tactician or warrior. The type of ruler that leads each band will depend on what the values and traditions of that particular Beastherd encompass. Beastherds also have heads of religion who generally act as advisors to the herd's ruler, unless they of course are the herd's ruler.  One position that requires special attention is that of the Beastlord. The Beastlord is the ruler of not one Beastherd, but generally dozens. The last Beastlord of Vukeron was Urdrar, the son of Hefiroth. The title of Beastlord holds significant weight and can generally be created by any ambitious beastfolk ruler. This comes at a price, however, as unless this new 'Beastlord' already has great prestige and many herds under his control, his legitimacy as the Beastlord will likely be challenged by any chief who doesn't recognize him as a worthy ruler. Many of these 'illegitimated' Beastlords have risen and fallen throughout the years.

Culture

While traditions and values differ from herd to herd, there are some core elements that tie them all together culturally. Each Beastherd will always have a patron god, whether it be a particular animal spirit, a being of divinity, or something else entirely. This common aspect of religion can sometimes lead to battles between herds, though common beastfolk tradition is to host a series of games to work out differences. Beastherds all operate under a similar set of laws that they refer to as the 'Code of Hefiroth.' This code states that the members of each herd must work in cooperation with each other regardless of their views of one another personally. All must work for the survival of the herd. Stealing food, water, or other items necessary for survival is an affront to most beastmen as they are always given enough for themselves.  Even though many Beastherds are of a generally peaceful disposition, they are still reputed to be savages. This is in part due to the events that the beastmen caused in the Era of Myth. When the first Beastlord, Hefiroth, died. His son, Urdrar, took his place and subjugated the various Beastherds that were not already under his control. From there, he raided, pillaged, and murdered his way through Vukeron until he was felled by a mighty barbarian from the north. After his death, the various Beastherds under his banner parted and went their separate ways. These events have cast a negative light upon Beastfolk as a whole in the continent of Vukeron.

Assets

The various Beastherds all have different items at their disposal but they do share some similarities. Most Beastherds are quite poor in the way of actual wealth such as coins and gems. They do however boast some weapons and armor of great quality and beauty, though they are generally made from wood, bone, stone, and other natural materials as the herds are nomadic and as such are unable to produce works of metallurgy. This makes weapons and armor made of steel, or even metal for that matter, a highly valued commodity for the herds. Some merchants and towns will trade with the herds in return for pelts and various pieces of art that the beastmen have created.

History

The main piece of history common amongst all of the Beastherds is that at one point in time, a great leader rose up in one herd and managed to get many other herds to serve under him through diplomacy and war. This leader was a minotaur named Hefiroth. Hefiroth was loved by his people and known for his sense of justice and fairness. He established the set of laws used by the Beastherds even to this day which is known as the Code of Hefiroth. Hefiroth was eventually bestowed the title of Beastlord by his shaman, which was a title that he would hold for the remainder of his life. When Hefiroth eventually died, his son Urdrar took over as the new Beastlord. Urdrar wasn't like his father at all, and he chose to plunder and wage war. He conquered the rest of the scattered herds that weren't under his control and began to raid towns and villages all over Vukeron.

Type

Geopolitical, Nomadic tribe