Steppe Shepherds
Nomadic giantborn who herd flocks of various creatures on the Shara Steppes. There are four main herds, each keeping distance between them; The Goats, The Cattle, The Feathers, and The Scales.
The Goats
The Goat herd tend to Dire Goats that are found in the region. Most wild dire goats live in the The Basalt Peaks, but the Shepherds have domesticated a herd that provides a much more reliable source of meat, milk, cheese, hide, and horn. The Goats have 80 members on average and are the third Herd to clear an area, eating the grass to the root.The Cattle
The Cattle herd is made up of yaks, the large beasts are the biggest herd animals in the region and are extinct except for this flock. The oldest of the Herds, The Cattle also are the largest group of Shepherds with over 100 men, women, and children traveling as one. Cattle is the second herd to pass through a new area, eating the top half of grass, leaving it at knee height.The Wings
The youngest of the Herds, the Feathers' herd is an assortment of flying creatures that follow the Shepherds as a dark cloud. Among their flock are a variety of smaller birds and one massive Roc. The Feathers feed their flock as they move and the droppings from the birds help fertilize the grassland and pave the way for the other Herds to follow. The smallest group of Shepherds at only 30 strong, it is an honor to be selected because this Herd consists only of men and has the hardest labor of them all.The Raptors
The Scales herd bipedal reptiles covered in colorful feathers called Steppe Raptor. They stand 4ft tall on average and can run incredibly fast. They are the first Herd to pass through an area because they dont' eat grass, but rather the small insects and pests that hide among it. Functioning as pest control for new grass, the Scale herd may pass through an area twice before any other Herd arrives. The faster pace is a rougher lifestyle and makes for a smaller population of Shepherds at barely over 50 at a time. Members of this Herd are frequently covered in scars from the large talons and sharp teeth of their Steppe Raptors.Structure
Loose group of tribal shepherds who herd their flocks on the Shara Steppes. They are rumored to be led by an ancient Giant who lives somewhere in the Steppes.
Culture
Tribal and nomadic. The Shepherds are deeply spiritual and commune with spirits frequently for guidance on where best to graze their herd.
Public Agenda
The Shepherds believe the Steppes belong to no-one and openly refute Dolinde, The Twinned City and its empress's claim to it.
Assets
The Shepherds sell goods made from the Steppe's grasses as well as meat, hide, and other goods produced from their flocks.
History
The Shepherds history is completely oral and is maintained by their Spirit Speakers, shamans who can communicate with spirits in the Echo. They tell of a time when the The Basalt Peaks were but small hills and the herds of ancient Shepherds were so large that they shook the ground.
Territories
The Shara Steppes are the Shepherd's ancestral lands and they believe that the land can belong to no-one, despite the Twin Empresses and their claims.
Foreign Relations
At odds with Dolinde, The Twinned City but understand the city has become a necessary evil, and trade openly with them. The Platinum Knights patrolling the Steppes is considered an affront to the land and destructive to the grass. Conflict is common if a patrol gets too near one of the Herds. The Shepherds barter with Jetsam and the hunters at the base of the Steppes and have no animosity towards them.
The only people who can truthfully say they are of the Shara Steppes.
The only people who can truthfully say they are of the Shara Steppes.
GROWN OF GRASS
Type
Geopolitical, Nomadic tribe
Alternative Names
Steppers, Cattlefolk
Government System
Tribalism
Economic System
Barter system
Location
Neighboring Nations
Related Species
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