The Khulwane
The Khulwane are a nomadic human tribe whose history is rooted in the once-thriving kingdom of the eastern Gnasc Plains. Their settlements, which harmonized with the land, were destroyed during the rise of the Ro’Gnesh Empire. The fall of their civilization, known as the Sundering of Khulwane, left survivors scattered and forced into a nomadic existence. Stories of this catastrophic loss, along with tales of betrayal, heroism, and resilience, are central to Khulwane identity, preserved through oral histories and rituals.
Current Way of Life
The Khulwane now live in highly mobile bands, roaming the Gnasc Plains, Blightlands, and Northern Aurathis. Avoiding permanent settlements to stay ahead of their enemies, their camps are efficient and fortified, designed to be dismantled quickly. The Khulwane excel in guerrilla tactics, ambushes, and an intimate knowledge of the land, turning the once-predatory Gnolls and Namahage warbands into prey.
While maintaining an uneasy trust with the Khorvag Orcari, the Khulwane distinguish themselves through their use of horseback mobility, which allows them to range widely across contested territories. This shared enmity with Ro’Gnesh has forged a fragile alliance between the two groups.
Cultural Identity
The Khulwane see themselves as the Ghosts of Khulwane, haunting the land and fulfilling a sacred duty as hunters of the hunters. Their culture emphasizes:
- Strength, Patience, and Unity: Each individual is expected to endure hardship for the good of the group.
- Rituals of Endurance: Long hunts and trials by fire are central to their coming-of-age traditions, reinforcing resilience and communal strength.
- Connection to Ancestors and Spirits: Before major hunts, the Khulwane perform rituals honouring their ancestors and invoking blessings for strength and stealth.
- Storytelling: Fireside stories serve as both a means of preserving their history and reinforcing unity within the tribe.
Conflict with Ro’Gnesh
The Khulwane view the Gnoll Folk as mortal enemies, holding them responsible for the destruction of their kingdom. Their tactics are specifically adapted to counter Gnoll hunting methods, making them a persistent threat to the Ro’Gnesh Empire. Unlike some other human tribes, the Khulwane avoid entanglements with the Yaksha of Aurathis Plains, focusing exclusively on the Gnolls and Hobgoblins of the north.
Weapons and Armour
The Khulwane’s weapons and armour reflect their mobility and efficiency:
- Weapons: Javelins, throwing axes, lightweight spears, and poisons derived from local flora are all tailored for quick, devastating strikes.
- Armour: Reinforced leather and scavenged materials provide light but durable protection, blending with the terrain for stealth.
- Symbolic Adornments: Body paint and gear are marked with symbols of resilience—spirals for eternity, jagged lines for the Blightlands, and suns for their legacy. Tattoos commemorate major achievements, such as slaying a Gnoll Alpha or surviving a deadly hunt.
The Khulwane are a resilient and resourceful people, defined by their determination to avenge their fallen kingdom and survive against overwhelming odds. Their nomadic lifestyle, spiritual connection to the land, and mastery of guerrilla warfare make them a formidable force in the Gnasc Plains and beyond. They embody the legacy of their ancestors and the enduring strength of their people, haunting the land as the Ghosts of Khulwane. Living near the Blightlands has made the Khulwane masters of survival in harsh environments. They possess unparalleled skills in finding water, food, and shelter where others would perish. This knowledge, combined with their tactical ingenuity, allows them to thrive despite the constant threats from Ro’Gnesh and the hostile terrain.
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