Chakyik - Tiger Nomads
The Tiger Nomads, or Chakyik Horde, are fierce steppe warriors known for their mastery of cavalry, raiding, and trade. Though deeply tied to their nomadic traditions, increasing contact with the Baklunish states hints at a gradual transformation of their way of life.
History
The Chakyik Horde has inhabited its ancestral lands for longer than recorded history. Their existence has largely revolved around raiding the Baklunish lands to the southwest and engaging in constant skirmishes with their ancient rivals, the Wolf Nomads to the east. The only major disruption to their way of life occurred a millennium ago, when Baklunish and Oeridian tribes migrated in the wake of the Suel-Baklunish Wars. Those who attempted to traverse the northern route were relentlessly attacked by the Tiger Nomads and driven into Wolf Nomad territory, eventually disappearing from Chakyik oral history. Some of these refugees went on to establish Blackmoor far in the north.
The Tiger Nomads were once part of the Relentless Horde under Kha-Khan Ogobanuk, but following his death in 345 CY, they reclaimed their independence.
Politics and Society
The Tiger Nomads are a mix of nomadic horsemen and settled communities. While some have established villages for trade and silver and gem mining, the majority remain steppe riders, as skilled in raiding Ekbir and Perrenland as they are in trading with them. Their society is deeply martial, with continuous low-level warfare against the Boreal Forest tribes and the Wolf Nomads.
Tiger imagery is central to their culture—military and clan banners frequently depict tiger skins, heads, and tails. The ruling Ilkhan, Agul Krusef, wears a saber-tooth tiger pelt as his robe of state, while lesser khans adorn themselves with regular tiger skins. Despite rumors from the south, the nomads do not ride tigers into battle.
The Chakyik have a reputation for engaging in raiding and the slave trade, and persistent rumors of lycanthropy among them have been confirmed. Unlike other nomadic societies, women warriors and warrior-priestesses are common, leading to speculation about their ancient traditions—including whispered tales that they continue to perform male sacrifices, as was once their custom.
Religion
The Chakyik religion is an eclectic blend of Flan animism and Baklunish spiritual traditions. Shamans and priests hold significant sway over their society, and their beliefs center around reverence for spirits of the land, the sky, and the great tigers that are seen as sacred.
Military
The Tiger Nomads are primarily composed of light cavalry, armed with horn bows and lances. A small but formidable medium cavalry force exists, better armored and used for more disciplined engagements. Infantry is rare, only appearing in settlement garrisons or when the entire horde mobilizes for war.
When on the march, the horde moves as a vast caravan, with horseback warriors flanking large carts carrying tents and supplies. The military organization mirrors that of other steppe nomads, divided into tumans (divisions of 10,000 warriors) under the command of clan khans.
Notable Locales
- Yecha: The largest permanent settlement of the Tiger Nomads, Yecha serves as a trade hub and military stronghold.
- The Burneal Forest: A contested region where the Chakyik frequently war with its indigenous tribes.
- The Yatil Foothills: Rich in silver and gemstones, these mines are controlled by Chakyik clans who trade their wealth with neighboring lands.
Though the Tiger Nomads remain a feared and independent force, their growing interaction with the Baklunish states suggests a slow but inevitable shift in their traditional ways.
Proper Name: Chakyik Horde
Ruler: Lord Agul Krusuf (human)
Government: Numerous nomad clans loosely ruled by the most powerful noble of the royal clan
Major Settlements: Yecha
Resources: Furs and hides, silver,gems (I)
Population: Human, Halfling, Elf
Law: CN
Allies: None
Enemies: Burneal Forest tribes, Wegwiur (sometimes), Perrenland (sometimes), Ekbir (sometimes)
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