The Hunting Lands

Once a mighty and numerous people, the Rovers of the Barrens, or as they call themselves, the People of the Plentiful Huntinglands, were feared across the north. Their lands stretched from White Fang Bay to the Dulsi, Veng, and Zumker Rivers. However, war, invasion, and the rise of powerful neighbors have diminished their strength. After suffering devastating losses at the Battle of Opicm River, their numbers dwindled, forcing them into retreat. Today, the Rovers are regaining strength, challenging their emboldened foes while still wary of Iuz’s might.

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History

The Rovers once thrived as powerful nomadic warriors, rarely leaving their lands except for occasional raids. Between 320-345 CY, they faced the Relentless Horde, a force that combined the Wolf and Tiger Nomads under Kha-Khan Ogobanuk. Despite initial setbacks, the Rovers adapted and ultimately repelled the Horde after the Kha-Khan’s death.

At their peak, the Rovers commanded vast territories, their mere presence enough to send Wolf and Tiger Nomads into retreat. However, growing threats from the Bandit Kingdoms, humanoid incursions, and the rise of Iuz and the Horned Society led to their decline. The decisive blow came in 515 CY at the Battle of Opicm River, where the Rovers’ gathered forces were annihilated by a combined army from Iuz and the Horned Society. Reduced to a fraction of their former strength, they retreated beyond the rivers, their power shattered.

Despite this, the Rovers have begun to recover, their numbers once again growing. Though they remain cautious of Iuz, their increasing strength may soon make them a force to be reckoned with once more.

Politics and Society

The People of the Plentiful Huntinglands remain a fiercely independent and nomadic society, with no permanent settlements. Their structure consists of eight major clans, each divided into multiple tribes:

• Great Stags (east) - 11 tribes, 5,200 warriors
• Bear Paws (southeast) - 4 tribes, 1,100 warriors
• Red Horses (northwest) - 6 tribes, 2,700 warriors
• Black Horses (northwest) - 8 tribes, 3,300 warriors
• Gray Lynx (north, in the woods) - 5 tribes, 1,400 warriors
• Wolverines (north-central) - 7 tribes, 700 warriors
• Horn Bows (west-central) - 4 tribes, 1,800 warriors
• Sly Foxes (south, in the woods) - 4 tribes, 800 warriors

Additionally, the Rovers maintain two elite fighting societies:

• War Dogs - Elite foot soldiers known for their endurance and speed, drawn from all clans (3,100 warriors).
• White War Dogs - A superior warrior caste chosen exclusively from the northern tribes (950 warriors).

Religion

The Rovers’ spiritual beliefs blend Flan deities with strong animistic traditions, revering spirits of nature, animals, and ancestors.

Military

The Rovers’ warriors are renowned for their speed, agility, and mastery of horseback combat:

• Light cavalry wield lances and javelins, with many also using short bows.
• Medium cavalry serve as shock troops, specializing in direct combat.
• Lariat fighters are trained to pull enemies from horseback in battle.
• War Dogs can run alongside cavalry, their elite foot soldiers using hatchets, knives, and lariats to hamstring enemy mounts and disrupt formations.

Despite their setbacks, the Rovers of the Hunting Lands remain a proud and dangerous people, biding their time as their strength returns.

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Proper Name: Arapahai, or People of the Plentiful Huntinglands

Ruler: Overlord-Protector Yhareen Sakarr (tiefling)

Government: Four loosely allied clans, each composed of several nomadic tribes; each tribe led by a chieftain elected for fighting ability and leadership; best warriors join the Wardogs (not aligned with any tribe), and the best warrior of the Wardogs has limited authority over all tribal chiefs

Major Settlements: No capital; no cities, only temporary camps of up to 5000

Resources: Furs and hides, horn, gold, horses

Population: Human, Orc, Goblin, Hobgoblin, Halfling, Gnome, Half-orc

Law: CN

Allies: Elves of the Fellreev, centaurs of Fellreev and Barrens, Wolf Nomads (humans), Iuz (orcs)

Enemies: Stonehold, Bandit Kingdoms, Iuz (humans Elves of the Fellreev, centaurs of Fellreev and Barrens (orcs)

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