Wegwiur - Wolf Nomads

The Wegwiur, or Wolf Nomads, are fierce horsemen who once battled the Rovers of the Barrens but now stand in defiance against Iuz, resisting his forces while upholding their traditions. Led by Wolf-Mother Bargra Yefkos, they maintain a semi-civilized existence with a permanent capital and trade ties to Perrenland, yet remain true to their nomadic warrior heritage.

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History

Before the defeat of the Rovers of the Barrens, they were the preferred foemen of the Wolf Nomads for control of the Howling Hills and the surrounding lands. Lately, however, with their defeat and the resurgence of Iuz, the Wolf Nomads have largely given up the hills to the humanoids and human armies of the Lord of Evil and are themselves the targets of raiding forces. The Wolf Nomads were part of the Relentless Horde under Kha-Khan Ogobanuk, but regained their independence after his death in 345 CY.

At one time, the Wegwiur horsemen gladly contested with the Rovers of the Barrens for the lands around the Howling Hills and the Dulsi River, sometimes defeating them and sometimes being driven away. With the rebirth of Iuz, the Wolf Nomads now shun the territory they once disputed, as they are themselves subject to raids from humanoids and humans from Iuz. Despite this, they have not been daunted, and they have given as good as they have gotten in these skirmishes.

Politics and Society

Like their cousins, the Tiger Nomads, the Wolf Nomads have adopted some trappings of civilization, even founding a capital city, Eru Tovar, and engaging in peaceful trade with Perrenland. They remain wild nomads at heart, however, and their banners and standards feature wolf heads and stream tails of gray fur. Having lost their favored foes, the Wolves of the Prairies now battle with the Tiger Nomads or raid southward for sport.

The Wegwiur are a stoic nation of barbarians. Though their population can be unpredictable, a Wolf Nomad’s word is reliable, and many have earned the trust of caravan leaders traveling to unknowingly violate one of their cultural taboos. Such incidents are so frequent that experienced merchants often budget extra time and money to make amends for unexpected transgressions.

The Wolf Nomads harbor a deep hatred for Iuz, and the two have never been on good terms. Eru Tovar stands ready to withstand a siege should Iuz attack. Their defiance in the face of such great evil has earned them the respect of many outsiders.

Religion

The faith of the Wolf Nomads is a mix of Flan traditions and animistic beliefs, venerating nature spirits and the spirits of great ancestors.

Military

The vast majority of the Wegwiur forces are light cavalry, armed with horn bows and lances. A small force of medium cavalry exists, while infantry is limited to the towns and villages and serves primarily as security when the entire nomad horde is on the move.

Rulership

The Wegwiur are led by Wolf-Mother Bargra Yefkos, a fierce and cunning leader who commands both the respect and loyalty of her people. Under her guidance, the nomads have remained resilient in the face of growing threats from Iuz and the surrounding dangers of the Flanaess.

Notable Locales

The western half of the Howling Hills has long been sacred to the Wolf Nomads, who bury their dead in its many ravines and tors.

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Proper Name: The Wegwiur

Ruler: Wolf- Mother Bargra Yefkos (human)

Government: Numerous loosely allied nomad tribes; hereditary leader of the ruling clan has authority (limited by charisma and force) over the other khans

Major Settlements: Eru Tovar; Ungra Balan

Resources: Furs and hides, copper, horses

Population: Human, Halfling, Elf

Law: CN

Allies: Hunting Lands (Rover of the Barrens)

Enemies: Empire of Iuz, Chakyik (Tiger Nomads) – sometimes, evil nonhuman tribes and bandits from Arn (Blackmoor) and Cold Marshes

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