Thuula- The Horse People

In the Easterlands, there are people who once roamed over the now settled kingdoms freely and were once regarded without fear and suspicion. They are the Thuula, an ancient and proud ethnicity of nomadic horse traders whose footsteps echoed across the vast landscapes of what would later become known as the Dead Wastes. Fiercely independent and deeply connected to their traditions, the Thuula's history is intertwined with the changing tides of the land they call home.
The defining moment in their history came with the devastating Plague Wars, which forced the Thuula to abandon their nomadic ways and settle down in more fixed locations. This shift marked the end of an era, leaving the Thuula grappling with a new, less liberating lifestyle.
However, their transition to settled life did not come without controversy. The Church of the Dawn, a powerful religious institution, saw the Thuula as bearers of a deeper, otherworldly significance. They were seen as heralds of Vorath the Eternal, a deity revered by the Church. This perception resulted in the Thuula being subjected to a series of systematic oppressions in every nation where the Church held political power, be it in the kingdoms of Saer, Holsang, or Tren.
Despite the hardships and discrimination, the Thuula remained steadfast in their faith, rooted in the spirits of the wind and sky. This belief system functioned as a guiding light for them through the darkest of times, sustaining their resilience and determination.
As they embraced a more settled existence, the Thuula's livelihood transformed into that of traveling merchants. Their once free-spirited lives were now tied to the exchange of goods and services. Yet, despite the changes, their rich musical traditions and unique language served as the last remaining threads connecting them to their ancestral roots.
However, even these remnants of their past were not left untouched. Many in positions of authority sought to further restrict and control their cultural expressions, leaving the Thuula to navigate a delicate balance between preserving their identity and adapting to the new reality they found themselves in.
In the Easterlands, the Thuula people stand as a testament to the enduring spirit of a community, whose journey through the ages has been marked by upheaval and resilience. As they continue their existence as wandering merchants, they strive to preserve their heritage and faith, seeking to find a place of acceptance and harmony amidst the challenges that surround them.