Hochlander

Hochlanders are for the most part descended from the proud Cherusen tribe. Having mingled for some time within the Taleutens of Talabecland, the tribe eventually left the lands of the Great Forest and migrated to a small area near the Middle Mountains. Amidst verdant woods filled by game, these people have found the home they've always wanted. Less warlike than their neighbours, they contented themselves on hunting, fishing, and singing praises to Taal and Rhya.
When other Human tribes or warbands of Orcs and Beastmen would raid, the early Hochlanders would melt back into their forest, using deadly ambush and warcraft to defeat their enemies. By the time of Sigmar, the Hochlanders had become skilled scouts and skirmishers, and maintained very good relations with Sigmar's own Unberogen tribe, during the rule of his father. When the barbaric Norsii tribes began invading the lands of the Cherusens and Taleutens, King Bjorn rode forth to aid his fellow rulers against the Chaos-worshipers. Though the valiant king of the Unberogen died fighting the Norsii hosts, he had driven them back from the lands of the Cherusens, thus, King Aloysis became a fast and loyal friend to Bjorn's son, Sigmar, and contributed greatly in his wars to unite the tribes. Thus, Sigmar made Aloysis the first Count of the Cherusens.
Hochland is a small but proud province, famed for its hunters and trackers. Their traditional dish of fired venison have been exported across the Empire, but gourmands say it still tastes best cooked under the night sky of Hochland. At their best, Hochlanders are loyal, valiant, and adaptable. Modern Hochlanders are amongst the most open minded and friendly people in the Empire. With their lands being a crossroad for so much of the northern and eastern Empire, they have developed tolerance that is considered unusual everywhere else. Though mainly worshippers of Taal, Rhya, and of Sigmar, contact with travelers and merchants using the roads has made Ulric popular in the northeast, while Shallya has a strong cult. Contact with educated outsiders has led to a respect for intellectuals, so much so that the rulers of Hergig encouraged the founding of a private academy and even a small school of wizardry.
Recognizing their lands are unsuited to large-scale farming or cattle-raising, the people have done what they can to encourage others to visit and leave some of their money behind. Shrines to several cults can be found in most towns and villages, each claiming to be the site of a miracle and having blessed relics for sale. Fortified coaching inns sprang up along the roads for the convenience of travelers, though several had been bought by the rival Tunnelway and Wolf Runners coaching company. Fond of hunting in all its form, tales of the loyal friendship and jaunt ballads, Hochlanders are also known to be easily distracted by the prospect of little sport.
Some folk also whisper that their valiant nature is due in the most park from their naivety more than innate loyalty. Jokes about Hoclanders who love their bow or rifle more then their wives are common, though most are too rude to repeat. This dedication to marksmenship has resulted in the excellent Hochland long rifle regiments that have proved so useful in recent times. The Hochland spirit is said to resist the defeatism in all its form, "Even unto Death". In recent years however much as happened to change the normally optimistic, trusting Hochlander characters.

Encompassed species

• Human

Related Organizations

• The Empire of Man