Akkanathi Lords
In the eastern reaches of the Abrell Uplands there are small villages of fierce warriors who see themselves as servants of the one true divine power, Luthic, the Cave Mother. They are a poor but proud people and war is their way of life. Sometimes known as “Luthic’s Riders”, they attack on both land and river, robbing and destroying all those who they deem as unholy. In a precarious position between the emerging Kingdom of Orrendale, Crownlands of Gavinar and the Free Cities of Al-Khet, the Akkanathi claim that they are the last truly free people in Agela.
Symbols and Visuals
When they are home in their villages the people of Akkanathi might seem simple fishermen, farmers, or even merchants. But when the time comes to go forth and smite the wicked, their appearance changes. The Akkanathi know very well the power of a reputation, and they have created an image over the decades. Now their enemies face not simple men, but creatures clad in black cloaks with golden fur and wooden masks in the shape of animals hiding their faces. The black helm banner is unfurled before every battle. Together with the roaring battle cries of the Akkanathi, the sight of the black helm fills their enemies with dread.Motivations and Goals
Every deed the Akkanathi do serves one of two masters: either their families in their villages or Luthic, the Cave Mother. Their highest goal is the survival of their home, which can only be assured by both worldly and spiritual means. Thus, the Akkanathi, even though they do not actually care for material wealth much, have built a reputation as raiders, assembling goods and supplies. All this goes back to the villages though, making sure that the families living there are well cared for. At the same time every deed they do is for the glory of Luthic, who wants them to be brave, ferocious and obedient, firm allies to the righteous but vicious enemies to all who oppose her will.Origins and History
Almost two hundred years ago a group of Drelnar, a people that resided in the eastern regions of Agela, migrated west into the Riverlands. They would settle in the eastern reaches of the Abrell Uplands, and initially become goat and sheep breeders. Ignored by the emerging factions of the Free Cities of Al-Khet, the Kingdom of Orrendale, and the Crownlands of Gavinar, they thrived in their own humble way. Until, about a hundred years ago, a terrible plague hit and killed nearly half of the population. At the height of this plague, Luka, the Lord of the ancient akkanathi town, had a strange dream. In this, Luthic came to him in the shape of a lion, showing him that the cure was to be found in holy waters held by a village south of the Abrell Uplands. To prove their strength in the eyes of Luthic, the akkanathi had to take these waters from the nonbelievers that held them. Desperate and driven by fear for their families’ lives, twenty men travelled south and attacked the settlement and, in a night of blood and terror, wiped out all the inhabitants, bringing back the water. A few days later the plague had passed on and the akkanathi recovered. It was in this time that Luka, the First Lord appointed eight other Lords, and the town was razed and the akkanathi separated into nine tribes. Over the decades the lands of the Abrell Uplands has become less and less hospitable, incapable of sustaining the population by itself. This is a sign of Luthic who does not want her chosen people to become complacent and weak. Only surviving by hunting their prey can the Akkanathi Lords remain strong.Methods and Resources
The Akkanathi are a tribal military faction, well equipped for their chosen task. Every member is required to care for their own armour, weapons, horse, and – if they should own one – boat. These are the tools of their trade, and they usually of as high a quality that raiding can provide. Otherwise, they do not have many riches or powerful allies that they can reliably call upon. While nearly every single akkanathi is highly skilled in battle, their number is small, thus they cannot allow themselves to have many losses. Their methods and tactics reflect that, fighting only on their terms, always on the offensive, seeking to keep their enemies out of balance. Many of their raids are not as ferocious as their reputation might suggest they appear out of nowhere, using tactics of intimidation and demanding resources. If they are given what they want they vanish in the night like ghosts, impossible to follow.Structure and Members
The Akkanathi Lords have a tight, very precise level of organisation: Junior Raiders, those who are yet to earn the approval of a Lord, are at the very bottom of the group. These can be as young as twelve, learning the tools of the bloody trade from their parents and older siblings. Most of the community consists of Veteran Raiders, who have proven themselves again and again. Every group of five to ten warriors is led by a Master. These are usually older people, very experienced in the way of the akkanathi and highly devout to Luthic. Above them are the Akkanathi Lords, of whom there are only nine, they organise the raids, planning the routes, and decide upon targets. They are also the voice of Luthic for her peoples. As opposed to many religious leaders, the nine Akkanathi Lords are actually devout to their faith and do not see it as a means to exert power and influence.
We are the warriors of Luthic. While others hide behind walls of stone, iron or gold, we bring Luthic's will to the world.
Founding Date
1700 CE
Type
Geopolitical, Tribe
Alternative Names
Akkanathi, Luthic's Riders
Training Level
Elite
Veterancy Level
Experienced
Leader Title
Founders
Deities
Location
Related Ranks & Titles
Neighboring Nations
Notable Members
Related Ethnicities