Geography

The Horde Lands are the name given to everything east of the East Way and The Amar Gulf. In the minds of those to the west, the Horde Lands are a place of barbarians and savages, who would happily invade the civilised lands of the west. Sadly, this impression is not wrong as most of the eastern tribes are barbaric and savage and will kill and enslave anyone they can.

The land can be divided into three main regions; the north is heavily forested which, gradually thins out to grass plains and steppe land before running into scrub land and desert as it gets further south.

People

The people of the Horde Lands can be divided into three broad categories which correspond to the geography.

The forest tribes are large, muscled men who worship a heathen blood god and will often raid Suevia for slaves and sacrifices. They practice human sacrifice and will often skin and eat their enemies. Fortunately, they spend most of their time at war with one another.

The steppe tribes are smaller more slight people with yellowish skin and almond shaped eyes with black pupils. They are master horsemen and learn to ride almost before they can walk.

The desert tribes are like those of the Great Desert and the northern Karanid Empire with many scholars believing they are distant cousins. They are nomads and herders and are not naturally hostile. However, they will attack the odd trade caravan foolish enough to transit though their lands without paying a toll. They take the protection of oasis and watering holes very seriously and will instantly kill those who drink their water without permission. Many bloody wars have been fought for control of these vital locations. They are horsemen and camel riders who will attack at speed and then disappear into the desert.

Culture

There is no unifying culture to the Horde Lands; each tribe has their own customs and traditions.

Religion

Each tribe worships their own gods or ancestors.

Military

Each tribe has their own martial customs and ways of fighting but they broadly fall into three categories.

The forest tribes are infantry and rely on strength and savagery to bring down their foes. They typically fight with axe and shield, although some do possess swords, and rush down on their foes screaming war cries.

The steppe tribes are horsemen without compare and will shower their foes with arrows before cutting them apart with lance and sword.

The desert tribes are raiders and bandits and will use stealth over strength. They will lie in ambush for hours in the burning sun, before launching their attack.

Factions

Bethrogath tribe –A northern forest barbarian tribe that is renowned for its warriors and practices of eating the hearts of defeated foes. They are often hired as mercenaries or bodyguards for those trying to impress or intimidate opponents.