The Wolf Nomads also known as the Wegwiur, those fierce riders of the plains, their spirit as wild and untamed as the winds that sweep across the steppes. Their history is etched in the very soil of Oerth, a testament to their resilience, their courage, and their unwavering loyalty to their khans.
The Wolf Nomads: Children of the Bitter North
The windswept steppes of the Bitter North are home to the Wolf Nomads, a proud and resilient people known for their fierce independence, unmatched horsemanship, and deep spiritual connection to their unforgiving environment. Descended from the legendary Relentless Horde, these nomadic warriors have carved a life for themselves in one of the harshest corners of the Flanaess.
A Legacy Forged in Ice and Fire
The Wolf Nomads, or Wegwiur, trace their ancestry back to the 5th century CY when the Relentless Horde, a vast barbarian army, thundered across the Flanaess. Though the Horde was eventually shattered, a determined faction escaped the grip of the Aerdi, fleeing north into the icy embrace of the Bitter North. There, amidst the howling winds and frozen plains, they adapted and thrived, becoming the Wolf Nomads.
Masters of Survival
Life in the Bitter North is a constant struggle against the elements. The Wolf Nomads are masters of survival, skilled hunters who track reindeer, elk, and even the mighty woolly mammoth across the snow-covered landscape. They are expert fishermen, casting their nets into icy lakes and rivers. Their knowledge of the land is unparalleled, allowing them to navigate treacherous terrain and predict the ever-shifting weather patterns.
The Way of the Warrior
Warfare is deeply ingrained in the Wolf Nomad culture. Young boys are rigorously trained in the arts of combat, learning to wield swords, axes, and bows with deadly precision. They are fearless horsemen, capable of lightning-fast raids and devastating charges across the frozen plains. Their war cries echo across the steppes, striking fear into the hearts of their enemies.
Bound by Tradition
The Wolf Nomads are organized into tribes, each led by a khan elected by the tribe’s elders. The khans, in turn, elect a tarkhan, the supreme leader who guides the Wolf Nomads in matters of war and diplomacy. Their laws and customs are rooted in the ancient traditions of the Relentless Horde, passed down through generations.
Spirits of the Land
The Wolf Nomads are a deeply spiritual people, their beliefs intertwined with the natural world. They venerate a pantheon of deities, including the Baklunish gods Geshtai and Istus, as well as Telchur and Kurell, reflecting their mixed heritage. They also hold a special reverence for Lycaea, the Great She Wolf, whom they consider the mother of their people. Shamans play a vital role in their society, acting as healers, spiritual guides, and intermediaries between the physical and spirit worlds.
Encounters with Outsiders
Fiercely independent and protective of their territory, the Wolf Nomads are wary of outsiders. They have limited contact with the settled peoples of the south, preferring to remain within their frozen domain. However, they are not entirely hostile. Traders who venture into the Bitter North with valuable goods are often welcomed, provided they show respect and adhere to Wolf Nomad customs. Those who trespass or threaten their way of life, however, will face the full fury of their warriors.
A Land of Adventure
The lands of the Wolf Nomads offer a wealth of opportunities for adventure and intrigue. From exploring ancient burial grounds to negotiating with tribal khans, adventurers who brave the Bitter North will find themselves immersed in a unique and captivating culture. Will you face the challenges and uncover the secrets of this land of ice and fire?
Timeline of the Wolf Nomads
345 CY:
- The Relentless Horde, led by Kha-Khan Ogobanuk, fractures into the Wolf Nomads and the Tiger Nomads. The Wolf Nomads, under the leadership of their new khan, claim the vast grasslands north of the Rakers, their yurts dotting the landscape like scattered stars.
491 CY:
- Uroch, a cunning Wolf Nomad chieftain, establishes a stronghold in the southern Wild Coast, a haven for his people amidst the encroaching chaos. This settlement, known as Alrad, will eventually become the free city of Elredd, a testament to the Wolf Nomads’ ability to adapt and thrive even in the face of adversity.
577 CY:
- The Wolf Nomads, ever vigilant, conduct a census of their numbers during a great beast hunt. Their strength, though scattered across the plains, remains a force to be reckoned with.
578 CY:
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Iuz, the Old One, casts his covetous gaze upon the Wolf Nomads’ territory. He dispatches his legions to conquer the city of Eru-Tovar, a strategic stronghold in the heart of their lands. The Wolf Nomads, however, are not easily subdued. Their warriors, skilled in the arts of mounted combat, harass Iuz’s forces, disrupting their supply lines and delaying their advance.
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Tarkhan Bargru, a fearless Wolf Nomad leader, emerges as a champion of his people. He rallies his warriors, their fierce determination fueled by a deep-seated loyalty to their khan and a burning desire to protect their ancestral lands.
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The Battle of Black Water Bend marks a turning point in the conflict. Tarkhan Bargru, leading a contingent of Wolf Nomad cavalry, clashes against Iuz’s forces, their horses thundering across the battlefield, their arrows raining down upon the enemy. The Wolf Nomads’ courage and skill prevail, and Iuz’s legions are forced to retreat.
583 CY:
- The Wolf Nomads, ever opportunistic, seize the opportunity to reclaim their ancient burial grounds, desecrated by Iuz’s forces. Tang the Horrific, their cunning chieftain, summons a war council, and the Wolf Nomads answer the call, their hearts burning with righteous fury.
587 CY:
- Tang the Horrific leads the Relentless Horde, a vast contingent of Wolf Nomad warriors, in a daring raid against Iuz’s forces. They sweep across the plains, their horses’ hooves drumming a rhythm of defiance. Though they do not capture any territory, they achieve their objective, recovering the bodies and burial treasures of their ancestors, a testament to their unwavering loyalty to their heritage.
593 CY:
- The Wolf Nomads, ever watchful, observe the growing power of Rary the Traitor. They maintain a cautious neutrality, their scouts monitoring his movements, their warriors ready to defend their lands should he prove to be a threat.
606 CY:
- The Wolf Nomads, alongside the Necromongers and the Wolfkin, unite to conquer the Howling Hills, a strategic territory that has long been a source of conflict. This alliance, forged in the fires of war, demonstrates the Wolf Nomads’ ability to adapt and forge partnerships when necessary.
624 CY:
- The Wolf Nomads, claim Central Leering Keep by Rift Canyon.
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