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PLAYER S GUIDE TO FIGHTERS AND BARBARIANS
We are a people without fear, without remorse, without regret. We do what must be done to survive, to prosper. You somehow think that your right to dwell here, to use the richness of this land is guaranteed by your ancestors’ having made buildings here? No — they are just one more richness that we will take from you. Hear me, city-men. My brothers come. — Khujol the Raider, on the execution block
A G ATHERING OF T RIBES This section presents detailed descriptions of several tribes from different parts of the Scarred Lands. Some prosper, others don’t; some draw on a rich tradition of heroic effort, others on the efficiency of villainy. Each represents one or more of the forces described at work in the preceding chapter, and demonstrates how to translate generalizations about regional culture into specific, playable details. Each of these tribes can be inserted into any fantasy campaign with a minimum of adjustment.
T HE G RAY D UNE T RIBE Origin: Ukrudan nomads Territory: The western Ukrudan desert, south of Dunael, including the western end of the Splintered River. Leaders: Jann Silverhand (male human, Bbn11, CN) is the nominal chief, but he does not enjoy
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widespread respect. His reputation has suffered in the wake of several unsuccessful campaigns against raiders from the Wall of Bones; and a persistent disease, which makes him weak as well as giving his hands the distinctive grayish tint that is the origin of his nickname, causes many to doubt his ability to lead. The council of elders does not often directly contradict him, but the warlords Nasr the Vulture (male human, Bbn13, CN), Qada the Judge (male human, Bbn10, CG), shaman Wazwas the Cunning (male human, Bbn3/Drd8, CE) and priestess Haiwa the All-Seeing (female human, Adp8, CN) make most of the real decisions. Tribe members seeking firm guidance generally come straight to the council unless particular ceremonial obligations require consulting the chief as well. Jann knows that he doesn’t have the elders’ respect, but thinks of them as plotting against him and his many loyal followers; he lacks any sense of just how unpopular he has become in the tribe at large.