Post by David on Mar 24, 2006 13:57:41 GMT -5
Tribes of the Haunted Lands
The Haunted lands are home to ghosts and mournful winds. The region they encompass is larger than the High Desert but has even fewer inhabitants. In ancient times, the land was dominated by warring kingdoms, but they are long gone. The remaining people, a few of whom are enlightened, are nomads or wild beings such as jann.
The peoples of the Haunted Lands are more scattered than their brethren in the High Desert. There are fewer enlightened major tribes and a greater number of small, savage bands of nomads who act as raiders and slavers. Of prime value is the overland route from the Ruined Kingdoms to Talab in the Pantheon, leading on to the independent city of Halwa. Smaller routes provide a “back-door” for travel to Hiyal and the Free Cities, though these must pass through the Furrowed Mountains.
Al-Badia of the Haunted Lands survive by raising sheep, goats, camels, and by harvesting isolated patched of dates and figs. They trade livestock and carpets with the lowland countries for weapons, metalwork, and exotic fabrics. They also explore the aged ruins that are occasionally revealed in the shifting of the sands. The reward is often great treasure – and great danger as well. Raiding is also common, both against each other and against the outposts along the coastal civilizations. Direct attacks against larger cities have usually resulted in disaster but a few much-vaunted successes over the generations still encourage the brave and the reckless.
The position of tribal leader is hereditary and is usually passed t the eldest son. The ruling family takes the tribal name instead of a parent’s name to identify their position.
The small size of these tribes means that, to be effective against larger targets, they must band together. As a result, charismatic leaders can lead a gathering of diverse nomadic warriors in a plundering raid. Such alliances usually last as long as the leader lives; the associations fade into the desert wind upon the leader’s death.
Current major power groups within the Haunted Lands are presented in the following text (along with a few minor enlightened tribes):
House of Hanif
The largest enlightened tribe of the Haunted Lands, House of Hanif numbers some 10,000 people and is powerful enough to send its own ambassador to the Court of Huzuz. The tribe controls the region surrounding the Ghost Mountains and the Al-Akara Mountains. It also maintains a permanent base in a qal’at that was formerly held by holy slayers, located a day’s ride west of Halwa.
As a people, this tribe has an intense loyalty to the throne is known for rescuing thirsty pilgrims lost en route to Huzuz. The people are brave, honest to a fault, and open to strangers in their lands. The other tribes of the Haunted Lands call the Hanif “Our Grand Caliph’s Hunting Dogs” – and not in a complimentary sense.
The Leader: Sheikh Kaldhun bin Hanif is a powerful, middle-aged man, his stylish beard just beginning to show gray. His wealth affords him two wives, and he has two talented (but egotistical) sons. Sheikh Kalhdun is a sensible, reasonable man, more given to careful decisions than outbursts of passion. He knows his days of greatness are behind him.
Important Individuals: The most prominent of the many people of Hanif are the two sons of the sheikh, born on the same night to different mothers. Mu’awiya was conceived second and born first, while Yazid was conceived first and born second. These facts were revealed by a wise woman traveling through the lands 10 years ago. Both men have reached their majority and each has his supporters.
Mu’awiya bin Hanif is as tall as his father, but gaunt. His manner is calm, and his eyes are soft and caring. He believes that the ways of his father and grandfather are basically sound and that the tribe should continue as desert guard and aid for the Grand Caliph. Mu’awiya has visited the Court of Enlightenment in Huzuz, where he marveled at the buildings and accomplishments of the civilized peoples.
Yazid bin Hanif is rather short, but he is strong as his father was at his age. He also has his father’s keen eyes and sharp features. Yazid is dissatisfied with the tribe’s life, believing they are tethered to the court of Huzuz, and he feels they could build their own enlightened city far from courts and caliphs and merchants. Eight years ago, Yazid was separated from his tribe in a sandstorm and located five days later. He says he spent that time among the jann, who told him marvelous secrets of the future. This is at the core of his romance with the deep desert.
Both sons have loyal and excitable followers among the tribe. As yet, their father has shown no preference for one or the other as heir. Both sons can make a convincing case of rightful claim and leadership ability, and the tribe may split in two if each son chooses to take on the ruling mantle. In addition, the current actions of the House of Hotek to the north is increasing the split between the brothers.
House of Hotek
The core of tribe Hotek is only some 2,000 enlightened people, but Sheikh Ibrin bin Hotek’s preaching against the city of Hiyal and its sultana have caused the ranks to swell. Clans that have been oppressed, cheated, or harmed by the sultana and her brood have joined forces with this tribe.
The House of Hotek traditionally roams the northwest corner of the Haunted Lands. Until recently the members lived in peace with the city. Now they move primarily by night, and the people of Hotek and its allied tribes are not as welcome as they once were in the City of Intrigue.
As the raids grow more common, conflict with the other major enlightened tribe of the eastern desert, the House of Hanif, has increased as well. This is contributing to the division between the two sons of the Hanif’s sheikh, for Yazid is sympathetic to Ibrin’s cause against the Al-Hadhar, and Mu’awiya is concerned for how the attacks upon Hiyal affect the desert tribes’ reputation in Huzuz.
The Leader: Ibrin bin Hotek is one of the charismatic leaders mentioned earlier who are capable of inspiring desert tribes to unite in a larger group. Ibrin is a leader with a vision – to destroy the city of wickedness and oppression. He seeks the collapse of Hiyal, the City of Intrigue. The vision has come to Ibrin late in life. He had spent most of his life trading with the very city he now reviles. He says he was a blind man then who enjoyed the sins of the flesh, but now he is pure and can see clearly the lair of the sultana for what it is – a trap for free people.
Ibrin now gathers new followers with the strength of a man possessed. He leads them in raids against the outposts of Hiyal and the caravans.
Important Individuals: The cause of Ibrin’s “conversion” is his new vizier, a kahin named Amene. She has showed him that the ways of the City of Intrigue are evil and corrupt. Amene is constantly at his side and his aide and comfort. Some say Amene may replace Inbrin’s wife, who died shortly after the kahin’s arrival.
Ibrin has a son, Jisaron, and a grandson, Kahlil. Both are dutiful to their sire and stay out of the way of Amene. Jisaron has taken to wandering far afield to avoid his potential stepmother.
Jann of the Haunted Lands
The Jann of the Haunted Lands are wildly crazy and impulsive, dangerous to themselves and to all who accompany them. They are vindictive, insistent, prone to insults, mischievous, and very powerful. These tendencies have always been present in the jann and may have something to do with the great destruction of their homeland. A typical janni tribe will number 11 to 31 individuals and will be led by a sheikh.
In the past few decades, the jann’s actions have become extreme. Some raid humans or other janni outposts regularly, while others remain allies to various human or janni tribes.
The homeland of the jann is the Great Anvil, the large waste of inhospitable land set in the center of the Haunted Lands. Here lie great ruins of civilization that are now uninhabited, save for the elemental peoples. Intruders are not welcome.
The Jann of the Haunted Lands, under Amir Heidar Qan, have pledged their support to the Grand Caliph. This pledge has been honored time and again to the 14 individuals who have sat upon the Enlightened Throne, but no official representative of the jann has appeared to the current Grand Caliph to renew loyalty. Those few jann who have appeared at court have stated that ill health delays their lord, which gives rise to stories of the Amir’s death. The Grand Caliph is most concerned with this matter, particularly with the advancement of Ibrin’s forces in the north.
The Leader: Amir Heidar Qan, his most distinguished and respectable master, wise in all matters beneath this sky and other skies, is the leader of the Jann of the Haunted Lands. The amir has not been seen in 50 years, and he is believed to be either dead or dying. His inactivity is reflected in the increasingly wild actions of his servants, who are dangerous at the best of times.
Important Individuals: Other than the Amir, there is one janni known throughout the Haunted Lands. His name is Majnun, and he is being hunted by his brethren. Majnun apparently either stole an item from the Amir or poisoned him (the stories vary) and then fled into the wilds. New he wanders, disguised as a mystic of great power, but he is cautious around other genies and particularly around the jann. The one who turns Majnun over to the jann will be greatly rewarded.
Beni Ordi al-Asfari
The Beni Ordi al-Asfari, or the Clan of the Yellow Yurt, are a fairly typical clan of the Al-Badia inhabiting the valleys and foothills of the Eastern Furrowed Mountains, and in wintertime the plains below them ranging from Liham in the south to Muluk in the north. The clan numbers about 800 souls all in all, spread around a vast area in small family groups of 20 or 30 persons each. They scratch out a living from the nearly barren land by herding their mountain camels, hardy, long-wooled sheep, equally hardy, small horses, and almost as hardy sure-footed cattle between the summer pastures in the high valleys and the winter pastures of the lowlands. They are skilled at weaving and felting; their woollen cloths and carpets are very high quality, and they supply mounts and camels to the Al-Hadhar, trading for weapons, tools, luxuries, and a change from their everlasting diet of dry meat, cheese, and koumiss.
However, they’re not above a little highway robbery every now and then; considering it as something of a right and a “toll” on the Al-Hadhar passing through “their” lands without “their” leave. Although not exactly well-groomed and somewhat brutish in appearance, they are people of the Law nonetheless, and respect all the rules of hospitality and courtesy that are customary among the Enlightened. A notable trait among them is the great body of oral history and literature kept alive by their rawunin (which are among them many), and their easy mastery of languages other than their own, a dialect of Midani. In particular, almost all are easily fluent in literary Midani, and enjoy flaunting this mark of culture in the face of their often more ignorant (although literate) Al-Hadhar brethren. They greatly enjoy the telling and hearing of tales and songs. All are proficient riders, skilled in fighting with the short bow and scimitar.
The Leader: Sheikh Malik Roni ben Ordi al-Asfari is the nominal leader of this collection of families. Malik is neither capable, nor ambitious. Malik’s father, Zakir, was a terribly effective leader, and under his rule the tribe prospered. The current structure of the tribe was established, where small family groups were split up along the eastern flanks of the mountains, each tending their own parcel of desert and foothills. When Zakir died, his son inherited the leadership of the tribe. No one argued and no one seemed to care much at all for the incompetent boy. As long as he leaves the smaller groups in peace, they continue to show their support to him. Most groups have little dealing with the others except at the yearly gathering near an oasis close to the Liham, The City of Soldiers.
Important Individuals: Ataman Memed al-Jarduun ben Ordi al-Asfari, an experienced warrior in the prime of his powers has been having some luck raiding caravans and pilgrims traveling the land routes between the southern Furrowed Mountains.
The Haunted lands are home to ghosts and mournful winds. The region they encompass is larger than the High Desert but has even fewer inhabitants. In ancient times, the land was dominated by warring kingdoms, but they are long gone. The remaining people, a few of whom are enlightened, are nomads or wild beings such as jann.
The peoples of the Haunted Lands are more scattered than their brethren in the High Desert. There are fewer enlightened major tribes and a greater number of small, savage bands of nomads who act as raiders and slavers. Of prime value is the overland route from the Ruined Kingdoms to Talab in the Pantheon, leading on to the independent city of Halwa. Smaller routes provide a “back-door” for travel to Hiyal and the Free Cities, though these must pass through the Furrowed Mountains.
Al-Badia of the Haunted Lands survive by raising sheep, goats, camels, and by harvesting isolated patched of dates and figs. They trade livestock and carpets with the lowland countries for weapons, metalwork, and exotic fabrics. They also explore the aged ruins that are occasionally revealed in the shifting of the sands. The reward is often great treasure – and great danger as well. Raiding is also common, both against each other and against the outposts along the coastal civilizations. Direct attacks against larger cities have usually resulted in disaster but a few much-vaunted successes over the generations still encourage the brave and the reckless.
The position of tribal leader is hereditary and is usually passed t the eldest son. The ruling family takes the tribal name instead of a parent’s name to identify their position.
The small size of these tribes means that, to be effective against larger targets, they must band together. As a result, charismatic leaders can lead a gathering of diverse nomadic warriors in a plundering raid. Such alliances usually last as long as the leader lives; the associations fade into the desert wind upon the leader’s death.
Current major power groups within the Haunted Lands are presented in the following text (along with a few minor enlightened tribes):
House of Hanif
The largest enlightened tribe of the Haunted Lands, House of Hanif numbers some 10,000 people and is powerful enough to send its own ambassador to the Court of Huzuz. The tribe controls the region surrounding the Ghost Mountains and the Al-Akara Mountains. It also maintains a permanent base in a qal’at that was formerly held by holy slayers, located a day’s ride west of Halwa.
As a people, this tribe has an intense loyalty to the throne is known for rescuing thirsty pilgrims lost en route to Huzuz. The people are brave, honest to a fault, and open to strangers in their lands. The other tribes of the Haunted Lands call the Hanif “Our Grand Caliph’s Hunting Dogs” – and not in a complimentary sense.
The Leader: Sheikh Kaldhun bin Hanif is a powerful, middle-aged man, his stylish beard just beginning to show gray. His wealth affords him two wives, and he has two talented (but egotistical) sons. Sheikh Kalhdun is a sensible, reasonable man, more given to careful decisions than outbursts of passion. He knows his days of greatness are behind him.
Important Individuals: The most prominent of the many people of Hanif are the two sons of the sheikh, born on the same night to different mothers. Mu’awiya was conceived second and born first, while Yazid was conceived first and born second. These facts were revealed by a wise woman traveling through the lands 10 years ago. Both men have reached their majority and each has his supporters.
Mu’awiya bin Hanif is as tall as his father, but gaunt. His manner is calm, and his eyes are soft and caring. He believes that the ways of his father and grandfather are basically sound and that the tribe should continue as desert guard and aid for the Grand Caliph. Mu’awiya has visited the Court of Enlightenment in Huzuz, where he marveled at the buildings and accomplishments of the civilized peoples.
Yazid bin Hanif is rather short, but he is strong as his father was at his age. He also has his father’s keen eyes and sharp features. Yazid is dissatisfied with the tribe’s life, believing they are tethered to the court of Huzuz, and he feels they could build their own enlightened city far from courts and caliphs and merchants. Eight years ago, Yazid was separated from his tribe in a sandstorm and located five days later. He says he spent that time among the jann, who told him marvelous secrets of the future. This is at the core of his romance with the deep desert.
Both sons have loyal and excitable followers among the tribe. As yet, their father has shown no preference for one or the other as heir. Both sons can make a convincing case of rightful claim and leadership ability, and the tribe may split in two if each son chooses to take on the ruling mantle. In addition, the current actions of the House of Hotek to the north is increasing the split between the brothers.
House of Hotek
The core of tribe Hotek is only some 2,000 enlightened people, but Sheikh Ibrin bin Hotek’s preaching against the city of Hiyal and its sultana have caused the ranks to swell. Clans that have been oppressed, cheated, or harmed by the sultana and her brood have joined forces with this tribe.
The House of Hotek traditionally roams the northwest corner of the Haunted Lands. Until recently the members lived in peace with the city. Now they move primarily by night, and the people of Hotek and its allied tribes are not as welcome as they once were in the City of Intrigue.
As the raids grow more common, conflict with the other major enlightened tribe of the eastern desert, the House of Hanif, has increased as well. This is contributing to the division between the two sons of the Hanif’s sheikh, for Yazid is sympathetic to Ibrin’s cause against the Al-Hadhar, and Mu’awiya is concerned for how the attacks upon Hiyal affect the desert tribes’ reputation in Huzuz.
The Leader: Ibrin bin Hotek is one of the charismatic leaders mentioned earlier who are capable of inspiring desert tribes to unite in a larger group. Ibrin is a leader with a vision – to destroy the city of wickedness and oppression. He seeks the collapse of Hiyal, the City of Intrigue. The vision has come to Ibrin late in life. He had spent most of his life trading with the very city he now reviles. He says he was a blind man then who enjoyed the sins of the flesh, but now he is pure and can see clearly the lair of the sultana for what it is – a trap for free people.
Ibrin now gathers new followers with the strength of a man possessed. He leads them in raids against the outposts of Hiyal and the caravans.
Important Individuals: The cause of Ibrin’s “conversion” is his new vizier, a kahin named Amene. She has showed him that the ways of the City of Intrigue are evil and corrupt. Amene is constantly at his side and his aide and comfort. Some say Amene may replace Inbrin’s wife, who died shortly after the kahin’s arrival.
Ibrin has a son, Jisaron, and a grandson, Kahlil. Both are dutiful to their sire and stay out of the way of Amene. Jisaron has taken to wandering far afield to avoid his potential stepmother.
Jann of the Haunted Lands
The Jann of the Haunted Lands are wildly crazy and impulsive, dangerous to themselves and to all who accompany them. They are vindictive, insistent, prone to insults, mischievous, and very powerful. These tendencies have always been present in the jann and may have something to do with the great destruction of their homeland. A typical janni tribe will number 11 to 31 individuals and will be led by a sheikh.
In the past few decades, the jann’s actions have become extreme. Some raid humans or other janni outposts regularly, while others remain allies to various human or janni tribes.
The homeland of the jann is the Great Anvil, the large waste of inhospitable land set in the center of the Haunted Lands. Here lie great ruins of civilization that are now uninhabited, save for the elemental peoples. Intruders are not welcome.
The Jann of the Haunted Lands, under Amir Heidar Qan, have pledged their support to the Grand Caliph. This pledge has been honored time and again to the 14 individuals who have sat upon the Enlightened Throne, but no official representative of the jann has appeared to the current Grand Caliph to renew loyalty. Those few jann who have appeared at court have stated that ill health delays their lord, which gives rise to stories of the Amir’s death. The Grand Caliph is most concerned with this matter, particularly with the advancement of Ibrin’s forces in the north.
The Leader: Amir Heidar Qan, his most distinguished and respectable master, wise in all matters beneath this sky and other skies, is the leader of the Jann of the Haunted Lands. The amir has not been seen in 50 years, and he is believed to be either dead or dying. His inactivity is reflected in the increasingly wild actions of his servants, who are dangerous at the best of times.
Important Individuals: Other than the Amir, there is one janni known throughout the Haunted Lands. His name is Majnun, and he is being hunted by his brethren. Majnun apparently either stole an item from the Amir or poisoned him (the stories vary) and then fled into the wilds. New he wanders, disguised as a mystic of great power, but he is cautious around other genies and particularly around the jann. The one who turns Majnun over to the jann will be greatly rewarded.
Beni Ordi al-Asfari
The Beni Ordi al-Asfari, or the Clan of the Yellow Yurt, are a fairly typical clan of the Al-Badia inhabiting the valleys and foothills of the Eastern Furrowed Mountains, and in wintertime the plains below them ranging from Liham in the south to Muluk in the north. The clan numbers about 800 souls all in all, spread around a vast area in small family groups of 20 or 30 persons each. They scratch out a living from the nearly barren land by herding their mountain camels, hardy, long-wooled sheep, equally hardy, small horses, and almost as hardy sure-footed cattle between the summer pastures in the high valleys and the winter pastures of the lowlands. They are skilled at weaving and felting; their woollen cloths and carpets are very high quality, and they supply mounts and camels to the Al-Hadhar, trading for weapons, tools, luxuries, and a change from their everlasting diet of dry meat, cheese, and koumiss.
However, they’re not above a little highway robbery every now and then; considering it as something of a right and a “toll” on the Al-Hadhar passing through “their” lands without “their” leave. Although not exactly well-groomed and somewhat brutish in appearance, they are people of the Law nonetheless, and respect all the rules of hospitality and courtesy that are customary among the Enlightened. A notable trait among them is the great body of oral history and literature kept alive by their rawunin (which are among them many), and their easy mastery of languages other than their own, a dialect of Midani. In particular, almost all are easily fluent in literary Midani, and enjoy flaunting this mark of culture in the face of their often more ignorant (although literate) Al-Hadhar brethren. They greatly enjoy the telling and hearing of tales and songs. All are proficient riders, skilled in fighting with the short bow and scimitar.
The Leader: Sheikh Malik Roni ben Ordi al-Asfari is the nominal leader of this collection of families. Malik is neither capable, nor ambitious. Malik’s father, Zakir, was a terribly effective leader, and under his rule the tribe prospered. The current structure of the tribe was established, where small family groups were split up along the eastern flanks of the mountains, each tending their own parcel of desert and foothills. When Zakir died, his son inherited the leadership of the tribe. No one argued and no one seemed to care much at all for the incompetent boy. As long as he leaves the smaller groups in peace, they continue to show their support to him. Most groups have little dealing with the others except at the yearly gathering near an oasis close to the Liham, The City of Soldiers.
Important Individuals: Ataman Memed al-Jarduun ben Ordi al-Asfari, an experienced warrior in the prime of his powers has been having some luck raiding caravans and pilgrims traveling the land routes between the southern Furrowed Mountains.