Outcast Tribes
The Outcast Tribes were a group of Humans and Elves that claimed to have been cast out of Ilithi by a pact between Corik and Morganae. They had lived generations and grown strong in the Velaka Desert northwest of Therengia and in the year 375 AV they brought an army out of the deserts on a march back to Shard, led by King Raenilar. This attack and the following capture of Ilithi would last several years and be known as the Outcast War.
After an occupation of the city which lasted only a short time, the Outcast Tribes returned to their desert home with their King leading the way. With assistance from High King Talorc of the Gypsy clans, the Outcasts quietly traveled across the lands using secret routes guarded and maintained by the gypsies. It is important to note that not all of Raenilar's followers returned with him. Some chose to stay and attempt to keep the city of Shard, this effort was met with death at the hands of rebellious Illithian citizens.
At this time the Outcasts remain in their home having limited most of their contact with the outside people once again.
| Warrior King Raenilar's words on the Outcasts return to the Velakan |
|---|
| Raenilar says, "These are my intentions."
Raenilar says, "I will guide my people from being a mere nomad tribe to being a great tribe and kingdom of the desert." Raenilar says, "We will fight and kill anyone who comes seeking us to attack us." Raenilar says, "If forced into it we will march out of the desert and remind you why we won last time we did such." Raenilar says, "My right and left hands Yhaman and Koromas will patrol and watch." Raenilar says, "I am at war with no one unless they are foolish enough to bring it to me." |
Symbol of the King
The Warrior King Raenilar bestows his mark on any whom serve him. Most having images of a flame-wreathed lion, the item to which the mark is placed differs depending on the person involved.
Raenilar: some black battle leathers emblazoned with a flame-wreathed lion
Koromas: a black leather baldric fastened with a silver buckle in the shape of a flame-wreathed lion
Mairdaen: a hooded robe of dun-colored cloth fastened at the throat with a copper clasp in the shape of a flame-wreathed lion
Yhaman: some fine Elven chainmail etched with a flame-wreathed lion
Outland Tribe: a brushed silver cloak pin set with a tiny glass figure of a flame-wreathed lion filled with glittering sand
Artifacts
Few artifacts have been recovered from the time period which the Outcast Tribe's ancestors lived in the land that is now Shard. Only three have been made public.
| a faded arzumos hide scroll | It is very old... something about a road or journey. The writing is not clearly in a language that is understood. The badly worn and faded, the tattered hide depicts a line of Elves being forcibly marched away from a small island upon which a new city is being built. Almost all are burdened with heavy packs, overloaded carts and small children. The scroll has on it writing that reads: "Yol Malcisen... Uskela'jama..." |
| a chipped ceramic bowl | Though quite faded, the center of the bowl is painted with what appears to be a small island village in the middle of a crystalline lake. Around the rim are various scenes depicting what appear to be Elves engaged in battle or a bloody sport of some type. |
| a rough stone tablet | A relief depicting small groups of what appear to be Elves surrounded by larger, armed groups of indeterminate race is carved on the stone's rough surface. In the background, a small island village burns |
Encampment
Due to the nomadic nature of the Outcast Tribes, they rarely keep a static location. Instead, they often set up an encampment in various locations throughout the north-western Velakan Desert.
[Outcast Encampment, Campfire] A ring of carefully laid stones lies in the center of a small clearing. A cast-iron cauldron sits in the center, surrounded by the faintly glowing embers of the previous night's fire. Brightly colored tents, peaked and draped with thick hides surround the fire pit on three sides, while to the south, an awning stretches inwards from the back of heavy, six-wheeled wagon. Upturned crates and empty casks are clustered throughout the clearing, serving a second duty as makeshift tables and chairs. You also see a canvas tent, a gold silk tent, and a muslin tent. Obvious paths: none.
-Note: The Gold Silk Tent is where Warrior King Raenilar holds audience with both guests and tribe members.
[Outcast Encampment, Gold Silk Tent] A copper brazier sits on either side of a massive chair draped with a tawny gold lion skin. Behind the chair, a tapestry depicting moonlit dunes beneath thousands of sparkling stars stretches across the rear wall. In the center of the room lies a small round table covered with colorful maps and charts, and the remaining walls are lined with low benches. You also see a tent flap.
Sealed in Water
Water to the Outcast Tribes is a sacred source of all life, thus its symbolic nature is nearly limitless. It is often used by two people as they enter a pact together. The pact is made to honor a deal or trade, in respect to their mutual benefit though the transaction. The two share a single vessel of water and after both have drank from it fully they are expected to be bound to their agreement.
Horsemasters
For many years now the Outcast Tribes have been working on developing their own breed of horse, the Zeharca. Deals with the trader Ishtvan has allowed many on the mainland to experience this breed and continued interest has made the business of horse breeding profitable for the tribes.
Books
Related Forum Posts
Click here to search for related posts.