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BARBARIANS

Barbarians

ORIGIN & HISTORY

The barbarians are the indigenous peoples of the lands surrounding Davokar

Davokar

The endless ancient forest north of Ambria. Divided into Bright, Wild, and Dark Davokar. Grave of the Symbaroum empire.

Read more →. They have lived in and around the forest for centuries, organized into clans with their own customs, languages, and spiritual traditions. Five hundred years ago, the clans united under a High Chieftain

High Chieftain

Leader of the united barbarian clans at Karvosti.

Read more → to battle the Spider King, an ancient evil that threatened all forest peoples.

There were originally thirteen clans. The Ambrians made sure there are only eleven.

There were originally thirteen clans. When the Ambrians

Ambrians

Civilized human refugees from Alberetor. Hierarchical, expansionist, devoted to Prios.

Read more → arrived, they assimilated one clan (the Kadiz, whose settlement became Yndaros

Yndaros

Capital of Ambria. ~100,000 people. Built atop the ruins of ancient Lindaros on the shores of Lake Doudram.

Read more →) and destroyed another (Clan Jezora, massacred in Year 10 with their chieftain Haloban executed publicly). Eleven clans remain.

CULTURE & SOCIETY

Barbarian society revolves around the clan. Each clan has a chieftain and its own traditions, gods, and customs. The clans gather at Karvosti

Karvosti

Sacred cliff-top meeting place of the barbarian clans. Where the High Chieftain and witches hold council.

Read more →, a great cliff plateau in the forest, where the High Chieftain

High Chieftain

Leader of the united barbarian clans at Karvosti.

Read more → serves as neutral arbiter and the Huldra (chief witch) leads spiritual affairs.

Barbarians

Barbarians

Indigenous human clans of Davokar. Stewards of the land, bound by oral tradition and clan loyalty.

Read more → use trust-beads as a social currency — small carved tokens exchanged as markers of obligation, alliance, and reputation. Their witches hold elevated positions as spiritual advisors and healers. Taboos and protective traditions govern interactions with the forest and its inhabitants.

Daily life varies by clan — some are nomadic, others have permanent settlements. Most subsist through hunting, fishing, gathering, and limited agriculture. Trade with Ambrians

Ambrians

Civilized human refugees from Alberetor. Hierarchical, expansionist, devoted to Prios.

Read more → has enriched some clans (notably the Odaiova) while others resist all contact.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

Barbarians

Barbarians

Indigenous human clans of Davokar. Stewards of the land, bound by oral tradition and clan loyalty.

Read more → tend to be hardy and weathered from outdoor life. Many wear furs, leather, and hand-crafted jewelry. Tattoos and ritual scarification are common, especially among clans like the Vajvod whose Symbolist mystics inscribe powerful runes directly onto the skin.

HOW OTHERS VIEW THEM

Ambrians

Ambrians

Civilized human refugees from Alberetor. Hierarchical, expansionist, devoted to Prios.

Read more → regard barbarians as primitive and uncivilized — useful as guides or laborers but otherwise obstacles to progress. The Church of Prios

Church of Prios

The dominant religion of Ambria. Worships the sun god Prios. Immense political and military power.

Read more → views their witchcraft and polytheistic worship as heresy. Elves

Elves

Immortal guardians of Davokar. Carry the scars of Symbaroum's fall. Slow to act, decisive when they do.

Read more → tolerate barbarian presence in the forest outskirts more than they tolerate Ambria

Ambria

The young kingdom built by Alberetorian refugees north of the Titans. Seven duchies, twenty-one years old, expanding relentlessly.

Read more →n expansion.

NAMING CONVENTIONS

Barbarian names tend to be shorter and harder-edged than Ambria

Ambria

The young kingdom built by Alberetorian refugees north of the Titans. Seven duchies, twenty-one years old, expanding relentlessly.

Read more →n names. Clan affiliation is more important than family name. Examples: Tharaban

Tharaban

High Chieftain of the barbarian clans. Struggles to unite against Ambria without triggering unwinnable war.

Read more →, Haloban, Vikomer, Karona, Embersind, Monovar.