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The Pine Tribes are a loose set of people, with many sub-cultures that have spread over the realms, but share many cultural and social norms. As a “people” they are very diverse, but share a great distrust of “civilized” cultures and races, a draw to the archetypal spirit-deities of the Wyld Faith, and a language root.

The Shadowy Origins: There are few recorded sources of where these tribes came form. In truth, they are the remnants of an ancient human “barbarian” horde that came as allies of the Blood of Saemon but spurned siding with host fighting the dark gods in The Valley of Sighs after so many deaths. They fled west, settled in the great northern pines and managed to thrive – it was centuries before the Blood of Saemon encountered them again, and centuries more before there were any competition. The Pine Tribes (as they have come to be known) themselves venerate the great Earth-Mother Gaia, and Beast-Father Darupet, gods who have a presence and name which differs from the common names of the gods from tribe to tribe; Along with this they all revere the natural spirit-deities of the animal archetypes.

Spread Far and Wide: By then, the tribes were plentiful and spread out and their numbers and knowledge of the land held back the push of civilized lands. The elves pushed them out of some of their areas, and so their oldest myths and legends teach them to fear and revile the elven presence in the deep woods. The gradual push into their lands lead to many large battles and a fracturing of the tribes – many lost touch with each other but managed to hold on to a few areas all across the heartlands – served by their expertise in stealth and their knowledge of the land. Their aspects are hardly the fierce and hoary stereotype barbarians – but they do try and make use of the cliches to keep the civilized homesteaders away. The tribes are hard, and angry at their land and culture being constantly threatened… but like the way of all such ancient, more primitive cultures, they are gradually giving way in some places – but their alliance with elemental and archetypal power affords them resistance in remote places.

Free of Fealty: They are often called the “Free-menz” (Free-Men); ‘The blood of free menz runs deep in the Tribes’. None of the tribes recognizes the authority of the High King, though they hold the High King’s Rangers in great regard. the refer to those paying fealty as ‘knee benders;. They do not mix with the Ilbarsi Tribes, but respect their common ancestry and traditions – but acknowledge that the Ilbarsi long ago broke with core beliefs. They also admire the thin line the Kaaldians walk, and have healthy respect for the denizens of the “kingdom” of Kalascor (though don’t acknowledge its boundaries).

Characters from the Hinterlands can attempt the Trial of Winter Walkers to be Winter Warriors as well.

Culture Overview

There are a few large clans lead by the spirit-men (Shaman); but most are organized into small regional tribes lead by a chief and a medicine-man or woman. They wear a combination of traditional dress and modern – they only resemble the concept of a cliche savage in that they wear furs and dress appropriately for the clime they are in. They understand currency and use it to trade with outsiders and to varying degrees with each other – but most trade is a form of barter. They have a strong sense of humor and wit, are easy to laugh, rarely hold grudges (but are quick to fight and settle arguments by contest – though not necessarily violence). They understand and even teach their youths some of the ways of civilized cultures, but simply prefer the more elemental way of life. The warrior-hunters have a special place in the tribe. A few elite train for nothing but, but many are also farmers, husbands, fathers, kinsmen and tribe members first. They are masters of the use of natural cover though – having no problem in covering themselves in mud or the like to blend in, where they may not move for days. They do not believe in large pitched battles – preferring small groups, ambush, and single combat.

Those of the Pine Tribes speak an offshoot of ancient Dundarion called “Dundrav” at a [Conversational] level. With this they can also speak Dundarion language at [Rudimentary] level. Dundrav uses the same alphabet, has been simplified and is commonly called “Wyldsign”. It cannot communicate any idea beyond the [Understandable] level. Tribesmen are all familiar with the written form of Wyldsign at [Primitive] level – they hide words in natural formations and obscure them with signs only they know of to ward off other tribes and help guide hunters and travelers of their own clan and tribe.

Animist Outlook

• Bear
• Boar
• Hawk/Eagle
• Wolf

“Captures” Game

The tribes had a way of settling disputes (usually for bragging rights only) without warfare by a game called “captures”. Each side would have a home territory and have to find three hidden balls. A PER check to spot the “things”/ball – could be hidden. No weapons are allowed and there were only 5 members on each team. There were 2 judges, and they would scour the area ahead of time, making sure the balls were placed where the captains of each team said and that there were no extra members on the field (cheating is ‘fair’ too as long as it was not violent).

Capture Encounter >

1. Mobility check
2. Jump check
3. Climb check
4. Evade Check (grapple)
5. punch/kick (inertial attack)