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Bandit Lands/Kingdoms of the Steel Realms
Overview: They frequently raid the Black Fens and goblinoid lands under the Dark Veil. These ‘kingdoms’ are filled with fertile valleys and oasis’s, but are mostly blasted desolate lands. Outcroppings of stone are infrequent, and the winds from the south east shift the dunes constantly. They themselves are subject to frequent attacks by hordes of orcs from the Black Fens. Many of the same titles and culture are shared with the border kingdoms. The denizens of the bandit kingdoms call themselves freedmen, making reference to their lack of fealty to any sovereign “of the north”. The freedmen have an intolerance of the northern customs and the northern rulers. This stems from an forgotten belief that the north failed the south when their ancestors were overrun. Instead of aid, the sundering brought division, isolation and annihilation. The culture has never forgotten or forgiven, even if most individuals remember not the reasons.
Some of the wizards dwelling in Vale Evander send expeditions into The Southlands with their apprentices looking for Osrician Wood. This especially causes negative reactions in locals.
There is a prejudice against the bandit kingdoms in the south, as they frequently raid the border kingdoms and anything else around them. The tattoos of a bandit in the south are a good way to arouse suspicion and prejudice.
Culture
Tattooing is practiced widely. All people of the bandit kingdoms have tattoos from an early age. By the time they are fifteen, their face and hands will bear at least one tattoo each.
Rulership
blood lineage: Traced on the female side and tracked as closely as possible. Those closest to the old royalty of the south are higher in the eyes of others.
Organization and titles: Lords (never use the title “king”), Ser (Sir, knight, – must have many mules, goats, and at least 10 families under their protection), Maesser (- crafter, builder, hunter), etc.
The King Under The Mountain: There are legends that the Imperial bloodline still exists and that a war is still being fought under the ruins of the Hobnail Plateau.
Clans of the Bandit Kingdoms
Although the territories amidst these kingdoms are disputed, and leader rise and fall like the sun, there are clans which have managed to maintain traditional territories. Because of the fiercely independent nature of the bandits however, nothing more than small ‘kingdoms’ can be carved out and controlled. Some of the traditional clans are presented here. Clan rulership is passed via maternal hereditary lines.
There have been periods when the clans have united, whether for raiding or against a common foe. Such leaders and known as
The Kings of the Dust by those outside the calns,. Within, a person of such strength is called King on the old tongue of Synedecia.
Almiraj Clan
Mojtabi Clan
Places
- Deadwoods – part of these extend into claimed territories of the border kingdoms. This was once an elven enclave. Despite the name, the land is not dead. Most of the trees grow stunted in the thin topsoil. In the areas claimed by the border kingdoms the land has been nursed to a point of producing orchards of figs, olives and grapes and some other heartier fruits.
Important Groups & Individuals
Military Brotherhoods
Knife Dancers: Incorporating elven dance, human weapons, and a uniquely silent and beautiful style of fighting, the Knife Dancers are elite champions of their clans and people.
Knife dancers use 2 long (.4m) curved single edged knives, known as “ashiri”.