Pent

Pent is a wide grassland, broken by few rises and many wild rivers. No civilization has existed here since Time began, and few non-natives ever enter it. Pent is frozen by the arctic storms which blow in from Valind’s Wastes, and life is conditioned to the winters. Those rare occasions when the South Rage Wind blows the wasting dryness from the south are detested. The growing season rushes into blossom and summer matures quickly, wobbling like a colt only briefly before galloping as a near adult yearling.

The dominant flora consists of medium to tall grasslands. The drier regions towards the Wastes host drought-tolerant grasses, together with forbs and low, spiny shrubs. Herds of horses, northern bison, giant sable, and red sable are common on the plains, as are wolves, foxes, badgers, and gophers.

Inhabitants

The predominant residents of Pent are the horse nomads of the Pure Horse People. There are believed to be small populations of Hsunchen in inhospitable corners of the land - some Pralori and Uncolings peoples with a very rare scattering of Rathori peoples. Other than thesizable Troll population in northern Pent, the only other non-human population are the infamous, near-mythical sorcerers of Orathorn.

Culture

The horse nomads of Pent area are a fierce and warlike peoples, noted for their loyalty to their ancestral leaders, and sworn to follow them unto death. They are traditional foes of the Prelorian Lunars to the west, and the Praxians to the south. Aspects of Pentan culture and religion have long been influenced by Prelorian and Praxian culture, especially during the eras when the Pentians raided these foreign lands and brought back slaves.

Pent is unknown to most outsiders simply because no one but the natives find any reason to be there. Occasionally, Lunar merchant parties cross, guided by the Red Hair Tribe, but they are unusual and rare. Simultaneously, most Pentans are incredibly ignorant of anyplace but their own land.

As of 1615, Pent is dominated by ten tribes, called the Ten Arrows. Many smaller tribes exist as well. The best known of the smaller tribes is the Red Hair Tribe, made up of those red-headed children sent each year to the Red Hair Place to be raised as hostages for the Lunar Empire.

Language

Each tribe speaks its dialect of the Pure Horse tongue.

Government

Decisions are made by a council of the elder men of the 'Ten Arrow' tribes. Wisdom, experience, and magical power are all respected. Some tribes permit no dissent to their kahn’s policy, especially those who claim divine inspiration for their rulers. Large gatherings often require great council and deliberations, but once decided all dissent is ended in favor of tribal unity.

Military

The Pentan nomads are famous for their light horse archers, who are supplemented by a small number of elite, heavily-armored cavalry. Most males are fighters, either Riders or Warriors. Riders scout and skirmish, but try to avoid closing with a foe until ready to become a warrior. Warriors skirmish, but also engage in close melee, as well as qualifying to accept heroic challenges of single combat with warriors of renown.

Religion

Tribes rely upon their tribal spirits, but also have favored deities from either the Solar or Prax Pantheons. Pentian shamans treat with the gods as well as spirits. Temples are made whenever enough initiates gather in one place, as commonly occurs during the autumn slaughtering season.

People of Importance

Dranz Goloi: Called King of the Wings, Dranz Goloi is a khan famed for conquering his nomad rivals. He seeks to unify the Ten Arrows under his leadership and now leads bands of raiders against the Redlands. He has sworn upon the Burning Spear to meet the Red Emperor in single combat.

Joloi Maskoss: Also called Always Awake Twice, she is the most powerful shaman of Pent. She can call stars down into her hand, send an arrogant man into permanent pain, or cause a herd of cattle to drop dead at her command.

Madman of Hargeel-Idea: This wandering shaman is revered by all the tribes, although most of his prophecies seem little more than crazed rantings.

Type

Region

“I am a Scout of the Varn Aks tribe. Where do you ride to, stranger?”