Chelni Barbarians
The Chelni are a martial originated barbarian nation who are considered Hârn's best light cavalry. They typically weaken a foe with volleys of arrows, then close with spear and attack in a hit and run fashion often using natural terrain for cover. They close to close quarters when victory is assured, or there is a tactical need.
The Chelni are a brave, proud, dangerous, confederation of around 30 nomadic tribes organized into three sub-nations, the Serachelni (wolf nation), Isochelni (eagle nation), and Garachelni (bear nation). Each has its own dialect of Hârnic and its own tribal ranges. Individual tribes number from 100 to 300, with about 200 horses and a similar number of oxen.
Structure
Chelni society is divided by gender. Women are homemakers and do not participate in hunting, and riding horses is taboo. They practice natural magics and herblore. Men are warriors, hunters, and leaders.
Older men and women known for their wisdom, are considered a resource for their advice. However, less competent elders are poorly treated. Some leave the tribe for a more settled life at Trobridge Inn or in Kaldor, but most merely wander off to die.
Chelni Gather
The Chelni always marry outside their tribe. Since the sub-nations are generally hostile to each other with feuds common. However, the whole Chelni nation observes a truce each year at the start of spring. During this truce, they meet at Trobridge Inn for their annual festival, the Chelni Gather. Here the young men and women demonstrate their skills to prospective brides and warriors. Wives are purchased with the payments to the bride's family by the family or tribe of the warrior.
The festival is also used for hunting, riding, and combat tests for boys to be admitted into manhood.
History
830 BT -The Chelni, a small migratory tribe land on Hârn after being driven out of their homelands by much larger and more aggressive tribal invaders.
683 BT - At the Battle of Sorrows, the Chelni were among the barbarian forces soundly defeated migrating to the extensive woodland region of the Chelna Gap. In this new region, they prospered with the discreet support of the Elves, who seems to like their former enemies.
100 TR - Lothrim the Foulspawner used his charisma and possibly magic to gain control of the Chelni. They were the spearhead of his armies and responsible for the founding of his empire after sweeping away all opposition. However, continuous wars depleted their numbers, so using the secrets of his dark arts and Lothrim brought the Orcs into the world. These monsters ravaged the Chelni homelands, and when the Foulspawner died, there was much rejoicing.
Military
It is commonly said the Chelni are born on horseback and ride before they can walk. The warrior and horse train for years, forming a life long bond of mutual respect and dependence.
Each tribe has around 50 warriors; all males aged from around 13 to old age and each trained warriors. They are armed with bow and arrows, spear, and a sturdy leather shield.
Religion
The Chelni are not actively religious. Most tribesmen have simple and personal animistic beliefs based around the nation's totem of the wolf, bear, and eagle.
Recently Sarajinian missionaries have made some impact, with 20% of the population converting mostly young warriors. The Chelni find that the Sarajinian informal warrior code, the Ljarl, to their tastes.
Foreign Relations
Kingdom of Evael - The elves consider the Chelni as "wild children" and occasionally aid them. The Chelni, for their part, regards the Elves with awe.
Kingdom of Kaldor - The Chelni tolerate and tend to ignore the Kaldorans. However that may change as their military presence grows.
Kath Barbarians - They are considered friendly rivals. Usually Ignored.
Pagaelin Barbarians - They are hated, considered dishonorable scum, and will attack wherever possible.
Tulwyn Barbarians - The Chelni have an uneasy truce with the Tulwyn, but will work with them to battle any Orc intrusion.
Trade & Transport
The Chelni horse
This unique horse is only found on Hârn, bred by the Chelni to carry their warriors swiftly over the open woodland of the Chelna Gap. They are small horses and only 13 to 14 hands high, weigh less than 1000 pounds, and are distinguished by their unique four-beat gait capable of impressive speeds, especially up and down forested hills.
The Chelni are fanatical about keeping the strain pure. They will never steal horses from another tribe; a warrior may kill another and steal his wife, but never his horse.
Chelni Tribal Range
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