Equani Barbarians
The Equani tribal nation, consisting of around 90 violent nomadic tribes ranging in size from 40 to 130 members. They of Jarin decent and are closely related to the Kubora, the Urdu, and the Kabloqui.
They are famous for the brutal facial branding and their practice of collecting the scalps of defeated enemies.
Structure
The Shevrach - the War Cult
The Equani are violent and merciless, many say they live for war. The Shevrach, the Equani war cult, is the heart of their culture. The tribe's best warriors, declare himself to be Shevrachi, but must defend his claim by mortal combat if challenged. Shevrachi warrior code is unique and somewhat bizarre. Except when in combat or in battle, they acting a reverse manner, washing in dirt and drying in water, saying yes for no. They also have the privilege of having multiple wives.
Women
Women are trained with weapons and are expected to defend a village to the death if attacked. Many are skilled warriors, although they cannot claim Shevrachi status.
The Wenrahi - the tribal chieftains
The chief is a member of the Shevrach and makes all important decisions for the tribe. Wenrahi are usually chosen by a one on one ritualized challenge, fighting to the death, using traditional weapons such as axes or spears.
Aka Hajar - Facial Branding
Males undertake the Aka Hajar, branding with red-hot irons. After each significant event in a male's life, such as the first kill or deeds of courage, another brand is applied. Warriors take pride in the stoic acceptance of pain, and any who cry out or faint suffer the mockery of the tribe. Shamans are not usually branded.
History
1300BT - The Equani and their closely related Urdu, and Kubora tribes arrived on Hârn as part of the first wave of Jarinese settlement and immediately migrated to the Southeast of the Island.
1200BT - A prophet visited the three tribal nations called Akala Strong Heart, predicted “the dawning of a winless war, a cold night of the lesser peoples,” and said that he could lead them “to the sacred places of day’s end” where they could prosper and grow strong.
They were lead to their current tribal range and quickly became aware of the Dwarves of Kiraz and developed a peaceful, mutually beneficial relationship.
120TR - Kiraz is sacked by Lothrim, the Foulspawner, and the Equani first started battling with the Orcs.
Around 250TR - The Ymodi Tribal nation from the Himod started contesting prime hunting ranges starting an unending series of small wars.
Around 460TR - The Corani Empire expands into the Equani territories, but they repulsed by an alliance with some of the neighboring Urdu tribes.
Territories
Religion
Equani religion is a mixture of animism, ancestor worship, and reverence for the semi-divine figure, Akala Strong Heart, who led them to their Equeth homelands.
All tribes have a shaman whose job is to keep the spirits and ancestors happy and to offer guidance in war. He will be the only untattooed adult male in the tribe.
The Equani bury their dead in barrows and chieftains are buried in a sacred burial ground at Cape Mefim.
Foreign Relations
Ymodi Barbarians
The Equani are constantly at war with Ymodi as they claim a large portion of the Equani territory.
Urdu Barbarians
Although there are many conflicts and bad blood the some Urdu and Equani tribes have occasionally cooperated when battling Orcish threats.
Kabloqui Barbarians
The Equani loath the Kabloqui, considering them degenerate savages and will kill any they find in their lands on sight.
Kingdom of Orbaal
Several Orbaalese clans have attempted to establish colonies in Morvilya Bay but were brutally repulsed.
Equani Tribal Range
Comments