Venomtounge Tribe

The Venomtongue Tribe, a community of grungs, finds its origin shrouded in the mists of time, rooted in a forgotten era when the Elderwoods were untamed and wild. Revered as the guardians of this mystical forest, the tribe's history weaves together myth and reality, creating a tapestry of knowledge passed down through generations.
Founded approximately in the year 63 AHS by the visionary Venoxia, the tribe's esteemed matriarch, the Venomtongue Tribe emerged from the unification of disparate grung clans. Venoxia's prowess with poisons and her unwavering commitment to the forest's well-being led her to become the first Toxarch—a title reserved for those who wield the sacred Venomfang Scepter, a powerful artifact said to restore balance to the Elderwoods.
At the core of the tribe's belief lies the ancient mythology of the divine twins, Bimos and Elion. These primordial beings, the God of Land and Nature and the God of Stars, Spring, and Travel, respectively, shaped the cosmos and the harmony of the natural world. Ayona, the Goddess of Life and Healing, completed the divine trio when Bimos forged her from the essence of the Elderwoods to be his eternal companion.
The Venomtongue Tribe's spiritual foundation emphasizes the delicate balance of nature and the interconnection between all living beings. Guided by their spiritual leaders, the grungs offer reverence and gratitude to the forest spirits, seeking their guidance and protection. Forbidden knowledge and malicious intent are deemed taboos, echoing the tribe's cautionary tale of a once-prosperous civilization that fell into darkness when they sought mastery over poisonous forces.
The tribe's military and security forces are formidable, adept at guerrilla warfare and employing their expertise with poisons to protect their territory. Their unique mastery of venomous creatures and stealthy ambush tactics render them formidable adversaries within the Elderwoods. Though known for their hostility towards outsiders, the Venomtongue Tribe does engage in limited trade, cautiously offering venomous substances and unique crafts while selectively seeking rare resources from neighboring races.
As the tribe continues to thrive, led by the Toxarch, Vexalor, they stand as guardians of the Elderwoods, preserving their forgotten history, and maintaining their reverence for the divine beings that shaped their existence. The Venomtongue Tribe's legacy lives on, whispered through the ancient trees, and woven into the sacred fabric of the Elderwoods—a testament to their unwavering dedication to protect the heart of this mystical realm.

Military

The Venomtongue Tribe maintains a well-organized and disciplined military and security force to protect their territory and ensure the safety of their people. Given their proficiency in poisons and their hostile nature towards outsiders, they take their defenses seriously. Here are the key elements of the tribe's military and security forces:
Poisoned Weaponry Specialists: Grungs are renowned for their mastery of poisons, and the tribe's military is no exception. They have a dedicated group of poisoned weaponry specialists who craft and wield deadly blow darts, spears, and arrows, each laced with potent toxins. These specialists are trained to hit their targets with precision, using their knowledge of the forest's venomous flora and fauna to create custom poisons.
Archers and Ambushers: The Venomtongue Tribe's military includes skilled archers who can shoot from treetop hideouts, ambushing intruders and foes who dare to approach their territory. These ambushes are often lethal, with poisoned arrows and darts delivering swift and deadly consequences.
Venomous Creature Handlers: Some members of the tribe are experts in handling venomous creatures. They may be grungs with a natural affinity for these creatures or individuals who have undergone special training. These handlers can release venomous creatures strategically to guard important areas or as part of their offensive tactics.
Guerrilla Tactics: The Venomtongue Tribe excels in guerrilla warfare, making the best use of their intimate knowledge of the Elderwoods. They use the dense forest terrain to their advantage, launching surprise attacks, retreating swiftly, and blending into their surroundings to confound their enemies.
Traps and Fortifications: The tribe employs a range of traps and fortifications throughout their territory. They have traps set to protect vital areas, alerting them to intruders and often coated with venom to incapacitate or eliminate threats. Their fortifications are designed to be well-hidden and blend seamlessly with the forest surroundings.
Elders and Toxarch's Guard: The tribe's elders and the Toxarch, Vexalor, are protected by a specially appointed guard. These elite warriors are the most skilled and trusted members of the tribe, responsible for ensuring the safety and security of their leaders.
Scouts and Lookouts: Grungs appointed as scouts and lookouts vigilantly patrol the borders of the tribe's territory. Their keen senses and knowledge of the forest allow them to spot potential threats from afar and report back to the main forces.
The Venomtongue Tribe's military and security forces work together as a cohesive unit, protecting their forest home and preserving the delicate balance of the Elderwoods. They maintain strict discipline and loyalty to their leaders, particularly the Toxarch, Vexalor, whose commands are followed without question. Outsiders who encroach upon their territory must be cautious, as the Venomtongue Tribe's military prowess and proficiency with poisons make them formidable adversaries in their own domain.

Trade & Transport

While the Venomtongue Tribe is generally known for its hostility toward outsiders, it does engage in limited trade and exchanges with neighboring races or settlements when it serves the tribe's best interests. While they prioritize self-sufficiency and maintaining the secrecy of their forest home, there are certain resources or unique items they might require, leading to occasional interactions with outsiders. Here are some examples of exports and imports the tribe may have:
It's important to note that any trade or interaction with the Venomtongue Tribe is strictly regulated by the Toxarch and tribal elders to ensure the safety and secrecy of their forest home. Outsiders who approach the tribe for trade must tread carefully and show respect for their customs and traditions. The Venomtongue Tribe's hostile reputation serves as a powerful deterrent for most, and only those with a clear understanding of the tribe's boundaries and a genuine purpose for trade may find a rare opportunity to engage with these enigmatic grungs.

Education

The Venomtongue Tribe values education deeply, passing down knowledge and traditions from generation to generation. Their education system combines both practical skills necessary for survival in the Elderwoods and spiritual teachings that foster a strong connection with nature. Here are some aspects of the tribe's education:
Poison Mastery: One of the core aspects of education within the tribe is the mastery of poisons and toxins. Young grungs are taught to identify various plants and creatures that produce venom, as well as how to harvest and use them safely for hunting, defense, and healing purposes. They learn to create poisons and antidotes, understanding the delicate balance between their potent applications and the need to respect the natural order.
Herbalism and Healing: Herbalism is another crucial part of the tribe's education. Grung youths are taught the properties of various plants, fungi, and herbs found in the Elderwoods, including their medicinal uses and the potential risks associated with them. Elders pass down their knowledge of healing practices, ensuring the next generation possesses the skills to tend to injuries and illnesses.
Weapon and Combat Training: As skilled hunters and protectors of the Elderwoods, grung youths undergo weapon and combat training. They are taught how to use various weapons, such as blow darts, spears, and bows, for hunting and defense. Combat skills are essential for protecting the tribe from threats within and beyond the forest.
Tribal History and Tradition: The tribe's elders pass down their rich history and traditions orally, ensuring that each generation learns about their ancestors' achievements, struggles, and the wisdom accumulated over centuries. Legends of their founder, Venoxia, and other notable figures are shared during storytelling sessions.

Infrastructure

The Venomtongue Tribe, while deeply connected to the natural environment of the Elderwoods, has developed essential infrastructure to support their community and way of life. Their infrastructure focuses on meeting the practical needs of the tribe while harmonizing with the forest's delicate ecosystem. Here are some key components of the tribe's infrastructure:
Huts and Dwellings: The tribe constructs huts and dwellings primarily using materials found within the Elderwoods. These structures are built from sturdy branches, leaves, and woven vines, providing shelter and protection from the elements. Grung families live in these huts, creating a sense of communal living and fostering unity within the tribe.
Central Meeting Area: The tribe has a central meeting area, situated around a small pond, where important discussions, rituals, and gatherings take place. This communal space is the heart of the tribe, and decisions regarding the tribe's welfare and future are made here, often under the guidance of the Toxarch.
Poison and Herb Gardens: The Venomtongue Tribe maintains poison and herb gardens where they cultivate and nurture the flora used in their daily lives. These gardens provide a controlled environment for growing venomous plants and medicinal herbs, ensuring a sustainable supply for various purposes.
Defensive Measures: As guardians of the Elderwoods, the tribe implements defensive measures to protect their territory. This might include simple traps and warning systems to alert them of potential threats, both from other creatures and outside intruders.
Ritual Sites and Altars: The tribe designates sacred sites and altars where they perform spiritual rituals and offer reverence to the forest spirits. These sites are carefully chosen based on their spiritual significance, and they play a vital role in strengthening the grungs' connection with nature.
Training Grounds: Within the tribe's territory, there are training grounds where grung youths receive instruction in hunting, combat, and other essential skills. These areas allow them to practice their abilities in a controlled environment, fostering growth and proficiency.
Water Sources: Access to clean and reliable water sources is crucial for the tribe's survival. The grungs may create small channels or wells near their dwellings to ensure a steady supply of fresh water.
It is important to note that the Venomtongue Tribe's infrastructure is designed to integrate seamlessly with the natural environment of the Elderwoods. The grungs prioritize sustainability and conservation, ensuring their way of life does not harm the delicate balance of the sacred forest they call home.

Founding Date

63 AHS

Type

Geopolitical, Tribe

Leader

Vexalor

Leader Title

Toxarch

Major Exports

Venomous Substances: The grungs of the Venomtongue Tribe are masters of poisons and toxins. They may selectively export small quantities of venomous substances to merchants or alchemists who seek rare ingredients for their crafts. However, these transactions are closely monitored, and the tribe never reveals the full extent of their poison-making knowledge.
Herbs and Medicinal Plants: The tribe has extensive knowledge of herbalism and the medicinal properties of plants in the Elderwoods. They may offer a limited selection of herbs and medicinal plants to outsiders, which could be valuable for healing purposes or alchemical research.
Exotic Crafts: The Venomtongue Tribe's unique artistic skills, such as weaving, pottery, and carving, produce exquisite and exotic crafts. In rare cases, they might trade these artistic creations with outsiders for resources or items they cannot obtain within the forest.

Major Imports

Metallic Resources: The Venomtongue Tribe resides in a dense forest with limited access to metal ores. In some instances, they might trade with neighboring settlements for metal tools, weapons, or implements that are difficult to craft from their natural surroundings.
Rare or Unique Items: There may be specific items or artifacts from the outside world that intrigue or captivate the curiosity of the grungs. In exchange for such rarities, the tribe might part with some of their own exotic crafts or valuable resources.
Knowledge and Information: The tribe values knowledge, especially if it pertains to the well-being of the Elderwoods or enhances their understanding of poisons and toxins. In rare cases, they might welcome scholars or experts willing to share valuable insights in exchange for some of the tribe's resources.

Location

The Elder Woods

Notable Members

• Vexalor

Related Species

• Grung