Hakgu Horde
The Hakgu Horde Theme:
Before one can even see their approach, the thundering steps of mounts can be felt as the ground trembles to herald the Hakgu Horde's arrival. Once the riders are upon you, their numbers can stretch beyond the horizon. The Horde patrols the entire Solana Steppe, an expansive region in northeast Tyras known for its rolling hills, wide grasslands, and dangerous megafauna. Despite other nations' claims to the contrary, the nomads maintain de facto control over this whole area due to the unwillingness of most militaries to engage the Horde in an open field.
The Horde are masters of traversing difficult and dangerous terrain; to the uninitiated, navigating the steppe can prove fatal. In order to access the inner lands, one must pass through The Crossing, a narrow strip between two plateaus where large creatures are prone to stampede. The most dangerous being there is the Storm Colossus, which obliterates everything in its path. The Horde steers around this entity as if it were a typhoon- it is tracked and given wide berth, not engaged with.
As a nomadic people, the entire population frequently moves its campsites alongside a menagerie of beasts of burden, domesticated predators, livestock, and the mobile fortress of Corundum (or Ixachl in the primordial tongue). A complex network of scouts, communicating with illusion magics and smoke signals, quickly and efficiently coordinates the movements of the entire population, allowing the massive group to strategically harvest resources at locations until depletion. They only hold one permanent settlement, Thrallport, a tent city and prison where criminals and people seen as a threat to Horde cohesion are conscripted for hard labor. It is considered a dishonor to be permanently stationed managing the penal site, though most have taken at least a one season shift performing duties there. Those sentenced to hard labor may appeal their punishment through displays of skill. As a meritocratic society, talent is seen as paramount for obtaining status, with no care given to backgrounds, race, gender or family history. As such, no nomad has more than one name and is only further identified by their profession and accolades. Despite their utilitarian nature, the Horde enjoys broad social freedoms and appreciates the humanities and arts. An entire battalion is devoted to the study and development of dance, visual arts, and intellectual debate.
The Hakgu are lead by Overlord Zygat, a Leonin Philosopher and former heir to the throne of Pergamon. Unlike previous Horde leaders, Zygat has banned the slaughter of intellectuals when a territory is conquered, and instead welcomes them into his service with comfortable accommodations. Proud, ruthlessly intelligent, charming, and boasting a 'Divine Roar' capable of rending his targets to dust, Zygat has transformed the barbaric marauding bands of the steppe into a well-disciplined and coordinated force. Despite having absolute control of the Horde, Zygat places a strong trust in his four advisors, often encouraging them to question his decisions and to institute their own ideas.
Speaker Of The Horde, Cyrox The Many is a Kenku master illusionist and proclaimer of Zygat's orders. Due to the unique inability of Kenku to speak other than through vocal mimicry, he copies the literal voice of Zygat when speaking in his stead. Using illusions, Cyrox can manifest multiple shadowy versions of himself across vast distances, earning him the title "The Many". Both his technical and soft skills at communications have earned him the spot as the official negotiator when the Horde entertains a request for parley, which is never denied. When the Horde sets its eyes on conquering a territory, it gives the leadership of the target area a chance to surrender unconditionally. If this is accepted, no citizen will be turned into a thrall, leadership structures are loosely kept, and the area is absorbed into the Horde fully. Cyrox has successfully negotiated for at least a dozen surrenders, and is renown for his cunning and successful psychological warfare campaigns.
Siege Master Amethyst, The Worm-Caller is Zygat's Earth Genasi personal advisor, and second in command. A former Librarian of the Rings of Ilyena, Amethyst boasts a near perfect recall of primordial stone magics and lore. In addition to her advising duties, she personally commands Corundum, the earth titan living fortress that carries the Horde leadership quarters. Tales of Amethyst's ability to control a pod of gargantuan purple worms have also concerned both the Theocracy and the Yuan-Ti, though some chalk this talk up to exaggerated propaganda.
General Screech, The Lucky is a goblin master strategist and is rumored to be one of the smartest beings in Tyras. She is difficult to understand, her plans often seem nonsensical, and she has been known to flip a gold coin to make decisions during negotiations. Despite this, Screech has never lost a battle she has participated in and has earned the trust and respect of Zygat. Some of her peers have attributed the chaotic nature of her plans as the type of madness that only one who sees the future could make.
Commander Thadones, Master Of Mounts is a Centaur master archer and responsible for the cavalry forces of the Horde. It's said that when you turn down the Horde's offer for your surrender, Thadones' arrow will be the next thing you see. The cavalry makes up a majority of the total bodies of the Hakgu, overwhelming opponents with their quick maneuvering, deadly aim with projectiles, and sheer numbers.
Commander Thadones, Master of Mounts
by
James Ryman
Excellence Above All
by KaiRaego (OC)
Founding Date
756 C.F.
Capital
Alternative Names
The Horde, The Steppe Lords
Demonym
Leader
Location
Controlled Territories
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