Huntinglands
| Huntinglands | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 The arms of the Arapahi, illustrated by Anna Meyer, origingally depicted in the World of Greyhawk Fantasy Game Setting (1983). | |||||
| General information | |||||
| Other names: | Rovers of the Barrens | ||||
| Demonym: | Autonym:Arapahi Exonym: Rovers | ||||
| Region: | Empire of Iuz | ||||
| Government | |||||
| Ruler: |
| ||||
| Government: | (formerly) Four loosely allied Flan clans, each composed of several nomadic tribes; (now) tribal organization in grave disarray, tribes scattered, technically the lands are claimed by Iuz | ||||
| Alignments: | CN*, CE, N | ||||
| Demographics | |||||
| Major towns: | None, only temporary camps of up to 5,000 people | ||||
| Provinces: | None (the Rovers are not a proper nation but a collection of closely related nomadic tribes, currently holding little defensible land) | ||||
| Population: | 35,000 | ||||
| Races: | Human 37% (Flan, Baklunish), Orc 20%, Goblin 18%, Hobgoblin 10%, Halfling 7%, Gnome 5%, Half-orc 3% | ||||
| Languages: | Flan (several dialects), Common, Orcish, Goblin, Halfling, Gnomish | ||||
| Groups | |||||
| Religions: | Obad-Hai, Beory, Pelor, Red Fox, other Flan gods, Telchur, Kurell | ||||
| Allies: | Sylvan elves of the Fellreev Forest, centaurs of Fellreev and Barrens, Wolf Nomads | ||||
| Enemies: | Iuz (including conquered Bandit Kingdoms), Stonehold | ||||
| Miscellaneous | |||||
| Resources: | Furs, hides, horn, gold nuggets, horses | ||||
| Coinage: | None; barter used exclusively | ||||
The Plentiful Huntinglands, also known as the Barrens, Barren Plains, or Northern Barrens,[1] is a region of the Flanaess which is simply known by referring to the native people there.
The people of the region are called Rovers of the Barrens,[2][3][4] or rovers of the Hunting Lands,[5] but are properly known as Arapahi (translated as "our people")[6][note 1] or "people of the Plentiful Huntinglands")[4]—they are the nomadic horsemen who dwell within these lands.
History
[edit | edit source]There were Flan nomads in the northern regions of the Flanaess before the the rise of the Great Kingdom, before the Great Migrations, even before the Twin Cataclysms. The Rovers spent more than a millennia, ranging across the plains, crisscrossing hill and dale, and living off the forests. They did this for untold generations, until the Baklunish Relentless Horde came across them when the horde was progressing eastward. The Wegwiur and Chakyik eventually began turning back to migrate and settle more westerly than their encounters with the Flan.[7] And things remained thus for centuries more, until the disappearance of Iuz in 505 CY, which brought a change to everything.
At the Battle of Opicm River in 515 CY, Rovers took a terrible loss to the Horned Society. Even though they allied with Wegwiur, as well as centaurs and elves of the Fellreev Forest, their numbers dwindled for decades afterward.[8]
Through the Greyhawk Wars, and the events leading up to them, the Rovers are decimated and by 591 CY are nearly annihilated. The tribal organization falls into disarray, and the tribes are scattered from their traditional hunting grounds.[4]
Geography
[edit | edit source]The lands of the Huntinglands are in the central northern portion of the Flanaess. They are bordered by the Fellreev Forest to the south, by the Bluff Hills and the Forlorn Forest to the east, and the Cold Marshes and Opicm River to the west. Though not a physical barrier to expansion, the Barren Wastes to the north of the Rovers' lands are so scarce in resources, that the Rovers do not enter those lands; the Wastes can therefore be considered the Rovers' northern border.
Being a nomadic people, the Arapahi have not established any permanent cities or settlements, although temporary camps can reach up to five thousand people in size.[citation needed]
People
[edit | edit source]The native folk of the Huntinglands (the Arapahi) are coppery-toned Flan, although western tribes show the golden hues of the Baklunish due to marrying into with Wegwiur tribes.
Population
[edit | edit source]The precise numbers of the Arapahi have always been difficult to nail down, because of their nomadic culture. In 576 CY, the overall number of Rovers is (hesitantly) estimated between 50,000[2] and 65,000[3]. By 591 CY, after the Empire of Iuz attempts to massacre them in the Greyhawk Wars, they are cut down to 35,000 total Rovers[4].
Clans are listed on the table below, by estimated number of fighting forces in 577 CY and which part of the Huntinglands they're in, were taken at a Great Hunt and "census sticks" were used to tally them.[9]
(columns are sortable by number of tribes or forces)
| Clan | Forces | Tribes | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Stags | 5,200 | 11 tribes | eastern area |
| Bear Paws | 1,150 | 4 tribes | southeastern area |
| Sly Foxes | 850 | 4 tribes | southern woodlands area |
| Horn Bows | 1,800 | 4 tribes | west central area |
| Black Horses | 3,350 | 8 tribes | northwestern area |
| Red Horses | 2,700 | 6 tribes | northwestern area |
| Gray Lynx | 1,450 | 5 tribes | northern woodlands area |
| Wardogs | 3,100 | fighting society | all tribes |
| White Wardogs | 950 | fighting society | north tribes only |
| Wolverine | ~700 | 7 tribes | central woodlands; clan driven north before 577 CY |
| Others | 2,000 | all tribes |
Notable individuals
[edit | edit source]- Kiswa Dogteeth[3] (Ftr11)[2]—Ataman in 576 CY
- Durishi Great Hound (CN male human Ftr9)—Ataman in 591 CY[4]
- War Sachem Chada Three-Lances[9]—leader of all Rover combined forces in battle
- Nakanwa Daychaser (CG male human Rgr8)—a famous young Wardog, new war sachem (in 591 CY[10]
Society
[edit | edit source]The people of the Plentiful Huntinglands are migratory indigenous tribespeople, who are hunters and follow herds across the plains. They are amongst the best horsemen in the Flanaess.[4] They're noted for great skill in making and using canoes ("paddled small craft"),[11]
Thievery is culturally forbidden among the people of the Huntinglands, and any who ever do so are outcast.[12]
The culture of the Arapahi is structured on the tribe and clan. There are many tribes scattered across the plains, each with its own leader. The leaders of Arapahi tribes are called "chieftans"[3][13] and their war leader is a "sachem".[9] (an Algonquian term). Their greatest leader of all the clans as a whole is called "Ataman"[note 2]
Cultural traits
[edit | edit source]Many traits of the Rovers define them as a people. Some of these are presented as "regional feats" in Deagon issues #315 (Jan 2004) and #319 (May 2004) designed to "drive home cultural differences between characters from different areas and create cultural bonds between characters from the same nation."[14]
- Horselore[15]—Rovers are renown for their "horse whisperer" abilities and horses are extraordinarily comfortable with them
- Bareback soul[15]—Rovers do not use saddles but ride bareback (or with a blanket, at most). Further, they are consummate horseback archers, guiding their horses with their knees, and are frequently better while mounted than when not.
- Blooded[15]—Rovers are accustomed to raiding and make lightning fast, strategic strikes, and are very observant
- Raider's Spirit[15]—Rovers' warriors are daunting and strive to prove themselves in battle, painting their faces and letting loose war screams, making them extraordinarily fearless and intimidating.
- World Weary[16]—having faced a difficult life with very little, Rovers are supremely brave and stand their ground; they are fearless and are not cowed by others.
Magic
[edit | edit source]The spiritual practitioners of the Rovers are "shamans". The Rovers tend to not trust arcane magic of any kind, and do not typically become arcane spellcasters wizards, sorcerers, bards. Nor do they have traditions which typically give rise to paladins.[12]
Government
[edit | edit source]As the Rovers are a nomadic people with no permanent cities or settlements, there is no permanent capital.
Traditionally, the Arapahi are a loose alliance of Flan clans, each in turn made up of several smaller tribes. There have historically the number of clans has ranged from four[4] to seven.[9] The strongest member of each tribe, in terms of leadership and fighting ability, is designated the tribe's chieftain. However, the capable warriors overall join the Wardogs, a group noted for their endurance and bravado. The best warrior among all the Wardogs is given a limited authority over all the tribal chieftains; the last such leader so designated was His Mighty Lordship, Ataman of the Standards, Durishi Great Hound, Chief of the Wardogs.
Heraldry
[edit | edit source]The most common emblem used in sourcebooks to represent Rovers of the Barrens is blazoned thus: Azure, a horse salient gules—a leaping red horse on a blue field.
This is presumed to be the symbol of one of the larger clans, the Red Horses,[9] not the emblem of all tribes.
Military
[edit | edit source]" Among their war bands are riders as expert as any among the [Wegwiur] or [Chakyik], and a group of fleet-footed runners of legendary endurance. These are the Wardogs, masters of close-fighting techniques whose weapons are the hatchet and knife; their agility and outrageous bravado are renowned throughout the Flanaess, giving rise to the expression “wild as a Wardog.” The Rovers are only lightly armored, if at all. They typically use hide-covered shields, and ply the lance and javelin, although they have many excellent bowmen as well. In addition, some of the Rovers specialize in using the lariat, and their skill with rope is extraordinary."[4]
Rovers often use bow and arrows, thrown spears (javelins), and lassos (lariats)[2][4][11] and are talented runners (sprinting and endurance)[11][17] as well as lances (long spears)[4]
In Living Grayhawk
[edit | edit source]In the Living Greyhawk campaign (2000-2008), a small group of Rovers were part of the Fellreev meta-organization. The Rovers in the campaign were almost wiped out entirely, and so those few remaining tried to go where they could to survive.[18]
This group, as part of the Triple Alliance of the Fellreev, was led by Ragachek of sablewatch, a member of the Elk tribe.[18] The Elk tribe is not otherwise mentioned in lore, and the Sly Fox clan previously occupied the southern woodlands area, it could be presumed the Elk tribe was one of the four which comprise the tribes of the Sly Fox clan.
References
[edit | edit source]Notes
[edit | edit source]- ↑ Given the portrayal of the people of the hunting lands as similar to Native Americans, the name "Arapahi" is strongly evocative of "Arapaho", an Algonquian group of Great Plains tribespeople originally near the Great Lakes. The Arapaho autonym is Hinono'eino which translated also means "our people".
- ↑ "Ataman" is a term referring to a Cossack leader.
Citations
[edit | edit source]- ↑ Living Greyhawk Gazetteer (2000), p.59.
- ↑ a b c d The World of Greyhawk Fantasy World Setting (1980), p.14.
- ↑ a b c d World of Greyhawk Fantasy Game Setting (1983), p.33, Guide.
- ↑ a b c d e f g h i j Living Greyhawk Gazetteer (2000), p.94.
- ↑ Dungeon Master's Guide (2024), p.160.
- ↑ "Ghost Dance". Dungeon #32 (Nov/Dec 1991), p.60.
- ↑ Living Greyhawk Gazetteer (2000), p.4, map inset..
- ↑ Living Greyhawk Gazetteer (2000), p.95.
- ↑ a b c d e f g "News of the North Central Flanaess". Dragon #56 (Dec 1981), p.22-23.
- ↑ Living Greyhawk Gazetteer (2000), p.94-95.
- ↑ a b c Unearthed Arcana (sourcebook) 1e' (1985), p.20, Character Classes: The Barbarian.
- ↑ a b "Ghost Dance". Dungeon #32 (Nov/Dec 1991), p.62.
- ↑ The World of Greyhawk Fantasy World Setting (1980), p.14.
- ↑ "Regional Feats of Oerth". Dragon #315 (Jan 2004), p.50.
- ↑ a b c d Dragon #315 (Jan 2004), p.50-54.
- ↑ Dragon #319 (May 2004), p.56-61.
- ↑ Living Greyhawk Gazetteer (2000), p.93.
- ↑ a b Gazetteer. (LG Bandit Kingdoms regional Triad) (2002) , p.9-10.
Bibliography
[edit | edit source]- Gygax, Gary. The World of Greyhawk. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1980.
- ———. World of Greyhawk Fantasy Game Setting. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1983.
- Holian, Gary, Erik Mona, Sean K. Reynolds, and Frederick Weining. Living Greyhawk Gazetteer. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2000.
- Howery, David. "Ghost Dance." Dungeon #32. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1991.
- Sargent, Carl. Ivid the Undying. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1995. Published online. PDF by William Allman with maps. Original RTF archived:Wizards.com. WGR7 or WGRx
Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index
The Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index (EGI) is based on previous work of Jason Zavoda through '08, continued by numerous other fans. The EGI article has a list of sources, product names, abbreviations, and a link to the full, downloadable index.
| Topic | Type | Description | Product | Page/Card/Image
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bear Paw Tribe (Rovers) | People Group | Tribe, | Dragon magazine #056 | 22 |
| Bear Paw Tribe (Rovers) | People Group | Tribe, | Dungeon magazine #032 | 66 |
| Gnarley Forest, Rovers of | People Group | Slavers, AD&D 2e | 10, 17 | |
| Gray Lynx Clan {Gray Linx} (Rovers) | People Group | Clan, | Dragon magazine #056 | 22, 23 |
| Gray Lynx Clan {Gray Linx} (Rovers) | People Group | Clan, | Dungeon magazine #032 | 61, 62, 62, 66, 67, 69, 71 |
| Huntinglands (Rovers of the Barrens) | People Group | People, | Artifact of Evil | 340 |
| Huntinglands (Rovers of the Barrens) | People Group | People, | Dragon magazine #052 | 18, 19, 20 |
| Huntinglands (Rovers of the Barrens) | People Group | People, | Dragon magazine #055 | 18, 19 |
| Huntinglands (Rovers of the Barrens) | People Group | People, | Dragon magazine #056 | 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 |
| Huntinglands (Rovers of the Barrens) | People Group | People, | Dragon magazine #057 | 13 |
| Huntinglands (Rovers of the Barrens) | People Group | People, | Dragon magazine #063 | 11 |
| Huntinglands (Rovers of the Barrens) | People Group | People, | Dragon magazine #205 | 13 |
| Huntinglands (Rovers of the Barrens) | People Group | People, | Dragon magazine #253 | 47 |
| Huntinglands (Rovers of the Barrens) | People Group | People, | Dragon magazine #263 | 51 |
| Huntinglands (Rovers of the Barrens) | People Group | People, | Dungeon magazine #032 | 60-71 |
| Huntinglands (Rovers of the Barrens) | People Group | People, | Dungeon magazine #073 | 73 |
| Huntinglands (Rovers of the Barrens) | People Group | People, | Greyhawk Adventures | 48, 96, 97 |
| Huntinglands (Rovers of the Barrens) | People Group | People, | Greyhawk Wars: Adventurer's Book | 7 |
| Huntinglands (Rovers of the Barrens) | People Group | People, | Living Greyhawk Gazetteer | 5, 6, 12, 25, 27, 30, 58, 59, 61, 94, 95, 109, 113, 133, 134, 140, 144, 154, IBC |
| Huntinglands (Rovers of the Barrens) | People Group | People, | Oerth Journal #06 | 26,28,42 |
| Huntinglands (Rovers of the Barrens) | People Group | People, | Oerth Journal #08 | 14 |
| Huntinglands (Rovers of the Barrens) | People Group | People, | Oerth Journal #31 | 35 |
| Huntinglands (Rovers of the Barrens) | People Group | People, | Oerth Journal #33 | 30 |
| Huntinglands (Rovers of the Barrens) | People Group | People, | Player's Guide to Greyhawk | 6, 34 |
| Huntinglands (Rovers of the Barrens) | People Group | People, | The Adventure Begins | 23 |
| Huntinglands (Rovers of the Barrens) | People Group | People, | Unearthed Arcana, AD&D 1e | 20 |
| Huntinglands (Rovers of the Barrens) | People Group | People, | The World of Greyhawk Fantasy World Setting (Folio) | IC, 2, 7, 11, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 22 |
| Huntinglands (Rovers of the Barrens) | People Group | People, | WGR5 Iuz the Evil | 5, 48, 56, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 66 |
| Huntinglands (Rovers of the Barrens) | People Group | People, | WGS1 Five Shall Be One | IBC, 29 |
| Huntinglands (Rovers of the Barrens) | People Group | People, | WGS2 Howl From the North | 10, 11, 30, 36, 37, 43 |
| Huntinglands (Rovers of the Barrens) | People Group | People, | World of Greyhawk boxed set (1983) | 13, 14, 26, 27, 33, 36, 37, 42, 49, 51, 59, IBC |
| Huntinglands (Rovers of the Barrens) | People Group | People, | World of Greyhawk boxed set (1983) | 7, 8, 17, 31 |
| Huntinglands (Rovers of the Barrens), lands of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 50000), (591 pop: 35000), | Dragon magazine #315 | 51, 53 |
| Huntinglands (Rovers of the Barrens), lands of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 50000), (591 pop: 35000), | Dragon magazine #359 | 75 |
| Huntinglands (Rovers of the Barrens), lands of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 50000), (591 pop: 35000), | From the Ashes: Atlas of the Flanaess | 11, 22, 35, 38, 43, 55 |
| Huntinglands (Rovers of the Barrens), lands of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 50000), (591 pop: 35000), | From the Ashes: References Card | #2 |
| Huntinglands (Rovers of the Barrens), lands of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 50000), (591 pop: 35000), | Greyhawk Adventures | 48, 96, 97 |
| Huntinglands (Rovers of the Barrens), lands of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 50000), (591 pop: 35000), | Greyhawk Wars: Adventurer's Book | 7 |
| Huntinglands (Rovers of the Barrens), lands of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 50000), (591 pop: 35000), | Imagine Magazine #02 | 10 |
| Huntinglands (Rovers of the Barrens), lands of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 50000), (591 pop: 35000), | Living Greyhawk Gazetteer | 5, 6, 12, 25, 27, 30, 58, 59, 61, 94, 95, 109, 113, 133, 134, 140, 144, 154, IBC |
| Huntinglands (Rovers of the Barrens), lands of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 50000), (591 pop: 35000), | Player's Guide to Greyhawk | 6, 34 |
| Huntinglands (Rovers of the Barrens), lands of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 50000), (591 pop: 35000), | The Adventure Begins | 23 |
| Huntinglands (Rovers of the Barrens), lands of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 50000), (591 pop: 35000), | Unearthed Arcana, AD&D 1e | 20 |
| Huntinglands (Rovers of the Barrens), lands of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 50000), (591 pop: 35000), | Unearthed Arcana, AD&D 1e (Premium Edition) | 20 |
| Huntinglands (Rovers of the Barrens), lands of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 50000), (591 pop: 35000), | World of Greyhawk boxed set (1983) | 13, 14, 26, 27, 33, 36, 37, 42, 49, 51, 59, IBC |
| Huntinglands (Rovers of the Barrens), lands of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 50000), (591 pop: 35000), | World of Greyhawk boxed set (1983) | 7, 8, 17, 31 |
| People of Plentiful Hunting Grounds {Huntinglands} | People Group | People, | Reference | SEE Rovers of the Barrens |
| Rovers of Gnarley Forest | People Group | Reference | SEE Gnarley Forest, Rovers of | |
| Sly Fox Tribe (Rovers) | People Group | Tribe, | Dragon magazine #056 | 22, 23 |
| Sly Fox Tribe (Rovers) | People Group | Tribe, | Dungeon magazine #032 | 66 |
| Wardog Society {Wardogs} (Rovers) | People Group | Martial order, | Dragon magazine #056 | 22 |
| Wardog Society {Wardogs} (Rovers) | People Group | Martial order, | Dungeon magazine #032 | 62, 63, 66 |
| Wardog Society {Wardogs} (Rovers) | People Group | Martial order, | Living Greyhawk Gazetteer | 94, 95 |