|
Barbarian tribesmen living in scattered villages of 100 to 300 individuals inhabit the island known as Redrake Isle by civilized peoples. The almost exclusively Fälgornian population calls its island home Sharakzan after the great wyrm red dragon they venerate as a demigod, the earthly servant of their patron Tiamat.
The various tribes inhabiting the island maintain constant hostility towards each other and form only temporary alliances to suit their immediate goals. Despite the constant warfare all tribal leaders defer to the authority of the high priest of Tiamat in matters of religion and as a final arbitrator of tribal disputes.
The only major permanent settlement on the island is known simply as Tiamat's Temple. Built at the base of an active volcano where the dragon Sharakzan has established his lair, the tribes gather here each spring to offer sacrifice to the minion of their goddess Tiamat. The dragon demands a sacrifice of one virgin female from each tribe in return he abstains from destroying his "feeble human servants."
When the tribes gather for this evil sacrifice great feasting occurs at the temple and the population of the complex swells to nearly 30,000 for a week and a day. The temple grounds are revered by the populace as sacred and all open hostilities between the tribes cease during their stay here.
The barbarians of the Redrake Isle practice cannibalism and headhunting. Their fierce battles sometimes end with the demise of an entire tribe.
The most powerful tribes of the island are (listed in order of importance): The Quillans, led by Chief Figlwin Starsky, numbering nearly 4,000; the Norgoks, led by Chief Stalking Tiger, numbering over 3,200; the Huranchi xitolchs, led by Chief Briglik Far Seeing, number nearly 3,100; and the Irquatuli, led by Chief Spear in Sun, number approximately 2,000. Other tribes range in population from 100 to 1,500. The average tribe numbers 800.
Despite the island's rich natural resources, the uncivilized tribes have yet to make good use of them, preferring to eat an unlucky merchant that makes landfall on the island to trading with him.
Tigers, poisonous frogs and giant snakes dwell in the jungles of Redrake Isle, making the already hostile environment even more unsuitable for civilized life.
However, a merchant that could manage to forge a trade alliance with the barbarians of Redrake Isle would stand to profit immensely from the experience. The jungles are rich in mahogany, balsa and other valuable lumbers, as well, it is rich in spices and medicinal herbs. Gold in abundance fills the mountains surrounding Tiamat's Temple.
A military attack on the population of Redrake Isle would meet with little organized resistance. If by some chance the tribes could gather in a concerted defense, 8,000 to 10,000 warriors could be raised. Any attack on the Redrake Isle would also be met by resistance from the ruler of Aré Arda who claims the island as sovereign territory even though his armies have never subjugated the island.
Barbarians originating on Redrake Isle will have the following bonus nonweapon skills:
- long distance signaling (drums)
- running
- boating (small paddled ocean craft)
- animal lore
- set snares
- Preferred weapons include:
Human characters whose place of origin is the Redrake Isle may only play the following character classes and kits: barbarian, fighter, ranger, gladiator (only if enslaved) beast rider kit, savage kit, wilderness warrior kit; mage anagakok kit, mage savage kit; barbarian cleric, druid, savage priest kit; thief scout kit, bard tribal singer kit.
Wild halflings originating on the Redrake Isle may play any class or kit normally allowed them.
|
