To the north of Udan lies the vast, uncharted region known collectively as the Sea of Short Grass. This is the realm of the uncounted tribes of the Wyyfendoui. The Wyyfendoui either live a semi-nomadic existence, following their herds of Horses, Bison, Emu and Mastodon across the vast river basin and rolling hills that comprise the ‘sea’ or in fortified settlements that serve as community gathering points for the civilization. It is a land of short, vibrant summers where the entire landscape erupts into color and green – where every hue under the rainbow competes for your attention. A land where the winters are harsh and long, which winnows the weak from the herd, where the Demons of Ice and Winter will drag you screaming to the frozen pit for your transgressions against Family, Clan and Chief.
The Wyyfendoui are not a violent people, rather harsh. This sets them apart from their supposed cousins of the T’chuck T’chi. To the T’chuck T’chi war and conquest aid in survival. Slaves to do work. Resources to be paid in tribute. To the Wyyfendoui these things are desirable, but winter comes – and the clan would be better prepared to fight the Demons of the North, the impish Fae and the Hobgoblins and the Beastmen as opposed to looking for tribute and conquest. War is, but it is not necessarily glorious.
-Winter comes for all in their time. But she shall not catch me without a fight. Wyyfendoui proverb.
The difficulty in cataloging the Wyyfendoui is picking a location to begin. What is the population? No one really knows. How many clans are there? Many. More than the stars. What do they strive for? The embrace of a woman, a good fire, and to beat back the talons of Winter one more season.
The Wyyfendoui of Udan have mostly kept to their traditional ways, but also have learned the advantages of urban life. They have managed to avoid the Guran faith, and as a result Udan has a strong Animist community. Wyyfendoui are also highly sought out as mercenaries and bodyguards, due to their impressive height and strength. It is said there is no more fearsome sight in the world than Wyyfendoui infantry in scale, with their double axes, long spears and Claymores. Unless, of course, it is a Wyyfendoui war band lead by the Chief astride his Mastodon.
The Wyyfendoui are a tall, pale, and by most standards attractive people. Their physique reflects their love for athletics, the outdoors, and their traditionally ‘warlike’ society. Most Wyyfendoui have blond or red hair, with blue, gray or green eyes. Most wear their hair long in braids with beards for the men.
Many sport tattoos to reflect their clan, life achievements or simple artistic desire using blue, red or black ink. These tattoos are generally either animalistic or ‘stylistic patterns’. They are also frequently supplemented in times of war with elaborate ‘war paints’.
Most travel in light leathers, supplemented by fur lined cloaks, boots and wraps in the winter. Finally, most have perfected the art of ‘sliding’ along the surface of the snow in the dead of winter on two waxed boards strapped to their feet.
Goblinoids of the Tiaga; Blood Feud. T’chuck T’chi; Hostile. Udan; friendly. Western Kingdoms; Indifferent. Bomor; Hostile. Shou; Indifferent. Wako; Indifferent. Sind; Indifferent. Ogre Tribes: Hostile.
The Wyyfendoui seem to have two states. In general they pleasant and easy going. They exude a relaxed and easygoing manner frequently telling stories, drinking, smoking peyote - the kind of activities that puts those around them at ease. Their other 'idiom' is something close to raging psychotic. A typical Wyyfendoui is capable of towering, violent rages that reap havoc on the surroundings and the subject of their ire. They are slow to anger, but capable of incomparable destruction once the limit is finally passed.
Some scholars have speculated that both their rage and their generally pleasant disposition are survival instincts derived from their northern home. The climate is hostile, and they are surrounded by many enemies. Conversely the winter forces them to remain in close proximity to each other at its height. Perhaps the pleasantness is a way to avoid provoking the rage so necessary against their enemies, but so destructive when turned on each other.
The Wyyfendoui religion venerates the spirits of the animals that surround them, their ancestors and reject the Court of Winter and her Fae servants. Their Pantheon reflects their environment. Druids and Shaman speak to the spirit world with the aid of their animal Spirit Totems and Familiars. These holy men and woman seek divinations as to the length of Winter, the migratory paths of the herds, conjure aid and assistance for their Clan members and generally seek divine intersession on behalf of their people.
The most important holiday to the Wyyfendoui is Winter Solstice. It has been described by those who have been in the North that it is like New Years, a wedding, an orgy, a feast and a giant ‘Highland Games’ all wrapped into a two week long festival. Clans gather and intermingle and celebrate on the banks of the Skynayyd river in the largest permanent settlement north of Udan. Unsurprisingly perhaps, the week after Solstice is called the Feast of Marriage.
The Pantheon
Wyylos, Shu
Bison, Bear, Crow, Dragon, Eagle, Hawk, Horse, Mastodon, Owl, Raven, Tiger.
Medium sized (Average height 6’5” male, 6’3” Female)
Cold Endurance: +2 racial bonus on Fortitude saves made to resist the effects of cold weather or exposure.
+2 Strength, +2 Constitution, +2 Charisma, -2 Dexterity, -2 Intelligence
+2 racial bonus on Survival checks made in cold/arctic environments
Base land speed is 40 feet
Rage (Ex) as per Barbarian PC Class
War Chant (Ex) +2 racial bonus on Intimidate checks