Hotakoinu Confedracy

The Kharkota, Uldatsa, Dzukdan, Chuluunkatwa, and Quatul tribes comprise the Confederacy. Their gathered name Hotakoinu (ho-tuh-coy-new) means “of the riverlands” in their language. The tribes were nomadic in their origins. Given the diverse nature of the land they inhabited, each transitioned from place to place, returning after a handful of years to previous settlement sights to resume small farm practices.

In the wake of a new age, an era of technology in the far realms, and forces political and militaristic outside of the Hotakoinu heartlands, tribal chiefs began to speak of their fears. Yonnak of the Kharkota rose to the occasion, and formed the Hotakoinu Confederacy. Its intention was diplomatic: to band together against alien forces, transient armies, pointed conquests, and unwanted expansion. 

Together, the tribes worked as one to feed, clothe, defend, and care for their people. In the modern age, however, it was the  who settled their permanent home: the city of Ulanapek along the wide bends of, what they call, the Udzurk River. The city was an unkempt establishment in the woodlands of the Confederacy, and was, for a time, only good for trading. However, that trading facilitated new opportunities.

The knowledge of steel, iron, and forging seeped in along the river routes. The northern shore of the Udzurk swiftly became the site of many forges where shoddy Kharkota sabers were born. Soon after came the firearm. Muskets were hammered together ramshackle. This weapon, the corpse of a tree which could wield thunder and lightning, was an opportunity lying in wait. As the Kharkota became the settled, ‘civilized’ tribe, they began electing their chief, whom they began calling Great Kotis. In year 23 of the Third Age, Great Kotis Hogulwa formed a small army of musketeers. 

He marched them to the settlements of the Quatul, and displayed their great power. Ambition for full unity of the tribes had forged itself in the fire of the Ulanapek foundries. With these muskets, so thought Hogulwa, he could unify the five tribes of the Hotakoinu, and create a truly impregnable fortress of the Hotakoinu culture to withstand the onslaught of any nation, great or small who may have the misfortune to step into their heartland. However, the tribes were resistant. Even the Quatul who had suffered at the mouths of these fiery demons hesitated. 

How could they so easily abandon everything unique, significant, and routine about their culture? Was the Confederacy not formed to protect their way of life? If so, who was this Great Kotis to threaten war and kill their culture? When Hogulwa died, his daughter was chosen as his successor. Young, fierce Nogala governs from her expanding city. She struggles to pull the remaining four tribes into her fold, fearing that her prized industry is both a blessing and a curse. Knowing she is weak without her sister tribes, she frantically attempts to appease them, and pull them into her nation. Having strength in population, industry, and military would make her a formidable foe in East Parthus. Or so she believes.

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The Hotakoinu have a deep reverence for nature, and respect for the Field. Their spirituality is tied deeply with the flow and energy of the natural world. Dances for the Sister are often held, massive fires are lit to usher in the new season as offerings are proffered up for the spirits. Great Hunts are held and the heads of stag deer are prized as holy possessions, the antlers especially. To make the full use out of harvested goods is vital to their spiritual belief. Everything is an exchange. To take from the world, they must give something back to the world. 

This is seen through their agricultural processes, as well as in the nomadic tradition. For instance, when leaving a settlement a tribe may not return to for some time, they burn away low vegetation and bury a portion of their crop to fertilize the soil. The traditional method of planting also has a spiritual connection. They believe that planting beans, maize, and squash together produce the best crops because they channel natural energy together, and bear much fruitful yield. This, they call the Three Spirits. 

While much of this has faded from the Kharkota tribe, they still engage with the physical practices: dances, fires, harvest rituals etc. A popular spiritual celebration is the Pelguranek. For one month, meat is not hunted or consumed. Great foraging parties leave the city and return with bushels of food.

Integral to the culture of the Hotakoinu is the cairn. Each tribe builds a unique style of cairn, usually constructed on sites of historic, religious, or natural importance. In times of war among the tribes, toppling an enemies cairn or cairns is considered the greatest act of desecration. 

Similarly, Urvooks are built. The urvook is a wooden structure made of thin trees into a triangular or conical shape. Here, shamans live. The shamans remain in their urvook until it collapses. It is said when an urvook collapses, Mother soil has deemed its time over, and the spiritual energy of the place must be rejuvenated with time. Urvook's are not commonly targets of war or animosity. It is believed if an urvook is toppled prematurely, that great destruction will befall the toppler or their tribe.

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Kharkota Organized Military

Organized first at the end of the second era. The Kharkotan population boom at the start of the Third Age has supplied thousands of warriors and others to assist in the militaries operation. Families follow units and supply the ranks with moral and physical support, sometimes throwing themselves into the ranks. With the entire nomadic Kharkotan population reduced and settled, Nogala has her army poised and ready for combat. Perhaps its most encouraging feat was the organization itself and the eagerness for its citizenry volunteered. 

One might consider the Kharkota army one of reserves. Most of its soldiers are not professional, but citizen soldiers, waiting to be called upon by criers and couriers to service. Herein lies, perhaps, its greatest weakness. The official standing of the military is not a certainty. If called upon, it is not assured all or even half of the troops would turn out for a campaign. While advisors to Nogala work to best fix this glaring issue, as it stands, the Kharkota army is fierce.*

Commander: Nogala

General: Ordurk Khalgur

1st Division: Junlapek Odatts 

    1st Brigade: Irago Klaag 2,000 (has use of musketry)

    2nd Brigade: Weilaan Rumaak 2,000

    3rd Brigade: Yannuk Igoo 2,000 (has use of musketry)

    1st Cavalry Brigade: Erdhuur Powatan, 1,500

2nd Division: Pompuur Iriqq

    1st Brigade: Hunnerk Shanak 2,000 

    2nd Brigade: Dzambul Onnes 2,000 (has use of musketry)

    3rd Brigade: Liig Howahan 2,000

    2nd Cavalry Brigade: Juurlaan Kotik 1,600

3rd Light Division: Tiebaat Loom (has use of musketry)

    1st Light Brigade: Dundwat Chuurbiigtal 1,500

    2nd Light Brigade: Yankuur Kwaam 1,000

    3rd Cavalry Brigade: Fuurbik Erdwaa 3,000

Supply Division: Wannuk Shuul Ergaal

    Shaman Regiment: Shaman Inguur Graay 300

    Engineer Regiment: Fahlgur Yerl 450

    Wagon Drivers Regiment: Undurk Raan 500

    Suppliers Regiment: Opaal Deene 870

Total Strength: 22,720

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