Rochir (Horse Nomads of the Rochir Plains)

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Rochir

The Rochir are Southmaren nomads who have dwelled along the southern coasts of the Rochir Plains since ancient times. Born with a blade in hand and learning to ride before they walk, Rochir are masterful riders and deadly fighters. Indeed, the Rochir were given their name by the Eldar, which means "horse-lord" in Eldarin. Like their riders, Rochir horses are small and fine-boned, faster than a dream and can turn like dancers.

Rochir are organized into nomadic tribes that ride the arid plains, each led by a warrior chief called the "Roch". Shelter and water sources are shared by the Rochir tribes, serving as neutral ground for meetings or trade. Some of these oasis have been improved, with permanent buildings or walls to protect or conceal the camp. Their rarely fight one another, as they have dangerous Goblyn foes to the south and wild beasts often wander in from the nearby deserts.

The Rochir tribes have wandered the Rochir Plains for countless generations, in peace with one another and the forces of nature. Indeed, the Rochir are the ancestors of the modern Kitanians, and still keep the old ways. Like most Kitanians, Rochir men are warriors and hunters, while women care for the hearth and home. However, each Rochir tribe has a circle of wise women called Hichana, who act as priests and tend to the spiritual matters of their people. In the old faith, the Hichana call upon a variety of totem spirits in harmony with the land, not capricious gods. These traditions are seen as backward within the modern Alorn cities, as men have usurped the priesthood as they do in the Southmaren temples.

Regions

Rochir are nomadic, living in independent tribes that ride the vast Rochir Plains.

Personality

Rochir have a deep respect for nature and survivors. They also respect shrewd bargainers, and take what they need by force only when other efforts have failed. They also respect skill, regardless of whether it be mastery of a blade, survival in the desert, or shrewd bargaining.

Rochir are organized into tribes, each led by a warrior chief called the "Roch". Like most primitives, men are warriors and hunters, while women care for the camp, hearth and children.

Some women become healers and medicine-women. Each tribe had a wise-woman called the "Hichana", who speaks for the tribe concerning all things unrelated to war or the hunt. Hichana have knowledge of nature and healing that many call supernatural.

Physical Description

Rochir are humans of average height and build. They have dark, reddish skin, and favor short, well-groomed beards. Their eyes are usually dark brown or pale yellow. Rochir live outdoors, and dress in flowing robes that protect them from the hot desert sun.

Relations

The Rochir people have a long-standing alliance and friendship with other Southmarens and with the Alorns to the north. Trade and intermarriage are common and make the union even stronger. Rochir are always eager to trade for metal weapons, particularly scimitars.

Lands

Rochir are nomadic, living in independent tribes that ride the plains and deserts. Shelter and water sources are shared by the Rochir tribes, serving as neutral ground for meetings or trade. Some of these oasis have been improved, with permanent buildings or walls to protect or conceal the camp. Rochir are good sources of knowledge about regional history and geography, particularly their wise-women.

Religion

Rochir have no formal religion, but Rochir have a deep respect for nature and are generally very superstitious about magic. Rochir tribes have wise women called Hichana. These witches lead the tribe in spiritual or arcane matters.

History

The Rochir Hichana keep oratory histories of their people. The tribes have wandered the Rochir plain for countless generations, in peace with one another and the forces of nature. Their only enemies are the Goblyns to the south and the occasional rampaging beast from the mountains, desert, or ocean's deeps.

Language

Rochir speak a regional dialect of Southmaren.

Equipment

Rochir favor light horseman's weapons like spears, sabers, small axes, and short composite bows. While the Rochir craft exquisite composite shortbows, metal is rare on the plains and weapons of forged steel are generally traded from the Kitanians or taken from enemies. These metal weapons are rare and greatly prized, often handed down for generations as tribal relics. Armor is more rare and less practical in the desert and plains, but shields, leather armor, and scale armor are not uncommon amongst war leaders. The Rochir also make a rare variety of studded leather armor that uses bones instead of metal. Tribal wise women also trade various medicinal herbs, poultices and potions.

Adventurers

Most Rochir adventurers leave their tribes and deserts where they grew up. Youngsters must set out on their own on a Wandering quest to prove their worth to themselves and their tribe. They must fend for themselves for six months to a year, providing for their basic needs, defending themselves from hostile creatures and people, and gaining character and perseverance through the rigors of survival. Some choose to wander the desert or plains far from any known tribal territory. Other explore more civilized parts, making allies, delving into caverns, and exposing themselves to foreign cultures. Rochir on Wandering must follow two restrictions: They cannot accept aid from others unless adequate payment is rendered, and they cannot speak in defense of themselves or their actions.

Quotes

The earth does not belong to us, we belong to it.

gallery: Rochir

  Kitanian-armed Rochir Scouts    Rochir Goblyn Slayer    Rochir Goblyn Slayers    Rochir Hero    Rochir Rider    Rochir Shortbow    Rochir Tattoo    Rochir Warrior    Rochir Warriors    Rochir Warriors (after a battle)