The tribe of Trilus throughout its history has usually been the largest and most successful of the three tribes of Balazar.  Its clans are spread across the West Plain and northern woods, along the side of the Elf Sea and down both banks of the Dwerrow River.

Currently the hunters are happy and clans which have previously been distant are becoming more involved in the politics of the tribe.  This is because the current King Yalaring Monsterslayer is a hunter who took the crown as a part of a popular revolt against the previous dynasty, his reign is so far short but mostly popular.

History of Trilus

Notable dates in the history of the tribe;

1100 Balazar dies, his brothers refuse to accept Trilus rightful place as successor. The first 5 clans (Red Sable, Barking Deer, Brown Boar, Silver hawk and Thunder Lizard ) declare allegiance to Trilus, and the tribe is formed.

1101 Traitor clans declare for  Elkoi and Dykene, the other tribes are formed.

1102 The casting of lots vindicates Trilus, who gains the larger citadel renaming it after himself.

1140 Death of King Trilus

1163 First succession War

1167 Blueface enacts the Rite of the Ancestors successfully for the first time in 400 years

1250 Refugees and 4 clans ( Great Bison, Black boar, Thunder Rabbit and  Ragged Crow ) join the tribe when giants pull down the Citadel at Dykene

1251 Battle of High Bridge – A strong Dykene war band tries to cross the bridge and are repulse by a Trilus war band.

1273 – 1278 Trilus Elkoi War – Long War

1276 Trilus Occupies Elkoi for a year, ended by the uprising of light in which Yelmalians push the tribe out.

1300 Orlanthi refugees arrive from war to the west, many capable warriors who join citadel guard

1311 Aggari Dynasty take over after Altadi falls in battle, rule well for almost 100 years. Orlanthi worship established in Trilus.

1362 Vostor Great Axe leads a Trilus war band on the side of Tarsh in the Battle of Falling Hills, returns victorious and richer.

1375 Pentian host passes through Balazar, King Vostor pays significant tribute and homage to Sheng Seleris to save the citadel, however there is much suffering in the clans.

1380 Blueface calls a shamans conclave at Flinthill, denounces foreign gods and kings and preaches isolation from the outside world.

1402 Aggari dynasty ends and Orlanthi worship ends in Trilus, Period of isolation begins for Trilus

1458 – 1471 Internal clan wars caused by Ganari the Mad, some claim he worshipped chaos.

1564 Refugees and clans join the tribe following the fall of Elkoi to the Lunars

1570 -1571 Lunar war,  a series of ambushes and skirmishes which are ended by the Treaty of Lookhill

1609 Stavac Uprising brings Yalaring to the Throne of Trilus

1611 No pigs edict bars pigs from the citadel of Trilus.

Dynasties of Trilus

Trilus Dynasty 1100 – 1140
Trilus ruled well for 40 years before passing on his body entombed in an unknown place. Takzar was ruling well like his father , until killed by his Jealous brother, Vazaar.  Vazaar ruled so badly it started the first succession war which he lost to Morari.

• Trilus 1100 – 1140 Dies of natural causes
• Tazkar Goodson 1140 – 1157 Murdered by his younger brother
• Vazaar Badson 1157 – 1163 Usurped and killed by Morari

Red Sable Dynasty 1163 – 1280
The period of the red sable dynasty was a time of relative peace and prosperity for the tribe of Trilus. Only Karzars rule was deemed to be poor and that was ended by the dynasty itself.

However when Vorori the black died in battle leaving a 9 year old son as king, the dynasty was at risk.

• Morari Strongarm 1163 -1202 Natural death succeed by Son
• Karzar the Cruel 1202 – 1213 usurped by brother Morani
• Morani the Fair 1213 – 1232 natural death succeed by Son
• Verger the Wise 1232 – 1268 natural death succeed by Son
• Vorori the Black 1268 – 1278 Dies in battle
• Ganzar the young 1279 – 1280 Child King Murdered

Black Wolf Dynasty 1280 – 1311
Wulgar was of the grey wolf clan, but its name got changed when Wulgar seized the citadel of Trilus, killed the boy king and installed himself as King. This created uproar with the tribe who refused to accept him. It was only after he died and Wulani his brother took the throne did things settle down. The dynasty ended when King Altandi died in battle without leaving  a legitimate heir.

• Wulgar Blackwolf 1280 -1283 died of a fever, succeeded by brother
• Wulani the Peacemaker 1284 – 1296 natural death succeed by Son
• Vozar Brightspear 1296 – 1304 died in battle succeed by Son
• Altandi Warface1304 – 1311 died in battle

Aggari Dynasty 1311 – 1402
The Aggari Dynasty are from the stock of Aggari refugees , Ovardul and compatriots were serving in the citadel guard when the king died in battle and quickly moved to secure the throne. The clans did not complain overly and the Aggari Dynasty became one of the stronger Trilus Dynasties, With Vostor becoming Trilus second most famous King. The invasion of Sheng Seleris  in 1375 and the subsequent conclave which Blueface called really saw the end of the dynasty, but it still rolled on another 20 years

• Ovardul the Usurper 1311 -1338 died of natural causes succeed by Son
• Bordol Wiseman 1338 -1357 died of natural causes succeed by Son
• Vostor Greataxe 1358 – 1389 died of a fever succeed by Son
• Balani Running Deer 1389 – 1402 died whilst hunting

Barking Deer Dynasty 1402 -1468
The Barking Deer dynasty is a time of relative peace and isolation for the tribe of Trilus. The reign of King Ganani is possibly the most difficult time for the tribe. He ruled in a way to cause fraction and division amongst the clans and he created a civil war. Some believe he was corrupted by chaos.

• Altori 1402 – 1412 died of natural causes succeed by Son
• Altzar 1412 – 1433 died of natural causes succeed by Son
• Balash 1433 – 1446 died of natural causes succeed by brother
• Balazar the Lesser 1446 – 1454 died of causes succeeded by son
• Ganani the Mad 1454 – 1468 dethroned in 1468, died in battle 1470

Blighted Years 1468 – 1471
3 years of internal fighting no clear king, Until Yaklani the Bear killed Ganani and then took the throne for himself.

Grey Fox Dynasty 1471 – 1532
The most notable event of the Grey Fox Dynasty is the reign of Queen Pelska the only queen of Trilus.

• Yalarni The Bear 1471 – 1489 died of natural causes succeed by daughter
• Queen Pelska the Proud – 1489 -1512 died of natural causes succeeded by son
• Yalori Twosticks 1512 -1529 killed by broos in ambush
• Vilic the fool 1529 -1532 Usurped and killed by the captain of his guard

Gadaringer Dynasty 1532 – 1606
A violent and unpopular dynasty named after its longest serving King. All the Kings came from the Brown Boar clan, but the clan joined the Stavac uprising with the other clans to remove the dynasty.

• Morvann the Dread 1532 – 1548 died of natural causes succeed by brother
• Ganvann Bloodyfist 1548 -1551 usurped and murdered by his son
• Gadaringer the Great 1551 -1602 died of natural causes succeed by Grandson
• Feobald the Cleanser 1602 – 1609 usurped and killed by Yalaring Monsterslayer

Current Dynasty 1609+
Yalaring was proclaimed king by mutual consent after being one of the leaders  of the Stavac uprising

• Yalaring Monster slayer 1609 to present

Tribal lands

Most of the clans of Trilus hunt in the following regions of Balazar

• The West Plain
• Split Hills
• Oakwood
• Elmwood East of the Morande river
• The southern Coast of the Elf sea
• Dwerrow River

There are a smaller number of clans in the following regions

• East plains
• Ronswood
• Elmswood North West of the Morande river

Clans of Trilus

There are currently 92 clans associated with the tribe of Trilus. This makes by far the largest tribe currently.  Over 60 of these are closely associated with the King and citadel and another 30 only really play lip service to being part of the tribe.

Notable Clans are;

Red Sable Clan – On of the first 5 clans of Trilus and the first clan to have a dynasty. They hunt across the west plain. They are still a strong and noble clan and always have been faithful to the tribe.

Black Wolf Clan – They were called Grey Wolf clan, until Wulgar killed Ganzar the young, and have called the black wolves since. They are a troublesome, violent clan who hunt in Elmswood west of moraks mound.

Barking Deer –  An original clan and a dynasty clan. They are a strong clan, but left the tribe during the reign of Gadaringer Dynasty, they joined in the Stavac uprising and have rejoined the tribe since. A conservative clan who value the opinions of shamans highly. They hunt on the borders of Oakwood on the east side of the Dwerror River.

Grey Fox – A smaller clan who grew in significance when Yalarni the Bear slew Ganani to claim kingship, the dynasty was relatively short lived but changed the profile of the clan. They hunt in north west Elmwood close to border with soldier ferry. In Gadaringer years this was useful as the clan fled into Imther more than once. The clan is very much back and involved the life of the tribe now Yalaring is King.

Brown Boar – An old and mighty clan who were one of the first, who hunt in Oakwood close to the Citadel of Trilus. The Gadaringer Dynasty came from this clan, but the clan is shamed by them and their actions. The clan is still acting as if performing penance for the dynasties actions.

Silver Hawk – An original clan and the clan of the current King Yalaring. the clan has historical moved hunting grounds often by has always been a loyal member of the tribe.

Thunder Lizard – One of the original five clans of Trilus, they have hunted across the West Plain for the last 400 years they are large and powerful clan. They have spawned 4 or 5 other clans in their time. They have never had a dynasty but often are seen as kingmakers.

Winter Bison- Lead by Koslar Strongarm a good friend of King Yalaring. This Oakwood clan are in favour at the moment and are some of the kings strongest supporters. The tribe has not had much significance before but is growing as it benefits from the King favour.

Running men – Lead buy Vulric Longrunner the running men have recently joined the tribe after they have left the tribe of Dykene. They are a plains clan who hunt on the East Plain close to High Bridge. Vulric is a skilled politician and he uses his clans change of allegiance for as many practical benefits as possible.

Sea Otter Clan – An old established clan who were tied in by marriage to the Gadaringer Dynasty, These fishermen are also pearl traders and the richest of the Trilus clans.  They also on good terms with King Yalaring and are keen to keep things that way.

Notable figures of the Tribe of Trilus

The tribe of Trilus has numbers of notable tribe members

King Yalaring – Current King of Trilus and former hunter, and young and vigorous man, who is very loyal to his family.

Ogolorph Windshaper – King Yalarings younger brother and a master hunter in his own right.

Willarna Oakbrow – Master hunters and a challengers for Great Hunter. She hunts out of the citadel at Trilus but is not part of the Silver hawk clan

Kolsar Strongarm – Elder of the Winter Bison clan and a large intimidating figure, one King Yalarings strongest allies in the clans.  A popular figures who was also one of the heroes of the Stavas uprising.

Vulric Longrunner – Charismatic and popular hunter, who has recently changed his allegiance from Dykene, Chieftain of the Running Men, is both a skilled politician and  a man of some Hubris.

Yotzar Demonbreath – Mature chief of the Thunder lizard clan, he is vastly experienced as a clan leader and doesn’t get overly excited about anything any more.  He is a calming influence on the tribe and someone Yalaring will turn to for advice. His name does not come from any mythic or magical powers but it is a holdover from the time when he told the clan that Skunk could be good eating.

Kolmor the Reaver – The head of the Blackwood clan who in reality are little more than bandits raiding their neighbours, whether they be part of the tribe or not.  However they are strangely loyal to the King and if directed can be useful allies

Karazar OneEye – Shaman of the Red Sable Clan who has strong connection to both the ancestors of his clan and the tribe. One of the best people to talk to if you want to research the history of the Trilus clan. He is faithful to his people but quite mercenary with outsiders and can charge a lot for his services to foreigners.

Balvani Heavyfoot –  A portly man who is by all regards a very bad hunter, but a powerful shaman who dwells at Turtle landing and has strong connections with the spirits of Dwerrow river. He is part of no clan but most of the clans in the area interact with him in a positive manner.  He is a happy man who seems to like all, and is very helpful to those who bring him large supplies of interesting food.

Mythic  Items

There are number of items which are part of Mythos  of the tribe of Trilus. The locations of none are currently known.

• Vostors Axe – The great axe that Vostor Wielded at the battle of Falling Hills, it was last reported in the reign of Morvan the Dread
• Cloak of Yalarni – Cloak of the King Yalarni the bear which has the legendary power to change the wearer into a bear.
• Seal of Sheng Seleris – The royal seal of Sheng Seleris gifted to the King of Trilus upon the his tribute and his declaration of loyalty, gives the owner magical power of leadership, authority and fear.
• Vazaars Dagger – The Dagger Vazaar used to murder his older brother, has the ability to cut through armour like butter.
• Yaloris Twosticks – Strangely this items is actually a magical pouch, which is full of up to 10 new minted EWF silvers every day

Clan Name:  Running Deer

Clan Hearth: Caves and lean to in the forest. Have moved from traditional clan hearth in the past year.

Hearth Location:  Close to where the Seronde meets the Arcos river, on the south bank in the Dangerground. 

Hunting Grounds: North East Dangerground

Clan Spirit:  Running Deer – move fast, evade, perception

Population:  312 people  94 Men,  102 women , 116 Children,  54 hearths              

Tribe: Independent Votanki

Summary:

The Running Deer clan are an Independent Votanki Clan, traditional hunters but also with boatmen who could fish and cross the Seronde river. They have sheltered but good hunting lands, in their history they have seldom been put under significant pressure, and there independent nature suits them as the citadels are far too far away to be any use.

The clan successful defended itself against giant 25 years ago and this story has been retold just about every night since that point. However recent history is not as good.

The clan has lost its hunting lands to the north of the Seronde, due arrival or horse nomads recently in that area. The nomads captured two full hunting parties and party of gatherers  on the north shore, and these clan members have not been seen since.

Also two Baboon troops have moved into the area and clan has been feuding with them unsuccessfully and where driven out of the clans traditional hearth just before dark season last year.

The clan has also been hit by disease and has been hit by disease and in total has lost over 30% of the clans population in the last 2 years

Quirks and Traits:

Like most Votanki clans the running deer clan is very conservative

They are also a nervous people on the most but get very animated and agitated on the subject of giants.

The Clan is known for eating and coking with garlic onions which are found in this area

People:

Gavani Leatherskin – Clan Chief – Who is moving into his dotage he was a great clan leader once, but has been past his prime for 10 years now, he is desperate for his son to follow in his footsteps.

Takandi Kindheart – Gavanis son a Goodman and respectable hunter who  wants to follow his father’s footsteps, but is  a wise and peaceable man who most can see would be wrong leader for the clan at this point.

Natia Talltree – The wife of Gavanis who desperate to wife of the clan chief for the power and prestige that brings. She is tall and has striking good looks but is a harsh pushy woman with few friends, her husband regrets marrying her.

Agata Ten Tricks – A strong  charismatic leader, who has picked up the warriors mantle after the death of her husband last year, she has shown herself to be fine warrior and has saved the clan from significant defeats on more than one occasion. Conservative members of the clan do not like the role which she has taken, but see no alternatives at the moment.

Wilska Five Eyes A young apprentice shaman, whose mentor died and she has now been left to fulfil the clans needs. She is too young and inexperienced, and as far as she is concerned  not ready for the job. She is a close friend of Agata who encourages her whenever possible.

Vomor Shouts too Much -A good hunters, but one of life’s malcontents. Vomor is constantly complaining in these troubled times, he means no harm but he is destabilising the clan.

Morozar Riversnake – An older man, who has a  connection with Seronde and is the clans best boatman, he usually ferries people from one side of the Seronde to the other when needed. he is also a keen fisherman.

Clans Relationships

The running deer  have the following relationships with clans

Allies;  None

Friends;   Snow Owl(Votanki),

Conflict;  Badhead Troop (baboon),  Bloodclaw troop(baboon)

Plot Hooks & Ideas

The campaign plot for characters from the clan is a save the clan, and place it on a stable footing

Monkey Fight – The clan is attacked by two troops of baboons do all you can to defend it and drive the baboons off, with minimal casualties.

Monkey Puzzle – The players are asked to stage a deception to set the two Baboon troops fighting each other, and this take the pressure off the clan.

No man left behind – Agata wants her younger brother back, defy the elders and the players go off to Polaris to find out who bought the prisoners and then rescue them from nearby a  rice farm. However this needs to be done with no common language. Throw in an encounter with a small group of horse nomads on the way back.

Cat Fight – Natia accuses Agata of disobeying the clan elders in the rescue attempt for the slaves, and wants her thrown out of the clan. the players must intervene.

Unexpected Guests – 12 Praxian Bison riders show up in the clans lands offering to pay the clan 5 silvers per head for each Baboon they help kill.  This is against the clans traditions of isolation but would be very helpful in the current situation. The players need to investigate and weigh in on the argument, and then negotiate a price more useful than silver. Research and conversation will suggest than these guys are followers of Lan Stormson, who has set up camp at swim here.

Monkey Hunt – Raiding both baboon troops with the bison riders.

Home Sweet Home – A raid to push the Badhead clan out of the clan hearth which is caves with a pile of stones, which look they were placed by a giant rather than fell naturally. If it is too easy have them counter struck by the remains of the blood claw clan

Meet the neighbours  – The players must cross the Seronde a create a dialogue with the Horse riders to negotiate safe passage and  hunting rights on the clans old hunting grounds.

by Quintas von Ortlas
The mythic relationship between Foundchild and Brother Dog is a mythic one replayed through Balazar in thousands of places every day. It is one that civilized men such as us cannot fully understand and am I left unsure if I want to.

Why do I say this? because to most Balazarings the clear and obvious distinction between human and dog is somewhat blurred. To a civilized mind a dog is an asset, a pet, a tool, a servant or even a  friend. But to most Balazarings a dog is family, and to a dog a balazaring is part of its pack.

I am always tempted to view the humans as masters and the dogs as pets in a hierarchical relationship which is not one of equals. This would be foreign a foreign concept to most Balazarings and their dog companions. Though they would not use these words to them the relationship is a mutually symbiotic partnership of equals.

To both parties their very existence in unthinkable without the other, to their mind they are Kin, they are a substantial and permanent part of each others social structures for generation upon generation. A balazaring separated from his dogs is just as lost as an Orlanthi separated from his sheep  clan.

Both parties gain significantly from the relationship;

For the Balazaring he gains speed and  physical attributes which as a human do not posses, they has his security increased by guard dogs, he gains the ability to track quickly by scent, he can access burrows and other places which as a human he cannot and magical effect of a larger social grouping means that dogs contribute to the spiritual power and capability of his clan.

For the dog he gains insight and intelligence he cannot possess, he gains shelter and access to heat sources, he part of a much larger social unit than he could otherwise be part of, his social unit is much better lead than an exclusive dog pack would be, and he gains access to magical effects which otherwise would be alien to him.

Before coming to Balazar I had been informed that Balazarings had two types of dogs, this information is not incorrect but it is highly simplistic, and upon experience I would describe it as three broad different functions of dogs, with certain distinctions and a mix of breed for each function.

Most Balazaring clans will have a good mix of different types and breeds of dogs, but the balance will change to meet the traditions, spiritual dynamics, hunting styles and needs of the clan. It is worth noting that the Dogs of Saird and the dogs of Balazar are distinctly different in breed and the breeds rarely get on and tend to fight.

Hunting Dogs

The most common use of dogs by Balazarings is for hunting. Hunting dogs spend most of their time with the male hunters and little time with the women and children.

Hunting with dogs  can take a number of forms and there is great variation in differing breeds capabilities and sizes of dog.

Tracking Dogs – The most common use of dog is for scent tracking prey, these come in two distinct types, there are pack tracking dogs where a pack will scent track its prey whilst making large amounts of noise and panicking the prey before running it down. The ubiquitous Stavac is most often used for this style of hunting.

However for a stealthy pursuit Balazarings are more prone to  use one or two larger Pachu who have a better sense of smell but who cannot maintain speed over longer distances for a chase, these dogs tend to be used only for the tracking and the hunter tends to make the kill.

Chasing Dogs – The Stavac is often used a very functional pack dog for chasing down herds an running one or two animals into trouble, however do not have the explosive pace needed to bring down faster animals or the size or bravery to tackle larger beast such as bison.

For these tasks Balazarings tend to use either the larger Tiplav for a high speed pursuit and to hamstring and pull down faster prey.  Or the bulkier Mistro which is not as fast but is more effective against large slow prey animals.

Retrievers – For hunters who use bows or slings to bring down small game, there are a number of dogs which are used as retrieving dogs. The Stavac is common choice but the best retrieving dog is the Kausta, because of its quiet nature,  intelligence and soft mouth

Game Flushing Dogs – The Stavac excels when used as a pack to flush and herd animals towards pits, nets or hunters line of fire. No other breed of dog comes close and this is probably why they are so common in Balazar

Underground Dogs –  Some clans use dogs to chase smaller animals out or their dens and burrows, these dogs tend to be small squat and pugnacious, the most famous of these breeds is the Ruzno which could take on a fair sized badger.

Guard Dogs

Guard dogs spend most of their time guarding over the women and children of the clan, either at the hearth of when they are out gathering food.

The Mistro breed is often used for the combative element of the task, however a smaller less aggressive breed called the Ucho is used due to its significantly better hearing and general awareness. Also the Stavac is often used because of their ubiquitous nature and they are apparently very good with children.

Very few groups of gatherers will leave the clan hearth without at least 3 or 4 dogs as guards

Fighting dogs

There are not many fighting dogs within each balazaring clan and most usually belong to the Chieftans hearth, they are used in raids and to hunt dangerous animals such as bears, wolves and mountain tigers.

Balazaring Breeds

Brudny – A very large shaggy white haired breed of dog, used for fighting. Its size, reach and speed make it an awkward opponent

Kausta – A quiet natured small to medium sized long haired thin yellow dog, with long ears and pointed face

Mistro – A large strong athletic dog similar to a large German shepherd.  Very loyal to their pack but can be aggressive with outsiders.

Pachu- Large thin longhaired brown dogs with a slight frame and ungainly gate, but have an excellent sense of smell, and are the best scent trackers in Balazar.

Ruzno – Small Squat vicious dog, with short black fur with brown markings and a pug nose. With strong jaws neck and shoulders.

Stavac – Most common Balazaring dog, it is medium sized hunting dog with short brown fur with white markings. It has a pointed nose and a sleek body. It is a bright energetic dog used for a number of different roles and is very loyal to its family.

Tesak – A shorthaired brown and back large muscular dog with wide shoulders and no tail, with a squat face and powerful jaws

Tiplav – Large strong sleek black running dog who is an excellent stag hunter, they are extremely fast over short distances, but big enough to pull a stag down, if not finish it off.

Ucho – A medium sized dog in a range of shades of brown and black, with strong upright ears , this breed has a excellent sense of hearing and is probably the most complex audible communicator with a wide range of meaningful howls, whines and noises.

Please note that from bitters experience that offering to buy a Balazarings dog often is highly rude and is likely to cause a fight. Also the offer of a new pup is a great complement and is only usually made to clan mates and very close trusted friends.

Clan Name:  Golden Armadillo Clan

Clan Hearth:  4 large stoned Roofed round houses surrounded by earth works and 4 large square standing stones

Hearth Location:  West Plains 12 miles west of Lookhill

Hunting Grounds: West Plain

Clan Spirit:  Golden Armadillo

Population:  508 people, 168 men, 176 women,  164 children     

Tribe: Elkoi

Summary:

The Golden Armadillo Clan loyal to King Glyptus and in good standing with the Lunar empire. A good few young men have joined the Elkoi light skirmishes which are being trained at the moment.

The clan chief Morigar has asked for help to teach the clan lunar ways, and is an occasional worshipper at the Seven Mothers temple in Elkoi. Some of his clan are not happy about this, but most are at least open to the idea.

The clan has been hunting the west plain region for the past 300 years and has a very good knowledge of the surrounding lands. They predominantly live off herd bison which are common in the area,  but they are also top notch foragers, who cook and eat various insects which the women gather.

Morigar is a young man and has recently succeeded his father as Chief of the clan, he is not yet settled in the role and is keen to make his mark. The reappearance  of his uncle in the clan however makes him secure in his position.

The clan was connected to previous  Vizkinni dynasty  in Elkoi by marriage and descendants of the historic kings brother have been hidden in the clan for the last 50 years.

Traits & Quirks:

This clan is somewhat Nocturnal and due to influence of the clan totem some members have developed incredibly good night sense, as such they will hunt into the evening.

The clan also experiences high number of multiple birth, with anything up to quadruplets not being uncommon.

The clan is famous for their spiced and peppered dried meat, which traded Keenly throughout the Elkoi clans and is sometimes even imported back into the Lunar empire

People:

Morigar Grey Eyes, Is a young keen clan chief eager to make a name for himself, he attained the position by being the son of the previous chief and his grandmother being  the clans old and powerful shaman. He is keen on discovering the Lunar way

Assusi Redwoman – Recent wife of Morigar and currently his favourite. However she is an escaped lunar slave posing as something more. Morigar thinks he has married a well connected lunar citizen, but is also clearly smitten with her.

Nesha Brightsmile  The first wife of Morigar, and the mother of his two young sons. She belongs to a important clan bloodlines and both she and they are offended by the marriage to Assusi. She is a pretty woman who has been hurt by her husband, and is looking for solace and possibly revenge elsewhere.

Vooril the Returning Sun – Is the Morigars uncle and his  strong arm . He is a former Sun Dome Templar who on reaching retirement has returned to the clan that his brother used to lead after his death. He is not forthright in the clan but is a continual reassuring  presence in times of stress. His behavoir  confuses his clan often due to his geas never shelter from a storm.

Banash Tanglefoot  – A master hunter, who hunts with bolas and dogs, he is a master at bringing beasts in alive. He is well liked amongst the clan and is happy to support Morigars plans as long as he is left alone to hunt.

Terka ‘Old Goose’ The grandmother of the chief and a powerful shaman. Who sees a lot more than she says. She  will wage spiritual warfare against those she thinks may do harm the clan, including her grandson. She is hard cold old very lady,  and the real leader of the clan. She was a lover of Blueface 60 years ago.

Yalvanni Clenched fist, Great nephew of King Partobas,  his mother was taken back into his grandmothers mothers people. Subsequently he  doesn’t like Lunars, and dreams of the day he can challenge them,. However he is a young man of limited abilities and  is no real threat to anyone. His heritage is known by a very few clan members.

The Dogear brothers, Bolandi,Taknai and Morari are three young hunters and  troublesome brothers who love to brawl and fight, and are also followers of Namara and dislike all foreigners in Balazar.

Clan Relationships

The Golden Armadillo have the following relationships with clans

Allies;  Ragged Crow(Elkoi)

Friends;  Barking Dog Clan(Elkoi), Red Necked Goose(Elkoi), Ghost racoon(Elkoi)

Conflict; Mained wolf (independent), magpie (independent)

Conflict; Plot Hooks & Ideas

This is set of stories for a party of young lunar missionaries sent to the tribe to help instruct them in the Lunar way and promote lunar way and religion

Rough Welcome – The Dogear brothers try to pick a fight with the players as they approach the tribe.

Prove your Gods – A magical duel with one of the clans lesser shamans to show the strength of the lunar magic, this should not be fatal just a match of strength.

Something doesn’t add up – The players quite quickly work out that Asussi is not who she claims to be. They will have to travel to Elkoi to learn the truth.  Do they tell her husband or not? Blackmail her or turn a blind eye?

Join the Great Hunt – Join the great hut to show that Lunars respect the traditional ways, whoever takes part will be jumped by the Dogear brothers. The clan will outlaw any surviving dogear brothers for the act.

Enemy of the State- The PCs find out who Yalvanni is, they have choices on how whether to give him over the Lunar authorities or not, if they do they will lose a lot of friends in the clan.

Slavers Raid – A group  of Lunar slavers from Elkoi raid the tribe and take captives, the Pc’s are asked track them down and reach a violent or  negotiated settlement. The raid is in breach of terms of contract the slavers have with King Glyptus.

The Witch Queen – Namara and any Surviving Dogear Brothers lead a raid on the clan striking at all lunar converts. Players should organise an defence and then a response.

Warrant – The slavers turn up with an imperial warrant for the arrest of the escaped slave Assusi signed by Halycn Von Enkorth. They seem to want to provoke a fight and the clan is willing,.

Inside Information – A runner invites the players to meet someone with information which will interest them, below the ‘parlay tree’.  They are met by a man with a burnt face and mask who will not give his name.

He has information that the Seven Mother priestess Electora Kindtounge was murdered by Marusa the current Lunar Priestess at Elkoi.

Research onto the figure will find that his name is Thrax a companion of the Balazaring Orlanthi and an enemy of the empire.

Research onto his claim suggest they very well could be true, however substantive proof would have to be found ( or divined )  for any authorities to act. Euryptus would act if the Pc’s found proof.

The first in series of 4 posts looking at sample Balazaring Clans and character, plot and campaign ideas coming out of them.

Clan Name:  The Griffins Claw

Clan Hearth:  Small Caves protected by Earthworks

Hearth Location:  Bear Hills, 8 miles south of Firepoint

Hunting Grounds: Bear Hills

Clan Spirit:  Light in Darkness, a light and fire spirit, capable of subtlety lighting large areas in the night, and using minor augments on warriors especially against darkness foes. She currently embodies as Bright Light by possessing a clan member.

Population:  54 hearths, 108 Men, 132 women, 120 Children,  54 hearths              

Tribe: Dykene

Summary:

A smaller clan which has historically been part of the tribe of Dykene tribe with a history of worshipping Yelmalio, as well as Foundchild and the tribal ancestors.  No one can remember why the clans was ever named the Griffins Claws.

Recently many of the younger hunters have been raiding with the Balazaring Orlanthi and are now equipped with metal weapons and armour which once belonged to Lunar troops.

This is creating tensions between older traditional hunters, and the younger braves who are keen to see themselves as warriors.  The causes of this are twofold. The first is cult ties, with the Yelmalian elders not keen on younger hunters mixing with Orlanthi. The second is that a group of 14 -16 young hunters being away raiding for 3 or 4 weeks at a time leaves the clan weak and under defended.

Times are also dangerous with trolls and undead being trolls being found in Bear Woods, and Light in Darkness warning the clan that chaos lurks out of her circle of light at the edge of the darkness.

People:

Yotank the Spear, Initiate of Foundchild and Yelmalio -Clan chief who is well past his prime, he was a formidable warrior 20 years ago, loyal to King Skilfil of Dykene, but now a tired old man who last lost the respect of his young hunters. His son is a citadel warrior at Dykene.

Natka  the Beak, Clan Mother, One of the clan council named for her somewhat shrill manner and ability to stick her nose into everyone’s business. However she does have the clans best interest at heart and she is right more often than she is wrong, she is however a difficult person.

Gangor Leatherskin, Initiate of Foundchild and Yelmalio – The most able and gifted active warrior and hunter in the clan, he is 10 years younger than Yontak, but a close friend and his right hand man. Gangor is gruff to the point of rudeness, conservative and not a deep thinker. However he does get things done and is safe pair of hands.

Koza Bloodface, Initiate of Foundchild – Bold young hunter and leader of the group of hunters raiding with the Orlanthi. He is hungry to be more than just a hunter.

Bright Light, is voluntarily posses by Light in Darkness and her physical manifestation within the clan.

She used to be called Pelta and was Koras sweetheart, before becoming bright light 6 years ago, the possession will last for another 4 years before Light in Darkness chooses a new host.  She is currently a highly magical being and cast pail light from herself.

Kolsar Calmbreath Initiate of Foundchild, one of the younger hunters who hasn’t gone raiding with the Orlanthi and a confidant of Bright Light. Kolsar has scouted deeper into the Bear Woods than most of the clan and is very aware of unusual troll activity. He is a quite stealthy individual who is much more prone to find and observe than fight.

Clans Relationships

The Griffin claws have the following relationships with clans

Allies; Tree Ghost (Dykene Citadel)

Friends; Grass Vipers(Dykene), White Goat(Dykene), Thunder Rabbit(Independent)

Conflict; Grey Fox (Trilus), The Wildfire ( Votanki)

Campaign ,Plot Hooks & Ideas

Here are few plot ideas that could work as part of a Griffin Claw campaign, or to drop in as a one off plots if players encounter the clan, its aimed for a group of characters just past initiation and 5 years younger than Koza’s group.

Scramble Defense – Koza’s hunters are away raiding and the clan is raided by trolls, the players have to pull together a scramble defence and then lure the trolls away from the non combatants.

Then deal with repercussions when the absent young hunters return.

Find Kolsar – Kolsar has gone missing whilst scouting beyond the hunting grounds for Bright light, go track him down, rescue him and come back with information on why?

We have been here before – The Aldyrami of bear woods  contact the clan asking for help in driving back the trolls raiding bear woods for mutual benefit, the clans debates a response, and if anyone gets sent its going to be the pcs.

Deliverance – Koza wants to kidnap Bright Light and end the possession by Light in Darkness, the players must help him, stop him or hide Bright Light from him.

Should I stay or should I go –  An argument between Yontank and Koza means that Kozas plans to leave clan with 10 other young hunters. To permanently join the Orlanthi community a swim here. The PC’s have to persuade Kozat stay and Yontak to allow him to.

Something is Not Quite Right – A member of the tree viper tribe clan arrives at the clan babbling about chaos in his clan. The PC’s are sent to investigate.

Paying the Piper – After a  chaos raid on the tribe, Villic the Snake of the green viper clans sends a message saying he knows how to stop future raids. he invites a delegation from the clan, the pc’s are chosen to escort a clan leader over.  Villic suggests propitiatory worship of Chaos to ward off the attacks.

Go get Help  -The clan believes that the Grass Viper Clan has allied with chaos. The elders want to send for help from Dykene, Koza’s group want to go to the Orlanthi, the players  get the casting vote and are sent to get the help required.

The Lay of the land –  PC’s sent out to visit other nearby clans to check if they have also been corrupted, and to see if any will help against the Grass Viper clan.

The Show Down – After scouting and alliances made, the characters are part of a final confrontation with the Grass Viper clan, Grass Vipers call for surprise aid from festering isle.