Andoskaur

Overview
In the Savage Lands only the strong may lead. The continent that the Andoskaurs call home is a dangerous and unforgiving land. Major areas are inhabited by savage beasts and monsters or wrecked by harsh biomes, but the iron spirit of Andoskaur’s men and women have enabled them to thrive in this place where no one else could. In this unforgiving land their secret to survival is a connection with the Old Gods who forged the world through hard work, singing, and family. Due to the connection with the Old Gods, the people of Andoskaur have not advanced their architecture to the same degree as other empires.

The Old Ways are considered simple to outsiders, but are built with layers of complexity and secrets only discovered by dedicated practitioners. Instead of overtaking the habitats of savage monsters, they have learned to domesticate and train them to aid in their survival. Others take to singing old songs and hymns that empower their spirits to overcome intense struggle.

No one is born with the right to rule; instead it must be proven. Often, this results in power struggles between major tribes resulting in violence of all forms from brutal battles to total war. The outcome of so much infighting is the best and worst of it all from multi-generational feuds to oaths sworn for eternity. While it is often that a Chief is elected through combat, others have taken over through trickery, diplomacy, and in rare cases a display of unmatched intelligence.

Despite their outward appearance, Andoskaur’s people always welcome travelers and are eager to swap stories and news. The average Andoskaurian is brutally honest and despises talk that sugarcoats something or attempts to diminish the impact to protect someone's feelings. Honesty is at the core of their survival with one another.

Adventurers in the Savage Lands will find themselves challenged by the harsh weather or have their lives threatened by monsters, however, an encounter with the Andoskaurs is unforgettable.

Culture
- Walking Rite

Religion
- The Old Ways

Language
Wyrd - Roughly translates to one's fate or a personal destiny. A Wyrd is discovered during ones Walking Rite, in which they are then considered an adult. If someone is killed before or during their Walking Rite it is believed they were born without a Wyrd.

Values
Their lives are piloted by the following values. Values are complex and each specific value may have a different perspective or twist, but it the Andoskaur's core this is what defines them, as such, those that embody these values who are accepted into a clan are considered Andolaer (translation: to learn the Iron Spirit).


 * Meaningful work
 * To work in accordance with nature and assist in the thriving society of one's clan
 * Self-reliance
 * Just go read Ralph Waldo Emerson's essay on this.
 * Courage
 * Ambition
 * Drive
 * Discipline
 * Kinship
 * Hospitality
 * Friendship
 * Family
 * Suffering (the overcoming of)
 * To overcome suffering is to truly live
 * Truth
 * Honesty

The Five Walks
Warden

Named

Ghostwalker

Chanter

Inkmaster

Notable NPCs
Baraxis, the Hivelord

Rikeia (dead)