MAPS
ADVENTURE HOOKS
While these Barbarians are exclusively of the Sapoy cognate, they do not fit the typical image of Barbarians, and only in the sense of having few belongings and little political structure do they fit the definition. It appears that they may be a remnant of the earliest Sapoy migrations that somehow was left here, and never subsequently contacted. Amongst themselves they seem to speak Valish, which is the root or mother tongue of Old Sapoy and Ingerspak, but most have learned Old Sapoy and speak it with outsiders. They are few in number, and highly reclusive, but not xenophobic per se.
Surrounded by a sea of Mantaten peoples and states, and Leprous Hand Orcs in the Fairweather Range to the north, it is remarkable that they have survived. They are intelligent, inquisitive (within the bounds of their solitary ways), keep themselves clean and do not seem to prefer combat to other problem solving techniques. In these ways they are unlike most Barbarians. However, they are very skittish, and flee to the nearest cover whenever surprised or frightened, like many other Barbarians.
They are skilled trackers, readily set small snares and traps, and are gifted survivalists in their Silverwand Forest homeland. They also cultivate small plots for tubers and berries (which they dry), and harvest the fruits from area trees. Their homes are wood and leaf woven tents, some small enough to sleep bachelors, others large enough for small families. These tents are clustered in tribal groups behind impassable thorn thickets and plants with irritating leaves, which they cultivate. They get along peaceably with other fellow Hao Tribes, but when forced to defend themselves or their friends they manifest a peculiar talent: they are able (for a few minutes) to move with great speed, as if under the influence of a Haste spell. They use such weapons as bolos, spears, bone knives and short bows.
The recent creation of the Principality of Bywood along the southern shore of their forest does not seem to trouble them overmuch: a few tribes have even gone to move into some of the villages which have sprung up near the main center of Solnek.
HOME