Origin and History
The Tribes of Norska, once a relatively peaceful and nomadic people, are the native inhabitants of the frozen tundras of Norska. They lived in harmony with their harsh environment, subsisting through hunting, fishing, and small-scale raiding. These nomads revered Borealis, the god of winter, who provided them with guidance and protection in the frozen wastes. However, their way of life was irrevocably altered after the corruption of Borealis, who was consumed by despair and fell to Khaos.
When Borealis succumbed to the influence of Khaos after his failed battle with the Elemental Titan Skald, a perma-frost descended upon Norska, freezing the land and its people in an eternal winter. As the endless frost gripped the northern lands, the once-proud nomads fell into desperation, their crops failing and their lands turning barren. Faced with starvation and suffering, the tribes turned to sacrificial magic and sought the favor of the ruinous powers.
Their desperate prayers were answered, but at a cost: their once-strong faith in Borealis and the natural cycle of winter became corrupted, and they began to worship the Unknown. The influence of Khaos gave rise to horrific mutations, turning many Norskans into chaotic beasts, including Werebears, and forever altering the fabric of their society.
Struggles for Dominance
The Tribes of Khaos are often divided and in constant conflict with one another, driven by the competing interests of their chaotic gods. The patron deities of the tribes—such as Skorn, Skoll, and Valkur—frequently pit their followers against each other, resulting in near-constant infighting between the different tribes. This brutal rivalry has ensured that the Norskans remain in a perpetual state of warfare, their lives dedicated to violence and conquest.
However, there are times when a powerful Warrior-King emerges, a chosen champion of Khaos, who unites the warring tribes under a single banner. These Warrior-Kings are often blessed with tremendous power and brutal cunning, and when they manage to unite the tribes, the Tribes of Khaos become an unstoppable force of wrath and fury. In these moments of unity, their combined strength becomes a nearly unstoppable tide of chaos, sweeping down from the north in devastating invasions.
Wars and Incursions
When united under a Warrior-King, the Tribes of Khaos have repeatedly waged war against the southern lands. Their most notable enemies are the Y’azi Empire, a sprawling southern empire known for its discipline and order. The chaotic onslaught of the Tribes of Khaos, driven by sheer rage and religious fervor, has led to countless bloody conflicts. When they descend upon the Y'azi Empire, their raids are merciless, leaving devastation in their wake as they pillage, burn, and slaughter all in the name of their gods.
The Norskans have proven to be a formidable adversary for the empire, their strength enhanced by the mutations granted to them by the Khaos Gods. Their brutal resilience, honed in the freezing tundras, makes them far stronger and more durable than most other humanoid races. Norskans are known to fight with unrelenting ferocity, their berserkers especially feared for their supernatural strength and savagery.
The Call of Khaos
Through their devotion to the Khaos Gods, the Tribes of Khaos receive dark blessings in the form of chaotic mutations. These gifts often transform them into monstrous forms, including Werebears, Mutants, and other twisted abominations. Each tribe within the Norskan collective has its own distinct mutations, reflecting the particular god they serve. Those who worship Skorn often take on brutal, hulking forms driven by bloodlust, while followers of Skoll bear more feral and savage traits, resembling the wild predators of the north.
The Norskans view these mutations as gifts from their gods, marks of favor that elevate them above lesser mortals. They believe that through sacrifice and violence, they earn the favor of the Pantheon of Khaos, and with each battle, they grow stronger.
Legacy and Influence
Though the Tribes of Khaos are divided more often than not, their influence is deeply felt across the frozen north and beyond. Their culture of war, bloodshed, and chaos has shaped them into a fearsome race, hardened by the extreme conditions of Norska and empowered by the gods they serve. Despite their savagery, the Norskans are also known for their fierce loyalty to their tribes and their unbreakable will to survive.
Their raids and incursions into southern lands have left a lasting mark on the Y'azi Empire, forcing the empire to devote entire legions of warrior monks to defending against the northern invaders. The Norskans' unpredictable nature, combined with their chaotic gods' influence, means that they will forever remain a looming threat, waiting for the day when another Warrior-King will rise to unite them and bring chaos to the world once again.