1. Organizations

Nosgar Tribe

History

Land of Moog

The Nosgar Tribe: Guardians of the Island of Moog

The Nosgar Tribe, descendants of the ancient Ahnuk and survivors of the Olmoy Empire, are the indigenous people of the Island of Moog. They have adapted to the jungles and spiritual forces of their land, mastering both survival and the magic system they inherited from their ancestors. With a deep respect for nature and a complex history with outsiders, the Nosgar are both vital allies and cautious guardians of Moog’s rich and mysterious lands.


9cf25468-e2af-4de1-8d9e-b9fb2ac7521c.pngCulture and Way of Life:

  1. Migratory Settlements and Jungle Adaptation:
    The Nosgar live in hidden permanent settlements, which they migrate between seasonally. They do not build large, permanent towns or cities, as their culture values mobility and harmony with the jungle. Their settlements are camouflaged within the thick foliage, making them difficult to locate. This way of life allows them to avoid overtaxing any single area and keeps them elusive to outsiders.

  2. Magic System and Rejection of the Great Old Ones:
    The Nosgar inherited much of their magical knowledge from the Olmoy, but they reject the Great Old Ones who once dominated Olmoy worship. Instead, they have developed a system of magic that is heavily tied to the jungle and its spirits of nature, blending Olmoy techniques with ancient Ahnuk practices. They produce well-trained wizards who are renowned for their understanding of both arcane and natural forces.

    Despite their magical prowess, the Nosgar are constantly tempted by the Great Old Ones, who whisper promises of power. However, the tribe has seen the corruption these entities wrought upon the Olmoy and rejects them outright. Instead, the Nosgar place their faith in nature spirits, who guide them in harmony with the land. They remain wary of the trickster gods that inhabit the island, knowing that these beings have led some offshoot clans to ruin.


Relations with Seregon:

  1. War and Truce with Seregon:
    In 325, the Nosgar went to war with the city of Seregon but were ultimately defeated. Following this battle, a truce was established, and relations have gradually improved. Today, the Nosgar are essential to the survival of Seregon, supplying the city with vast quantities of food and resources, including coffee, tea, coconut milk, pineapple juice, and wukka grass. These products are vital to the daily life of the city, with wukka grass being the staple carb used to make flatbread.

  2. Conflict and Cooperation with Other Factions:
    The Nosgar maintain a complicated relationship with other groups. They respect The Telum druids, seeing them as spiritual allies in their devotion to nature, and tolerate their presence on the island. However, the Nosgar often come into conflict with Straphangers, mercenaries and adventurers who delve too deep into Nosgar territory, searching for relics and treasures.

    Their relationship with the Ithosian Talons, a group of mercenaries, is particularly strained. Many Nosgar work as guides and support for the Talons, leading them through the jungle and assisting in navigation. However, the Talons’ mission to plunder the jungle's resources and ancient ruins often puts them at odds with the tribe's desire to protect their homeland. This tension makes their cooperation fragile and full of mistrust.


Economy and Trade:

The Nosgar tribe is essential to the economy of Seregon, providing a wide range of natural resources harvested from the jungle. Key exports include:

  • Wukka Grass and Wukka Nuts: A staple crop for Seregon’s massive population. Wukka grass is used to make injera, a high-fiber flatbread, while wukka nuts serve as a cheap source of light, shedding bright illumination when shaken. Both are sold in large quantities in Seregon’s markets.
  • Coffee, Tea, and Coconut Milk: Popular drinks among Seregon’s citizens, providing both sustenance and luxury for its quarter-million people.
  • Pineapple Juice: A refreshing and nutritious staple, exported widely.
  • Meat from Dinosaurs and Fish from the Lula River: The Nosgar hunt the jungle’s dangerous dinosaurs and fish the Lula River, supplying fresh meat and fish to Seregon.

Without the Nosgar's resources, Seregon’s population of 250,000 would face widespread starvation.


The Nosgar Military:

Despite their relatively small population of 2,000, the Nosgar are a formidable force, blending warrior traditions with magical expertise. The tribe is divided into roughly 20 clans, each with a group of 20 warriors. This gives the Nosgar a warrior force of 400 skilled fighters, trained to navigate the dense jungle and strike from the shadows.

  • 80 Spellcasters: The Nosgar have a powerful contingent of spellcasters, trained in their unique blend of Olmoy magic and Ahnuk shamanistic traditions. These spellcasters are well-versed in arcane magic but also use jungle-based magic to control the environment, summon creatures, and heal the tribe.

Threats and the Red Flux:

The Nosgar tribe is currently on high alert due to an undead spirit known as The Red Flux, which has begun hunting them. This malevolent force is relentless in its pursuit, forcing the tribe to be constantly vigilant. The Nosgar’s warriors and wizards work together to protect their people, using their magic and knowledge of the land to hold off this terrifying threat.


Summary:

The Nosgar Tribe is a resilient and mystical people, descended from the ancient Ahnuk and survivors of the Olmoy Empire. They maintain hidden settlements in the jungles of Moog, living in harmony with nature while rejecting the Great Old Ones that led the Olmoy to ruin. Their magic system, a blend of Olmoy arcana and Ahnuk tradition, produces skilled wizards, and they have a complex relationship with Seregon and other factions. The Nosgar provide essential resources to Seregon, but tensions remain high, especially with outsiders who seek to exploit their homeland. Constantly wary of both external threats and the Red Flux that hunts them, the Nosgar stand as proud defenders of their ancient heritage and the jungles of Moog.


The Nosgar have their own tradition of wizards, see Wizards of The Nosgar.

Clan Organization

The Nosgar Tribe is around 30 clan groups. Each clan group is comprised of three family generations, of around 70-100 people. Known as a the consanguinal kin group. Of those, at least 20 are spouses from outside the clan.

The ideal number is 100, and clans are encouraged by their religious leaders to have more children, adopt children if possible, and to marry multiple spouses. Polygamy is common, with successful wives have additional husbands and the reverse. 100 is considered the healthy clan size, despite this being a fairly big family. 

Within each 100 person clan is a ratio of labor. Such a clan has 20 warriors. They also have dual mentorships of both a druid/shaman and a wizard, so two druids and two wizards. See Wizards of The Nosgar.

Each clan group is unique in particular ways. The clan is linked by four factors. First, two animal totems from one of which the clan derives its name. Second, an identifying drum beat used at ceremonies. Third, certain distinguishing personal names. Fourth, special observations related to pregnancy, childbirth, naming of the child, and testing the child’s legitimacy as clan member.

Each clan tends to live and travel with several other clans at any given time, meaning a group of Nosgar is between 200-300 people with 40-60 warriors and 4-12 spellcasters. Clans tend to team up with other clans where they've acquired spouses, allowing for an extended kinship clan. Clans are also encouraged by tradition to spend time each year with a new clan, to keep clan relationships fresh and avoid insular viewpoints and breeding.

There are deviant clans who are too insular, too inbred, or too outside of tradition to where they are avoided. 

2000 Strong

The Nosgar Tribe number 2,000 members strong. They roughly have 20 clan groups with 20 warriors each, making their warrior force 400, plus 80 spellcasters, if they should ever need to come together.

The 20 clan groups are:

  1. Swiftfang Panthers
  2. Thunderclaw Eagles
  3. Silentshadow Jaguars
  4. Emberback Tortoises
  5. Crimsontail Macaws
  6. Ironhide Rhinos
  7. Goldenmane Lions
  8. Stormrider Elephants
  9. Ghoststride Leopards
  10. Razorbeak Hawks
  11. Silvermane Wolves (killed by Ras Nsi in the Valley of Lost Honor)
  12. Ironjaw Crocodiles
  13. Emberwing Falcons
  14. Stormeye Owls
  15. Firemane Antelopes
  16. Darkclaw Bears
  17. Moonshadow Lynxes
  18. Silentstep Cougars
  19. Firetail Foxes (Deviant)
  20. Stormclaw Gorillas (Deviant)

More Info

War Chief: Farenang the Cruel (with spear)
Shaman: Aldumia the Mercurial (female, horned helm)

Lands: North and East of Seregon, to the River Locantis to the west.

Sacred Sites: The sandy hollow

Story: The Standoff

The humid jungle air was thick with tension as the Straphangers, mounted on their fearsome dinosaurs, formed a defensive line at the edge of the Nosgar Tribe's territory. The tribe's warriors, their faces painted with intricate designs, stood resolute with spears and bows aimed at the militia. Both sides were on edge, the slightest movement threatening to spark an all-out conflict.

Lodewijk "Lode" Van Buren, the leader of the Straphangers, raised a hand to signal a halt. His dinosaur, a swift and agile raptor, shifted uneasily beneath him. "We mean no harm, Nosgar," he called out, his voice steady but firm. "We’re chasing a Jungle Zombie that fled into your land. Let us pass, and we’ll be on our way."

Yertlun the Forgiving, the Nosgar chief, stepped forward. His eyes narrowed as he studied Lodewijk. "Your trespass is a violation of our agreement. We have tolerated your patrols, but this is too far."

Before the situation could escalate further, a rustling in the dense foliage drew everyone's attention. Emerging from the shadows, the druids known as The Telum made their presence known. Leading them was Elowen, a druid with a deep connection to the jungle, her staff adorned with glowing runes.

"Peace," Elowen said, her voice carrying an air of authority and calm. "Both sides have valid concerns. The jungle is our home, and we must respect its balance."

She approached Chief Yertlun first. "Chief Yertlun, I understand your frustration. The Straphangers were driven by necessity, not malice. Their pursuit of the zombie benefits us all, as it threatens the safety of the jungle."

Turning to Lodewijk, she continued, "Lodewijk, your intentions are clear, but you must respect the boundaries set by the Nosgar. Cooperation, not conflict, will ensure our survival."

Chief Yertlun and Lodewijk exchanged wary glances, the tension between them palpable. After a long moment, Yertlun lowered his spear. "Very well, Elowen. For the sake of peace, we will allow this incursion. But know this, Straphanger: our patience has limits."

Lodewijk nodded, grateful for the reprieve. "Thank you, Chief Yertlun. We will complete our task swiftly and respectfully."

The Telum Druids, acting as mediators, ensured the Straphangers' swift passage through the Nosgar territory. With Elowen's guidance, they located and dispatched the rogue zombie, preventing further threat to the jungle.

As the Straphangers withdrew, the uneasy peace held. The intervention of the Telum Druids had averted a potential bloodbath, their wisdom and neutrality preserving the fragile balance within the jungle.