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.
Culture and Way of Life:
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.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:
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.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.