The Old Ones
Overview
The Old Ones are the remnants of the original people who inhabited the area. They have either interbred with other groups or live as barbarian tribes deep within the forest and swamps. The ones who have interbred are virtually indistinguishable from other groups in the civilized lands. They have passed certain garbled rituals and traditions to their descendants along with a deep distrust of elves and magelords plus a fanatical hatred of all goblinoids. However, it is the 'pure' groups living as barbarian tribesmen that will be the focus here. It is hoped that most of the following information is accurate - it is based on fragmentary reports and archives and what can be gleaned from those who have limited contact with the Old Ones.
The problem in generating an accurate picture is the Old Ones barbarians are an elusive and reclusive group. They will not associate with elves. Elves avoid Old Ones territory as they tend to vanish there.... Magelords/blood mages hunt and are hunted by Old Ones. However, Old Ones save the most bitter parts of their anger for any goblinoid creature. Old Ones believe goblinoids are to be exterminated - the only reason not to kill a goblinoid to an Old One Barbarian is because it will lead to the opportunity to kill even more goblinoids.
What we know of Old Ones/Old Human view of history explains this mindset. The Old Humans had an extensive civilization in these lands that pre-dated the arrival of the elves (a version disputed by the elves). The elves invaded lands to the west and established the Ladyforest. This act not only took over some Old Ones ancestral territory and cost lives, but it also pushed unthinkable numbers and varieties of monsters east - into the last lands of the Old Ones. The Old Ones had united and built massive fortresses - but were shattered and the last survivors scattered by vast numbers of goblinoids. Old Human survivors either became small wandering bands of Old Ones engaged in an incessant war with goblinoids and other monsters or they fled to neighbouring lands. Almost of these refugees became serfs/slaves when they were conquered by the Sea Wolves north of the Honnorgat or by the magelords when they left Aare and conquered Aarenis and the north. The magelords' rule was especially oppressive and abusive. The Old Ones version of history is at least supported by the remains of Old Human fortifications, barrows, shrines, and other sites made of more durable materials. Villages in areas further from the coast and the Sea Prince's seat of power still have the influence of the Old Ones on certain customs, beliefs, and attitudes towards other races. However, again, this history is based on fragments by other peoples (the Old Ones apparently do not keep written records) and sharply contrasts with the Elven view of history.
The present Old Ones live in small nomadic bands deep in the forest and swamps. Part of the forest has grown over long abandoned farm land and gently rolling hills. These areas are gradually being turned back into farmland as other groups push into Old Ones territory. The rest of their range is a 'less desireable' mix of swampy woods and swamp. The Old Ones depend on hunting, gathering, very limited farming/gardening, and trapping. Very limited trading is done with key families in frontier villages that have kept more of the 'old ways'.
The Old Ones apparently practice ancestral and nature worship. The dead are interred until just the bones are left. The bones are then dug up and painted with symbols which are then placed in barrows or well hidden caves. Old Ones 'bone sites' are especially sacred and fanatically protected. Old Ones also take extreme measures to recover the bodies (bones) of any of their slain tribesmen. Blood mages have been known to set traps/ambushes with Old Ones corpses. Old Ones worship Alyanya and the High Lord with some lesser known spirits. Either their priests or another form of magic user are able to create magic runes or signs that can be used to confer powers on objects, locations, and perhaps people. It is a rather sensitive topic so little is known for sure. However, Old Ones artifacts and ruins have evidence of these runes and many claim that some of these runes still have power ... There is speculation this skill has declined over time...
Decline is not surprising as the Old Ones live a hunted and nomadic existence. Shelters are temporary and constructed out of natural and readily available materials (such as poles and bark). Living sites are kept well away from ceremonial sites. An Old Ones barbarian band varies between 20 and 100 people in total (depending on local resources). Ceremonial sites allow bands to meet, interact, and intermarry. Old Ones' gardens are made to appear as patches of wild edible or herbal plants and are difficult to spot. Unsurprisingly, life expectancy is lower than almost every other known group of people.
Incessant warfare is one reason for a short life. Old Ones use the weapons of ambush and trapping. Their numbers are limited so they cannot afford to lose band members. Armour, if worn, is leather or hide with rare studded leather. Shields are rarely used due to the thickness of the vegetation. Axes are a favoured melee weapon as they are both weapon and useful tool. Spears are also widely used. Old Ones use a variety of range weapons: short bows, slings, and light crossbows (especially as a 'trap' weapon as part of an ambush). Old Ones use a mix of metal weapons looted from bodies or from trade. Stone and stone tipped weapons are also widely used and stone tool making is highly developed. As for tactics, Old Ones prefer to set up an ambush with extensive traps and the opportunity to launch a devastating first strike. If possible, they will also prepare a trapped line of retreat. Given warning, Old Ones will try to gather the warriors from several bands together to ensure none of their enemies escape. Bodies are looted and ritually dismembered to ensure their spirits will be rendered harmless. Old Ones will use skulls and other body parts from their victims to set up totems to frighten away enemies. Again, Old Ones will go to extensive lengths to ensure the safe return and proper burial rituals for one of their tribesmen.
It is worth repeating that some of this information is little more than speculation. The Old Ones tend to have poor relations with other races with the exception of dwarves (whose records provided some of the historical material). Old Ones trade with certain families who have an Old Human ancestry. These contacts are regarded as a necessary evil - they have strayed from the 'true path' but are an invaluable resource to help the Old Ones survive. The relationship is complicated.... Of the other human groups, those of obvious Dawntreader or Sea Father's Chosen have a good chance of peaceful contact (neither group enslaved or oppressed Old Humans). No one is quite sure about Old Ones and the Ice People or the Wanderers... it is a subject none of these groups will discuss. Apparently they can wander in and out of Old Ones territory - but how and why we do not know...
The Old Ones are the remnants of the original people who inhabited the area. They have either interbred with other groups or live as barbarian tribes deep within the forest and swamps. The ones who have interbred are virtually indistinguishable from other groups in the civilized lands. They have passed certain garbled rituals and traditions to their descendants along with a deep distrust of elves and magelords plus a fanatical hatred of all goblinoids. However, it is the 'pure' groups living as barbarian tribesmen that will be the focus here. It is hoped that most of the following information is accurate - it is based on fragmentary reports and archives and what can be gleaned from those who have limited contact with the Old Ones.
The problem in generating an accurate picture is the Old Ones barbarians are an elusive and reclusive group. They will not associate with elves. Elves avoid Old Ones territory as they tend to vanish there.... Magelords/blood mages hunt and are hunted by Old Ones. However, Old Ones save the most bitter parts of their anger for any goblinoid creature. Old Ones believe goblinoids are to be exterminated - the only reason not to kill a goblinoid to an Old One Barbarian is because it will lead to the opportunity to kill even more goblinoids.
What we know of Old Ones/Old Human view of history explains this mindset. The Old Humans had an extensive civilization in these lands that pre-dated the arrival of the elves (a version disputed by the elves). The elves invaded lands to the west and established the Ladyforest. This act not only took over some Old Ones ancestral territory and cost lives, but it also pushed unthinkable numbers and varieties of monsters east - into the last lands of the Old Ones. The Old Ones had united and built massive fortresses - but were shattered and the last survivors scattered by vast numbers of goblinoids. Old Human survivors either became small wandering bands of Old Ones engaged in an incessant war with goblinoids and other monsters or they fled to neighbouring lands. Almost of these refugees became serfs/slaves when they were conquered by the Sea Wolves north of the Honnorgat or by the magelords when they left Aare and conquered Aarenis and the north. The magelords' rule was especially oppressive and abusive. The Old Ones version of history is at least supported by the remains of Old Human fortifications, barrows, shrines, and other sites made of more durable materials. Villages in areas further from the coast and the Sea Prince's seat of power still have the influence of the Old Ones on certain customs, beliefs, and attitudes towards other races. However, again, this history is based on fragments by other peoples (the Old Ones apparently do not keep written records) and sharply contrasts with the Elven view of history.
The present Old Ones live in small nomadic bands deep in the forest and swamps. Part of the forest has grown over long abandoned farm land and gently rolling hills. These areas are gradually being turned back into farmland as other groups push into Old Ones territory. The rest of their range is a 'less desireable' mix of swampy woods and swamp. The Old Ones depend on hunting, gathering, very limited farming/gardening, and trapping. Very limited trading is done with key families in frontier villages that have kept more of the 'old ways'.
The Old Ones apparently practice ancestral and nature worship. The dead are interred until just the bones are left. The bones are then dug up and painted with symbols which are then placed in barrows or well hidden caves. Old Ones 'bone sites' are especially sacred and fanatically protected. Old Ones also take extreme measures to recover the bodies (bones) of any of their slain tribesmen. Blood mages have been known to set traps/ambushes with Old Ones corpses. Old Ones worship Alyanya and the High Lord with some lesser known spirits. Either their priests or another form of magic user are able to create magic runes or signs that can be used to confer powers on objects, locations, and perhaps people. It is a rather sensitive topic so little is known for sure. However, Old Ones artifacts and ruins have evidence of these runes and many claim that some of these runes still have power ... There is speculation this skill has declined over time...
Decline is not surprising as the Old Ones live a hunted and nomadic existence. Shelters are temporary and constructed out of natural and readily available materials (such as poles and bark). Living sites are kept well away from ceremonial sites. An Old Ones barbarian band varies between 20 and 100 people in total (depending on local resources). Ceremonial sites allow bands to meet, interact, and intermarry. Old Ones' gardens are made to appear as patches of wild edible or herbal plants and are difficult to spot. Unsurprisingly, life expectancy is lower than almost every other known group of people.
Incessant warfare is one reason for a short life. Old Ones use the weapons of ambush and trapping. Their numbers are limited so they cannot afford to lose band members. Armour, if worn, is leather or hide with rare studded leather. Shields are rarely used due to the thickness of the vegetation. Axes are a favoured melee weapon as they are both weapon and useful tool. Spears are also widely used. Old Ones use a variety of range weapons: short bows, slings, and light crossbows (especially as a 'trap' weapon as part of an ambush). Old Ones use a mix of metal weapons looted from bodies or from trade. Stone and stone tipped weapons are also widely used and stone tool making is highly developed. As for tactics, Old Ones prefer to set up an ambush with extensive traps and the opportunity to launch a devastating first strike. If possible, they will also prepare a trapped line of retreat. Given warning, Old Ones will try to gather the warriors from several bands together to ensure none of their enemies escape. Bodies are looted and ritually dismembered to ensure their spirits will be rendered harmless. Old Ones will use skulls and other body parts from their victims to set up totems to frighten away enemies. Again, Old Ones will go to extensive lengths to ensure the safe return and proper burial rituals for one of their tribesmen.
It is worth repeating that some of this information is little more than speculation. The Old Ones tend to have poor relations with other races with the exception of dwarves (whose records provided some of the historical material). Old Ones trade with certain families who have an Old Human ancestry. These contacts are regarded as a necessary evil - they have strayed from the 'true path' but are an invaluable resource to help the Old Ones survive. The relationship is complicated.... Of the other human groups, those of obvious Dawntreader or Sea Father's Chosen have a good chance of peaceful contact (neither group enslaved or oppressed Old Humans). No one is quite sure about Old Ones and the Ice People or the Wanderers... it is a subject none of these groups will discuss. Apparently they can wander in and out of Old Ones territory - but how and why we do not know...