Dances with Pentans:
PCs are Pentans, of the Solar type. In my-version-of-Glorantha this means warrior types follow the Way of the Golden Bow, their great Culture Hero. See the end for my paper-thin description of the culture. The PCs tribe has made contact with Redlands farmers on the fringe of the settlements, i.e. they have seen them on the horizon very recently. The tribe is vaguely aware of the history of contacts with the Pelorians. Tribes rulers are wondering what to do: Raid, slaughter, trade, get tribute? They have heard that the farmers worship the moon but dont like the Red Moon Chief. (I ran the Redlanders are anti-government but pious toward the Moon, as described in Genertela book.)
Cameo: PCs out riding and are a day away from their tribe. They come across new settlers (farmers) out doing something innocuous. Make the encounter at short range, say both just came over a rise What will the PCs do? Communication is not easy (no common language), so this will be something out of Dances with Wolves, with noises and pantomime. The farmers are scared, but at least one wants to communicate. Try to discourage the PCs from just riding off. The settlers are a small group of farmers. A few isolated farms with a common "fort" and church. PC's encounter a farm first, and dont know of the other farms, fort, or church. Have them come upon the place in the evening. The farmers know of the dangerous reputation of the Pentans, but suspect that some of this is propaganda from the Lunar Government. Different settlers have different attitudes and should not have a united front unless hostilities start.
PCs tribal leaders will mimic the PCs feelings on the issues, but make sure some of the tribe is leaning toward each available action. Play out the discussion: sit around on the floor and make sure each important NPC has a guest star to play him or her. Attacking the settlements would pretty easy, and the government is not likely to take action to raids. Settlers will beef up their defenses, though, perhaps even initiating a local Horse-Eater shrine. Sending hordes of bison into the settlement will work as well. Obvious systematic pushing back of the frontier will bring an organized response from far away settlements and may stir the government itself.
Culture: Start with the Nomads culture from the RQ basic book. Then tack on the basics of the Pent description from the Genertela book. Add bits you like from Earths mounted cultures, like maybe the Plains Indians or Mongols. The PCs tribe should live in an isolated part of the frontier, i.e. No Redlanders yet, no red haired caravans, Praxians, few Storm Tribes. PC's know of forestto the north, desert and beast riders to the south. Also of the other Fire and Storm tribes.
Golden Bow is the main Mans cult. He is a master of archery, fire magics, and horsemanship (can turn into a firery horse). Shamans and Spirits important to different parts of life. At the least, Golden Bow grants Sureshot and Command Horse. Also has fireblade, ignite, firearrow, etc. Maybe someone else (for women?) has bless herd and bless hearth...Sheng Seleris is ancient hero, who will one day return.
Thanks for reading. Please send all "this is stupid and here's why" messages to:
Hal Bowman hal_bowman_at_hotmail.com
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