Although the rathori were only a secondary concern in our Fronela campaign (more concerned with Uncolings, Sog City, and those charming Loskalmi meritocrats), here is what I think about them, and I will try to address Peter's and Alex points at the same time.
The rathori are quite widespread geographically. Their most important area is (obviously) Rathorela. However, there are Rathori widespread through the North, in small clans.
The Rathori are not exactly nomadic. Instead, they make a circuit throughout the year, to avoid exhausting the resources available, meeting other clans at the right moment (in the salmon season, for instance, where food is plentiful). Those who travel the border have traditional meeting points with traders and hirers.
Wandering is very usual among the young bears. It is actually encouraged, as a means of population control. Some are slain, by human or natural means. Some settle with other clans (usually through marriage). Some return. As they have acquired a taste for civilized items, specially metal, hiring on as mercenaries is easier than bartering furs to get trade items. Traditionally, the clan receives the hiring fee, and the young ones who leave to serve represent the clan's honor, ensuring their loyalty and fierceness.
Other clans, seeing the advantages of "raiding" the civilized peoples, with their "allies" who give them "presents of friendship", will be looking for opportunities. As few campaigns are made in winter, and IMO, hibernation becomes longer as the rathori ages, young warriors are just lazy and sleepy in winter.
And I remember that the main employers will be the city states of the Janube, a bit depleted nowadays, but in a more serious need than ever with the Kingdom of War around. The resistance against Jonatela will welcome also any help available.
Black Hralf profitted from the great importance that ritual combat has among the Rathori, showing he was stronger than anyone else. I suspect he is nickname comes from his claim that he was the only member of the Weasel clan, the mad ones, with magic to confirm it. This let him forge an alliance of Hsunchen to destroy the hated sorcerers of Loskalm. I suspect he is more like Jaldon (but tougher) than an evil warlord following the path of wickedness for its own sake (we have Lord Death on a Horse for that). He is something of a folk hero for the hsunchen. Of course, as we only know the loskalmi side of things, his image is quite negative.
The Rathori are acquainted with different gods, keep borders between clans, experiment with supra tribal "kingdoms", and use metal currently, even if all of it comes from trade. Quite similar to some orlanthi.
Jose
End of The Glorantha Digest V6 #269
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