Outlanders in the Empire of Man

## Outlander

An outlander of the Imperial race

Like practically every nation in Magnula, there are those in the Empire of Man who reject contemporary society and the comforts of modernity. Instead, they find solace in the rewarding harshness of frontier and wilderness. These tribes and clans often have deep histories and unique cultures that are completely distinct from both national and county identities. As rejecters of modern society, they are often isolationist and prefer to keep to themselves - though some are more willing to co-operate with outsiders than others.

## **Description**

Outlanders have a huge variety of compositions and creeds that vary wildly from tribe to tribe. Some are diverse groups comprised of many races and peoples. Others, however, are human-exclusive or even (though more rarely) human-supremacist. Naturally, individuals of all genders exist in a significant majority of outlander tribes - though the approach to gender roles might vary slightly between each.

Being quite a diverse group, outlanders can appear in all shapes and sizes. Even outside of this, there is no generalisable 'look' that can be applied to every outlander. Most tribes wear some variation of fur or hide clothing over more contemporary linens but, even then, this is not always the case.

## **Society**

Despite all their differences, outlanders in the Empire of Man are united by their common disdain for contemporary life and modern technology. Given how dangerous the frontier can be (and often is) outlanders will usually form clans or tribes with those of a similar mindset. These tribes can vary in number, from a couple dozen to a few hundred.

Within a tribe or clan, each member must contribute to the survival of the community and its members. What this entails specifically includes provision of essentials like food, water and shelter but also more niche cultural needs as well. A member of an outlander tribe could be a hunter, a fisher, a builder, a teacher, a warrior, or something else - as long as what they do contributes to the commune. Some, though not all, are even willing to conduct trade with outsiders and modern settlements in order to get goods they would otherwise struggle to make themselves.

Outlander communities are not large enough to construct entire towns - nor would they really want to anyway. Instead, these peoples live in smaller villages and hamlets comprised of simple structures. Others adopt a nomadic lifestyle, travelling across the land and living in tent-like shelters.

## **Combat**

Not all outlanders are hostile - and indeed it would perhaps be wise to note that most aren't. But, some are. This may be because they consider their lifestyle superior, because of racial prejudices, a deeper cultural reason, or something else. Even the peaceful tribes are not above violence in order to protect themselves, their communities, and their way of life.

When faced with a threat, outlander tribes basically always have warriors that are ready to come to its defence. These men and women typically wear leather or hide armour and wield relatively simple weapons. But they are no less deadly, fighting with a ferocity and hardiness that only a lifestyle on the frontier can create.

## **Variants**

The exact number of outlander communities is unknown, though it is expected to be quite a high number. Their presence can be felt in many parts of the Empire's frontier. Nevertheless, the specific cultures of these communities also varies greatly - and so many variants exist of these peoples.

### **Curaidmara**

The Curaidmara, meaning 'marine champions' in the Old Chrich language, is an old outlander tribe, found exclusively in Chrichheim, whose legacy stretches back thousands of years. It is believed that the Curaidmara are the descendants of Albert of Dunedyn's warriors, who sailed across Loch Mor and defeated the army of Stradclod using their proficiency on the water.

In modernity, the Curaidmara retain their waterborne traditions and their military prowess. They are known for their proficiency in combat and possess a fairly sizable warrior caste. They live semi-nomadic lives, travelling across Loch Mor. However, their settlements can never be found far from the shore. This time on the water has equally turned the Curaidmara into brilliant fishers and sailors.

When engaging in combat, warriors of the Curaidmara primarily use a shortsword alongside a small buckler shield - the smaller size of this equipment allowing for easier manoeuvrability at sea.