Rong'Nol

Of all the Horndall to fear in Utesbken, the Rong’Nol are at the top of the list. Not because they have the ability to smith and craft weapons of metal, or because they are the most seasoned warriors in Utesbken, but because they are well organized and they know it. Rong’Nol is a Greyfolk word given to these beings meaning “Night Skin”. They are dark in skin color ranging from dark greens and blues to almost pitch black. They are huge in size at a minimum height of 8 feet tall and weighing in at well over 500 lbs. They are beastly in size and mass. But what sets them apart from other Horndall is that they are intelligent, highly intelligent.

They are the generals and commanders of most Horndall warbands and operate with ruthless efficiency and tactics. In the battle, Rong’Nol use any and all weapons they have. They favor the scimitar like swords they craft and the duel bladed glaive to end opponents quick and without pity. But more than that, they order the other Horndall with military precision and make any battle with them anything but simple. They scarcely wear armor, due in part to them being incredibly hard to wound and because similar to the Njord’volk Berserker and Raider, they hope to die in battle. It is not clear as to why, but some theorize because it has something to do with a cult like faith in something they call Skorm.

This is a force rather than a deity of battle and bloodshed that they believe grants power to the savage and strength to the brutal. To die with praise of Skorm in mind and heart the Rong’Nol believe they add to an eternal “blood pool” that descendants will “drink” of in ritual later to gain their strength yet again. They organize in tribal clans with male only leaders and harems of up to 5 females sometimes. This is to ensure a long line of warriors for a clan and to maintain clan authority in the tribe. They dwell in the peaks and plateaus of the northeastern and far eastern mountain ranges of Utesbken in adapted earthen huts carved to longhouse like structures which are often dug into the mountainside.

They are carnivorous mostly, but often eat root vegetables like beets and potatoes. In terms of society a single tribe is governed by 1 tribal leader. A tribe can consist of many clans or a single clan may form a tribe. Either way, rule is absolute. If one challenges the leader then they must kill him in ritual combat. If the challenger loses, they are eaten, and their skull is mounted in the home as a trophy of tribal power and authority. Which brings up another frightening practice of the Rong’Nol, Flagr or ritual sacrifice. Unlike other cultures that may sacrifice animals, Rong’Nol like to sacrifice people if and whenever able. They take them as captives in war or raids and bring them back home to be used as such.

The victim is presented at a shrine or altar of Skorm and the clan shaman sacrifices them by ripping out their heart and decapitating them after. The heart is roasted on coals and given to the tribal leader to devour as a tribute to Skorm thus adding to their power; while the head is hung in the hall as a trophy. It is not clear how the Rong’Nol came to be so complex, but it is clear that they are the dominant group in Utesbken. Yet one thing alludes most anyone knowledgeable about them. If they are as powerful as is thought, what has stopped them from simply conquering all of the region under them? This may never truly be known. Perhaps they are simply biding time or gathering strength or will to bother with such ambition? After all, the wind on the mountain howl only so long before a storm.