Steppe Warrior

Notice

The following rules are from an out of date rule-set

A Barbarian Archetype from the Book of Engoku.

Description

While everybody else is busy developing agriculture and culture, the Steppe Warriors of Tartarus make a living as nomads, simply taking whatever they can from the land and from their neighbors. Steppe Warriors are barbarians of the truest nature, but tactical masters. They rely heavilly on horses for food, transportation, and warfare. On foot, they fight in cohesive units, usually numbering 10 per unit.

Garb

Steppe Warriors wear a kimono-like garment known as a caftan or del. Under that, men wear loose fitting trousers, and women might wear long pleated skirts. Both men and women wear their hair long, often in a pair of braids that loop up to the top of the braid just behind the ear. Of course you can’t forget the fur-brimmed hats and boots with upturned toes.

Essential Abilities

While many do fight on their feet, every Steppe Warrior has two horses, and often uses them in battle. Whenever you can, get yourself an Archery Mount.

Role-Playing Notes

Steppe Warriors are a walking dichotomy. On one hand they are rude, smelly, and tending towards theft and murder, but on the other hand they have their own sense of etiquette, and are respectful of life and nature. For instance, while wading thru their enemies, they wear boots with upturned toes specifically so they don’t step on too many bugs, in accordance with their life-respecting philosophies.

Weaponry

Steppe Warriors get most of their weaponry from their victims, and are keen to use any of them, but as mounted warriors they focus on spears and short bows.