These semi-feral humans trace their origins back to the early days of Iscros when a large group of rebellious people were exiled under threat of violence to the uninhabited northern Tundra, far from the rest of civilization. Hardened by the harsh weather, these ordinary humans began to evolve into almost their own distinct race. They grew significantly larger and physically stronger than the average human. Despite their mental and physical toughness, the barbarians harbored deep resentment towards other races, especially humans.
Though they were big and muscular, they were not fools. While their leader, the infamous Northern Shaman, served as the mastermind of the entire community, individual barbarians were skilled in crafting clever and deceptive hiding spots and ambush traps across the western Tundra. The great river Stygria, beginning near Cluster Valley, essentially marked the boundary of the barbarians’ territory to the river’s western side. This was because the unnamed and infamous “Horror of the Tundra” roamed the eastern side. Legends suggested that this creature was an unknown entity from the First World, even to Nores, while other tales claimed it was a protective mechanism Nores himself had created to guard the temple beyond the Tundra.
Close, but not too close to the river’s eastern bank, in the northern stretches of the Tundra near the temple, stood a watchtower built by the mysterious M.A.D.E. syndicate, erected sometime between the years 3500-4500. They were fully aware of the horror that prowled the Tundra, a creature that would begin hunting its victims if it caught the scent of fresh blood. Larze was familiar with both the M.A.D.E. tower and the nameless horror, warning Tymon—while he was exiled as an outlaw—not to stray too far into the Tundra. The watchtower itself, designed to capture all outlaws attempting to reach Nores’s abandoned temple, remained a mystery. It was unclear whether one of the few remaining Dvuongor was behind the design of the massive black metal tower that stood alone amidst the barren Tundra or if magical forces were involved in its construction, granting it protection against the Tundra’s horror.
However, one thing was clear to anyone even mildly familiar with ancient tales: the Northern Shaman somehow had control over this monstrous blood-drinker, which snatched unsuspecting victims from the Tundra’s eastern side of the river. The eastern Tundra itself, stretching up to the next river that separated it from the northeastern solitary mountain, was a vast expanse spanning thousands of miles across.
The barbarians, however, possessed a strong sense of self-preservation and never crossed to the eastern side of the Stygria River, solely due to the fear of this unknown monster.
The western side of the Tundra was more verdant, dotted with vast pine and spruce forests amidst the endless wilderness of distant steppes. This region was known as “The Shaman’s Territory” and lay just northeast of Wescros, beyond the Ice Pyramids. Thanks to the vast coniferous forests, it would have been prime hunting grounds, attracting many daring hunters who met bitter ends when they ventured too far, falling into the brutal traps set by the barbarians.
The mysterious Northern Shaman, whom Okar claims to have met during his travels, remains an enigma to many kings. His notorious rituals, performed under the northern lights, strike fear into the hearts of the northern inhabitants, and few dare to step into the Shaman’s territory.