Blackwater Raider
Abilities and Equipment
Blackwater Raiders are fierce fighters, having survived the brutal tribal society of the Tribes of Blackwater until they were old enough to sail forth. There is little finesse to their fighting style, and they will eagerly throw themselves upon powerful enemies, eager to claim their souls for their own.
What they lack in discipline or training, Raiders make up in vigor. While the tribals can appear emaciated or deformed, they are uncannily tough and strong fighters, throwing themselves upon foes in a frenzy. Wielding darkly blessed, primitive weapons, the wounds inflicted by Raiders burn with dark energies and do not close easily.
Raiders rarely have much in the way of armor, though padded leather and furs provide some measure of protection.
To the Tribes of Blackwater, the most important demonstrator of piety is how many captives one sacrifices to their profane gods; So it is that any young Tribal who seeks to curry greater prestige- and with it, power- will inevitably take to the seas in search of captives.
The youngest members of the tribe wield simple stone weapons, typically blessed by a dark shaman, before going to war. These stone tools become horrifically potent weapons when imbued with dark magic, but the truly profane relics of ancient days are reserved for those chosen by the malefic spirits.
As a raider captures more captives and his prestige grows, he may accumulate his own slaves, scavenged equipment, and hoard. However, they are just as likely to fight the other Tribes as they are to invade the mainland, capturing their captives and monsters for their own.
Eventually a raider may seek true favor with the profane gods, making a pilgrimage to Blackwater Isle or seeking the fealty of the horrific monsters that dwell in the Abyss. Those who do so risk much for such power, for far more than their life is at stake- As corruption sets in, their soul itself is stained ever more black. Most have their souls torn apart or minds rent asunder, but those who survive return changed, touched by an otherworldly presence and blessed with insight into the mysteries of magic.
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Witch of the Black Vale
Abilities and Equipment
Witches of the Black Vale wield cursed relics and dark magic in battle, their frail bodies contradicting the lethal ease they sever limbs and pierce armor. They barely seem to run so much as glide across the ground, cackling as they sweep profane weapons in broad arcs.
With a whisper or touch they inflict agonizing pain or horrid curses upon their victims- often rendering them spellbound and ensorcelled, to be lead away as fodder for black ritual.
The wounds inflicted by these accursed beings do not heal easily, and in fact may corrupt and infest their unwitting victim.
It is some solace, however, that for all their dark magic, Witches of the Black Vale are as mortal as any other. Though their dark magic provides some protection, they are not truly divine and may be killed by what kills any man or woman.
Witches customarily roam in black, fettered dresses of tattered cloth, usually hiding their withered faces behind hoods or broad-rimmed hats.
The witch covens which lurk in the Black Vale are outsiders to the rest of the Tribes of Blackwater, living beyond tribal boundaries. Few Tribals would dare to offend them, however, for the Witches are blessed with dark powers beyond the understanding of mortals.
They possess neither great strength nor showy sorcery, but are masters of dark ritual and curses. When a Tribal goes to them and seeks their favor, they may demand strange prices; the eye of a sylvan noble, or the last words of a defiled captive. But none would dare to question them, as the Witches are a vindictive and cruel sort, given to fits of sudden violence.
The most deadly and arcane weapons available to the Tribes are crafted by the Witches, using unholy reagents to create unholy relics. When a Witch's ire is raised, they may stride into battle wielding such tools, their frail bodies contradicting the horrifying lethality with which they wield such instruments.
The Crone-sorcerers are unusually long lived, but as they keep largely to themselves it is unknown precisely how old the most ancient are. Certainly they are not immortal- or at least, if they are, it is a well kept secret.
Witches do not follow the commands of the tribal chieftains, and alone of the Tribes may even reject the authority of a great shaman or even Magister. They come and go as they please, showing up in battles unbidden according to some hidden objective only they can see. Still, their presence is seen as an auspicious omen by the Tribes, and their presence is shown as much rejoicing as it is fear.
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