Myriden Location - The Plains of Kelek

West of the Ravenwood and southwest of the Dales, this land is home to the Tribes of Kelek. Humans make up the bulk of the Tribes, though there are some tribes which have accepted half-orcs into their numbers and some clans which are reputed to be descended from lycanthropes (shifters).

Most of the plains are as one might expect; vast grassland plains without trees apart from some scattered areas near rivers and lakes. The summers are brutal, as there is little shade to shelter in, and the winters are fierce, with no hills or mountains to block the icy winds. The nights can also be extremely cold, ice forming overnight as late as June.

The people of the plains are a hearty folk, surviving and prospering in this land. The tribes draw their name from a legendary chieftain, who in ancient times, banded all of the People together against the demons which walked the land. They are to this day, the guardians of the Plains, safeguarding the steppes and preparing for a time when Kelek’s Heir will come, and the might of the People must be united again.

Society
The plainsmen of Kelek are a nomadic people, with dozens of tribes making their way across Paths. These Paths are directions which are set by the shamans of the tribes, who are in turn advised by the spirits of the land. Presumably, the spirits guide the tribes to the best hunting grounds, the most fertile lands, or to the places where ‘the tribe needs to be’. The goal of the spirits in this endeavor seems to be preservation, both of the Tribes and of the land. Following the Paths keeps the tribesmen from hunting an area past the point it can recover.

The tribes themselves are led by clan patriarchs and a tribal chief, who is usually, but not always a patriarch himself. Given that the average tribe numbers in the hundreds, there are usually several clans within each tribe. The patriarchs typically vary in political strength depending on the strengths that their clans bring to the tribe.

The plainsmen tell the tales of their lives and deeds through ritual tattoos. Young warriors look forward to the day when they can earn their ink. These symbols are common among the tribes, any Plainsman knows the meaning of the tattoos adorning another Plainsman, even if they have never had dealings with that particular tribe.

The Stones
To the south lies the site of Kelek’s last battle. The legend speaks of a foul beast which clawed its way from the rock. When two tribes meet at the Stones, they will trade and feast, but no blood may be spilled unless a third tribe arrives. Should three or more tribes meet at the Stones, each present their champions to compete and gain honor for their clan.