Fighter, Nomad

The open steppe is home to horse tribes, often huge gathering of nomads who scratch a living in the inhospitable wilderness.

The Quintessential Fighter

Author Matthew Sprange

Publisher Mongoose Publishing

Publish date 2002

Travelling with great numbers of cattle that the tribe relies on to provide sustenance throughout the year, the nomad learns to face the greatest dangers of the wilderness without fear. Though the ways of the nomad are far removed from those dwelling in towns and cities, many can recognise an almost noble aspect within his life circumscribed by a strong code of personal honour that forbids him to take an unfair advantage over an equal and to defend those weaker with his life. Above all though, the nomad is a fierce fighter, unwilling to flee the field of battle in the face of the greatest of enemies.

Adventuring: The nomad tribes live an inherently dangerous life. Their herds of cattle are like a beacon in the wilderness, calling all manner of predator, both beast and humanoid, to prey upon their livelihood. All too often, a nomadic tribe will wander into territory ruthlessly controlled by a great enemy and be overwhelmed by attackers. Though most nomads will be slain in battle, a few may retreat from the hopeless odds, and be destined to roam the world as adventurers, constantly ridden by guilt of having left their tribe to the slaughter.

Role-Playing: The nomad can often seem remote to an outsider from more civilised lands. Having been displaced from the tribe he has known all his life, the nomad must work hard to adapt to a completely new way of life, the nomad must work hard to adapt to a completely new way of life. He is eternally suspicious, but if any can befriend him, they will gain a life long comrade, loyal beyond death who will vigorously pursue his own personal code of honor in the defence of his abilities.

Bonuses: The nomad was born to the saddle and regards it as his only true home. He automatically starts the game with a light horse or a pony. In addition, he receives a permanent +2 competence bonus to all Ride checks.

Penalties: Nomadic tribes exist far from civilisation and have adopted their own ways of battle. At the start of the game, the nomad may only purchase, and is only proficient in, the following weapons; Dagger, light lance, Scimitar, shortbow (including composite) and spear (all types).