This rugged pine forest belongs to the centaurs of the Paion tribe. In the fractured land of Gore, they thrive as bandits. They waylay travelers with thundering hooves, steel tridents and nets of spider silk (3.19). Their favorite loot includes wine, smoked meat and astrology tomes. The tribal shaman, Knoss, uses the latter to conduct moonlit ceremonies at the Fools’ Court (5.18). The ceremonies change from solemn to raucous as soon as the first flagon wine is poured. Their hoots and stomps echo through the hills until well after daybreak.
Despite their ferocity, the centaurs seldom prey on the Sanguine Lords’ downtrodden serfs because their cruel masters leave them with little to steal. Many peasants admire the centaurs, and try to assist them whenever possible. Sometimes this includes providing human sacrifices for the centaurs’ equinox festivals. The serfs usually choose suspected criminals or other unpopular figures from their village, but sometimes they must resort to trials of skill or luck. These trials vary from village to village, and could involve anything from ritual combat to pie eating contests.
Hooks
- How did the centaurs get their hands on spider silk nets?
- What powers do the centaurs derive from their monthly rites?
- What villages or towns still exist in Gore?
- What treasures have the centaurs looted from travelers?
