Wilds

East of Strovia is a land simply referred to as the Northern Wilds. Although untouched by the dread curse of the Wraithwind, it is equally as dangerous, if not more than the cursed kingdom. Its serene landscapes and breathtaking, unspoiled beauty tell a simple story. No king has ever conquered this land. Growing up in Endora, we knew well not to venture too far away from the road that hugs the eastern mountain range, else we would find ourselves at the mercy of packs of a hundred ashwolves, flocks of razorcranes, crimsonback bears, wyverns, darkwings, grottolisks, and some monsters that have no name because no man has seen them and lived. Their numbers are impossible to know for certain, but suffice it to say that if all of King Darien’s army rode to the Agrand river, they would be outnumbered by those beasts a hundred to one. However, as ferocious as those creatures may be, they fear the curse of Strovia and keep their distance from its haunted borders by a hundred miles or more. It is for this reason that the people of Strovia see the Wraithwind as a shield as much as it is a prison.

In defiance of the dangers of the savage lands, there are some men who call it home. They dwell within those lands, respecting the perils of the untamed world. But rather than tame the land, they take their place within it, not as its lords, but as equals to the wild things that live there. Some call them barbarians, but they call themselves “Wild Men.” From time to time, they would visit our farms in the summer and early autumn, trading animals from their herds and pelts, tusks, and ivory from their hunts in exchange for fruit, metal, and glass. They were always wary of venturing too close to the towns and villages in the mountains, but I never understood if it was out of fear or respect. They are a nomadic people, moving in tribes of thousands near the rivers, lakes, and streams, grazing their animals on the open plains for a week or two before moving onwards. They must find strength and protection in numbers to endure such a hostile and predatory world. Or perhaps they have some wisdom–some understanding of the wilds that we do not that shelters them from its dangers.

This much is certain–though they have not conquered the land, they have conquered fear. They ride on giant tigers and battle against monsters that could challenge even the armies of Ayrengard. From time to time they would bring us teeth and claws the size of a man’s arm, or hides as tough as steel or stone. I shudder to imagine what lurks in the deep woods and forests beyond the Karpaine Mountains and pray that I never find out for myself. But perhaps it is not the monsters of the wilds I should fear, but the men.

Dara Griffonheart