Skamber
"In the southern foothills of the Peaks of Datte, lie the lands of the clan of Skamber. This is the southern most of the Olor clans, and characterised by their isolation. For many centuries they have held on to their identity as one of the Olor clans, sternly considering the rivers to the south as the border between them, and the Kings of the South. Yet, the mountains and hills to the north separate them from the other Olor Clans, leaving them a strange outlier between states and clans.
All that is not to say that the people of Skamber might not be considered Olor in their ways. They uphold the values of warrior culture and practise the Olor version of the faith of The Great Balance. They deny the authority of the bishops, who have so much sway over the southern kings, and instead still rely on druidic practices.
The Town of Skamber is the capital of the clan of the same name. It is nestled in the foothills of Datte, and surrounded by hills on all sides. THe chief of Skamber resided in the stone castle, the highest building of the town, standing on the steep slopes of the hills. Below the stone castle lies the town itself, enclosed by a wooden palisade.
THe hills around the town are strewn with old stone circles. Their true origins are forgotten, but it is generally agreed that they date back to a time long before the Burbric Empire conquered these lands. In that time they were tended to by the druids that watched over these lands at the time. Now the circles serve as important locations for seasonal ceremonies, festivals and rituals. The most important circle is that of Skama, with is enclosed by the town walls. Here people come daily to make offerings to their gods and the spirits of the hills.
The ruler of Skamber, Chief Sogorles is an imposing figure, always accompanied by his dual axes, the symbol of his clan. These axes have been passed on for generations from chief to chief. In the past they have slain many men, but now they fill more of a ceremonial purpose.
That is not to say that Chief Sogorles is not a warrior. He has led his men many times in battle, against the Synlor clan in the west, or those people from the south that deny the Faerie, the knowledge that all of nature is ultimately possessed by spirits much older and wiser than men.
The Town of Skamber has not seen much war in the past years. Instead, its men have fought in wars to the south as the renowned Olor Mercenaries. The fierce warriors of the north are always in high demand, and the southern kings are willing to pay good coin to make use of their combat prowess. After the War of the Vale, many Olor mercenaries have returned home, their horses laden with gold and coin. Some of it given to them as payment, but most of it taken by force as their employees were unable to or refused to pay them.
This recent influx of wealth has been good to Skamber, and as the southern kings are fighting amongst themselves, the people of Skamber stand prepared, ready for another opportunity to lend their service."
D. Harewood, Fendalian Cartographer
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