The Xhogumal are a commune in central Tas Ethuk composed of several different clans, which are differentiated primarily by blood relation. They migrate annually or biannually between sites, taking circuitous routes through the Rachis range, the Verdant Mesa, the Break, and Sea of Bones. This migration hones their skill at subsisting in different environments while on the move, always ready in the event that the Brume, monsters, or politics forces them to relocate. For the last several decades, those sites have been in the northern foothills of the Southern Rachis range, and will likely remain there for several decades more before choosing another range.
First arising from a union of hobgoblins and orcs during the Age of Clarity, the Xhogumal were so named a couple generations following, after a hobgoblin matriarch (who was herself named for a mythological figure). Xhogümal the Matriarch led the first clans through what was nearly the destruction of their burgeoning civilization, and guided them into a life of moving with the turning of the seasons. As a promise to never forget her wisdom, always recall her lessons, and invoke her guidance, the clans took her name for all of their people upon her death. “Xhogumal” is used both in a collective reference for the whole people, as well as to denote an individual.
- Skill Proficiencies: Two of your choice
- Tool Proficiencies: One type of musical instrument or artisan’s tools
- Languages: Ul-Xhogumal, and one of your choice
- Equipment: A healer's kit, a token or set of tattoos marking your heritage and your clan, a set of traveler’s clothes, and a pouch containing 10 gp
You have an excellent knowledge of not only the Xhogumal’s territory, but also the terrain and natural resources of the rest of Tas Ethuk. You are familiar enough with any wilderness area that you find twice as much food and water as you normally would when you forage there.
Additionally, you can call upon the hospitality of your people, and those folk allied with your tribe, often including members of druid circles, tribes of other nomads, the Wrenjers, and the priesthoods devoted to the gods of the First Circle.
Suggested Characteristics
Use the tables below as the basis for your traits and motivations.
Even if you have left your clan behind (at least for now), you hold to the traditions of your people. Your bond is likely associated with your clan or some aspect of Xhogumal philosophy or culture. Your ideal is a personal choice that probably hews closely to the ethos of your people and certainly doesn’t contradict or compromise what being Xhogumal stands for.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I once ran twenty-five miles without stopping to warn to my clan of an approaching danger. I’d do it again if I had to. |
| 2 | I have a lesson for every situation, drawn from observing nature. |
| 3 | When I see others struggling, I offer to help. |
| 4 | I don’t like to sit idle. |
| 5 | Leaders of my community have something wise to say on every topic, and I am eager to share that wisdom. |
| 6 | I have a strong sense of fair play and always try to find the most equitable solution to arguments. |
| 7 | I’m driven by a wanderlust that led me away from home. |
| 8 | I enjoy being out in nature; poor weather never sours my mood. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Camaraderie. The strongest bonds are forged through struggle. (Any) |
| 2 | Teamwork. Success depends on cooperation and communication. (Good) |
| 3 | Code. The Xhogumal way provides a solution for every problem, and following it is imperative. (Lawful) |
| 4 | Justice. Achieving justice requires establishing fair, equitable, and compassionate relationships within a community. (Good) |
| 5 | Nature. The natural world is more important than all the constructs of civilization. (Neutral) |
| 6 | Change. Life is like the seasons, in constant change, and we must change with it. (Chaotic) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | My family, clan, or tribe is the most important thing in my life, even when they are far from me. |
| 2 | I worked the land, I love the land, and I will protect the land. |
| 3 | I love beasts and plants of all kinds, and am loath to harm them. |
| 4 | Every member of the commune is my kin, and I would fight for any one of them. |
| 5 | I strive to live up to a specific hero’s example. |
| 6 | Much of the treasure I claim will be used to enrich my community. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I am slow to trust members of other races, tribes, and societies. |
| 2 | I have a weakness for the vices of the city. |
| 3 | Once someone questions my courage, I never back down no matter how dangerous the situation. |
| 4 | I have a fierce temper that doesn’t reflect the inner calm I seek. |
| 5 | I act bravely when I’m in a group, but I’m a coward when I’m alone. |
| 6 | I assume that people mean well until they prove otherwise. |