Chieftain

Darkness falls as the war-band continues moving north. The men have been on the move for over eight hours, but show no signs of fatigue. Their leader shouts orders, they follow, fearful of what may happen if they hesitate. One of the soldiers spots an enemy scout hidden on the side of the road. The scout attempts to flee, but stops dead in his tracks as a voice from behind him hits his ears, and causes his mind and body to freeze. The half-orc leader moves to the side of the scout and strikes with his sword. As the crippling blow lands, he commands one of his archers to end the scout's life.

Light pierces the darkness, illuminating the smoke trails from the incense burning next to the wood elf. She prays for guidance in the coming negotiations. Her people have finally found the long-lost lands of their ancestors, but the men who call the area home refuse to part with it. She hopes to reach a peaceful solution to the conflict before it escalates. A vision of shadow and greed flashes in her mind. The minds of the men are clouded by evil. She now knows that steel will be used before terms are agreed upon. She finishes her prayer and sets out to ready her tribe for the conflict. The next day, as she approaches the human leader, the soldiers surrounding them draw their weapons. She yells at the man standing in front of her. He recoils from the pain of her voice. His body shifts showing the devil in its true form.

The goliath roars with might, and swings his axe into the side of the warrior in front of him. Her body feels the icy sting as she is pushed backwards by the winds surrounding the goliath. The woman runs, putting distance between her and the angry behemoth. She thinks he has no way to attack her from this distance. The goliath smirks, and shouts. His voice collides with her body, rattling her bones like a powerful crack of thunder. The echoes fade, as her mind slips into unconsciousness.

Revered by Some... Chieftains embody the power and unity of their civilization. Their words bring motivation and encouragement to the people who follow them. In battle, they bring strength to the hearts of their men by leading the charge, shouting their commands. In the meeting tents, they forge alliances with neighboring lands to crush the most immediate threat. They are venerated as living paragons by the common folk, a respect they seize and never relinquish, even after they die.

Despised by Others In the eyes of those who oppose a chieftain, they are seen as ruthless warlords, barbaric conquerers whose words are as frightening as their sword. The defenseless are pillaged in order to sustain the war band's strength. The people who refuse to obey are rarely seen again. But the ones who are, are scarred and maimed for life. But physical strength is not the only path to victory, breaking the enemy mentally and emotionally is a powerful tactic used by the most cunning chieftains.

Creating a Chieftain As you make your chieftain, consider the type of leadership traits your character embodies. Were you born into power, elected as an official, or did you take your title by force? Are you a ruthless despot raiding nearby lands, a noble king leading your people through a new golden age, or a superstitious leader worried about the future of your tribe? Once you've decided how your character leads, consider why they have left their tribe. Are you on a quest to find an artifact lost by your ancestors? Are you looking for new lands to conquer? Or are you seeking revenge on those who killed your people?