Steppe Alliance

The Steppe Alliance consists of a wide range of groups of people that share a common view of the land that brings them together as one group. The social systems are very diverse as the groups within the faction are very diverse. However all are based on five basic tenets, respect for the land, respect for honour, respect for balance and natural order, respect for each other, respect for oneself. Honour is not demanded or sought; it is given and grows out of the day to day service of each other and the land. The faction is very tolerant of any religions as long as they don’t conflict with the faction ethos and reverence for the land and the cycle of life. Members of the Steppe Alliance consider themselves to be guardians of the land for their children. They will strive to protect the land, the mother and each other. In the words of one of their great wise men, Tamarlane, “We do not own the land, we belong to the mother and we are honoured and humbled that by her grace we are allowed to survive each day.” The cycles of the mother are then followed closely by the faction. Moving with the seasons is a way of life. Celebrating the ancestors who know those paths well help guide us through our days. Generally the faction is made up of peoples who are nomadic in lifestyle and outlook whether this is on land or sea. Recent hardships have brought new learning to the faction as food became scarce. Through these times a slight shift in the methods of food gathering were required to survive. However, those that adhere strictly to the Nomad Lore still fervently protect the ‘Zug Huls Haldun’, the Sacred Heartland, where their nomadic traditions remain pure. The different groups within the Steppe have different Lores but we follow faction beliefs and purpose. Those in the faction who transgress answer to the faction. The faction is watched over by the wielder of the Sword of Balance. The various groups within the faction each send one of their group to speak for them at The Table. The Table of Speakers is convened by the Faction Leader who wields the Sword of Balance, in effect the sword of veto. It is rare indeed for the Sword to be drawn as the peoples of the faction are not in the faction by birth but by choice. All therefore understand what it is to be a member of the Steppe Alliance and accept freely the responsibilities that their choice incurs.