Volker's People

This woodsfolk band is typical of those who live in the area. Made up of Hawk, Boar and Deer clans, there are about 200 members in this band. They are led by three elders, one from each clan.

Elders:  

Hermann  Basch (Boar Clan) - This very old man is gnarled and tough. He claims to be over 100 years old, and looks it. He's very woods-wise, but is so old now that he moves slowly and cannot fend for himself. However, he teaches woods-lore to all the youths of the band. He is a shaman (L6+9) and can still take boar-form if needed, but suffers from fatigue if he must fight for more than 3 rounds. Hermann still believes that his people should remain mobile, know how to hide, and be ready to melt into the forests and strike from ambush at their enemies. He's cunning and intelligent, but very stubborn. He dislikes Volker's decision to settle down and feels that his people are weakened with every such loss. He dislikes the bandits very much as well, feeling that they are intruders on his people's lands. He will help the PCs recruit a woodsfolk guide as long as they treat him respectfully.

Clothilde Ebener (Deer Clan) - a middle-aged woman, she recently and rather unexpectedly inherited the position of Deer Clan elder from her father. She is an Expert (L4) gardener and herbalist, who tends many wild patches of plants within a day's walk of this village site. Her belief is that the Woodsfolk should settle down further, perhaps finding two sites for summer and winter residence, and moving regularly between them. However, she respects Hermann too much to push this view too strongly while he is still alive. Clothilde very much dislikes outsiders, and will be against helping the PCs unless they manage to convince her that the bandits are an increasing threat. However, she was the one who cared for Valkrist and Val's mentor when they were attacked and left for dead by the bandits. Thus she is aware of how much harm they do, and may be sympathetic to Val, depending on how she interacts with her.

Kuno Habicht (Hawk Clan) - (Volker's brother) Kuno despises his brother for having left the band, and will speak against aiding him in any way; however, his resentment and dislike of his brother are so well known that most of the band discount what he says; unless the PCs make fools of the other elders, they can ignore his bluster. Kuno is the youngest of the three elders, and is only in his late 30's. He inherited the title when his grandmother and father both died two years ago of pneumonia. He resents Clothilde because she was unable to save them, but so many of the band were ill that year that she didn't have enough supplies to medicate everyone.

Swanhilde  (hawk clan) - a cousin of Volker's, this proud young woman is a ranger of considerable skill despite her youth (L4 rgr). She knows precisely where the bandit fortress is, and is happy to lead the PCs there. She is convinced that the bandits are a serious threat, and will speak up in Volker's favor when given any chance.