Jambu, painted for this archiveThe Northlands
Place, Region
A vast, mostly empty wilderness in northwestern Jambu of yeti, mammoth, saber-tooths, wolves, musk deer and caribou, with a few fierce primitive tribes, some said to ride mammoths. They speak only in sign language; Mongalan and Khitan trappers win their goodwill with trinkets such as glass beads and trade metal for musk, sable, horn and hides.
Also called Northlands
From the book
The Northlands are a huge, mostly empty wilderness in northwestern Jambu, roamed by yeti, wolves, mammoths, saber-tooths and herds of caribou and musk deer. Its few human tribes are savage and backward; a few reportedly have tamed mammoths and ride them into battle, but most keep no animals at all and have only the crudest weapons and clothes.
Mongalan and Khitan traders and trappers sometimes come for valuable musk, sable, horn and hides. They say some tribes can be persuaded not to harm foreigners by a few small presents, colored glass beads being a favorite, and that once a gift is accepted the tribesmen will listen to almost any proposal. Since every Northland tribe talks only in sign language, an interpreter is wise. The tribes willing to deal mostly want metal weapons and tools in exchange, and despite appearances they are shrewd bargainers.
At a glance
- Region
- northwestern Jambu
- Trade/Exports
- musk, sable, horn, hides
- Fauna
- yeti, mammoth, saber-tooth, wolves, musk deer, caribou
- Language
- sign language only; interpreter advised
- Wanted goods
- metal tools and weapons; glass beads as tokens of friendship