The Zanis (Zan singular) are a group of diverse tribes of shepherds that inhabit the southern slopes and hills of the Black Mountains. These tribes are numerous, and each has its own name and traditions, but the differences between them mean little to the farmers of the region, who refer to all the Highlanders as Zani, and they think they are a single barbarian race.[1a][2a]
Description[]
Zani warriors like to demonstrate their manhood by descending into the lowlands in groups of a dozen men, wearing their shaggy coats and horned helmets. These hill tribes are seldom inclined to unite for a common cause, and the only thing that can make them ally is the threat of famine.[1a]
The Zanis are dedicated to raising Aurochs, a species of indigenous cattle that provide them with everything they need to live: meat to eat, leather and thick wool for tents and clothing. When the population of Zanis increases, it also requires a gradual growth of their herds, however this causes that the thorny bushes with which their cattle feed begin to become scarce, so that the tribes are forced to look towards the fertile lands of the south to seek more suitable grazing land, attacking farms in the process.[1a]
In order to achieve this, the Zani combine their war parties to form a large horde, which can pose a threat to the various kingdoms and settlements. When that time comes, the chiefs of the Zani tribes make propositions to each other, choosing a warlord to lead them to the lowlands of the Border Kingdoms. Even so, they do not fight as a disciplined army, and do not assemble into a horde until they have to face a considerable force, so there are usually small groups of raiders riding ahead of the packs. Although these shepherds always end up being repulsed by the kingdom's defending armies, their flocks ravage every farmland in their path, and the confusion generated by such invasions is inevitably exploited by bandits of all kinds, who make the most of it. the opportunity to steal and loot.[1a]
Like most nomadic people, the Zani also have their magicians, specifically seers and shamanic healers, not all of whom are charlatans and incompetent. They are certainly more soothsayers than men of power, very given to seeking omens in dreams. Rumor has it they're smart enough, except when giddy optimism led them astray.[1a]