Varla Lonestrider
In the Uthgardt tribes, deviating from tradition can result in exile or worse. Among the tribes, the Red Tigers were especially zealous: A “true” Red Tiger did not use a weapon but defeated his foes with raw might. A “true” Red Tiger did not stop fighting until he or all his enemies were dead. A “true” Red Tiger neither offered nor accepted help.
When Varla was fifteen, the skies over Beorunna’s Well darkened and hordes of orcs, goblins, and giants swept across the land from the Kingdom of Many-Arrows. The “true” Red Tiger men fought furiously, but the enemy had overwhelming numbers. When more than half of the warriors had fallen, Seriska Hungermaw led away any who would listen to her, keeping the tribe on the move and out of the direct path between Many-Arrows and Citadel Felbarr. Her strategy saved nearly all who followed her, and Seriska was named the new chief with little opposition.
Where the powerful barbarian warriors had failed to stop the horde, the combined strategies of dwarves and elves succeeded. Further, it was said that one of the white dragons which had aided the orcs was killed in unarmed combat with a monk from a faraway land. When the Darkening of the sky at last ended, Varla sought her chief’s permission to leave the tribe to learn to fight as a monk, that she might return to teach this new way to others.
Seriska had achieved her chieftainship through cunning and caution rather than brute strength and whole-heartedly approved of Varla’s plan: the Red Tiger tradition of unarmed combat would be upheld, but discipline would guide their blows, not mindless fury. In all, five young Red Tigers set out for the walled cities of the North to study the monastic disciplines that they might return to the tribe one day and teach others what they had learned.
Traits
“When I set my mind to something, it’s hard to divert me from it. I’m definitely a morning person.”
Ideals
“True strength lies in being open to new ideas.”
Bonds
“My people will not survive if we do not learn new ways, and I am one of the first who will bring them this new discipline.”
Flaws
“My childhood was spent always on the move, but now open spaces make me nervous.”
“I Know a Guy”
The other four Red Tiger initiates are Hemish Redclaw—studying at the Temple of Silver Stars in Silverymoon—twins Ange and Elke Sharpfist—learning from Mistress Ze at the abbey in Goldenfields—and Baldir Broadoak, who accompanied Varla all the way to Waterdeep.
Friends & Enemies
The Red Tiger tribe has historically had an antagonistic relationship toward everyone. Whether it was raiding outlying farms, sacking caravans, or harassing the Black Lion tribe which had settled around Beorunna’s Well, their reputation precedes them, and some may continue to hold that against the “new” Red Tigers.