Navarr groups

Overview

There are many Steadings and Stridings across Navarr, but only a comparative handful are involved in the affairs of the Empire (that is, attend the seasonal summits at Anvil. The influence of a these Steadings and Stridings can wax and wane, and involvement in Imperial affairs is not always a reflection of their influence within the nation itself.

Stridings

The Eternal Family

The Eternal Family is an old striding, so old it is claimed that their roots trace back to the days of Terunael. Whether this is true or not is unclear but it is clear that the striding is very old. The Family is made up of an extended group of both blood relations and adopted individuals who are collectively recognised as family.
Highly active as a group, those able to travel journey widely along the trods and beyond. They offer support to those in need and explore old ruins, trying to find out all they can about the history of their people. Those unable to travel live in and run a Wayhouse in Goldglades, Miaren.
In recent years the Family has became known for the core of the striding being a strong coven specialised in Day and Spring magic. But something very unusual happened around 378YE and the ritualists’ affinity for Spring magic changed. Nowdays, the Eternal Family are known to be a powerful Summer coven in addition to their mastery of Day magic.

Alongside their use of ritual magic the Family use all skills at their disposal to help their nation and the Empire. On the battlefield they are reputed to fight defensively, using shields, medical skills and magic to support frontline warriors.

Y’Basden Striding (or “The Three Thorns”)

Striding Symbol: Three Thorns
Y’Basden Striding traces its roots back to the earliest days of the Empire and was first established by three Navarr outcasts (The Three Thorns) who banded together out of a mutual and visceral dislike for each other and a desire to both ‘one up’ and profit from each other’s failures.
Their bond was later cemented by an event known as “The Battle of the Black Woods” - an incident where reputedly they destroyed (and looted) an entire raiding contingent of a hundred barbarians whilst outwitting a pursuing force of Vallorn. Official Imperial records cast doubts around the stories of this alleged event.
The story drew likeminded citizens and the striding grew in relation to their reputation (or notoriety) throughout the Empire. It is not uncommon in bars for many tall tales to be told of The Three Thorns exploits with eternals or adventures across battlefields. It is assumed that most of these tales are allegorical in nature as many conflict established Imperial historical records (or are simply too far fetched to be believable).
In the intervening years the direction of striding went through many changes in both role, name and attitude. These ranged from fringe outcasts to established traders, mercenary bands and even a period outside of Imperial territory…allegedly.
Y’Basden Striding was the eventual result. A disciplined fighting force led by a trio of leaders; The Wit, The Wisdom and The Brand in honour of the original Three Thorns. They consider themselves serving soldiers who will give anyone, including non-Navarr, a chance to travel with them awhile and they take pride in their ability to scout into dangerous, even Vallorn, territory. Their reputation as an aggressive and effective fighting force on the battlefield has yet to be disproved. Visits to Anvil are considered opportunities for rest and relaxation and as a result they can seem a little less refined than the average Imperial Citizen but tend to treat allies as firm family regardless of nation or circumstance.
The last decade has had them at the lead of insurgency actions in Liathaven where they have helped found The Black Scar Thornborne along with the support of other Liathaven Stridings and Steadings.