Man; Nomad
by Jamie BatyRC 193
Desert
1st Level Human Fighter
Medium-size Humanoid (Human)
Hit Dice: 1d10+1 (6 hp)
Initiative: +2 (+2 Dex)
Speed: 30 ft. (6 squares)
Armour Class: 14 (+2 Dex, +1 padded armour, +1 light wooden shield), touch 12, flat-footed 12
Base Attack/Grapple: +1/+3
Attack: Lance +3 melee (1d8 +2)
Full Attack: As Attack
Space/Reach: 5 ft. /5 ft.
Special Attacks: ---
Special Qualities: Human Traits
Saves: Fort +3, Ref +2, Will +1
Abilities: Str 14, Dex 15, Con 13, Int 8, Wis 12, Cha 10
Skills: Handle Animal +4, Listen +2, Ride +6, Spot +2
Feats: Animal Affinity, Mounted Combat, Ride-by Attack
Environment: Any Desert
Organisation: Solitary, Band (2-25 + 1 2nd level champion), Group (4-40 + 2 2nd level champions and 1 4th level faris) or Camp (50-300 + 3-15 2nd level champions, 1-8 4th level faris, 1-3 5th level faris, 1 8th level chief, 50% chance 9th level cleric and 25% chance 8th level wizard).
Challenge Rating: 1
Treasure: Standard
Alignment: Any
Advancement: by character class
Level Adjustment: -
Steppe
1st Level Human Fighter
Medium-size Humanoid (Human)
Hit Dice: 1d10+2 (7 hp)
Initiative: +2 (+2 Dex)
Speed: 30 ft. (6 squares)
Armour Class: 14 (+2 Dex, +2 leather armour), touch 12, flat-footed 12
Base Attack/Grapple: +1/+2
Attack: Composite shortbow +3 range (1d6+1)
Full Attack: As Attack
Space/Reach: 5 ft. /5 ft.
Special Attacks: ---
Special Qualities: Human Traits
Saves: Fort +4, Ref +2, Will +1
Abilities: Str 13, Dex 15, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 8
Skills: Handle Animal +1, Intimidate +3, Listen +2, Ride +7, Spot +2
Feats: Horse Nomad, Mounted Archery, Mounted Combat
Environment: Any Steppe or Grasslands
Organisation: Solitary, Arban (2-25 + 1 2nd level chief), Jaghun (4-40 + 2 2nd chiefs and 1 4th level noyen) or Tumen (50-300 + 3-15 2nd level chiefs, 1-8 4th level noyen, 1-3 5th level noyen, 1 8th level orlok, 50% chance 9th level cleric and 25% chance 8th level wizard).
Challenge Rating: 1
Treasure: Standard
Alignment: Any
Advancement: by character class
Level Adjustment: -
Nomads are groups of wandering tribesmen that may be peaceful or warlike. Small bands that are encountered are often hunting or foraging for food to supply a main camp nearby. Camps are always temporary, and nomads will move on once an area is exhausted of food, supplies, and plunder. Peaceful nomads are often keen traders and are a good source of information on distant lands. They are terribly superstitious.
Nomads are most likely to be encountered in Ethengar (steppe), Sind/Hule (desert) and Ylaruam (desert), although they certainly could be found in other areas of Mystara.
The nomads presented above are humans with the base stats of Str 14, Dex 15, Con 13, Int 8, Wis 12, Cha 10 (desert) or Str 13, Dex 15, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 8 (steppe).
Combat
Desert nomads prefer to run down foes with their lances while some of their number provide cover fire with bows. Steppe nomads are very proficient using mounted archery in combination with hit-and-run tactics.
Nomads often are able to use a number of different tactics and are armed accordingly. They are proficient with all simple and martial weapons, as well as all armours, and shields. Desert nomads prefer little to no armour and usually use lances or bows in combat. Steppe nomads prefer leather and hide armours, with bows, lances, and scimitars as weaponry.
Organisation
Most nomads are usually low level warriors or fighters. Among their number are a few barbarians, rangers and rogues. Half of the desert nomads in any group will be armed with padded armour, shields, and lances. Another 20% will be armed with a bow and leather armour. The last 30% will be armed with a lance, chain mail and a shield. Regardless of equipment, they all will be riding light horses or camels.
Desert nomad leaders are equipped with higher quality gear than the common nomads, but it will be similar to what is carried by the rank and file. Most leaders are fighters, and may have levels in the cavalier or bowman charger prestige classes. Leaders ride light warhorses or war camels.
Half of all steppe nomads will be armed with composite shortbows and leather armour. 20% will be armed with a lance, studded leather armour, and a light wooden shield. Another 20% will be armed with a composite shortbow, and chain mail. The last 10% will be armed with a lance, scimitar, chain mail, and a shield. All but the last 10% ride light horses. The last 10% ride light warhorses.
Steppe nomad leaders are indistinguishable from the masses, although they may have higher quality gear. They all ride light warhorses. They are typically fighters, and may have levels in Bowman Charger.
Any spellcasters attached to a nomad camp will have equipment typical to their class and level. Despite their skills, they are largely regarded with a level of suspicion because of their lack of martial skill and attunement to supernatural things.