The Herd

Though the Empire's influence is vast and far-reaching, there are some that defy its rule. Anarchists and hermits from all corners of the land travel the sprawling plains of Alberea as a tightly-knit family known only as the Herd. These ever-travellers never settle for long and keep large collections of cattle with them wherever they go. The Herd believes in power in numbers, living harmoniously with the land, and ultimate freedom. Though the Herd has been a thorn in the side of the Empire for decades, it has proved much too difficult to disperse the roamers due to their numbers and exceptional physical prowess. Because of the Herd, the empire has not been able to claim control over the northern plains known as the Grasses yet.

One such member of the herd is Ruddy the Red.

Naturally Strong
Nobody knows exactly what it is that makes members of the Herd so naturally athletic, tall and supernaturally strong. Some believe that they descended from Giants, but these theories are easily dismissible for one who has met the anarchists of the Herd, who are an eclectic community of all races and heritages; even elves. Some scholars from the Lys Doré believe it is something in the soil of the Grasses that promotes physical constitution. However, only those select few scholars that prove themselves kind-hearted and with good intentions are permitted to their lands by the Herd to test this hypothesis.

Ultimately, no one knows for certain where their supernatural physical prowess originates from. However, the Herd has proved its existence time and time again, repeatedly throwing Empire forces with artifice rifles out of their territory as if it were a child's game.

Auroch-Herders
Among the many animals that flock to- and live with the Herd, the most prominent are perhaps the Aurochs. These great beasts of burden, akin to big bison with four great curling horns driven to near extinction for their hide, have found refuge and a great kinship with the outlanders of the Herd. Since they've been guarded by the anarchists of the Grasses, the Auroch's numbers have been steadily growing again, out of reach from poachers in the Empire. They are gentle creatures, as well as the beasts that members of the Herd have formed the closest of relationships with.

The hide of an Auroch is extremely heat- and cold-resistant and is said to have lingering magical properties laying latent in it.