Aznakh

The Aznakhi people--colloquially referred to as Tirisfal Highlanders--are a small, isolated culture that exists in a few mountainous regions in the Northeast of Tirisfal, a region they call 'Aznakh'. Descended long ago from the people of Strom, they eventually grew into a unique culture of their own, but however retained some traits of their forebears, namely their tenacity and warlike nature.

Highly clannish and with a culture that embraces warfare, many have attempted to conquer them, but with little success. Thanks to their geographical location and their fortress-like villages, they have not only resisted living would-be conquerors, but the Scourge and Forsaken alike as well.

Although formidable, the Aznakhi people are not without faults. They have never been united under a single banner, which further negates the impact of their already small numbers. Tenuous pacts exist between the various tribes and clans, although anything resembling a proper kingdom is unheard of.

Each village exists nearly as a totally independent political and cultural entity, a culture of distrust towards outsiders - even other Aznakhi - firmly bred within them.

The Aznakhi have two primary sources of sustenance; animal husbandry, and raiding. Their climate is too harsh for most crops, and the soil lacks fertility, so farming is quite rare. Sheep, goats and the rare sturdy breed of cattle are prized by villages, and fierce warfare has broken out often over desired grazing spots.

Given their warlike nature, the Aznakhi also subsist due to a large part of raiding their neighbors, both other Aznakhi as well as the people of the Lordaeronian lowlands.

Recently, the Aznakhi have been under increasing influence of the Army of the Truthful, and indeed many of the Truthful's soldiers and crusaders as of late have originated from the region of Aznakh. Admired greatly by the leadership of the Truthful for their tenacity, faith and skills in warfare, a certain amount of respect is extended back by the Aznakhi for the similar traits cultivated in the ranks of the Truthful.