Has there been a discussion yet about which of the Shoanti tribes frequent the Velashu Uplands? It's important for a PC I'm working on....She's a half-elf of Shoanti blood, has taken on the role of a future spiritual leader, but is now out to see the world for greater understanding (think vision quest)...
I can't find anything that's discussed it yet. And there's nothing definitive in the Player's Guide. But I'll extrapolate a little and give you some advice...
First, there's a reference in the Player's Guide that indicates the Storval Plateau is the primary homeland of the Shoanti. That might mean most of them live in the highlands and not the Velashu river valley. If that's the case, we need to look for the most likely tribes to be associated with those regions. So, if you look at the names of the Shoanti tribes, it might give you some clues as to where they'd live. For instance:
Shriikirri-Quah (Hawk Clan) - Probably live high up enough to frequently encounter hawks and their nests. So I'd probably put them up on the Storval Plateau.
Shundar-Quah (Spire Clan) - These probably live even higher up in the mountains to associate themselves with the "spires" of Varisia.
Shadde-Quah (Axe Clan) - These probably don't live in the Velashu Uplands near the Mierani Forest and the elves that call that region home. Basically, axes and tree-lovers don't mix very well. And, if you allow the Shadde-Quah and dwarves to be on friendly terms, you might want to place these guys down near Janderhoff...which is far away from the Velashu Uplands.
Skoan-Quah (Skull Clan) - Looking at the map of Varisia, this Shoanti tribe could easily be from Skull's Crossing down near Hook Mountain (and far away from the Velashu Uplands) or near Runeskull and the bottomless pit of the Mobhad Leigh (which is somewhat closer to the Velashu Uplands, but you'd have to go through the Nolands to get there).
Sklar-Quah (Sun Clan) - It sounds like these guys could be from the Cinderlands if it's an area of hot-baked barrens. Or you could also see them as more of a plains tribe. But all in all, I kind of imagine them somewhere deep within the Storval Plateau and not very close to the Velashu Uplands.
Tamir-Quah (Wind Clan) - Now these guys sound like a plains tribe. So I could easily see them running up and down the Velashu Uplands between the Red Mountains, Riddleport, the Mierani Forest, and the Calphiak Mountains. So they're a good candidate. Of course, a "wind" clan could also relate more fully to the Storval Plateau if it's a region where winds sweep down fiercely from the mountains. But, basically, you've got room to play here.
Lyrune-Quah (Moon Clan) - This tribe would be my choice to place within the Velashu Uplands...for a variety of reasons. First, I don't think a "moon" clan is necessarily tied to the Storval Plateau or the more mountainous regions. Secondly, the Velashu Uplands are close to the Mierani elves, who have a bit of barbaric forest culture themselves. And, given that elves often associate the moon with their own culture, magic, etc...this seems like it might fit with the Lyrune-Quah. In addition, the Lyrune-Quah are one of only two Shoanti tribes that doesn't ridicule or fear magic. Magic, moon, and elves easily go together. So that might be another reason for why the Lyrune-Quah could be on good terms with them, trading and carrying elvish wares to other parts of Varisia. Also, the Lyrune-Quah are described as some of the most determined Shoanti warriors...and they also grant spellcasters a place of respect among their numbers...which again might parallel well with the Mierani elves. Lastly, Riddleport also anchors the end of the Velashu river valley...and it's a seaport with a major pirate theme. Navigators rely on the moon and stars for nagivational purposes and this too might weakly connect a few of the region's cultures together.
Also, for future reference, what are the standard travel patterns of the Shoanti tribes?
Keep in mind that Varisia is huge in terms of actual land area. Each Shoanti tribe could easily stay within the established regions I outlined above and only occasionally encounter one another as they follow the migration of herd animals. So, having a Shoanti tribe in the Velashu Uplands would pretty much let them range from the edges of the Mierani Forest, across thr river and over to the Lurkwood and Stony Mountains, down to Riddleport and the Calphiak Mountains, and up to the Nolands and the Red Mountains. The animals would migrate as the seasons change. So the Shoanti living in the Velashu Uplands would presumably head into the mountains (to the north, east or west) during the summer. And they'd head down the valley towards Riddleport after stopping by the Mierani Forest to trade with the elves and the seamen of the area during the warmer months.
But that's just my two-cents,
--Neil
Say, that issue is going to be released next month! Verik Wolf looks forward to visiting his old Sklar-Quah clansmen!