[Rq-rules] [RQIII] Cultures - Nomad vs Barbarian

[William Molendyk]

--- postmaster at runequest.za.org wrote:

> Not to start an argument about whether cultures are restrictive or not and
> what RQII did etc but here goes:
> 
> In my session I have some people who are IMO Barbarian. However, they do
> tend to migrate from summer to winter homes and then some. So does that
> make them nomads or barbarians?

I always felt that, in terms of the game, the biggest difference between
barbarian and nomad cultures was that nomads were mounted and barbarians were
not.  I know that in anthropological terms this is not the case, but that was
my take on it.

This tended to restrict the barbarians area of influence while increasing their
technological base (agriculture, pottery, metalworking, etc.).  Nomads were a
bit more 'primitive' in their goods and crafts.

This is only my opinion and others may see differently.  The words nomad and
barbarian are quick and dirty labels to describe a basic culture, not restrict
them to a rigid model.

Bill Molendyk