Tolmas - Part 2
Nomadic tribes roam the untamed desert wastelands and the borderlands between the cultivated plains and the deep desert. They are self-sufficient and clans who survive in spite of the unforgiving climate. They hold freer, more pragmatic ideals, based around common survival rather than on "civilized" dogma. They follow the national religion, but hold their own interpretations. While women still do not hold power or authority in these tribes, they are considered equal members within the society. This cultural difference has led to much tension between the theocratic government and the nomadic tribes.
The Tolman government has often threatened over the past decades to "rein in" and "civilize" these nomadic tribes, but it is a quest no Shataan to date has actually acted upon. As much as the religious leaders would like to see these moderates brought under control, the secular leaders recognize the practicalities of leaving them alone for two reasons. First, even the much-touted Tolman army is no match for the Great Desert where the nomadic tribes know the terrain and weather patterns as well as their own families. The second reason is horses.
The desert people have an uncanny expertise and understanding of all things horse. The horses they breed and raise have an almost legendary reputation for intelligence, strength and endurance, and are distinguished by their unique spotted markings. They supply all the horses for the Shataan's Elite One Thousand, and the mounted units of the larger national army. This is relationship secures the independence and freedom for the nomadic tribes.