Maa) ‘he starting ditferences between the Northern and Southern Wa ter Tribesare never more apparent than daring the Kyoshi Era. The Southern Water Tribe has suffered economically for some time, ‘which has resulted in many people leaving to pursue a life of piracy instead, The Southern capital, Wolf Cove (page 21), was once rach larger, butithas been steadily shrinking in population as ‘people move from the city to villages upon the open ice to provide for themselves. Even after the fall ofthe Fith Nation, piracyisa ‘tempting alternative to poverty. The Southern Water Tribe has no navy to protec itself with, and asa result is particularly vulnerable. Incontrast, Agna Qela (page 20) and the Northern Water ‘Tribe's economic success is evident in the design of their Royal Palace, their military, and the general well-being oftheir popula tion. During this time, Agna Qefais open to visitors who general: | must rsve via ship or sky bison, Avatar Kuruk was born in the Northern Water Tribe, but because of his perceived filings as the ‘Avatar, mentioning him in polite company is frowned upon. ‘Many in the South question how those inthe North could claim to govern them and fail to support their struggling peoples. With the tribal chieftains a a political stalemate, lesser chieftains in the South now organize themselves to parlay with the North and open up new roads of communication. While these chieftains may have lost hope inthe South, they'll ensure their peoples survival 42 Avaran Lecenps: THE ROLEPLAYING GAME NOTABLE FIGURES AND GROUPS Atuat The most sled healer nthe word ‘tua san incredibly powerful healer from the Northem Water Tribe, andif she can't heal someone it means there sno help for them a all. Atuat is cocky and abit impetuous, but only because she is very confident in herselfand her legitimately impressive skill. When not atending to people asa healer, Atuat enjoys getting up to alittle mischief and fan. The fastest way to her heart isto invite Atuat onan adventure, Even while asisting the Avatar, she sil found time to gamble, eat good food, and show off litle, “Those studying healing through waterbending could learn lot from her, but Atuat is fairy traditional in her beliefs. Since only women ar allowed to learn healing in the Northern Water Tribe, Atuat is likely to only offer instruction to other women, Should a hero or their ally become badly wounded, Atuat might be their only hope of recovery. Tagaka A former pirate queen beng held inthe prton beneath Lake Laogat Tagaka isa cunning Waterbender who led the Fifth Nation, and whose father and grandfather led the Fifth Nation before her. She isa ruthless opponent and cleverly hid her true strength as abender for many years. When Tagaka was captured and sent to prison following the destruction of her let, the remnants of the Pirate group were left without a leader. ‘Now all that remains ofthe Filth Nation isa handful of splinter lets, but they may very well regroup and finda new leader if they cant rescue Tagaka from the prison beneath Lake Laogai. Heroes might be sent to rescue her, but not necessarily out of concern for the pirate queen...Tagaka enslaved many people during her time leading the Fifth Nation, and she may be the only person who remembers where she ultimately sent those people. Avatar Kuruk The previous Avatar on a questo fnd his ance ‘Avatar Kuruk died when he was only thirty-three years old, and. his time as the Avatars considered by mostto be a deep disap- ointment as he let many of his responsibilities slip. In truth, Kuruk’ life was marred by tragedy and loneliness, and he turned to unhealthy coping mechanisms to deal with te pain caused by hunting dark spirits. Though Kuruk is no longer alive, he has attempted to communicate with and help the current Avatar. On tone such occasion, Kyoshi connected with him while she was inthe Spirit World and he revealed some of his most important memories to her. “Those who find themselves in the Spirit World and in need ofelp might run across Kuruk, as he is on a mission there to find his deceased fiancée, Ummi, taken by Koh the Face Steal- er. Also, his memory is still felt in the Northern Water Tribe, and friends of his may stil be struggling to come to terms with the couse of his ite