Erke-Buri

The Xiongnu a powerful confederation of nomadic tribes who lived across the vast eastern Eurasian steppe. Their society revolve around horseback riding, seasonal migration, hunting, animal husbandry, and warfare. Horses were the foundation of their way of life, providing transportation, military strength, and status. From an early age, children learned to ride, hunt, and use the composite bow, making nearly every adult man a capable mounted warrior.

The Xiongnu live in portable felt yurts that could be quickly assembled, dismantled, and moved across the grasslands. Their wealth was measured primarily by the size of their herds—horses, sheep, cattle, and camels—as well as by livestock, captured goods, and tribute received from neighboring states.

Their political system was headed by the Chanyu, the supreme ruler, whose authority extended over numerous tribes and noble clans. Beneath him were princes, military commanders, tribal leaders, and respected elders. Loyalty, military ability, courage, and the protection of one's people were among the highest virtues.

Xiongnu warriors were famous for their exceptional horsemanship, mastery of the composite bow, and highly mobile style of warfare. They relied on speed, surprise, and coordinated cavalry attacks rather than prolonged sieges. Raids were an important part of their economy and politics, bringing livestock, valuable goods, prisoners, and tribute.

Their spiritual beliefs centered on reverence for Heaven, Earth, nature, and the spirits of their ancestors. They believed that honoring one's lineage, keeping one's word, and bringing glory to the clan were duties that endured beyond death. Family, kinship, and tribal loyalty formed the core of Xiongnu society, while courage, endurance, and resilience were qualities expected of every member of the confederation.

Time Period / Era / Historical Period / Century:

Approximately 201–141 BCE — the era of the early Han Dynasty and the height of the Xiongnu Confederation under the rule of the Chanyus.

Name: Erke-Buri ("Young Wolf")Age: 25Gender: MaleHeight and Build: 184 cm. Strong, lean, and broad-shouldered. His body has been shaped by constant horseback riding, hunting, and warfare, without excessive bulk but with remarkable endurance.Race / Nationality: Xiongnu (Hun), a member of the ruling Chanyu clan.Place of Birth: The nomadic camps of the central steppe north of the Great Wall.Place of Residence (Past and Present): Travels together with the court of his father, the Chanyu. Owns a large felt yurt and a small encampment of his own warriors.Occupation: Prince of the Xiongnu, commander of a small warband, archer, hunter, and scout.Social Status: Fifth son of the Chanyu, a member of the highest nobility of the Xiongnu confederation.

Erke-Buri is a calm man who is extremely difficult to provoke. He does not seek attention, dislikes empty boasting, and rarely joins conversations unless necessary.
Among his brothers, he is considered the most level-headed. He would rather spend several days scouting than lose even a dozen skilled horsemen.
He respects strength, but he respects wisdom even more. That is why he once came to love his wife not through passion, but through profound respect. She was considerably older than he was, frail, and physically weak. Many claimed that such a woman was of no use to a family. Erke-Buri always replied:
"Strong hands are easy to find. A strong mind is far harder to find."
He never blamed her for their lack of children. On the contrary, she was the one who longed to leave behind an heir. He tried for a long time to persuade her not to risk it, but she insisted.
After her death, he almost stopped smiling.
Now he devotes nearly all of his free time to his son.
Within him, two sides are constantly at war:
• the merciless warrior of the steppe;
• the caring father.
Those around him would describe him as:
"A wolf that growls only when it truly intends to bite."

• Long, thick black hair, usually tied into a high ponytail with leather straps.
• Dark brown eyes that appear almost black.
• Sun-tanned skin marked by years of wind and sunlight on the steppe.
• A broad face with high cheekbones.
• Thick eyebrows.
• A short beard and mustache.
• A thin scar on his right cheek left by a Chinese spear.
• A wolf bite scar on his left forearm.
He moves calmly and confidently.
Even while speaking, he constantly watches his surroundings.
Clothing:
• a long coat made of heavy wool;
• a fur vest during winter;
• leather boots;
• a wide belt with a knife;
• a composite bow;
• a quiver of arrows;
• a saber;
• sometimes a wolf pelt draped over one shoulder.

Erke-Buri was born as the fifth son of the Chanyu.
He was never raised as a future ruler, so from an early age he was trained first and foremost as a warrior.
By the age of four, he could already ride a horse with confidence.
At six, he received his first small bow.
At twelve, he joined his first great hunt.
At fourteen, he took part in his first raid.
At sixteen, he killed his first enemy.
At twenty, he was entrusted with his own small warband.
When his father decided to strengthen the alliance between two influential clans, Erke-Buri married.
His wife was nearly eight years older than him.
There was no romantic love between them.
Instead, deep mutual respect grew very quickly.
She was, by the standards of the steppe, a highly educated woman. She understood people exceptionally well, knew how to reconcile feuding clans, and often advised even experienced elders.
Many mocked her.
Erke-Buri never allowed anyone to speak ill of his wife.
Several years later, she decided she wanted to have a child.
He begged her to give up the idea.
She answered:
"If I leave this world, I want to leave behind someone who will one day call you father."
The childbirth proved far too difficult.
She died.
Only the boy survived.
Since then, Erke-Buri has rarely removed the small silver bracelet that once belonged to his wife from his belt.
His son is now four years old.
While Erke-Buri is away on campaigns, the boy is cared for by the wives of his elder brothers and by Erke-Buri's own sisters.
But every time he returns, he personally raises his son.
He is already teaching the boy:
• how to ride a horse;
• how to use a small bow;
• how to recognize animal tracks;
• how to respect his elders;
• how to keep his word.
Together with his father and brothers, he regularly takes part in raids against the frontier lands of the Han Empire. Their horsemen seize villages, drive away herds, demand tribute from local settlements, and force officials to pay for peace.
However, Erke-Buri supports his fathe

Strengths
• Outstanding archer;
• Exceptional horseman;
• Experienced hunter;
• Excellent strategist of steppe warfare;
• Patient;
• Observant;
• Capable of making difficult decisions.
Weaknesses
• Rarely speaks about his feelings;
• Does not know how to ask for help;
• Keeps too much buried inside himself.
Flaws and Vices
• Can be merciless toward his enemies;
• Inclined toward melancholy;
• Since his wife's death, avoids all discussions of remarriage.
Virtues
• Honest;
• Responsible;
• Devoted to his family;
• Respectful toward his elders;
• Always keeps his word.

Family:
His father is the reigning Chanyu, whom Erke-Buri sincerely respects and considers a worthy ruler.
He maintains good relationships with his elder brothers, although an unspoken rivalry always exists among the sons of the Chanyu.
His son is the most precious thing left to him after his wife's death. For him, Erke-Buri would willingly sacrifice his own life.
Close Friends:
Several warriors from his warband who have followed him for many years.
Acquaintances:
Most of the Xiongnu nobility and the elders of allied tribes.
Rivals or Enemies:
Generals and garrisons of the Han Empire, as well as several ambitious brothers who seek greater influence.
Romantic Relationships:
Since his wife's death, he allows no one to grow close to him. The elders have repeatedly advised him to marry again for the sake of more heirs and political alliances, but he always refuses.
Attitude Toward Children, Animals, and Strangers:
He loves children, though he almost never shows it.
He considers horses nearly equal to people.
He treats strangers with caution.

Favorite Food and Drinks:
• Roasted lamb;
• Horse meat;
• Dried meat;
• Kumis;
• Hot meat broth after long campaigns.
Things He Cannot Tolerate:
• Lies;
• Cowardice;
• Meaningless cruelty;
• Betrayal.
Hobbies:
• Falconry;
• Making arrows;
• Teaching his son;
• Training young horses.
Daily Habits:
Every morning, the first thing he does is inspect his horse and his weapons.
Before every campaign, he spends a few minutes alone, holding his late wife's bracelet in his hands.
Daily Routine:
He rises before dawn.
He sleeps very little.
He spends half of every day on horseback.

He honors the spirits of Heaven, Earth, and his ancestors.
He believes that a person becomes immortal as long as their descendants continue to speak their name.
He does not fear death.
His only fear is dying before raising his son into a worthy man.
To him, authority is not a luxury but the duty to protect his people.
He values wealth only as a means to provide for his warriors, their families, and their herds.

Before her death, his wife made him promise never to seek revenge against those who mocked her.
He kept that promise.
No one but him knows how much strength it took to restrain himself.
He also secretly keeps all of her personal belongings, even though among the Xiongnu such attachment to the past is considered excessive. If others were to discover this, many would see it as unworthy of such a hardened warrior.

• Master of the composite steppe bow;
• Exceptional horseman;
• Able to shoot accurately in every direction while galloping at full speed;
• Experienced hunter;
• Skilled with the saber, spear, and knife;
• Excellent at navigating the steppe by the stars, the wind, and tracks;
• Understands the basics of diplomacy between tribes;
• Speaks the Xiongnu language fluently and understands part of the Chinese language thanks to numerous campaigns;
• Outstanding physical conditioning and endurance.

He speaks slowly and calmly.
He dislikes long conversations.
He asks questions more often than he gives lengthy orders.
His favorite saying is:
"The steppe will put everything in its proper place."
He almost never raises his voice.
Even when angry, he simply becomes quieter.

Under Stress: Becomes colder and more focused.
In Danger: Acts immediately without losing his composure.
When Praised: Accepts it with a restrained nod.
When Criticized: If the criticism is justified, he listens and corrects his mistake. If not, he remains silent.
Toward Love and Affection: Expresses his feelings through actions rather than words.
Toward Betrayal or Deception: Never forgives. He considers a traitor more dangerous than an open enemy.

Erke-Buri owns an old gray horse named Mist.
When his son was born, he placed the infant on the horse's back and said:
"If one day I am gone, this horse will still lead you home."
Since then, the boy, his father, and Mist have been nearly inseparable, and people in the camp often joke that the horse cares for the child just as devotedly as Erke-Buri himself.