Ish
Society: Confederated tribes
Date: 770 BC
Religion: Pre-Zoroastrian Iranian
Biblical Reference: Ashkenaz (Genesis 10:3; I Chronicles 1:6)
Language: Scythian, branch of Eastern Iranian
Skills: Expert Horseman
Weapons: Double-curved Bow, Sword, Axe
Distinguished Marks: Tattoos with intricate tribal designs
Enemies: Medes, China, Nomadic tribes
Background:
ISH was the warrior king of the Scythians. He earned his place in the Circle of Death. The Circle of Death the place where all Scythians warrior earned the right to rule. A circle was sketched into the dirt of snow. Scythian warriors gathered around the circle with a short iron sword called an akinak. If a warrior were pushed out of the circle he would be cut to pieces by the defenders of the circle. Only one warrior was permitted to leave the circle alive. He would defend the right to rule against all contenders.
The final warrior was Ata. ISH was weary from hours of battle. Ata was strong and confident; his muscles flexed as he entered the circle. ISH looked into his eyes – he felt certain that Ata would die as the others. ISH charged Ata – to his surprise Ata did not move or try to shield himself. Mentally, ISH felt strong and powerful, but physically he was weary. ISH fell to his knees. Ata quickly kicked him in the face – his blows were rapid and well placed. ISH rolled up in a ball without moving. Ata lunged at him – to his surprise, ISH leaped to his feet and threw a powerful blow to Ata’s temple. Ata was dazed. ISH drove him into the drawn swords of the defenders of the circle.
ISH looked around into the circle – were there others? No one stepped into the circle. The defenders of the circle began to chant, “ISH, ISH, ISH”
