Steal Me! Steal Me!

The tradition – or more accurately problematic custom – of taking brides from the conquered was almost ubiquitous. The Sons of the Steppe were famous for their pragmatic approach to conquest, if the conquered swore allegiance. This congenial tactic led the ladies in the conquered to compete for “capture” by the best of the horde, hoping for a lavish life beyond their village. They would even hold pageants, where the swimsuit competition was more times than not the deciding factor in who would be swept onto the saddles of the warriors. But, there were a few who dreamt of being stolen but were never selected. These ladies formed unions to improve their prospects through collective bargaining, or would attend finishing classes to increase their desirability, but alas their efforts were too often for naught.