War and Ruin (Open & Accepting)

[Mfable]

-reserved for introduction-  

[Mfable]

Dwarves

Todgum & Rhir

To the east of the Ild-ad plains is the Dwarven hold Todgum, capital of the Dwarven kingdoms. On the opposite end of the Ild-ad plains is the Dwarven hold Rhir. Both holds are incredibly similar, as they both stay completely true to the Dwarven way of life.

Just like all other Dwarven holds in the Dwarven empire, the ranking consists of a Lord and a Counsel, and five castes. The Lord caste is the highest in the hold, and the Lord has the final say in what the counsel agrees upon, though often times an overwhelming number of votes cannot be disagreed with without serious consequences. The counsel makes most of the decisions, and they hold more power than the Lord at times. A dictator from every noble house has a seat on the counsel in each hold. Below those castes is the warrior caste, the warriors and paragons of the Dwarven empire. They do battle whenever needed, and act as guards when they are not. Below them is the merchant caste. Anyone that sells and buys goods belongs to this caste. Finally, there is the peasant caste. Any Dwarf that is too old or too young for a duty ends up in this caste, and they may only rise to warrior or merchant. Todgum, the Dwarven capital, holds a king instead of a Lord. The King is considered higher than a Lord, but they have almost the exact same duties, just that the king has responsibility over all holds, and not just his own.

Just like any Dwarven hold in the empire, Todgum & Rhir have their set of laws that all Dwarves should keep. The penalty can range from minor to major, depending on the crime committed.

These Dwarves have many allies, and are respected by at least one tribe/kingdom of each race. They trade heavily with Gnomes and Humans, and often consort with Elves and Trolls to share wisdom.

Thrilqdyn

The Thrilqdyn dwarves live to the north of the Shadowed Path, at the edge of the Sun Mountains. Once considered a part of the Dwarven kingdom, the Cantas hold itself has been exiled and barred from the Dwarven kingdoms, it’s sprawling underground trade routes shut off from the rest of the keeps. It stated with a Dwarf named Rolth, a fiery and temperamental warrior. He sought to usurp the Lord’s position, and rule the keep himself. For thirteen years he bought out and rallied other Dwarves to his cause, preaching to them and convincing them that he ought to be leading the people of the keep. Finally, he was ready to strike. He led an army of Dwarves into the royal chambers, slaughtering the royal family and the counsel where they stood, man, woman and child.

After this bloody coup, the Dwarf proclaimed himself Lord and disbanded the Cantas counsel, fearing that others would seek to take his position as he took it. He expected the other Dwarven holds to accept his rise to power and welcome him with open arms, but that wasn’t quite the case. The other Dwarven holds renounced the hold, and stated that any Dwarf that remained there was an exile. Dwarves fled the hold by the hundreds, even ones once loyal to Rolth. The city was shut off from the others, now close to empty. Anger took Rolth, and he began to plan his revenge. A new fighting style was born and the warriors that practice it today are known as Berserkers. The Lord began to teach his followers the ways of the Berserker, and declared that any Dwarf was welcome to join his hold, criminals and exiles alike.

Rolth never found his revenge, and was killed forty-nine years after his ascension. To this day Cantas remains a hold of thieves and murderers, berserkers and exiles.

There are only two ranks in Cantas, Lord and every other Dwarf. The Lord is the unquestioned master of the other Dwarves in the hold, and the only way around it is to challenge and kill the current Lord. Only twice has this ever been achieved, and the current Lord, Gihn, has held the position for nearly fifty-three years. There are also no laws in Cantas, it’s gripped by anarchy and the Dwarves there go to any means to survive.

The Thrilqdyn Dwarves care not for the reverence of the stone and ancestors, and it is for this reason that they are particularly hated by other Dwarves. Only the Trolls really view them without hate, though they merely lack the intent to pass judgment upon them.

Nildar

To the south of the Neryr forests is the Bysk hold, home of the Nildar Dwarves. Unlike the other two Dwarven holds in the Dwarven empire, Bysk is open to the sky, and built on the sides of the highest peak of the Dashtash mountains. It is by far the biggest Dwarven hold, though not as populated as the capital. The Dwarf that established this keep was named Drynd, an older dwarf with white hair and blue eyes that loved the feel of the cold. He petitioned the counsel of the capital to start a new hold in the summits, and was granted his wish.

Just like all other Dwarven holds in the Dwarven empire, the ranking consists of a Lord and a Counsel, and five castes. The Lord caste is the highest in the hold, and the Lord has the final say in what the counsel agrees upon, though often times an overwhelming number of votes cannot be disagreed with without serious consequences. The counsel makes most of the decisions, and they hold more power than the Lord at times. A dictator from every noble house has a seat on the counsel in each hold. Below those castes is the warrior caste, the warriors and paragons of the Dwarven empire. They do battle whenever needed, and act as guards when they are not. Below them is the merchant caste. Anyone that sells and buys goods belongs to this caste. Finally, there is the peasant caste. Any Dwarf that is too old or too young for a duty ends up in this caste, and they may only rise to warrior or merchant.

Just like any Dwarven hold in the empire, Bysk has it’s set of laws that all Dwarves should keep. The penalty can range from minor to major, depending on the crime committed.

These Dwarves have many allies, and are respected by at least one tribe/kingdom of each race. They trade heavily with Gnomes and Humans, and often consort with Elves and Trolls to share wisdom.

Elves

Vylan

In the forests of Neryr is the village Ithese, home of the Vylan Elves. All Elves originally live in these forests, but the large tribe split because of differences. The group that remained were called the Vylans.

The Vylan are a simple race, an eschew violence when they can. They cannot however, be considered defenseless. All Vylan are exceptionally skilled at both duel wielding blades and at archery, being taught both from the earliest points in childhood that they could hold anything. The Vylan do not have a name for this, since all Vylan Elves practice it, but they do have a name for the teachers of both combat styles, Iyailli and the Silous, respectively.

Like all other Elven cultures, the Vylan really have no set of laws. Elves simply know what they can and cannot do, what they should and shouldn’t do. To do what an Elf should not would lead to exile.

The Vylan Elves are the only Elven culture not to change since the race was birthed. They are slender and tall, have striking features and grow hair only on their heads, and they have pointed ears.

The Vylan have many allies, at least on kingdom or tribe from each race. As masters of wisdom, often times they are sought out by other races looking for a piece of advice, and they give it, gladly. When one owes a debt to the Elves, the Vylan use it to their advantage. No race dare attack the Elves, for a swift counterattack will come from every other race out there.

Lanaca

To the south-west of the Dwarven hold Cantas, on the other side of the Shadowed Path, are the Arassu tunnels. The elder that led these Elves here was named Vilyl. He was an odd Elf, preferring the dark and fascinated by death. Scorned by the other Elves for his lack of respect for the dead and for his unending quest to use the dead to their advantage, he gathered Elves under his banner and left the tribe, then known as Sosacese. It was this that caused the Elves to split into four tribes and scatter across the continent.

Vilyl unlocked the secrets to immortality, and he to his day rules over the Elves of Arassu. He has the final say in any matter of the Elves, though he prefers to never be disturbed. His second, Asietu, acts as his voice, eyes and ears, leading the Elves as dictated by the elder himself.

The are two forms of elite warriors in the Tribe, the Rafayr and the Ehume. The Rafayr, also know as Death Greeters, revel in death, killing all that stands in their way with razor sharp blades or piercing arrows, draining the energy of the dead to power their battlemagic and heal their wounds. The Ehume, also known as Hollow Men, take on a different roll, standing behind the Rafyr and summoning the dead to do battle along side the Elven warriors. Each of these forms of elite warriors cover their skin in intricate white tattoos and pain, more often than not a ghostly white shell covering their face, or the claws of the dead sliding down their back or chest.

Vilyl is a hard man, and he himself has been known to kill an elf that shows no promise, works too slow, or denies a command. For this reason the Elves of Arassu have unwavering loyalty and duty, performing their tasks as quickly as possible and without hesitation. There is no law here, for an Elf that does not his duty or shows not his loyalty will be killed instantly.

Although all four Elf tribes are on in the same race, they each have distinctive features. The Lanaca, known as Dark Elves, have a black or dark purple tint to their skin, and their eyes have adapted to see in the dark, taking on a more cat-like appearance.

These Elves have little allies, the Ywaruatha Elves, the Thrilqdyn Dwarves, and the Lye-ight Gnolls. Only they view the Elves of Arassu as allies, and only when needed. The Elves of Arassu and the Lye-ight Gnolls have a small pact, and usually a Gnoll or two can be found amongst the Elves. The Arassu tunnels connect to old Dwarven trade routs, long since sealed from the Dwarven holds. Here the souls of the dead Dwarves linger, and the Elves allow the Lye-ight Gnolls to enter and gather them. In return, the Lye-ight will give the Lanaca the bodies of slain enemies and fallen Gnolls. Although they have an agreement, they rarely get along. The Lye-ight view bodies as prisons for souls, but the Lanaca view souls as anchors for bodies.

Ywaruatha

To the east of the Dashtath mountains are the flooded jungles of Selier, the home of the Ywaruatha Elves. When the newly born race of Elves split into four tribes and scattered across the continent, an elder by the name of Sunisi led a group of Elves across the Dashtash mountains and into the flooded jungles off the coast. It was here that they made their home and founded Otaiatiau.

The Elves here have a very strict lifestyle, and each elf has his or her part, given to them by the elder. Besides the elder and the elder counsel, all Elves are equal, though certain jobs are given certain names.

The Lomose are tasked with supplying with food from the ocean, and are skilled fisherman. Unlike the humans that use poles and nets, Lomose chase there prey in their own environment, snatching fish and crustacean alike with lightning fast reflexes. It is said that a Lomose can hold his or her breathe for just under half an hour.

The Sydyza are elite hunters of the tribe, tasked with supplying the tribe with food from the flooded jungles. They silently hunt their quarries through the swamps, wrestling reptile and mammal alike into submission. They are said to even be able to outwrestle a Troll.

The Lecann, also known as Stone Watchers, watch the mountains to the west of their homes for any sign of danger. Often covered in mud and unmoving all day, they silently stand in the flooded jungles, keeping an ever vigil eye toward the west. They are said to be as still as the earth itself, and have on numerous occasions been mistaken as statues by other Elves and other races.

Similar to the Lecann are the Vacos, also know as Wave Watchers. Unlike their Lecann brothers and sisters, they are always moving, never staying in one place for more than a few minutes. They spend most of their lives in the water, whether under it or over it. They keep a watchful eye on the coasts for any sign of danger.

The Tinook are comprised of some of the eldest members of the tribe, and are also know as Sky Watchers. They watch the skies for signs of danger and the divine the weather, predicting the future and giving advice of the heavens where needed. Without the Tinook, Otaiatiau would have been destroyed by the wild weather of the coast.

Otaiatiau has no laws, but each Ywaruatha is expected to do their duty unquestioningly and without hesitation. A Ywaruatha that slacks on or abandons their duty is exiled, and can return only on the pain of death.

Although all four Elf tribes are one in the same race, they each have distinctive features. The Ywaruatha, known as Sea Elves, have a dark blue tint to their skin and an extra layer to their eyes to protect them from the salt water they often find themselves in. Most of these Elves, males and females, prefer to shave their heads.

Otaiatiau still calls each other Elven tribe their allies, even if their cousins squabble with each other. Although considered to be less wise than their cousins, they are still respected as speakers of wisdom, and any race close to the sea comes to them for guidance involving the harsh oceans.

Basyt

To the east of the Neryr forests, past the Asayaisu ridge and in the Toteh desert, is the Iotasaya fort, home of the Basyt Elves. The woman who led them here was known as Yleza. She was an interesting woman, and her opinions and attitude changed constantly. She led the Basyt Elves to the Toteh desert and set up a permanent for there.

All Elves of this keep are expected to be ever vigilant and to learn the art of combat with the spear, and to be able to use anything as an improvised weapon, from clothes to rocks. They are considered the top duelists of the land, and many wayfaring races will strike bargains so that one of their own can learn their techniques. This is most common with the Humans, but occasionally a member of another race will learn as well. A non-elf that learns this technique is always called an Udiste, and are usually treated as children more than an equal.

Unlike the other Elven cultures, Iotasaya has laws in place. More so for the likes of Humans and Dwarves, but still followed.

Although all four Elf tribes are one in the same race, they each have distinctive features. The Basyt, known as Desert Elves, have tanned skin and an extra layer to their eyes to protect them from the driving sands of the desert. Most of these Elves, males and females, prefer to shave their heads.

The Basyt, like a lot of Elves, have many allies. Like the Vylan, they use their treaties and agreements as weapons, making sure that no other race dare attack them.

Gnoll

Lye-ight

Just under one-hundred years ago the Ild-ad plains had over thirty Gnoll tribes, all vying for power and warring with each other. However, an unnamed Gnoll of unknown origin launched an assault on all the tribes, summoning spirits of the long dead to battle them. For three nights he waged this bloody war, and at the end of the third night, he had his victory. The tribes were now one, the Lye-ight. At the end of the third night the unnamed Gnoll hero gave one common Gnoll a book, the Soedage-usk. Upon touching this book, the common Gnoll gained untold amounts of knowledge and wisdom, escalating to the mind of a genius that rivaled even that of the oldest Elven elders.

The title of this position is known as the Soedage, and every thirty years the book is handed down to another Gnoll of the Soedage’s choosing. Only females can achieve this position, though only the Soedage knows why. The first Soedage brought civilization and law to the Gnolls. She taught them how to read and write, and showed them how to build.

The Gnolls built many large buildings on the plains, taking the wood from the nearby forests. These incredibly large buildings are partially underground, and cover the huge entrances to hundreds of small tunnels and underground rooms. Each of these sets of buildings, tunnels, and rooms is known as a Den. There are thirty-three Dens in Ash-erak, each of the conquered tribes holding one each. Each Den can hold over one-hundred members, each with their own room.

The hierarchy of Lye-ight is newer to the Gnolls, introduced by the Soedage-usk, and much like that of the more civilized races. At the top of the hierarchy, in a Den all to herself at the center of the village, is the Soedage. She commands all the Gnolls of Ash-erak, and all respect her as their unquestioned leader.

Under the Soedage are the Chieftains and Den Mothers, each Den having one of each. These members make up a sort of counsel, meeting with the Soedage, also know as The Great Mother, every month to address anything that is needed. This meeting lasts an entire day, and none but the Chieftains and Den Mothers may see the Soedage on this day. However, the Soedage has unquestioned authority and is the final say in any matter, no matter what it may be.

The next ranking members of the hierarchy are the Lye-kel, the elite guardians of the village. A Gnoll chieftain may call for a vote to elevate a Gnoll of his Den to this position, and a majority vote must be in his favor to finalize it. To be granted this position is considered to be a great honor for the individual and the Den he or she came from.

Below the Lye-kel are the Lye-tas, the Den guards. They are each elevated to this position by the Chieftain of their Den. They have authority over the lower members of their Den, and are entrusted by the Chieftain to guard and manage the Den.

Below the Lye-kel are the Urn-dyn, the craftsmen of the Dens. These members are, with the exception of the weapons craftsmen, chosen by the Den Mother. They perform the needed tasks, making what is needed for their Dens to survive and thrive. These weapon craftsmen are picked solely by the Chieftain, and make what is needed for the Lye-kel and the Lye-tas.

Below the craftsmen are the common Gnolls of the Den, the mothers and children, the old and the wounded. Though considered to be at a lower ranking than the Urn-dyn, these common Gnolls, know simply as Ights, are not required to take orders from them. On the odd occasion however, an Urn-dye may choose an Ight as an apprentice, a position that cannot be refused. It is considered a great honor though, so most Gnolls are eager to hand their young ones off to the craftsmen.

One of the most prestigious rankings, rivaling that of the Chieftains and the Den Mothers, are the Soedage-lye, the most elite form of warrior in Ash-erak. Only the Soedage herself can choose a Gnoll for this position, which cannot be refused. Whenever a new litter is born in any of the Dens, the Soedage will visit and inspect the young. It is during these times that the Soedage might choose a newborn to be a Soedage-lye. Once chosen, the newborn is suckled by the Soedage herself, and undergoes a form of physical and spiritual scarring as it grows. A mask is bound to the infants head, and over time is forces the muzzle back and it bonds with the skin. Each mask is different, and to remove one would be the death of the Soedage-lye. The ritual scarring causes the Soedage-lye’s fur to become a ghostly white color, and the spots -if any- to become a very pale gray. The individuals eyes lose all signs of color, becoming piercing white orbs that glow with an eerie and ghostly white fire. These Soedage-lye are trained in binding and summoning spirits, and swordplay. They each carry a staff from which a lantern hangs, and an assortment of blades of their choosing, usually one to two swords, a single knife, and a spear. Each of their weapons is serrated and bound loosely to the individual. Due to the rituals these elite warriors undergo, they never need to eat, drink, or sleep.

There is one more ranking, the Soedage-dyn. These elite craftsmen answer only to the Soedage-lye and the Soedage herself. They craft anything and everything the Soedage or the Soedage-lye need. Only the Soedage herself may choose a Gnoll for this position.

The Soedage-usk is kept in the Soedage’s Den, and only she is allowed to see it until she chooses a new Soedage. Once a new Soedage is chosen, the older Soedage will wander into the Soedage-den, also known as The Spirit Way by the Dwarves. It is said that the body of these Gnolls becomes ethereal and enter a sort of afterlife known simply as Usk. Not much is known about Usk, and it is almost never spoke of among the Lye-ight. It is considered by all Lye-ights to be such a holy place that only a Soedage may enter. All other Gnolls simply die and their spirits are left to become weapons used by the Soedage-lye.

Ash-erak has one simple law: obey. Any member that doesn’t obey a higher ranking member is subject to a punishment of the higher authorities choice. It is common to exile or consume particularly rebellious Gnolls among the Lye-ight.

The Lye-ight are fond of learning about other cultures and religions, and even trade heavily for books. These books are often handed up the ranks to the Soedage and the knowledge spread amongst the populace by the Soedage’s words. The views of other races are merely stories to the Lye-ight however, as to them, their path is the only true path. They have also been known to respect the warriors and higher ranking members of other races, to an extent, as they understand that everyone has their place in the system. The warriors of the Lye-ight take no prisoners however, and kill and bury every last person that challenges their members or offend them in any great way.

They are particularly hated by the Dwarves, as their view on the spirits of the dead are on quite opposite ends of the scale. Where the Dwarves see spirits as something to be respected and revered, the Lye-ight see spirits as tools, and nothing more. Although these two races hate each other, they rarely ever skirmish. The Gnolls keep to their plains and the Dwarves keep to their tunnels and underground cities, rarely ever crossing paths.

Tia-et

During the blood war that forged the Lye-ight, a lone female Gnoll known as Issia-ver escaped the bloodshed and fled over the Ryk mountains and into the jungles off the coast. The young female spent several years in these jungles and slowly developed a bond with all the plants and animals there. Years later she met a Gnoll exile, a youthful and rebellious Gnoll named Esstai-und. They had several litters, and eventually other exiles joined them. It wasn’t long before they established a home in the jungles. Issia-ver used the connection that she established with the plants to bend the wood and leaves to her will, making camouflaged homes for her new people. She then set about teaching her people to commune with nature as she could, and eventually Gnolls were born with the connection. The new tribe, known as Tia-et, was born, and It-ris was founded.

Years of communing with nature and selective consumption has altered the Gnolls of Tia-et. Unlike their carnivorous cousins, they have adapted to become omnivores.

There are only four positions one can hold in this tribe, all of them holding significant importance. The leader of the tribe is know as the Eld-rak, and is always the most powerful member of the tribe. He or she commands all other Gnolls and gives each of them their roles and their daily tasks. He or she keeps an ever watchful eye on the jungle, divining every detail and the intent of nature. This position is passed on whenever an Eld-rak is ready to teach a younger Gnoll.

Below the Eld-rak are two similar castes, the Iret-sul and the Iret-ryn. The Iret-sul are in charge of bending wood and leaf to create dwellings, and growing what is needed by the community. They are almost always female. The Iret-ryn are in charge of communicating with and training the beasts of the forest, and for hunting what is needed by the community. They are almost always male. Without these two castes, the tribe would surely perish.

Under the Iret-sul and the Iret-ryn are the Ves-eld, or Litter Guards. These are the members of the tribe that either lack the necessary skills to commune with nature or the individuals too old to continue in any other position. The Ves-eld watch over all the pups of the tribe that are not yet old enough to take on a position.

The tribe has but one rule: respect nature. The tribe values freedom from the norm, and often times tribe members have very quick tasks and are given the rest of the day to do whatever it is they please. The only rule is that one must respect nature. The forest gave them a home, and in return they must protect it from those that would do it harm. To defile the forest in any way is to invite death upon a Gnolls head, and often times it leads to cannibalism, as is the way of nature made their race to be. Although not a law, they understand that certain chants and rites must be said before they are to consume anything from nature.

A Tia-et Gnoll is easy to pick out in a crowed, even amongst other Gnolls. Their fur is often covered in a fine layer of moss that dyes it a dark green color, and more often than not there hair is braided and woven with leaves and sticks poking out of it in no particular pattern. They are quite fond of carrying shaped wooden staves, and shun metallic weapons. In addition to being able to speak Gnoll, the tribe has it’s own secondary language: the Ess-aw.

The Tia-et are a diverse lot and mapping one based on others is near impossible. They do however have one thing in common: a love for nature. They are more often than not respectful, but have been known to enter a primal frenzy when nature is violated in any way.

Their strange ways have cost them allies, as most races hate them for their ferocity. The Elves have a mixed view on them, but more often than not it’s a negative one. They can respect the Gnolls undying loyalty to nature, but the ferocity and rage that they exhibit makes them no more than a mindless predator in the eyes of the Elves. It is good then that the Tia-et are isolated in the Hin-war jungles, away from other races.

Gnome

Emin’o

Far northeast of Bysk, built into the Dashtash mountains and overlooking the Arile forests, is the huge Gnome city known as Emin’o. Though primarily Gnomish, the buildings themselves are for any race that wishes to live in the open city. Several Dwarves and Humans live here, as well as the odd Elf or Troll. This large city also hold constructs of several shapes and sizes, performing any needed task that one cannot do without them.

All Gnomes of Emin’o are expected to be master mechanics and engineers, and they cling to this with unwavering loyalty and duty. It is built into every one of them, and as natural as walking.

Like their brothers and sister at E’ador, the Gnomes of Emin’o have only two rankings. The Im’ari, and the every day Gnome.

Like other civilized cultures, the Gnomes of Emin’o have laws that must be followed, and the punishment depends on the crime.

With the exception of Gnolls, the Gnomes can call any of the other races allies, due to their master trade skills, knowledge and prowess with mechanics.

E’ador

North of the Ild-ad plains, in the Gaeld forests, is E’ador, home to one of two Gnome areas. Built into the trees of the forest, this little village is anything but normal. Creatures of all shapes and sizes can be seen here, performing tasks for al the Gnomes, from manual labor to transportation.

To these Gnomes, training animals is a way of life, and it is for this reason there is only two rankings. They have a leader, known as an Im’ari. This leader runs the entire village, with the help of assistants of course. The rest of the Gnomes use their knack for magic, Illusion magic in particular, to trick and tame the beasts of the forest and surrounding areas.

Like other civilized cultures, the Gnomes of E’ador have laws that must be followed, and the punishment depends on the crime.

With the exception of Gnolls, the Gnomes can call any of the other races allies, due to being a part of the same kingdom as their brothers and sister at Emin’o.

Human

Chaven, Ghache, Lering, Inaris and Rilora

Humans are a diverse lot, and their kingdom spreads far. They currently have five large cities spread amongst the land.

Chaven, the desert city, lies in the Toteh deserts, to the southeast of the Elven fort of Iotasya, close to the Asayaisu ridge. They mine the ridge for a type of malleable rock, and make everything from pottery to sculptures with it.

Ghache, the mining city, lies in the mountains just northwest of Bysk. They are master craftsmen and supply the other human cities with armors and weapons, shields and other metallic items.

Lering, the city of knowledge, lies to the east of the Shadowed Path, in the Kelas hills. They collect and horde any knowledge and wisdom they can find, collecting books and chronicling history from every race. Though not even close to as amazing as Uskk, it is still the second best place to gain knowledge on the continent.

Inaris, the port city, is the center for naval matters. They make ships of all shapes and sizes. They are master traders, trading with foreign lands when they can. It lies north of the Salier jungles, in the Itaw forests.

Rilora, the capital of the Human empire, lies just between the Gaeld forest and the Ild-ad plains. They are responsible for training every human soldier and knight. They have several pacts with other races, from the berserker Dwarves to the Basyt duelists, and more.

The Human culture has countless rankings, though most mentionable is the royal family. The royal family takes residence in Rilora, and has the final say about anything involving the Human race. Each Human has his or her place, and only on the odd occasion doesn one rise or fall to a different ranking.

Humans have the most laws out of any other race, since they are a diverse lot without a real racial mindset or attitude. The punishment depends on the crime.

The Humans received mixed feelings from every other race. They are a young race, and very unpredictable, but they are strong and adaptable. For this reason treaties and alliances with other races come and go and are reborn again only to repeat the cycle. It has been several hundred years since any of the races have been to war however, and the humans pride themselves in the fact that they can keep the other races in check. Though most other races have more physical or mental prowess, the Humans have numbers, an advantage against the other races. They respected nonetheless though.

Troll

Ess

The Ess Trolls are the longest lived race on the planet, tracing their origin to before even the Elves. Thousand’s of years ago they made the forests to the north of the Dashtath mountains their home, living in and amongst the ancient Tas trees. Here they chronicle everything they see, and are viewed as masters of wisdom.

They have a simple hierarchy, consisting of only two rankings, the Irt and the Isy. The Irt is a counsel of Trolls, all ageless beings from the dawn of creation. They are the final arbiter on any affair amongst their tribe. Then there is the Isy ranking, which is simply every other Troll. They do whatever it is they are set to do by their elder without question.

They have a simple language know as Siam, the Language of Tales. Due to their slow speech most of the words consist of only a handful of letters and are never too fancy.

The Uskk, or Tree of Tales, has the story of the world and the history of every race etched into it’s massive and hollow trunk. Trolls will defend this tree with their lives, and anyone but an elder will be killed on sight for entering unless first granted permission by all nine elders. Only ever has six other Trolls and one Elf been allowed to enter.

The Ess Trolls lack a law, but for good reason. An Ess Troll knows his or her place, and they live by the counsels decisions. It is this silent understanding and respect that keeps the Ess Trolls civilized and productive. To anger one of the elders would be to invite his wrath upon your skull and the histories wiped clean of your name and family.

These Trolls are respected by every race and have no real enemies. They return this with guidance when needed. It has been said that even come of the most respected Elven elders have gone to the counsel for guidance in times of need.

Iri

About five-hundred years ago, a young Troll named Nead and his wife Lleh left the watchful eyes of the Ess elders and traveled over the Ryk mountains. In the swamps of Isph, just north of the Hin-war jungles and on the northern side of the Ildet river, he set about creating his own tribe with his wife. Inbreeding and a lack of teaching has led to what is known as the Iri tribe. It’s a largely primitive one, with a language know as Itt. It’s a set of grunts and squeals that are barely able to convey simple needs and wants.

These Trolls have no set of rules or even homes to reside in. They simply take what they want, kill whatever they want, and sleep wherever they can. They will often resort to cannibalism and self mutilation when needed…or when a younger and weaker Troll annoys them or has something they want. It is for this reason that most of these Trolls stay apart from one another, only banding in times of dire need.

Iri Trolls will use anything as a weapon, from a rock to a fallen tree, but they are particularly fond of the Tooss Frog. These large amphibians are quick to breed and plentiful in the swamps, and release a cloud of toxic gas and bile when tossed hard enough. It is for this very reason that often times an Iri Troll will be referred to as a “Frogtosser”.

These Trolls look far more primal than their Ess counterparts. They have large tusks jutting from their mouths in random directions, and their body is covered in fur, most prominent on their upper backs, neck, and shoulders, much like a mane.

These Trolls kill and consume anything that moves, even the other races and other Trolls, and it is for this reason, among many others, that they are hated by every other race, including other Trolls. They are little more than mindless murderers in the eyes of others.