Brimm's Watch: Races at a Glance

[Shay]

[[This thread is a cross-post from a thread initially posted by Jim in the Announcements subforum.]]

Part 1: The Wayfarers and the Tenebrous

In other worlds these proud people might be called Selunari, but on Enerret they are the Wayfarers. These people wander most of the world of Enerret, fighting off the dark creatures of the Tenebrous, a dark fog that appears with desultory intermittency. They establish Waymeets for travelers and gift populaces with a protective light that keeps the Tenebrous and its denizens at bay. They also serve to guide people on long journeys, especially between the various nations of Enerret which is why they are also known as the Guardians of the Road. Many people are suspicious of the Wayfarers, perhaps because of the fact that they alone seem to hold the secret to fighting the Tenebrous and the dark creatures within or simply they are unwilling to trust those who truck with such foulness. The Guardians of the Road speak with all manner of accents which is undoubtedly the result of their itinerant ways. They also dress quite colorfully, perhaps as mute protest against the dark forces the Wayfarers are in constant battle with.

 

[Shay]

The Kingdom of Tharros – A matriarchal elective monarchy.

The Karlik [kahr-lik] – In other worlds these proud people might be called High Elves, but on Enerret they are the Karlik and they alone rule Tharros. They are guided by a strong moral compass, the pursuit of knowledge, and a love of culture and tradition. Most of those traditions are steeped in symbolism of nature, particularly the seasons. They are happiest in times of peace and would rather explore avenues of diplomacy, mutual benefits, and shared interests, but make no mistake they are martially quite capable and have as strong a sense for battle and tactics as they do for study and edification.

The Danavi [duh nav-ahy]– In other worlds these tribal people might be called High-Ogres, but on Enerret they are the Danavi. While the Danavi are considered bellicose they are just as eager to create; crafting and fighting are equally important to them. As such, smithing is highly honored, being seen as the perfect union of the two. They also adore color; each hue of the spectrum is celebrated in their culture, each having its own meaning, often modified by other colors being paired together. They cherish oral history and community; in fact whole villages are considered one’s family. The lifespan of the Danavi is short which may be why they live life with such vigor and great celebration.

The Gens Heureux [zhon zur-eux] – In other worlds these people might be called Hoblings, but on Enerret they are the Gens Heureux. They have a great passion for life and follow their pursuits to the apex, striving to be the best of the best. The have a fondness for games, crafts, and luxuries, including but not limited to art, jewelry, and clothing. The also quite enjoy elaborate titles. The Gens Heureux coif their hair in great curls, powder their faces, and adorn themselves in all sorts of finery. They also have a great passion for food; it is woven into all of their ritual, celebration, and truly their daily lives. Do not make the mistake of thinking their love of pomp and caparison to mean they are shallow or lack sense. The Gens Heureux are a clever people with a keen eye and the ability to quickly comprehend and navigate complex information. For this reason they are often found as the diplomats, merchants, barristers, seneschals, and magistrates of Tharros.

More to come about the other races of the Kingdom of Tharros (and other nations), which is where the town of Brimm's Watch can be found.

 

[Shay]

The Agitrianni [a-gee-tree-ah-nee]– In other worlds these creative people might be called Humans, but on Enerret they are the Agitrianni. The Agitrianni live to create and celebrate life, love, and the world around them. They pride themselves as artisans and they cover their bodies in tattoos simply for the joy and beauty of expressing their views and talent. They are capricious, known for changing careers, moving around, and taking many lovers. In fact, their romantic unions are never for life by default, but an arranged amount of time, often set at one year, five years, or ten, though some do choose longer periods and often after several marriages to one particular person a marriage is set to end at death. These unions are not exclusive nor are they limited by gender. Marriages among the Agitrianni are quite varied being anything from one man and one woman to two women for a few years and then each woman chooses a new marriage partner, either man or woman, to three men marrying for five years and two renewing for years to come and the third moving on to other marriages. The Agitrianni are known for both fiery tempers and fiery passion; their emotions change seemingly with the tides- boisterous revelry one moment, the next a hunt for justice fueled with rage and the evening concluding with tender, romantic notions. The only thing predictable about the Agitrianni is that they are quite unpredictable. The Agitrianni can be found in all walks of life in Tharros from soldier to farmer, crafter to healer, merchant to sheriff; and that can be but just one person. Rarely does their temperament not sabotage the path to knighthood.

The Noibla [noh-ee-blah] – In other worlds these dutiful people might be called Humans, but on Enerret they are the Noibla. They are organized, loyal, and believe in sensibility, discriminative politeness, and honor. Many choose an ascetic life to allow for the pursuit of duty to Queen and Kingdom as well as self-reflection and the quiet joy of doing a job well done. Some do value and display trophies that herald their brave deeds. Fewer still seek a life of comfort and finery as reward for great service, fierce loyalty, and bravery in times of need. Daily ritual is as important as politeness and honor. There are common rituals, but each family also has their own rituals, such as the proper way to serve a meal or how a garden must be tended. On occasion families clash when their rituals conflict; rarely does it transgress past ignoring one another or the most polite rudeness one could imagine, but there have been instances where violence has been exchanged. The Noibla value heraldry, family lines, and art that exemplifies loyalty, honor, and courage. Each family has a heraldic mark and then an individual has one that reflects his family's in some way. For instance, the Stasling Family Crest is sable trimmed in or with an argent stag regardent among a garden of flowers. Mollen, the eldest daughter, has a personal heraldic mark of sable trimmed in or with a stag cabossed, its antlers festooned with similar flowers.

The Lagarto [lah-gar-toh] – In other worlds these methodical and scrupulous people might be called Wilderkin, specifically Lizardkin and Tortoisekin, but on Enerret they are the Lagarto. The most tribal of the races of Tharros, the Lagarto move a pace slower than the rest; they do not rush. Their actions are deliberate, calculated, and well thought out. They prefer to rest in the midday sun; many of their homes have rock gardens which prominently feature a La Rocka Soleada. This enormous stone can easily lounge whole families, and neighbors too, to sit in the warmth of the sun, reflecting on the happenings of the first part of the day and pondering what the cool evening will bring. Some say the Lagrato can afford to take life slowly as they have an unusually long life span compared to the other races that appear to stem from animals. They are not slothful, just thoughtful. When alacrity is called for, the Lagrato are quick act, especially if undead is the threat at hand. It is said they once guarded the Plane of Death and to this day, many of their celebrations are about death and appeasing restless spirits.

The Cathwyllt [kath-wiflt] – In other worlds these solitary people might be called Sarr, but on Enerret they are the Cathwyllt. These are felinoids reminiscent of ocelots, margays, cougars/pumas/mountain lions/catamounts/panthers, jaguars, bobcats, Canadian lynxes, jaguarundis, kodkods, oncillas, geoffroy's cats and pampas cats. The Cathwyllt are mysterious and live at the fringes of Tharros society, mostly found roaming the stony hills of western Tharros. Rarely are there more than three seen together in one place. The Cathwyllt enjoy a close familiarity with the Wayfarers, which may be why they are able to travel so freely with seemingly no fear of the Tenebrous. Some find them savage, but others believe they are just practical; realists surviving in the world without relying on others or even a larger society, however it is obvious they have a role in the Kingdom of Tharros as annually a contingent of wizened Cathwyllt travel to the capital. Perhaps what is most curious is they meet not with the ruling Autumn Queen, but the Winter Queen just before she makes her annual circuit of the kingdom to be among the people she once ruled over. If anyone has been bold enough to ask a Cathwyllt what they do for the kingdom, they have never shared an answer; perhaps because there was none or perhaps because they were not heard from again.

This is the last of the playable races of Tharros. Stay tuned for more race descriptions for the other nations of Enerret.

 

[Shay]

The Empire of Tian - A dynastic unified empire

The Wēi Míng [way-ming] – In other worlds these superstitious people might be called Humans or Fey-touched, but on Enerret they are the Wēi Míng. These people appear as humans, with brightly colored hair containing one or many colors of the rainbow and some also have skin that sparkles as twilight dances upon the river. These people are rumored to be descendants of the Twilight Fae of Tian, which is of course absurd, but none the less their culture and celebrations center around ritual meant to please the Fae who once walked Enerret. There are seven major clans among the Wēi Míng; each is associated with an element, as adhered to by the beliefs of Tian: fire, water, earth, metal, wood, stone, and void. Each family line has their own set of customs and superstitions that must be followed in order to not gain the wraith of their supernatural ancestors. Some Wēi Míng reject these ancient customs and are disowned by their families, cast out to find their own way in the world. They are called the dulì and most often these lone people leave Tian to find fortune in another country.

The Xiao [Zee-ow]– In other worlds these crafty people might be called Hoblings, but on Enerret they are the Xiao. These folk primarily live on the great river that serves as a natural border between Tian and Tharros. The Xiao make their home on the water. They are born on the junks, grow up, live, and die on the junks. During this process from birth to old age there is nothing they have not learned about the vessel and being an observant people not much escapes them in the study of the wind, current, and rapids which are life and death to their floating homes. The junks are invariably overcrowded; young men and women, elders, children, extended family, and pets all jumbled up together eating, drinking, playing, smoking, and gambling in the nooks on deck or the many rooms and recesses below. In port, on the river, at sea, in typhoon or calm they live quite happily that way. Some Xiao actually live their whole lives on the river, never setting foot on dry land. They have a deep connection and respect for the river and as such are sometimes called River Folk. Primarily crafters, traders, and merchants they sail their junks up and down the river selling and bartering their wares with citizens of both Tian and Tharros. A common turn of phrase in Tian is “if it cannot be found, seek the Xiao.” They take great pride in their craft and trade, whether it be ship building, alchemy, carving, cooking, fishing, or any myriad of product producing crafts or skills. Those who do not create tend to have a mind for business, whether that be merchanting, running a floating tavern, or even smuggling and other shady enterprises.

Coming soon the other races of Tian:

The Aki No Ko (Spore and Reed Dryads)
The Imperoku (High-Orcs)
The Ōkina Neko (Sarr -Bengal Tigers, Asian Golden Cat, Asiatic Wildcat, Manul, Chinese Mountain Cat, Eurasian Lynx, Rusty-spotted Cat, Flat-headed Cat, Bornean Bay Cat, Iriomote Cat, Leopard Cat, Marbled Cat, Jungle Cat, Fishing Cat, Sand Cat, and Leopard, including snow and clouded).
The Pathwalkers(Stone Elves)
The Shianzoku (Wylderkin - Animals of Asia)

 

[Jim]

Recently there has been a movement among younger Gens Heureux who have taken to calling themselves Gens Habile [zhon ˈha-bəl]. They reject the grandeur of the Gens Heureux lifestyle and instead focus on being excellent at one skill or task, but not for the fanfare and titles, but simply for the joy of excelling at an endeavor. They do not paint their faces and they wear their hair simply. They still are well groomed, but just not overly fancy and their clothing is practical; suited for the task at hand and not just about beauty. Habile and Heureux often clash and heated arguments are becoming quite commonplace.