Harrison DeVries Writing

The world where Hailgalad can be found is teeming with depth and wonder. Here are some of the peoples that can be found across the Known World:

• Ashland Kindred: These people occupy sections of the Ashshadow Rainforest. This humid forest region lies in the shadow of the now dormant volcano called Infiertree, or burner of trees in their tongue. It is a landscape forever changed by a cataclysmic volcanic event from nearly a thousand years ago. Hot springs pepper the forest along with the occasional cave filled with gurgling lava. Even the plants glow with a strange red glow. While not hot to the touch, at night, the forest pulses with red light from the organisms that radiate with the memory of Infiertree. The Kindred are people who look nearly indistinguishable from humans. Physically, they tend to be taller and slender than an average Northfolk or Hailgaladrian. Some say that they live longer lives than a regular human and are touched by the divine, but little is known about them in Hailgalad. The Ashland Kindred are darker of skill and hair. Many are imbued with powers to conjure fire and their eyes glow with the same red as their forests when they call upon their magic. The Kindred live in settlements both on the coast and deep within the forest. They have long been an enemy to the Vaelroans, who have always looked to conquer them to expand their empire.

• Goblin Country: Goblins can be found in almost every region of the continent, but there are few places they are openly welcomed. Goblin Country was a land long abandoned by the Kaboutians. There were once great forges here in ancient times. The Kabountains used the volcanic activity to create incredible works. This resource turned to ruin as the volcanoes became more active and the land less hospitable. This, coupled with dark mages and unfriendly creatures, made the place more trouble than it was worth, and the place became a wasteland. The goblins wasted no time creating sprawling cities and salvaging what valuable resources and land they could to make this treacherous land what it is today.

• Hailgalad: The people of Hailgalad are a newer kingdom compared to those that accompany them on this continent. They were once tribal herdsmen who lived in small villages. That was when Vaelor conquered their lands and used their prized horses for the golden army. One day, they united under one banner and overthrew the Vaelorans. What followed was the formation of the Kingdom of Hailgalad. More about these people can be found here: Exploring Hailgalad: A Kingdom’s Journey to Independence.

• Ironwood Kindred: These people occupy mountains in the northwest of the continent. They are somewhat like their cousins, the Ashland, but they are pale-skinned. Like the Ashland, these Kindred have an affinity for nature and live much more in harmony with it in contrast to the Vaelorans of Hailgaladrians. They dwell in forested valleys of the Ironwood Mountains. It is called the Ironwood because the trees there are imbued with the metal. No one is certain of how they came to be, but these trees can be fashioned into weapons that rival some of the strongest steel. The Ironwood Kindred are not often seen on the road in large numbers, but they do travel to Kaboutia often to trade with their closest allies. They are fierce defenders of their precious Ironwood resource. If you go there looking to barter for some, you will pay a steep price.

• Kaboutians: The Kaboutian race is filled with miners and tinkerers. Their cities span the endless mountain ranges of Kaboutia. More information about them can be found in the article Kaboutia: A Land of Mountains and Mythology.

• Kuinan: These people are identified by their grey skin and white hair. Their kingdom was once much larger, but has eroded over time. Kaboutia and Vaelor conquered much of their land, and others of their kind decided to travel the world in search of more prosperous corners of the world. Some are known for their incredible skill in stealth and belong to thief and assassin groups. While their kingdom may no longer be mighty, they are still a predominant group on the continent. More about them can be found in the article Kaboutia: A Land of Mountains and Mythology.

• Merrian Folk: The Merrian folk are a humanoid aquatic creature. They have scaly skin, needle-like teeth, and claws, but do not let this exterior deceive you. They are just as intelligent as humans and have their own language and deep culture. At one point, they occupied settlements that spanned both under and over the water on nearly every shore of the continent. Some humans were frightened by this race, and many Merrian were hunted down. Now, their major settlements lie in the reefs and archipelagos of the Bottomless Bay. Those of the Merrian who travel amongst the other kingdoms can often be found captaining or working as a hand on one of the countless ships that travel the seas.

• Northfolk Tribesmen: Among the rocky cliffs and snow drifts of the White Mountains, one can find the scattered Northfolk Tribes. Their lineage can be traced back to the beginnings of intelligent life in the known world. Some say that the city Garnloban, which now lies in ruins, was the first city ever built. Many believe the Northfolk to be a simple, barbaric people who only make their livelihoods on raiding the civilized world, but this is incorrect. These mountain dwellers have developed incredible networks to maintain food supplies and trade throughout some of the harshest terrain of the Known World. The years have also brought them skills to enhance their weapons with ice and even form unbreakable bonds with wild animals such as bears and mountain lions. More about them can be found in the article The Mystical Druids and Tribes of the Northfolk.

• Sarisan Nomads: The Sarisan Desert is a harsh environment home to an ancient people and magic. Many other powers have tried to conquer these lands following old stories of desert caves teeming with gold, but none have been successful. The nomads who live there are said to be able to manipulate the elements to draw water from the ground and create great formations from the earth. Some say that there is a prophecy that Sarisa used to be an endless oasis that was swallowed by the gods and that one day all the Known World will be desert. None of that is known for certain, but it is known that Sarisa produces skilled riders and warriors. There are also many fine pieces of artwork and jewelry that these people produce. If you find yourself in any major city center in the Known World, chances are you can find a Sarisan merchant.

• Vaeloran Empire: The Eternal Empire, the Golden Empire, may have been used to describe this illustrious land, but few do it justice. At one time, Vaelor’s empire ran to every shore of the land. In recent years, it has receded back in the wake of rebellions and internal strife. Make no mistake, Vaelor is still the strongest people in the Known World. Their capital, Vaelora, boasts a population exceeding a million people. Many of their faithful lords believe that this era is simply a time of consolidation and one day their crown will bring them back to their former glory in the name of their patron god and head of the Divine Order, Vaelentros. More about them can be found in the article Exploring the Grandeur of the Vaeloran Empire.