Harrison DeVries Writing

The northfolk is a term used to describe a broad group of people who call the White Mountains and surrounding lands home. They are an ancient people who are thought to draw their roots from the first humans. Ancient ruins buried in the ice from thousands of years past mark their history long before the southern powers took hold and the wear of time chipped away at this proud people.

Northfolk tribes tend to be nomadic and grounded with nature. Their people’s magic differs from the other kingdoms in this manner. While others, such as Vaelor, Hailgalad, and Kaboutia say to draw their strength and affinity from the gods and knowledge, the northfolk take their magic from the elements. Their casters are called druids. They have power over plants and can even cast blue ice that burns their enemies.

Some druids are able to connect with wild animals such as bears and mountain lions. Others are said to be able to shape-shift. These are called weerwolven and they can morph their bodies into incredibly powerful wolf-like creatures. Some are dangerous and feral monsters while others fight amongst the northfolk ranks.

Many believe the Northfolk are a homogeneous group that has common goals, but that is far from the truth. In fact, there are hundreds of Northfolk dialects and tribes that have complex histories and interrelated cultures. These are just a few of the major tribes that hold power in the vast White Mountain region.

• Garnu: The Garnu and the typical people one would picture if they thought of a northfolk tribe. They live in animal skin tents and travel the White Mountains to match the changing seasons. During the especially cold months, they are camped in their ancestors caves near frozen lakes where they fish and hide from the whipping wind. During warmer times, they travel further south to farm and hunt in the forests. They have the most run-ins with the southern kingdoms and while some take up the mantle of raiding, much of their violent interactions with others are due to accidents rather than planned ambushes.

• Yeleai: These people are known to have close relations with the Hailgaladrians. They often act as guides in the northern wilderness and are strong trade partners with the kingdom. This relationship has brought a fair bit of wealth to these people, but has also brought a good deal of animosity from other tribes. Unlike their northfolk brethren, the Yeleai are not nomadic and actually fashioned their chief settlement from stone. It is known as the Ice Castle by the few Hailgaladrians that have made the trek up to their domain.

• Durnmai: The Durnmai are known to be one of the most warrior-like of all the northfolk tribes. They do not farm their own crops or create goods, they steal them. Men and women alike are raised from birth to be fierce and unrelenting in life. They do attack other northfolk tribes in desperate times, but they often save their strength for their hated neighbors to the south. They, in fact, see themselves as the saviors of the northfolk way of life. Their leaders believe that without them, the southern kingdoms would subjugate them all.

• Trimbi: This tribe tends to keep to the forests of the White Mountains. If you are looking to find the quintessential peoples for ancient and druidic knowledge, the Trimbi is your first stop. Their main settlement is a stationary city that holds the largest collection of books and ancient texts in the White Mountains. Some believe that the first books ever written are kept here. While these people hold ancient knowledge, they are well versed in magic and will protect it without hesitation. Few outsiders have walked the alpine forest halls of Trimhallow, but those who have are forever changed.

While these peoples are scattered, they are known to band together from time to time. There have been many charismatic and powerful leaders that have formed confederacies to challenge their historical oppressors, the Hailgaladrians, and Vaelorans. One in particular was Knud, the Stag King. He brought an army of raiders down south and they sacked multiple settlements. His campaigns of terror continued for years until his luck finally ran out. During his escape back to the White Mountains, the Vaeloran King Gallus cut him off and destroyed his forces. This defeat led to many tribes cutting off their connection to the outside world. Other warrior tribes turned to mercenary work as soldiers of fortune. After Knud’s defeat, they thought it best to work for their enemy rather than continue a futile struggle against an impossible foe.

Over the years, perceptions of the Northfolk have ranged across a wide spectrum. Regardless of other kingdoms’ preconceptions, they are a complex and fascinating collection of peoples who bring an ancient wonder to the world.