Central Davanian Humanoids
editing and additions by Joseph Setorius on original work by Alex BensonSouth of the Aryptian Wastelands several humanoid clans diverged from the harsh brutish lifestyle practised elsewhere amongst Mystara’s throngs of beastmen. Legend recounts a (philosophical/religious) crusade swept through these humanoid clans, promoting transformation to more civilized societies. These “Kinelk” had only observe small scattered human tribes to notice they prospered despite the obstacles surrounding them. Through technological innovation humans had surmounted the overwhelming odds against them. Taking note the Kinelk adopted cultural and ethnic traditions allowing them to exploit their strengths and (prosper/excel). Embracing reason, self-awareness, and complex thought, they were able to further develop their cultures beyond the constraints of their fellow humanoids.
Tsall Kinelk:
Dwelling upon the slopes of the (Ice) (Peaks/Mountains) approximately eleven thousand kobolds, known as the Tsall Kinelk, established an innovative, yet traditional society based mainly around herding and mining. Originally inhabiting the plains surrounding the ______ River, the Tsall subsisted as shadows of their current sophistication. Constant warfare with neighboring humanoid tribes and primeval halflings, the Tsall led a primitive existence. Subsequent migrations of ancient halfling tribes and prolonged drought insulated the area from foreign invasion. Circa 300 AC(?) prehistoric human tribes, migrating toward the North, successfully thwarted prolonged humanoid attacks, sowing the seeds of reflection that would eventually lead to the Kinelk revolution. Though the Tsall were among the first humanoids to adopt more civilized customs, surrounded by larger gnoll and orc tribes their population began to dwindle. Enslaved by the Kryss Kinelk around 520 AC, the Tsall performed the mundane tasks and heavy labor within the (kingdom). Around 720 AC, hard pressed by bordering adversaries, the Kryss Kinelk began recruiting more of the population as rank and file members of their military, leaving shortages in skilled craftsmen able to supply the constant demands of a growing army. Turning to the enslaved Tsall population, they taught the kobolds the cryptic techniques of metallurgy, tanning, and woodwork(ing). Handily learning and refining these crafts, the Tsall reluctantly served their overseers over the next sixty years. In 780 AC; however, seizing opportunity, the Tsall gained freedom while Kryss warriors were engaged with Toverk and Rusk Kinelk (Gnolls) and later Okish Kinelk (Orcs), eventually fleeing to the highlands of the (Ice Range). Having not forgotten the Tsall’s flight, in recent times the Kryss Kinelk have launched several invasions into Tsall territory, assaulting Tsall villages, intent on recapturing their former servants. Yet an overlong period has elapsed, allowing the kobolds to (cement/secure/safeguard) themselves into their new home(land). Three invasions have all failed to retake the Tsall, Kryss forces being slowly worn down and forced back to their own lands. With the current victories against their foes, the Tsall at long last have the military strength and technological traditions to endure.
Developing a written language during their bondage, the Tsall are quite sophisticated even amongst the Kinelk. The majority of Tsall Kinelk are distributed among three heavily fortified villages; Zvagi, Morgnin, and Urgdt. Perched high upon the mountainsides, these villages hold a commanding view of the surrounding territory. Terraced fields and domesticated mountain goat herds lay within safe distance of these defensive sites. Though the bulk of the villages are set upon the inclined surfaces of the highlands, many (dwellings/residences) extend into the interior. Each village possesses a reliable source of drinking water, and maintains a large stockpile of provisions.
Operating a few small iron mines, the kobolds now have the ability to forge weapons, giving them a distinct advantage over neighboring tribes. In the foothills below they extract coal from several exposed seams, which they burn in expertly crafted (stoves/furnaces), allowing greater warmth and comfort inside their dwellings underneath the earth. They are amply accomplished craftsmen of iron, leather, and pine; talents acquired under Kryss rule. Small scale agriculture is carried out upon quarried stone terraces, yet the main domestic industry of the Tsall is herding. The Tsall shepherd considerable flocks of mountain goats all along the saddles and ridges of the (Ice Range). The goats providing hides, milk and horn; resources which have allowed the Tsall to thrive.
Warlord Tosk, leads the Kinelk from his stronghold in Morgnin. An intellect among kobolds, Tosk is well versed in military and administrative affairs, capably ruling the Tsall over the last decade. When not entangled in official matters, he has an affinity crafting fine armour, which he (presents/gifts) to his favourite kobold officers. Receiving a suit is considered great honor. Under Tosk’s leadership the Tsall prefer to engage invaders in small scale ambushes, employing tactics to wear an enemy down before reaching their the fortified villages, from where they are content to repel the invaders from within the walls, able to wait out any siege. A luxury afforded them due to their extensive stockpiles.
Naturally isolationist, the Tsall allow few visitors within their domain. For obvious reasons, avoiding contact with the Kryss Clan whenever possible. Their isolationism extends to xenophobia when encountering races they are unfamiliar with, meticulously observing intruders for the slightest sign of aggression, taking offense at the slightest provocation. Unbelievably Pegdhart Gnomes are the exception. Passing through Tsall lands, a waypoint along their migratory trek around the Divergan Lands, the gnomes stop to trade with their unlikely associates. Having developed ample coal production, the Tsall sell the surplus to the semi-nomadic Pegdhart. The Tsall have learned, trading is more lucrative than raiding.