The Lhomarrian People
by Geoff GanderContrary to many existing theories expounded by contemporary Mystaran sages, the Lhomarrians are not a race unto themselves; but a fourth branch of humanity, largely vanished from the surface world except for small enclaves in the Lost Valley region, and other regions of Davania. Though they are now long gone, for the most part, the Lhomarrians did intermix with other branches of humanity long ago. In fact, many modern humans carry the blood of ancient Lhomarr in their veins, especially those who spent any amount of time on Davania, such as the Milenians, and possibly the Thyatian peoples (as well as those related to them). Other subgroups of humanity known to be partially descended from the Lhomarrians are the Yanifey people, who once inhabited the continent of Alphatia before the Alphatian Landfall in BC 1000, and who now live on the Yannivey Islands and Qeodhar. The section on the history of Lhomarr on the surface world provides more detail on this topic.
As a people, the Lhomarrians are of average height, but are stockier than the average human, and also tend to have more hair on their bodies. In terms of skin tone, they range from a medium olive to a light pink complexion. Despite their appearance, however, the Lhomarrians are not a people who live in hot climates. When the Lhomarrians first arose on the surface, they developed in southern Skothar, which was then near the equator, and very tropical. They eventually migrated to old Lhomarr, which, although far to the south, was blessed with milder temperatures thanks to both warmer ocean currents, and a microclimate, much like that enjoyed by Blackmoor during its heyday. Otherwise, old Lhomarr would have had a climate much like that of northern Norwold and the modern Thonian Marches. Thus, they arose in a tropical land, but migrated to more temperate climes. Their constant exposure to the sun, and its reflection over the sea, allowed them to retain their pigmentation.
Most Lhomarrians have brown hair and eyes, although hazel or green eyes, and reddish-brown hair, are not uncommon. Lhomarrians with blond hair or blue eyes are quite rare, and people having such a hair and eye colour combination will not escape notice.
Lhomarrian Dress:
Generally, Lhomarrian women wear their hair long, with the wealthier ones often tying it up with delicate, wire-like jewellery made from precious metals and stones. The most common form of dress for women is an ankle-length dress with sleeves reaching down to the elbows, belted at the waist. They are often white or brown in colour for the average woman, but richer ones will have dresses with vibrant colours. Over top of this dress many wear a long vest, extending below the waist, which often has colourful patterns dyed into it. Again, richer women will wear vests made from better fabrics, and having more colours. Counter to what many would expect, there is nothing forbidding women in lower economic classes from wearing upper-class garments - as long as they can afford the clothes, they can wear them. In terms of footwear, most women wear stockings (of finer fabrics for the wealthy) underneath sturdy leather shoes.
Lhomarrian men generally keep their hair short, although many have short, well-trimmed beards. Most commoners wear simple cloth sleeved tunics, belted at the waist, and pants. They will also wear boots or shoes. As with women, the richer the man, the more vibrant and well-made his clothing will be. Commoners generally wear clothing that is white, grey, or brown in colour, although colour choices are not limited to these.
Military Dress and Equipment: In times of war, Selhomarrian soldiers will wear bronze helmets and arm and leg greaves, combined with a bronze scale mail hauberk. Often, tabards depicting national symbols, or division emblems, are worn over the armour. Most warriors arm themselves with bronze spears and shields, as well as short swords or hand-axes. If distance weapons are needed, the Selhomarrians can equip themselves with short bows or slings. Two-handed weapons, as well as long swords and crossbows, are unknown to them. Less offensive weapons include staves and daggers.
Selhomarrian sailors wear leather
armour, as this is light enough that they can still swim if knocked
overboard. Many use the short sword as the weapon of choice, but
some will use tridents as well. More information on the armies of
Selhomarr will be provided in a later section of this book.