: The name of the race
: This should be ca 10 sentences and provide description of the race's cultural traits, clothing, customs, attitude, where their lands are, what immortals they worship etc.
Physical Description: Very briefly covering average height, weight, hair, eyes and skin color.
Languages: Which languages do they know automatically and which extra languages are they likely to learn first.
Preferred class(es): Classes that are popular in this culture. Both PC and NPC classes apply.
The human races are categorized like as follows:
Antalians - People of the Northern Reaches, Heldann, Norwold, Wendar etc.
Ethengar - People of Ethengar
Alasiyans - People of Ylaruam
Darokinians - People of Darokin. They are mixed, but should be considered one here.
Glantrians - Mixed as they are, these should also be covered under as one entry. Might allow for more than 10 sentences for this one.
Thyatians - includes Kerendans, but not Hattians.
Hattians - natives of Hattia and the ruling class of Heldann
Traladarans - Natives of Traladara. Boldavians are considered Glantrians
Athruagin - Includes all tribes
Sindhi - People of Sind
Dunael - Natives of the Isle of Dawn (Redstone, Cardwicca etc)
Nuari
Makai - entry should include nativised Ierendians
Alphatians, True -
Alphatians, Cypri -
Ochaleans - People of Ochalea
Cynicidean - Natives of Cynicidea
Minrothadders - Natives of Minrothad
Thothians - Natives of Thothia
I may have forgotten some, but I think I have covered most. I'll give you an example of what I am looking for:
TRALADARANS
The Traladarans are the original population of Karameikos, where they make up the majority of the lower and middle classes. Traladarans are a superstitious lot, putting faith in curses and good luck charms. They live in a feudal society and most are farmers or craftsmen. Traladarans like to dress in bright colors and wear jewelry if they an afford it. Traladarans worship the Immortals known as the Traladaran Three, Halav, Petra and Zirchev, epic heroes of a lost Golden Age. Many Traladarans show a dislike towards Thyatians who now make up the ruling class of their country. There are exceptions to this, and there has been some marriages between Thyatians and Traladarans. Children of mixed parentage have a more positive attitude towards both groups and are also usually accepted by both.
Physical Description: Pale skin, brown eyes, dark brown hair, 5'9 (male), 5'3 (female), light build.
Languages: Traladaran and Thyatian (Automatic), Elf (callarii), dwarf, gnome, halfling.
Preferred class(es): Ranger, Fighter
This one is open to criticism btw
Anyone who wants to help out?
Havard
Languages: Traladaran and Thyatian (Automatic), Elf (callarii), dwarf, gnome, halfling.
Preferred class(es): Ranger, Fighter
This one is open to criticism btw
Anyone who wants to help out?
Havard
Great idea. But do you really want to give both Karamaikan languages for free? I thought that only city-born or learned taraldarans will know Thyatian. I would have made it a bonus language and not an automatic one.
However, adventurers are generally presumed to be exceptional... and although it would be challenging, in the long term not having a common (or at least trade--which is my conversion's method) language, gameplay, especially intra-party would be come tedious at best.
Havard, please send me a copy of what you come up with... I would most certainly be able to use it in my project. (Which I'm supposed to be workin on now, except for my vice of procrastination.)
Roger
ALASIYANS
These humans were originally a subject race of the ancient Nithian empire from the Isle of Dawn. They are the principal ethnic stock of the Emirates of Ylaruam, and form minority groups in Thyatis and eastern Darokin. Largely nomadic, they value the family and tribal unit above all, and have a deep reverence for the Immortals. The commoners wear plain trousers and shirts with long robes and sandals; nobles dress more elegantly, wearing more expensive materials and often adding wide sashes, jewelry, and expensive boots.
Physical Description: Dusky skin, dark brown or black hair and eyes, 6' 1"(male), 5'8" (female), sharp features, slight build.
Languages: Ylari (Automatic), Alphatian, Thyatian, Traladaran, dwarf.
Preferred class(es): Cleric, Fighter
ALPHATIANS (CYPRI- includes some Blackhill and Aalbanese)
Derogatorily referred to as “Common” Alphatians these humans are the result of generations of interbreeding between the otherworldy “Pure” Alphatians and the Cypri civilization. Outside of the continent of Alphatia, they are found primarily in the islands of the Minrothad Guilds, the Emirates of Ylaruam, and the Principalities of Glantri (mainly in Blackhill). Men and women commonly wear a kihara- a full length robe with flowing sleeves. The ostentatiousness of the kihara varies in direct correlation to the wearer's social status.
Physical Description: Coppery skin, golden brown to dark brown or red hair, brown, gold, green, hazel, or amber eyes, 6' (male), 5'9 (female), delicate bones and facial features, lean build.
Languages: Alphatian, Thyatian (Automatic), elf (sylvan), draconic, auran.
Preferred class(es): Wizard, Cleric
THYATIANS (HATTIANS - includes Aalbanese)
One of three tribes of barbarians to migrate north from Davania, the purist Hattians maintained a different set of traditions from their Thyatian and Kerendan kin. The island of Hattias in Thyatis is home to the largest population of these folk, but they also have a significant presence in Glantri and in the Heldannic Territories. They believe themselves to be the greatest race, and all others (including their Thyatian relatives) to be lesser beings. Racial purity is of tantamount importance to them. They wear similar tunics and trousers as other Thyatians, though with much more attention to formality and with knee high boots.
Physical Description: Olive skin, brown or black hair, blue or grey eyes, 5' 11" (male), 5'5" (female), wide brow and heavy facial features, solid build.
Languages: Thyatian (Automatic), Alphatian, Hinterlander, dwarf.
Preferred class(es): Cleric, Fighter
THYATIANS (includes Kerendans and Caurenzans)
The Thyatians and Kerendans were the other two major tribes to emigrate to the Known World in ancient times. These people have since gone on to form the mighty Thyatian Empire. Outside of their imperial holdings, they may also be found in Karameikos, Darokin, Glantri, and Ierendi in large numbers. They are a haughty people, and renown the world over for their treachery. They wear thigh-length tunics and trousers, cut to accommodate prevailing weather.
Physical Description: Olive skin, light to dark brown hair, brown or blue eyes, 5'11" (male), 5'5" (female), wide brow, prominent nose, solid build.
Languages: Thyatian (Automatic), Alphatian, Traladaran, Hinterlander, Ochalean, Ylari, elf (sylvan), dwarf.
Preferred class(es): Aristocrat, Fighter, Rogue
Darokinians - People of Darokin. They are mixed, but should be considered one here.
I'm still torn what to do with this one. They're such a hodgepodge... I suppose your idea to make them just one "Darokin" people is probably the easiest and best solution, though.
Glantrians - Mixed as they are, these should also be covered under as one entry. Might allow for more than 10 sentences for this one.
Traladarans - Natives of Traladara. Boldavians are considered Glantrians
I'd toss the Boldavians in as Traladarans, myself. A lot of the others I'd throw in with other races (Glantrian-Alphatians are either Alphatian/Pure or Alphatian/Cypri, for example- well, except the Flaemish- and the Caurenzans are Thyatians).
Aside from that, I'd have the Flaemish, Averoignian, Bramyran, and Klantyre as separate cultures. Probably. Another issue that tears me apart.
Sindhi - People of Sind
Two peoples here (at least currently- frankly there should be more diversity, IMO, but that will have to wait until someone does a more comprehensive overview of the region someday)- the Sindhi and the Urduk nomads.
Dunael - Natives of the Isle of Dawn (Redstone, Cardwicca etc)
You're on your own on this one. I'm not really sold on the idea of the Dunael myself- the Caerdwiccans, as far as I'm concerned, are just Klantyre transplants and the more Irish IoDers (such as in Redstone) could just as easily be Darokinian/Thyatian (per PC1: Tall Tales of the Wee Folk, there are a couple of Irish/Welsh settlements in Darokin).
Minrothadders - Natives of Minrothad
Possibly the biggest offender- I have no idea what to do with this one. I suspect the Thadders are definitely their own beast, much more even than the combination of their Nithian and Alphatian forebears. The real difficulty comes in separating the human Thad culture from that of the elves- pretty intermingled they be!
Some others you forgot:
Albarendi: The albino natives of Utter Island (they were christened Albarendi by Sharon "Rotipher" Dornhoff, who has been swallowed up by the Mists of Ravenloft.
)Honor Islanders: Still not sure what their origins are, but they are definitely a unique culture in and of themselves.
The Darokinians are the polyglot peoples of the nation of Darokin; they vary widly in origins but have come to share a common culture to a large extent, though they remain very physically mixed. Darokinian culture is dominated by merchants, trade, and mercantile metaphors. Darokinians may be found all over the world, buying and selling, though most never leave their homeland.
Physical Description: Pick a nation adjacent to Darokin and use its physical characteristics.
Languages: Darokinian and Thyatian (Automatic), Any language spoken in an adjacent country
Preferred class(es): Expert, Merchant-Prince, Rogue
ETHENGARIANS (includes Makistani of Ylaruam)
The Ethengarians are nomadic horsemen that roam the Sea of Grass tending their herds in the northern Known World. Renown as fierce warriors, they are traditionally divided into family clans, ruled by tribal khans. Every so often, a single Great Khan is chosen by the tribes to unite them against the outside world. Ethengarians wear heavy fur clothing and hats for protection against the cold and harsh wind of the plains.
Physical Description: Dark coppery skin, long black hair- on men the head is shaved in on top in a circle, leaving hair at the sides and a long braid in the center, brown eyes, 5'4" (male), 5'2" (female), heavy build.
Languages: Ethengarian (Automatic), Thyatian, Heldannic, dwarf, orc, goblin, sylvan.
Preferred class(es): Barbarian, Fighter, Spirit Shaman
Ordinarily, Morphail, you are corect.. as would be appropriate for all non-Thyatian people such as the Makai...
However, adventurers are generally presumed to be exceptional... and although it would be challenging, in the long term not having a common (or at least trade--which is my conversion's method) language, gameplay, especially intra-party would be come tedious at best.
Havard, please send me a copy of what you come up with... I would most certainly be able to use it in my project. (Which I'm supposed to be workin on now, except for my vice of procrastination.)
Roger
IMC I tend to give all PCs Thyatian for the gaming reasons you mention. Morphail has a point however. Something to consider...
Roger, I will collect these once all are covered and I'll send you a copy
Havard
Okay, here are a couple that I've got mostly worked out already myself, I just modified what I had to fit your format somewhat:
ALASIYANS
These humans were originally a subject race of the ancient Nithian empire from the Isle of Dawn. They are the principal ethnic stock of the Emirates of Ylaruam, and form minority groups in Thyatis and eastern Darokin. Largely nomadic, they value the family and tribal unit above all, and have a deep reverence for the Immortals. The commoners wear plain trousers and shirts with long robes and sandals; nobles dress more elegantly, wearing more expensive materials and often adding wide sashes, jewelry, and expensive boots.
Physical Description: Dusky skin, dark brown or black hair and eyes, 6' 1"(male), 5'8" (female), sharp features, slight build.
Languages: Ylari (Automatic), Alphatian, Thyatian, Traladaran, dwarf.
Preferred class(es): Cleric, Fighter
An excellent description. Just what I had in mind. Perhaps Al-Kalim should be mentioned specifically? Interestingly, this description could even be used if we included the Thothians into this category. Thoughts on that?
ALPHATIANS (CYPRI- includes some Blackhill and Aalbanese)
Derogatorily referred to as “Common” Alphatians these humans are the result of generations of interbreeding between the otherworldy “Pure” Alphatians and the Cypri civilization. Outside of the continent of Alphatia, they are found primarily in the islands of the Minrothad Guilds, the Emirates of Ylaruam, and the Principalities of Glantri (mainly in Blackhill). Men and women commonly wear a kihara- a full length robe with flowing sleeves. The ostentatiousness of the kihara varies in direct correlation to the wearer's social status.
Physical Description: Coppery skin, golden brown to dark brown or red hair, brown, gold, green, hazel, or amber eyes, 6' (male), 5'9 (female), delicate bones and facial features, lean build.
Languages: Alphatian, Thyatian (Automatic), elf (sylvan), draconic, auran.
Preferred class(es): Wizard, Cleric
Another good one! I'll get back to the categories later, but even if we stick to my category regime I think this can be used as it is.
THYATIANS (HATTIANS - includes Aalbanese)
One of three tribes of barbarians to migrate north from Davania, the purist Hattians maintained a different set of traditions from their Thyatian and Kerendan kin. The island of Hattias in Thyatis is home to the largest population of these folk, but they also have a significant presence in Glantri and in the Heldannic Territories. They believe themselves to be the greatest race, and all others (including their Thyatian relatives) to be lesser beings. Racial purity is of tantamount importance to them. They wear similar tunics and trousers as other Thyatians, though with much more attention to formality and with knee high boots.
Physical Description: Olive skin, brown or black hair, blue or grey eyes, 5' 11" (male), 5'5" (female), wide brow and heavy facial features, solid build.
Languages: Thyatian (Automatic), Alphatian, Hinterlander, dwarf.
Preferred class(es): Cleric, Fighter
I would like to include some more details on the Heldannic Knights here, and also mention Vanya's role specifically. Otherwise fine!
THYATIANS (includes Kerendans and Caurenzans)
The Thyatians and Kerendans were the other two major tribes to emigrate to the Known World in ancient times. These people have since gone on to form the mighty Thyatian Empire. Outside of their imperial holdings, they may also be found in Karameikos, Darokin, Glantri, and Ierendi in large numbers. They are a haughty people, and renown the world over for their treachery. They wear thigh-length tunics and trousers, cut to accommodate prevailing weather.
Physical Description: Olive skin, light to dark brown hair, brown or blue eyes, 5'11" (male), 5'5" (female), wide brow, prominent nose, solid build.
Languages: Thyatian (Automatic), Alphatian, Traladaran, Hinterlander, Ochalean, Ylari, elf (sylvan), dwarf.
Preferred class(es): Aristocrat, Fighter, Rogue
Another good one. Here I might throw in another sentence about the role of Thyatians in Karameikos, and perhaps some details on Thyatian Immortals.
Thanks for throwing out these on such short notice Andrew! Great work!
I will comment on the rest of the posts later, but now I need to get some work done :embarrass
Havard
I didnt want to make this thread into too much of a discussion of the categories, but since you make some interesting input, I'll comment on those:
I'm still torn what to do with this one. They're such a hodgepodge... I suppose your idea to make them just one "Darokin" people is probably the easiest and best solution, though.
As you say, it is a simplification.
I'd toss the Boldavians in as Traladarans, myself. A lot of the others I'd throw in with other races (Glantrian-Alphatians are either Alphatian/Pure or Alphatian/Cypri, for example- well, except the Flaemish- and the Caurenzans are Thyatians).
Aside from that, I'd have the Flaemish, Averoignian, Bramyran, and Klantyre as separate cultures. Probably. Another issue that tears me apart.
One of my objectives for this list is that I don't want too many headings. Throwing the Glantrians into one group really helps limit the number of cultures. I see your points, but I would rather use Glantrian as the heading and include a few details on each group under that heading. It will probably make it easier for newcomers to understand as well as they can see the map and figure out where those people are from pretty quickly.
Sidhi:
Two peoples here (at least currently- frankly there should be more diversity, IMO, but that will have to wait until someone does a more comprehensive overview of the region someday)- the Sindhi and the Urduk nomads.
Noted. I am no expert on Sind, but this is worth taking into consideration. Again I am tempted to cover them under one heading, but making them sub-categories of this one.
Dunael:
You're on your own on this one. I'm not really sold on the idea of the Dunael myself- the Caerdwiccans, as far as I'm concerned, are just Klantyre transplants and the more Irish IoDers (such as in Redstone) could just as easily be Darokinian/Thyatian (per PC1: Tall Tales of the Wee Folk, there are a couple of Irish/Welsh settlements in Darokin).
This one I am willing to reconsider. The Dunael are not canon so I cannot truly defend them. Ofcourse, if I rule that Caerdwiccans are Klantyrans, then I have to split up the Glantrians which I really dont want to do.
Hmmm... I need time to think about this one.
Minrothadders:
Possibly the biggest offender- I have no idea what to do with this one. I suspect the Thadders are definitely their own beast, much more even than the combination of their Nithian and Alphatian forebears. The real difficulty comes in separating the human Thad culture from that of the elves- pretty intermingled they be!
It is a complicated case, but I figured they would warrant as a "Cultural group". Separating them from the elves isnt really neccesary, though the entry should include something about a shared culture with the Sea Elves.
Some others you forgot:
Albarendi: The albino natives of Utter Island (they were christened Albarendi by Sharon "Rotipher" Dornhoff, who has been swallowed up by the Mists of Ravenloft.
Honor Islanders: Still not sure what their origins are, but they are definitely a unique culture in and of themselves.
Yeah, what happened to Sharon?
Thanks for mentioning these. Should we allow for 3-4 groups from Ierendi, or throw them in as sub categories of a Ierendians group? If keeping them separate, do we have an alternative name for the people of Honor Isle?
Havard
Darokinians
The Darokinians are the polyglot peoples of the nation of Darokin; they vary widly in origins but have come to share a common culture to a large extent, though they remain very physically mixed. Darokinian culture is dominated by merchants, trade, and mercantile metaphors. Darokinians may be found all over the world, buying and selling, though most never leave their homeland.
Physical Description: Pick a nation adjacent to Darokin and use its physical characteristics.
Languages: Darokinian and Thyatian (Automatic), Any language spoken in an adjacent country
Preferred class(es): Expert, Merchant-Prince, Rogue
I am amazed at how geniusly simple you made this one!
Perhaps we could include something about Asterius and other religious traits of these guys?'PS: Thanks to everyone who has contributed so far. Keep your comments coming!
Havard
Yeah, what happened to Sharon?
She posts on the Ravenloft board here under the name Rotipher.
Darokinians
The Darokinians are the polyglot peoples of the nation of Darokin; they vary widly in origins but have come to share a common culture to a large extent, though they remain very physically mixed. Darokinian culture is dominated by merchants, trade, and mercantile metaphors. Darokinians may be found all over the world, buying and selling, though most never leave their homeland. Darokinians are not especially religious, though there is a Church of Darokin and if forced to choose a single patron immortal, many Darokinians would choose Asterius in either his honest or dishonest aspect.
Physical Description: Pick a nation adjacent to Darokin and use its physical characteristics.
Languages: Darokinian and Thyatian (Automatic), Any language spoken in an adjacent country
Preferred class(es): Expert, Merchant-Prince, Rogue
I may have forgotten some, but I think I have covered most.
How about some other (obscure?) human groups? Or maybe they are regionally outside your focus.
The Karimari people of Ulimwengu on the Serpent Peninsula.
The Huleans of Hule.
How would you describe the peoples of Yav, descended from the Tanagoro with some intermarrying with Sheyallia elves, on the Serpent Peninsula and Thanegia Island.
Yannivey Islanders, Yanifey tribesmen intermixed with Alphatian refugees or are these more Antalian despite the Alphatian interbreeding?
How about some other (obscure?) human groups? Or maybe they are regionally outside your focus.
The Karimari people of Ulimwengu on the Serpent Peninsula.
The Huleans of Hule.
How would you describe the peoples of Yav, descended from the Tanagoro with some intermarrying with Sheyallia elves, on the Serpent Peninsula and Thanegia Island.
Yannivey Islanders, Yanifey tribesmen intermixed with Alphatian refugees or are these more Antalian despite the Alphatian interbreeding?
Lets focus on the Known World at this first stage. I have decided to include Sind and the Thyatian colonies, but for now I think we should leave the others out.
When we are done with these we can move on to other areas. Note that the structure above is a concious simplification. As Cthulhudrew illustrated as and as your examples indicate as well, Mystara is in actuality much more complex in its ethnic and cultural makeup. The reason for this simplified model is to provide a useful overview to players with varying degrees of familiarity of the setting, much as what an official player's guide might have been.
Havard
Lets focus on the Known World at this first stage.
I think I was using a more expansive definition of Known World, like the Almanacs use, each of which the Almanacs list as being located in the "Known World". So for this project the Known World is mostly the traditional definition established in the Gazetteers?
Roger
I guess I got into trouble when I added a few non-gaz countries. I suggest we complete these threads before moving into the Serpent Peninsula/Hule Region or the Alphatian Sea region.
Havard
If Sind were really developed the way it should be for such a large area, I'd probably fold it into its own region- or likely combine it with the Serpent Peninsula and Great Waste- but as it currently stands, just sort of a "generic" M-India, I tend to mash it into the Known World.
I only include Alphatians, myself, due to their presence in the Known World, but would generally consider Alphatia to be its own beast entirely.