Name A→Z
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Altgrafen | The Altgrafen, the ancient nobility, form the core of Openheim's population in the fertile low grasslands of the central kingdom. As the original settlers, they embody the kingdom's storied heritage, often serving as the High King's most loyal administrators and knights. Local Traditions: They uphold rigid feudal hierarchies with grand tournaments and ancestral feasts honouring the Eternal Flame through solemn bonfire rituals, emphasizing lineage and oaths of fealty; these often involve blood oaths and trials by combat to root out perceived weaknesses. Appearance: Tall and fair-skinned with straight, dark hair often worn in braids or tied back; the Gentry sport trimmed beards, and clothing favours practical woollen tunics in bright tones, accented with silver heraldry symbols scarred from battles. Feelings Toward Each Other: They view themselves as superior guardians of the realm, patronizing the Fenmen as opportunistic merchants, respecting the Wealden's hardy independence but seeing them as rustic, distrusting the Suddowen's isolationist ways as potentially disloyal, and pitying the Karnfolk as beleaguered frontier folk who dilute the pure bloodlines. |
| Fenmen | The Fenmen, dwellers of the flat sea, thrive along the eastern inland sea's shallow shores and islands, mastering trade routes that sustain Openheim's economy while guarding the eastern borders against nomadic incursions. Local Traditions: Centred on maritime commerce, they celebrate barge festivals with ritual offerings to the Eternal Flame via floating lanterns; these include shrewd bargaining pacts sealed with scarred handshakes and vigilant smuggling networks to evade raiders. Appearance: Stocky builds with sun-weathered olive skin and curly salt-stiffened hair; attire includes layered cloaks of oiled canvas for weather protection, adorned with shell and bead talismans, and many bear tattoos of sea beasts from survival rites. Feelings Toward Each Other: They regard the Altgrafen as arrogant overlords who undervalue their economic contributions, envy the Wealden's self-sufficiency while trading warily with them, see the Suddowen as stubborn rivals in coastal dealings, and ally closely with the Karnfolk as fellow border-holders sharing mutual respect forged in shared perils. |
| Karnfolk | The Karnfolk, wave-breakers, occupy the northeastern Karn peninsula, sandwiched between the inland sea and untamed wild-lands, enduring constant threats from both sides in a life of vigilant defence and opportunistic raiding. Local Traditions: They hold peninsula-wide war dances and flame-forged weapon blessings under the Eternal Flame; dishonour manifests in blood feuds resolved by arena combats while scavenging rituals from wild-land spoils blend survival with aggressive expansion. Appearance: Muscular and scarred with ashen skin from harsh winds, featuring braided blond or black hair and fierce facial tattoos; outfits include embroidered hides dyed in muted colour, with pendants of shattered bones as trophies. Feelings Toward Each Other: They begrudge the Altgrafen's central privilege while craving their support, ally pragmatically with the Fenmen for trade and border aid, respect the Wealden's wilderness prowess as equals, and share a cautious camaraderie with the Suddowen, united by coastal perils but divided by territorial rivalries. |
| None | No specific cultural background. A neutral or undefined cultural identity. Not a recommended choice without a specific background. |
| Suddowen | The Suddowen, of the southern marches, cling to the hilly, jagged coasts of the south, overlooking a treacherous sea that isolates them and breeds a stoic, defensive culture against storms and sea-borne dangers. Local Traditions: Focused on cliff-side vigils and storm-watching ceremonies for the Eternal Flame with hilltop altars; these include brutal endurance trials like cliff dives and sacrificial pyres to appease tempests, fostering a culture of fatalistic resilience. Appearance: Lean and wiry with wind-chapped, tanned skin and short-cropped hair to withstand gales; clothing consists of heavy wool capes and boots reinforced with iron, often etched with wave runes, and many have ritual scars from storm rites. Feelings Toward Each Other: They see the Altgrafen as distant tyrants imposing unwanted unity, regard the Fenmen as greedy opportunists exploiting their isolation, admire the Wealden's mountain fortitude but keep them at arm's length, and view the Karnfolk as kindred spirits in frontier hardship, though wary of their northeastern volatility. |
| Wealden | The Wealden, of the forested heights, have adapted to the rugged highlands and mountains in the west and northwest, forging a resilient frontier life amid dense woods and steep peaks that shield against western threats. Local Traditions: They practice woodland hunts and communal fire circles for the Eternal Flame, incorporating shamanistic elements like bone carvings for warding spirits; while harsh survival games and exile rituals for the weak, reflect the unforgiving nature of living on the edge of the wild-lands. Appearance: Broad-shouldered and pale with rugged features, often with wild, tangled red or auburn hair and full beards; they wear fur-lined leathers and hooded cloaks in forest greens and browns, scarred from animal encounters and tribal markings. Feelings Toward Each Other: They respect the Altgrafen's authority but resent their meddling in highland affairs, view the distant Fenmen as soft city-dwellers reliant on trade, distrust the Suddowen's coastal mysticism as eerie, and sympathize with the Karnfolk's wild-land struggles. |