Skalnir

The Skalnir are found in northwestern Karnathas and on Atharys. They are fair-skinned, with complexions that pale the farther north one travels. They tend to have blond or light-brown hair, though red is not uncommon. Skalnir are the tallest of humans, with an average height just under six feet. They tend to be resourceful, efficient, and possess a strong work ethic, but they are often more aggressive and vulgar compared to the other human cultures.

Civilized Skalnir territories are found along the western coast of Karnathas and in northern Atharys. These areas include the Avellyn River Valley and the cities of Lionsgate and Ivenmir. Barbaric Skalnir tend to belong to one of the following groups:

• The Aesric are found north of Thornwood and east of Wintercrest. They are semi-nomadic but highly territorial. Organized into clans, the Aesric dress in leathers and furs and follow the Faith of the Earth Mother. They are not above raiding civilized areas but they are more often in conflict with the monsters of Thornwood or other barbaric people in the north. The Aesric engage in regular trade with their city-dwelling brethren. They are fearful of arcane magic and are as likely to banish a wizard from their lands as they are to burn him in a pyre.
• The Heola tribes are found to the east of the Aesric and north of the Grey Waste. Once they were indistinguishable from the Aesric save for a few minor differences. Over the years, however, the Heola have grown more savage, cruel, and warlike. They even take slaves, which the Aesric find deplorable. What caused their transformation is unknown, but many Aesric believe the Marasinians are indirectly to blame.
• The tartan-clad Taelan clans are found in central and southern Atharys. Years ago, they lived throughout the Aelarion Forest, the Anselan Highlands, and the plains north of the highlands. Today, however, they find themselves being squeezed between the returning elves in the west and the Vykir, who are pushing them away from central Atharys.
• The Vykir clans originate in far northwest Karnathas. They are master sailors, dominating the Skesgart Sea with their longships and raiding the coasts of western Karnathas and eastern Atharys. On occasion a bold Vykir captain will even raid as far south as the Dragonstongue Peninsula. In addition to their lands on Karnathas, the Vykir have begun to settle on the coast of Atharys, starting with the stronghold of Helgard. Though they are unlikely to push too far inland, their settling of the region is bringing them into conflict with the Taelan.