Tur An Tiel--Bones of the Dragon.

The Eldari

'Of the Noble Elves, three kinds exist, each serving their function in their society. And while it seems odd for such a wild race to be so organized, it should be remembered the Eldari were forged in the light of Phoebe, who took much of their wild natures away, and what remains is only that which is intrinsic to their beings, though that alone is enough to bring them trouble.'

'First are the Alfari, the nobilty of the elven race. Their name means "the High Folk", and shows the regard they are given by most of their people. They are the kings and queens of the Eldari, the diplomats, and leaders. The Alfari are glorious to look on, glowing of skin, bright of hair, long of limb. They are perhaps the most beautiful of the races of Tur An Tiel, though contrary to legend, they do not kill with a glance. The Alfari are talented, intelligent leaders, though they are often arrogant as well.'

'Then there are the Gnomari and the Solani, the stewards and the chaplains. If it is the duty of some to lead, it is the duty of some to advise. Such are the Gnomari and the Solani, 'the Knowing Folk', and 'the Wise Folk'. Intelligent, mystical, and knowledgable, they are skilled in the ways of magic, and mysterious to a fault. They are mournful bunch, for they remember best the glory that was Fion Essei, and the bright shadow that was Lara Feillen--both lost forever now. They advise the Alfari and help the maintain the remaining Kingdoms of Morn...'

'And last there are the Termani, "the Folk who are Grey.' The soldiers and guardians, they were born of treachery, for once their place was held by the Quaesteri. They are fierce and strong of spirit, but also merry and fun-loving. They are the most common of the Eldari, the most like men, and yet also the most tempermental, the most forceful...'

'But I ramble. It is enough to know three there are of the Noble Elves. But they are not the only elves...'

The Races of Men

Aguiran--Short and slight of build, the Aguirans dwell in the river valley area called by most the Aguire. (The name means "Unfarmable Region" in Elven--a fairly accurate description, when all is said and done...) The Aguirans are pale-skinned, often freckled, and generally red and brown haired, though centuries of cross-breeding have produced Aguirans of all possible descriptions. Aguirans are a worldly, sensible people, known for their rather materialistic outlooks, though groups within the Aguiran culture (the Ilyan Church of Phoebe for example) are capable of a religiousity that would make an Archean quale. The Aguirans are a widespread race, their constant trading taking them everywhere. The average Aguiran is neutral, as it helps to not have any particular moral stance about your trading partners.

Archean--Tall, thin, and stately, the Archeans are a pius, stringent people who dwell in the Valley of Loren. Ruddy-skinned, and light-haired, Aguirans are a hard-faced people, and the requirements of their harsh religion tend to make them even moreso. The vast majority of Archeans follow the church of Arch, the Lord of Law. They are conservative and religious in outlook, and tend to dislike dealing with others who do not share their viewpoint. The average Archean is lawful neutral in outlook, as submission to Arch is all.

Asklai--The mysterious dwellers in the north (also called the Ashveni), the Asklai are a short dark-haired pale people, reputed to be amazing magicians who build gigantic castles of ice. They are isolated and rarely deal with others. The Asklai typically wear large heavy robes which cover their bodies, and obscure their faces. It is unknown what the average Asklai's outlook is, though it is assumed to be rather unpleasant.

Khuldeshians--The wild horsemen of the steppes and desert, the Khuldeshians are dark-haired and swarthy-skinned. Brave (some would even say insane) the Khuldeshians live in tribes that make their living through hunting, mercenery work, and raiding. The Khuldeshians are fantastic warriors, who hold no fear of death. The average Khuldeshian is chaotic neutral in outlook, for they are a wild, and passionate people.

Iskerian--A short, slight, dark-haired people, of swarthy skin, the Iskerians dwell in the Iskere islands, dominated by the feuding nations of Fisire and Mathire. The Iskerians are generally traders, though many are pirates and smugglers. They are, like the Aguirans, very adaptable, though somewhat more dandified... The average Iskerian is neutral, though who is in power can affect this...

Kledites--The Kledites are not actually one group--rather they are many small groups that live in the Jungles of Kled. Some are short; some are tall; some are light-skinned, others swarthy. Some are peaceful, and sociable--others are dangerous and violant. The average alignment of a Kledite depends on his tribe...

Nordveni--A rough and ready race of barbarians that live in the far north, the Nordveni are tall, pale-skinned, with hair color ranging from blonde, to brown, to black. Their culture is a wild one, supportive of drinking, raiding, singing, and killing. Many Nordveni worship the mysterious god Vod One-Eye. The average alignment of the Nordveni is chaotic neutral, as they give little thought to conventional social order.

Nemedian--An ancient race, allied to the elves, the Nemedians dwell throughout the west of Eldheim, most notably in the nation of Nemed. Pale-skinned, with hair color going red to brown, the Nemedians are closely related to the Aguirans, though centuries of Elven blood have made thinner, taller, and paler than their cousins. The Nemedians possess a great respect for life and nature, like their Eldari mentors. The average alignment is neutral good, as a result of this.

Rus--Dark-haired and pale skinned, the Rus are an old race, now greatly in decline. Many live lives of quiet desperation in the Aguire region, where they once ruled as kings--others scrounge for a living in Rus of the Marshes. Rus are of average height, but are usually quite thin--their eyes are usually dark-colored, and very deepset. Alignment varies, though quite a few are neutral evil, as thwarted ambition and desperation pull them towards acts of villainy.

Sleurithian--The oldest race of man, by virtually all known accounts, the Sleurithians are deathly pale, with silver hair and golden eyes, making them one of the most distinctive looking peoples of Tur An Tiel. An old, decadent people, the Sleurithians engage in dubious magic, and trade, as they huddle around their ancient Emperor, each scheming to increase their own power. The average alignment of the Sleurithians is lawful evil, the result of their darkly ambitious natures, and stratified society.

Syran--The great conquerors, the Syrans are famous for their sense of law and justice, and their indomitable wills. Famed for their dusky skin and dark hair, as well as their height, the Syrans ruled an Empire that stretched over half of Eldheim. It has shrunk now, but they are still a force to be reckoned with. The Syrans are divided evenly between all Lawful alignments, with perhaps a tendency towards Good and Neutrality...

Thale--Dusky thin and dark haired, the Thale dwell on the isle named after them, and rarely deal with the outside world. Disciplined, and mysterious, their average alignment is Lawful Neutral...

Torian--Tall, pale, and red haired, the Torians are people without a nation, now, unless it be the abomination known as Urek Mersa. Many dwell in Ilya, and Cassira, but remnants are scattered throughout Archea and the Aguire. Outside of Urek Mersa, they are usually Lawful Good, though in Urek Mersa itself, Chaotic Evil is the rule...

The Lost Elves

Quaesteri-Shadow elves are the sadistic, fallen creatures that ages ago betrayed the Eldari and sided with Thanatos, and Morgaine. They are clever, cruel, and slightly mad. Physically, they are horribly thin, with almost emaciated bodies, and long limbs. They are not unattractive, but there is something slightly unwholesome looking about them, especially when coupled with the often unpleasant cast to their faces. Their skin is a pale white, the color of a sheet of paper--their eyes are a deep red. Their hair is usually black, but a few have dark red, or light grey hair.


Valesti

Maieri

The Nibelungen

Nibelungen Dvarro

Nibelungen Hobyea

Nibelungen Cobnyea

Nibelungen Thari

The Outcast Races

Changeling

Half-Elf

Half-Goblin

Ogre

Talos

Ulheru

Giants and Goblins

Jotun

Ettin

Trolls

Dark Goblins

Mountain Goblins

Sea Goblins

Water Goblins

Hill Goblins

Wood Goblins

Well, I now have most of the major humanoid races up--any requests...

Well, now for a few major NPCs of Tur An Tiel...

I'll start with--

AERT OF THE SILVER ROBES

Considered perhaps one of the greatest, and definitely one of the maddest wizards of Tur An Tiel, Aert makes his home in Seilen, the City of Thieves. His past is something of a mystery--he is perhaps, the silver-robed wizard who slew the Black Dragon Murclaw in 1009 B.R.E.--he is beyond a doubt the wizard who aided in the recovery of the Sword of Koline, in 1145 B.R.E.--he is believed to be the cause of the purple cloud that blotted out the sun in Graes during the Battle of the Striped Army, in 1249 B.R.E.--he was a major figure in resistance to the Azerai--and he was seen juggling five frogs in Hirae in 1301 B.R.E. However, since settling down in Seilen, he has rarely left the tower he raised on the night he moved there.

Aert is an enigmatic figure. He is a "man" of average height, who goes clad always in an elaborate set of silver robes. His face is invariably obscured in the shadows of his cowl, the only visible features being a pair of brightly shining white eyes. It is not known what Aert looks like under the robes--even his hands are gloved--but many speculate on his appearance and nature--he is a demon, exiled from his home--he is a god, no longer worshipped by his people--he is a lich, and his efforts at good are an elaborate ploy--he is Aurelian come again--he is a Zhalesti--he is a Rus Sorcerer king--he is a mad elf. No one knows for sure, and few are certain that they want to.

Aert rarely deals with others. When he does, he is rude and abrupt, with a definite tendency to go off in strange tangents. He corresponds with a few other wizards of note, but these are private letters that are rarely seen by outsiders. Aert is something like the ocean--he often seems calm, but storms can begin at any time...

ASTUR VERMISS ARCHSEXTON AND HIGH PSYCHOPOMP OF THANATOS

The Church of Thanatos is a great power on Tur An Tiel, and it is lead by a man who is expert at bringing that power to bear. Astur Vermiss has been head of the Church for nearly a decade now, and he has managed to unite almost all of the various quarrelsome sects that pledge their faith to the Dark Reaper of Souls. (A handful of secretive chaotic sects do not acknowledge his authority, but they are of minor importance.) Vermiss is a commanding half-elf, of majestic appearance. He is a calm, cold man, methodical in his actions, and deliberate in his speech. Vermiss holds a great deal of authority in Seilen, his home, an object of universal respect and fear. Vermiss is pleasant in demeanor, always smiling, and never raising his voice. Somehow, this does not make him less intimidating.

Vermiss began life as a street urchin in the dark alleys of Seilen. He would have probably ended his life either as a nameless corpse, or a Grey Rat, had he not made the apparent mistake of trying to lift the purse of a Sexton of Thanatos. The Sexton would have taken the boy's head off on the spot, had not his grim acceptance of death stirred the priest's interest. He was taken back to the Onyx Temple, and given the name of Astur Vermiss, beginning training as an acolyte of the Lord of the Charnal House. The boy proved a brilliant student. Within four years, he had climbed high in the church, secretary to the Master of the Temple. Astur was considered a man destined for great things in the Church. Few had any idea of how great.

On the death of the Master of the Temple, Vermiss entered the List to replace him. Few thought that such a young priest would have a chance--but at the end of the Contest, only Vermiss was left standing in the chamber. The instatement of such a young priest as Master of one of Thanatos's most prominent temple was viewed with feelings of great trepidition--and when Vermiss declared himself chosen of Thanatos, Archsexton, and High Psychopomp, they seemed to have been born out more than any had thought possible. The Archsexton Uried Lathos called the young half-elf to Sleurithia for immediate 'discipline'--however Lathos was the one who was 'disciplined' along with half of his Upper Chamber. Reaffirming his postion as Archsexton, Vermiss moved the position to Seilen (already one of the most important cities of the Faith) and called for an immediate declaration of loyalty from the other temples. Most gave it, but those who didn't fell as fast Lathos had.

Since then Vermiss has ruled the Church with an iron fist. He is an important man in Advisory Council meetings, and numerous rumors attach him romantically with the Regent--though no one would dare say those rumors to the faces of the Chosen of Thanatos, OR the Lady of Steel. In many respects, he would seem to possess all that he could have once desired. Still, there is a restlessness to him these days that many have noted. Perhaps having conquered so much, he is looking for more challenges--and that is a frightening thought...

Now that the campaign has started, friendly bump!