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Christoph
01-23-09, 10:01 PM
The Races of the Wilderness -- Northern Salvar and Berevar

{Note: "Challenge Levels" are meant as estimates, and also do not take equipment into account}

Goblins: Not hardy enough to thrive in the more rugged lands far to the north these pesky creatures had been a plague on the humans in the region since long before the rise of the Kingdom of Salvar. Over the last few hundred years, however, ruthless scourges by the kingdom and Church have reduced the race of Salvic Goblins to almost total extinction.

Challenge Level: Two Adult Goblins – Level 0 (for both combined); Goblin Boss – Level 1

Orcs: Forming ten mighty clans, the proud and warlike race of Orcs are among the largest and most powerful races in northern lands. Their influence stretches from the uncharted tundra of Berevar to well into Salvar’s borders. Some of these clans are nomadic war bands whereas others have formed stable societies and even small cities. Though they’ve suffered the loss of much of their power during the past centuries since Salvar’s expansion, they remain a threat to be reckoned with and command the fear and respect of traders and settlers that live near their domains. In battle,these green masses of muscle are imposing opponents. Most are trained from birth to fight, knowing that their chances to survive are tied to their martial skills.

Challenge Level: Orc Youth – Level 0; Adult Orc – Level 1; Orc Warrior – Level 2; Orc Champion – Level 4; Orc Shaman – Level 5; Orc Chief – Level 7

Hobgoblins: Far hardier and craftier than their smaller cousins, the Hobgoblins have adapted admirably to the cold climate of the north after being driven from the more temperate parts of Salvar. Since then, their scattered hideouts have always been a thorn in the side of the humans. Their organized, militarist nature combined with their sheer stubbornness has made them natural survivors.

Challenge Level: Hobgoblin Foot Soldier – Level 0; Hobgoblin Sergeant – Level 1; Hobgoblin Elite – Level 2; Hobgoblin Captain – Level 3; Hobgoblin Pyromancer – Level 4; Hobgoblin Warlord – Level 5

Ice Trolls: A rare sight that most explorers and frontiersmen pray to never see, the Ice Trolls are most often wandering along through the ancient pine forests and high in the mountaintops. Their massive bulk is covered with massive patches of fur to stay warm and they are most often seen carrying around small trees as weapons. These 17-foot brutes are to be avoided, but luckily, if you can’t hear them coming, at least you can smell them.

Challenge Level: Young Troll – Level 4; Adult Troll – Level 7

Tyrant Dwarves: These greedy cousins of the dwarves in Kachuck reside in a small handful of imposing fortresses hidden deep in the northern mountains. Though they and the savage races of Berevar and northern Salvar don’t like each other, the Tyrant Dwarves, or rather, the weapons and armor they produce and sell to the warring races, make them far too valuable for all the warring factions in the untamed wilderness. While they lack the same level of craftsmanship as the Kachuck Dwarves, the Tyrant Dwarves are renown for producing large quantities of weapons and armor quickly and efficiently. Most civilized humans wouldn’t dream of seeking them out, though.

Challenge Level: Varies.

Minotaurs: These mighty, noble beasts roam the region of Berevar in small family warrior groups. When desperate for food, some have been known to travel across the frozen sea into Salvar, but they avoid this because their valuable pelts, hooves, and horns make them common targets for hunters. They are fiercely independent, shunning the contact with other tribes and clans, sometimes being openly hostile toward them. In size, they range from eight to fifteen feet tall. Aside from their strength, they are vicious, resilient, and shockingly cunning opponents. Their hides are thicker and tougher than most treated leather armor and is capable of withstanding both the harsh winter chills and fire.

Challenge Level: Young Minotaur – Level 2; Minotaur Hunter – Level 4; Minotaur Warrior – Level 5; Minotaur Champion – Level 7; Minotaur Chieftain – Level 9

Centaurs: The ancient, rich culture of the centaurs has lived on the borders of the Salvic frontier for as long as anyone can remember. They’ve been keepers of knowledge and lore, boasting a bardic, druidic culture that stretches back thousands of years. Of all the savage races in the Salvic wilderness, the Centaurs live in the most harmony with both the Salvic humans and other tribes and clans of the north. Even the Sway tolerates them.

Challenge Level: Varies.