-Regarding Stoutfolk-

Near to Southrunn, the world of the stoutfolk is small, as they do not actively participate in the conquering of Nhearn. In olden days it is said that the stoutfolk were plentiful and lived throughout the wide open grasses of a land far to the north, but in the early periods of the Age of Woe, this homeland was abandoned and the stoutfolk became hidden from the troubles of the world. There are several hidden homes of the stoutfolk that are now scattered throughout Nhearn, but Last Home, the largest and most honored ground, is hidden in the distant south.

 

Stoutfolk are gentle, often avoiding the world of the humans which their few homes share borders with, but their interactions are not so uncommon that the humans are unaware of their existence. The history of the stoutfolk also appears throughout elven history, in dwarven tomes, and even darker cults carefully consider the hazards of the secret knowledge that stoutfolk are able to produce due to the ties with the Goddess of the Air.

Homeland: There is no singular homeland that the stoutfolk claim to harken from, as they encourage the idea that Nhearn is their home in its entirety. The largest colony of Last Home is well known to all stoutfolk, but travel, wanderlust, and the idea of making Nhearn better for all is the core principle of the stoutfolk, even if this idea is focused on the long lasting village homes that remain still in passing generations.

 

Names: Stoutfolk tend to have first and last names which are given by their lineage and at times may take on human styles as trade, interaction, and culture might be shared at the borders of their homes. There is no status or region that seems to derive the last name of a stoutfolk, only that their names may be deeply rooted in the affairs of villages which the family may have resided in. Throughout stoutfolk culture, it is rare to share one’s last name to others, a fear developed in early years of the world and solidified by the curiosities of the Fey.

 

Religion: Stoutfolk enjoy the growth of gardens, relish in sunny days, find glee in the shade of clouds, and they delight utmost the merriment of making music. Stoutfolk worship the Goddess of the Element of Air, Katrina, and give her offerings of celebration and music which sounds upon her breeze and rewards all with enjoyment. Katrina has awarded the stoutfolk with natural stealth and the winds gift them with the secrets of the world, as their Goddess is known to exist everywhere always. Stoutfolk who travel into other regions far from their own have been known to adopt other patrons and religions as they learn more about their homeland and how it relates to the greater aspects of Nhearn.

 

 Age: Stoutfolk live longer than most humans and age well, though they are not as long lived as dwarves or elves. They reach adulthood during their twentieth year and may live well into the middle of their second century.

 

Alignment: Stoutfolk live often in isolation, hidden away from the dangers of others. They tend to avoid involving themselves with the wars of the outside world, though they are known to invite outsiders into their homes to enjoy their hospitality. They tend to lean toward the ideals of their god which tends to be Neutral and wholesomely Good natured at heart.

 

Size: Stoutfolk are well known for their lessened stature compared to other peoples of Nhearn. They tend to stand just over one half height tall and weigh on average only three stones.