The sturdy and resilient population of the West and North. The Dorns as a race entered the historical stage relatively recently, when wild Dornish tribes from the Tiriqan steppes swept across western Qurand, temporarily conquered Garion, and settled in numerous northern lands. Since then, they have established themselves and founded several kingdoms, particularly north of Garion.
Dorns are generally more robust and have heavier bones than average humans; their shoulders and hips are broader, and their arms and legs are firmer and stronger. They mostly have fair hair and beards, with blue or brown eyes. Their strengths certainly include physical power and endurance, as well as an extraordinary resistance to the elements, especially the cold. Among their weaknesses—at least as perceived by neighboring nations—is a limited capacity for social organization. Dorns rely heavily on “might makes right,” and their organization is mostly tribal with a strongman at the helm, as their physical and social experience tells them that strength often decides the outcome. Uldar and other northern kingdoms are thus something of an exception to the Dornish nature, being the result of a demanding civilizational development that has somewhat tamed the Dorns’ disposition.
However, the Dorns are not “barbarians” in the sense of wild and violent tribes. On the contrary, they boast a rich tradition of visual arts and music, as well as an expansive storytelling heritage. The legend of the mysterious “wellspring of stories” exists both in Uldar and in the Dorns’ ancestral homeland on the Tiriqan steppe.
Known Nations of the Dorn Race:
– Uldarians: Inhabitants of the northernmost Dornish kingdom who, under the cultivating influence of three sides (mysterious troll teachers in the northern woods, noble elves in the Great Forest, and Arkins from Valarkagant), have transformed their Dornish energy into a source of peaceful power. Uldar is thus considered one of the most protected and safest places, despite being surrounded by wilderness. Uldarians have the blood of the three aforementioned races in their veins. Thanks to Elven blood, they live longer—approximately 90 years in full strength—and have a more distinct talent for magic. Due to Troll blood, some Uldarians are able to enter a combat or prophetic trance and generally possess an even greater resistance to cold. Thanks to Arkin blood, they have a reduced need for sleep. Typical attire: leather cap, wool tunic, trousers; both men and women carry a seax (short sword/dagger) at their belt.
– Other Northerners: A number of northern kingdoms, from Tagaris to Aftain, have a population predominantly of the Dorn race. – Steppe People: The vast grassy steppe called Tiriqani is, by all accounts, the cradle of the Dornish race. To this day, numerous tribes of nomadic herders dwell there. From time to time, a chieftain temporarily unites the tribes under his rule, and the neighboring nations must then prepare for harsh times. Most of the time, however, the steppe people resist any unification and function contentedly in separate tribes.
– Steppe People: The vast grassy steppe called Tiriqani is, by all accounts, the cradle of the Dornish race. Numerous tribes of nomadic herders still live there today. From time to time, a chieftain temporarily unites the tribes under his rule, and then the neighboring nations must prepare for harsh times. Most of the time, however, the steppe people resist any unification and function contentedly in separate tribes.
