Hearthkin People
Appearance
Look like small humans. They average 1 meter tall, with a variance of 6 centimeters. As a matter of honor, Hearthkin men typically grow beards that keep growing throughout life. Women do not grow beards. A long beard is a status symbol and a point of pride, and enemies are known to shave the faces of captured Hearthkin to shame them.
Society and customs
See Hearthkin Culture. Adulthood begins at 20; by then a person has finished professional education and accepted an apprenticeship, and they often live away from the family home.
Relations with others
Allies of the giants, goblins, and orcs. Humans are mythical to them until first contact. Enemies of Dreadthorn and his creatures.
Notes
The people of Emberdown are the Hearthkin, in four clans: Landfolk, Oceanfolk, Mountainfolk, and Skyfolk. Clans specialize in different kinds of crystal and rune magic, and practice differs by region and class.
- Each clan has a color matching its crystal: Land green, Ocean blue, Mountain orange, Sky yellow. The colors matter mostly in militia uniforms.
- All four clans are genetically compatible, but the results of crossing them can be unpredictable.
- They mostly ride large-breed dogs and occasionally other mounts, because they like the attention. They love theatrical performances.
- Their government is described under The Government, their ways under Hearthkin Culture, and their god under Worship of the King.