The Peoples of Thestra and its Environs

"No other people share a longer lived friendship with the humans of Thestra than that of the Halflings. From the original founding of Willowroot, across the river Beranid from Targonor, each race found a kinship in the other that still exists to this day."

"Religion does play a role in modern Halfling society, albeit a small one. Many customs have evolved around the worship of dieties; however there are not many Halflings who have dedicated their lives to serving their gods. I witnessed a harvest song to Nobbon as well as a rather bawdy and drunken revelry led by worshippers of Tharridon. Clearly religion is not a heavily formalized affair in Rindol Field, at least nothing like what is experienced in the Temple of New Tarnonor."

"I was struck by the normal activities that carry religious significance for the people of Brodinars Cleft. Smithing an exceptional weapon or brewing an excellent ale is a form of worship to these dwarves. It is accepted that the gods are part of their lives and responsible for both their fortunes and failures."

"Most dwarves are stocky and quite muscular. Most all of the men sport beards. Fantastical tales of the bearded dwarven women is certainly a fiction as I never witnessed a single dwarven woman with any type of facial hair. A typical dwarf reaches adolescence in his late 20's and reaches full maturity around 30 to 35 years of age. It is not uncommon to find dwarves nearing 200 years old prior to death."

"While the Vulmani are not entirely wolf-like, the head, feet and hands are unmistakably lupine. Each Vulmane I have witnessed is covered in fur. Even though my observations of this race has been limited, I have seen a variety of fur colors - various shades of brown are most frequent but gray, black and white are not uncommon."

"It appears the Vulmane extend great reverence to their Cheiftain. This is not a hereditary position but tied to the individual's strength and leadership ability. The position of Cheiftain is secured through single combat and challenges can be made by other Vulmani within the society. During my time in Vulmane, I have heard several tales of unsuccessful challenges to the leadership of Sharpclaw Gormak."

"We observed a shooting star one night during our time in Ealgarholm. There was much commotion in regards to this spectacle. It appears the Highland folk call a shooting star "Rurkogd's Spear" and anyone privileged to see it is blessed by the god. The Guardian or The Provider, as Rurkogd is also known in this society, is said to distribute his fortunes to his worshippers by throwing his mighty spear across the heavens. I am told young half-giants have been known to follow the path of the spear accross the land in hopes of finding the actual projectile."

"Most half-giants stand between eight and nine feet high. One characteristic seen in almost all subjects is a more muscular build in comparison to humans. This is obviously a trait passed down through their giant-folk ancestors."

"I witnessed a unique rite of passage while in Leth Nurae. When a youth of Leth Nurae decides on a career path, they are asked to make a journey to the Bay of Despair. The trip is made alone and with minimal supplies. The only required item is a ceremonial water urn. Upon reaching the bay, they fill the urn with the water of the sea that claimed their ancestors. The urn is then emptied into the pool in Leth Nurae. It is beleived that this will enable the spirits of their ancestors to dwell in the elven home.."

"On the fifth day of the week, at sundown, I followed a procession of elves through Leth Nurae. As we moved through the city, more elves joined the march until we reached the bank of the river. In unison, the elves knelt and began to sing. It was the most beautiful of sights to behold. Later, I asked Velerath what this occasion meant He replied that Leth Nurae mourns and remembers the memory of its ancestors that were lost in Leth Verael as well as those who perished in the battles with Orcs and Goblins."