Culture
Borehn
Dwarven kingdom, otherwise known as the Dwarves of Red Mountain. Reclusive, as dwarves are known to be, the Borehn Kingdom resides in the northwestern most region of Valice. Gangus Borehn, heroic warrior during The Final War, inherited the region upon becoming king. It once belonged to the Bolderahn Dwarves, prior to their exodus into the Ice Portal. It is a territory of harsh cold weather and steep, rocky terrain. The Borehn kingdom is without question the ealthiest
nation on Valice, but their riches are not flaunted. Their reasures are buried deep within the mountains, the source of their wealth. Red Mountain has produced an endless supply of jewels that are sold across the land of Valice and to the continents beyond.
Image: Borehn Miner; circa 200 A.F.
Braxton
Dwarven kingdom, otherwise known as the Dwarves of Thunder Mountain. Unlike their northern brothers, the Braxton dwarves live on a majority of lush, green hillsides and the burrowed tunnels beneath them. This terrain makes the perfect home for Halflings and is the only known land where they still exist, safe under the care and protection of their Dwarven neighbors. Braxton is surrounded by various elven tribes. The western coastline is lined with towering mountains, where King Braxton resides in a castle built into the side of the tallest mountain west of Mount Omera, Thunder Mountain.
Image: Braxton hill dweller; circa 200 A.F.
Din Naqui
An Elven tribe that has descended from the High Elves and were once citizens of Xyntharia. However, years of dissatisfaction with Xyntharia governance regarding the use and development of industry, they have chosen a more organic, primitive existence within the forest. It is unclear if the Din Naqui were exiled, or if they had an exodus from Xyntharia, but they no longer assimilate with their High Elf relatives, but share the Xyntharia Forest moving to the outskirts of its shade. The Din Naqui are ferociously wild in nature. Their full body tattoos adding an element of intimidation that is warranted. The body ink began as a necessity to hide the tattoo ranks etched into their faces from service in the Xyntharia military, but over the generations it became tradition to continue full facial tattoos and body art. Excellent hunters, they have become protectors of the Xyntharia Forest borders, guarding the boundaries from external threats.
Image: Elven tracker; circa 200 A.F.
Xyntharia
By far the largest elven kingdom, it is home to the High Elves. While deeply rooted to the forest, typical of Elven cultures, the High Elves ascend their organic origins with an appreciation for modern industry and an admiration of crystals and other such minerals. As a result, the civilizations are a mixture of both beautiful forest landscapes and elaborate architectural structures blended harmoniously together. Closely related to the Yen Kir Elves, they have adopted a keen skill for craftsmanship of weapons and armor. While Xyntharia has reigned over all other elven nations they owe much to the influence of the Yen Kir. Unique to the Xyntharia Empire is the almost complete rule by women. The women have been deemed superior in the ways of politics. All Both the men and the women have an equal appreciation for arts and crafts, including music. All citizens wear their military rank as facial tattoos that adorn their cheeks. The higher the rank the longer the facial tattoos become. The emperor possesses a tattoo crown and the only Xyntharia elf to keep a clean-shaven head.
Image: Emperor of Xyntharia; circa 200 A.F.