Valarians

Valaria was founded on the banks of the Blue River, just wouthwest of Goldfield, Northwest of the Silanrya Wood.
Valarians grew through farming and fishing, defending themselves from bandits, pirates, and monsters which wandered North out of the Black Jungle.
They became well-versed in steelsmithing, outfitting their legions with plate-and-leather armor, large shields, and swords of steel. Their expertise lay in their leaders, who fought at the front of the armies. Their favored tactic was called the "circle of steel" entailing 2 full-plate armored men with greatswords, called "Battle Brothers" punching a hole in the enemy line, then standing back-to-back, killingn any enemy within reach, until death, or the enemy retreated.
Using the Circle of Steel and their powers of diplomacy, they expanded to rule all of Valaria for nearly 1000 years.
Valarian kings came to be know as fair in rule, noble in character, wise in leadership, and strong on the battlefield.
When Terimbor-Zan invaded with his armies, the Valarians were slowly pushed back due to the seemingly endless hordes of Zana soldiers, Valarian armies slaying hundreds or even thousands for each man lost, but the hordes were too many. Through magic and brute force, the Zana finally conquered the city of Valaria and razed it to the ground. The remaining Valarians were either hunted down, or fled to Whitehall, where they still wage a guerilla war against Terimbar-Zan and his armies.
Valarians are tall of stature, with pale skin, light colored hair and eyes and determined will. Most valarian women wear their hair in a braid, and some fight alongside their men.
The usual dress of a Valarian is a knee-length tunic and breeches for the men, and coats/cloaks for colder seasons. Women wear long-sleeved dresses which are usually belted around the waist. Furs are a status symbol, and jewelry is never worn in excess, but is usally gold and of fine craftsmanship.
Valarians will not run from a fight unless commanded or neccessitated by tactics. Cavalry and archers are utilized, but the mainstay of a Valarian Legion is their infantry.