People of the Ancient World

Greeks

Spartans From the Greek city-state Lacedaemon at the Southern end of mainland Greece. Lacedaemon was the son of Zeus and the nymph Taygete. He married Sparta and named his country after himself and the capital city after his wife. Spartans are unique in multiple ways. Their entire society is built around military dominance. Spartans have been raised to believe that nothing matters besides war. They are known to have little respect for Athenian democracy, believing that a true democracy can only exist on a battlefield. Women have a special place in Sparta, receiving full citizenship and rights - a rarity in antiquity. Spartans are divided in Spartiates (Spartan citizens with full rites), Perioki (free residents of Lacedaemon), and Helots (state-owned serfs or non-Spartan slaves.) Spartans add +2 to their Strength score. Spartans gain proficiency with a lakonia.
Athenians One of the oldest civilizations in the world, Athens is known as the cradle of civilization. They are located in the Eastern reaches of the Greek mainland. Originally ruled by kings, they founded democracy in the fifth century BC. Known as brilliant thinkers and inventors, they currently have the most powerful city-state in Greece with a population of 300,000. They were the first people in the world to turn power over from the aristocracy to the citizens, and they take great pride in having a say in the laws of their land. Athenians add +1 to two different stats of their choice. Athenians gain proficiency with a xiphos.
Ionians The Ionians have a long and complicated history. Originally an independent country and islands East of Greece, they were conquered by Athens during their golden age and became a Greek colony. In 480 BC, the Persians took control of the region. The Persians leave governors in charge but generally leave the Ionians alone in exchange for using the coast as a staging area to their battles with Greece. Many Ionians use this freedom to still help the Greeks that they feel a kinship with, but their proximity to Persia makes a full revolt a tough proposition. Ionians are a versatile people used to adapting to their situation. They gain a +1 bonus to two different attributes of their choice and proficiency with doru.
Ephyri Ephyra (or Epirus) is a region in the Western part of the Greek mainland, founded by King Sisyphus. Ephyri, as the people are called, are known for valuing treachery and deceit, all to further their own power. They value no laws of other lands, and take pride in living a joyless existence in search of wealth and dominance over others. Ephyri add +2 to their Dexterity score and proficiency with deception.
Rhodians Rhodes is the Southeastern most island in Greece. Founded by Heracles, they used to view themselves as mighty and independent warriors. After they were conquered by the Persians three centuries ago, they began to question their own military prowess. Freed from Persian rule by Athens over 100 years ago, they consider themselves to be a free Greek state now. Many decades under the thumb of Persian and their own trade routes with Egypt have given the Rhodians a different perspective than many Greeks. In fact, after extensive trading with the Egyptian city of Heliopolis, they have even incorporated some Egyptian traditions into their own beliefs. Rhodians gain +2 to their Intelligence score and proficiency with persuasion.
Theban Thebes is located on the Eastern part of the Greek Mainland, only 31 miles Northwest of Athens. The Thebans, as the people are called, are proponents of a strong military and are known for their anti-establishment ideals. Thebans traditionally are very loyal to Thebes, and nowhere else. They have a longstanding hatred of Athens, but have supported revolts against any power that is the ruling one in Greece. The Thebans are known for their cavalry and elite infantry force known as the Sacred Band of Thebes. Thebans add +2 to their Constitution score and proficiency with animal handling.
Eretrians Eretria, also known as the City of Rowers, was once a sprawling city on the island of Euboea Northeast of Athens. After angering Poseidon, they were punished by the angry God causing the ocean to rise and flood the city. The only survivors were those who fled into the acropolis on a hill in the middle of the city, which was protected by Apollo. The Eretrians were not deterred, and built the acropolis into a successful harbor for trade between the mainland Greeks and people of Euboea, one of the largest trade hubs in the world. The Eretrians are known as one of the two major naval powers in the world, and currently resist the rule of Athens. Eretrians add +2 to their Wisdom score and proficiency with athletics.
Chalcidians The city of Chalcis has long been the ruling city of the island of Euboea after winning a war against Eretria in 710 BC. They took control of the island and ruled until they lost a war against Athens in 550 BC and now are a colony of Athens. The Chalcidians have the largest navy in the Greece, and still frequently war with their neighbor Eretria. Chalcidians are known for placing value on financial security over independence, and traditionally are shrewd traders. Chalcidians add +2 to their Wisdom score and proficiency with athletics.
Syracusians Syracuse is a major city on the Eastern edge of modern day Sicily. The second largest city in Greece, the Syracusians refuse to follow the rule of Athens, and have found allies in both Ephyra and Sparta. The people of Syracuse take pride in mathematics and invention, and believe that their superior intellect gives them the right to rule instead of the Athenians. Syracusians add +2 to their Intelligence score and proficiency with medicine.
Cretans Crete is the largest of the Greek islands, and is far enough away to generally escape the notice of whichever city-state is currently in power. This suits the Cretans just fine. Crete was the home of the previous civilization of humanity that was conquered by the Greeks, and the mysteries of the lost civilization called Minoa and their own Gods, the Titans, all await excavation on the island of Crete. Cretans add +1 to two different attributes of their choice. Cretans gain proficiency with labrys.
Massalians Massalia is located in what is currently Southern France. Founded as an outpost for trade with the Gauls, it has grown into a powerful city-state of its own. Massalians are followers of Artemis, and enjoy the wilderness of Gaul as well as their great universities. Massalia controls several outposts throughout Southern France, and a complicated relationship with the Gauls, which frequently varies between trade and raids from Gaul tribes. Massalians add +2 to their Charisma score and proficiency with survival.
Thessalians Thessaly is the Northern-most city state, bordering the Southern edge of Macedonia and containing Mount Olympus. Known for having the greatest horses in the world, they were conquered in 580 BC by the Persians, and currently are ruled by the Persian Empire, though the Persians rarely have a standing army in Thessaly and let the Thessalians govern themselves. Thessalians add +2 to their Constitution score and proficiency with kopis. Thessalians speak Aramaic in addition to Greek.
Cycladic Formally a nation in its own right, the people of the Cyclades island are now controlled by Athens. A birthplace of many cults after the island Delos was the birthplace of both Apollo and Artemis. Still a sacred site to this day, Athens has decreed that no one can be born or be buried on the island. Melos is the largest city in the islands. The Cycladians are fiercely loyal to their Gods and consider themselves more able to understand the motivations of the Gods and therefore favored by them. Cycladians add +2 to their Wisdom score and proficiency with religion.

Non-Greeks

Gauls The Gauls are descended from Celtic tribes who have settled in the region that would become France. Less nomadic than their Celt forebears, they are still considered barbarians to the Greeks. The Celts are a wealthy people, but still take pleasure in raiding. Their government is a tribal one, and their Kings are advised by mysterious druids. The Gauls are a large people who favor large weapons and very little to no armor, believing that their strength and rage will bring them victory. Gauls add +2 to their Strength score and proficiency with intimidation. Gauls speak Gaulish.
Persians Persians have the largest empire in the world to date, spanning from modern regions in Western Asia to Eastern Europe. The Empire was founded by Cyrus the Great, a descendant of Perseus and therefore Zeus. Their soldiers for the most part are light infantry and skirmishers bolstered by a strong cavalry featuring chariots, though they do have a famous heavy infantry called the immortals. Persians wear padded armor in the heat of the Middle East, though their Immortals and cavalry wear scale mail. Persians add +2 to their Dexterity score and proficiency with kopis. Persians speak Aramaic.
Carthaginians Originally a colony of Phoenica, the city of Carthage founded by Queen Dido recently declared its independence. Located on the Northern coast of Africa, the Carthaginians do not employ a sizable infantry force. Their navy is the greatest in the world, and their cavalry is renowned for their horsemen and war-elephants. Their own infantry are mostly slingers, and the frontline infantry they use are mercenary forces. Currently at war with Greece, their powerful Navy is always a threat. Carthaginians add +2 to their Intelligence score and proficiency with animal handling. Carthaginians speak Punic.
Phoenicians Phoenicia was once a great empire based on naval power, but was conquered by Cyrus the Great in 539 BC and is currently a vassal of Persia. Phoenicia is in modern day Syria, Lebanon and Israel, and has been split in to four regions called Arwad, Byblos, Sidon, and Tyre. The Phoenician states are known for their culture as trade and well as providing Naval power for Persia. Phoenicians add +2 to their Charisma score and proficiency with insight. Phoenicians speak Phoenician and Aramaic.
Scythians Scythians are a nomadic people based in modern day Ukraine and Russia. Expert horsemen, they are masters of guerilla warfare. Furious raiders, they nonetheless have established a trade network from their home to the Mediterranean. The inventors of the composite bow, they are known for their archers throughout the world, and are equally devastating archers from horseback. Scythian armies are certainly a rare sight in Greece, but their archers are frequently mercenaries and highly sought after slaves. Scythians add +2 to their Dexterity score and proficiency with animal handling. Scythians speak Scythian.


Celts A name for the people that cover Western Europe and into modern day Britain, the Celts are not one nation, but have many distinct tribes with similar culture. The Celts are known as barbaric raiders who fight naked and collect the heads of their foes. The Celts are wealthy, and appear to raid for the glory. Known also for their large slashing swords and large axes, they are a fearsome people who follow the whims of the druids who guide them. Celts add +2 to their Strength score and proficiency with greataxe. Celts speak Celtic.
Tyrrhenians Today known as Etruscans, these natives of Italy are heavily influenced by the Greeks. Also a collection of independent city-states, they fight with bronze weapons and armor. Each city state depends on raiding and piracy during the summer months, and winters are spent trading between Gauls and Greeks. Tyrrhenians add +2 to their Wisdom score and proficiency with doru. Tyrrhenians speak Etruscan.
Macedonians Just to the North of Greece is the culturally similar kingdom of Macedonia. Descended from Heracles and Zeus, the Macedonians are known for their wealth, navy and diplomatic skills. Long enemies of Athens, they have supported Persia and Sparta in their wars against Athens. It is widely accepted that the wealthy Macedonians will change alliances easily depending on what benefits them in the long run. Macedonians add +2 to their Charisma score. They also add proficiency with a sarissa. Macedonians speak Greek.
Berbers The Berber tribes are natives are native to North Africa. Their name is from the Greek word for “barbaric”, as they were not an advanced people at the time of Carthage’s arrival to the region. Carthage immediately took control of the area and subjugated the Berbers, but the Berbers are anything but content with this situation. The Berbers try and gain financial independance from their conquerers by forming mercenary companies, and then do anything they can to foment rebellion against Carthage. Lightly equipped in padded armor, they nonetheless are known as being the greatest horsemen in the world, and their curved blades strike fear in the hearts of those who face them on the battlefield. Berbers add +2 to their Constitution score and proficiency with animal handling. Berbers speak Berber.
Thracians Not as much a unified people as a collection of tribes Northeast of Greece. They are a simple people and fond of peace. Athens had colonies in Thrace for decades, but they currently have been conquered by the Persians who use their men to fill the ranks of their soldiers. They still keep their own beliefs. Thracians add +2 to their Dexterity score and proficiency with kopis. Thracians speak Thracian.

Illyrians The Illyrians are renowned warriors and craftsmen from North of Macedonia. Known for the quality of their shields and sica, a curved long knife they use for closer combat, they currently have conquered Northern Macedonia. Their military is greatly feared by the Northern reaches of Greece. Illyrians add +2 to their intelligence score. Illyrians also gain proficiency with sica. Illyrians speak Illyrian.
Egyptians Egypt is known as the cradle of civilization. People have settled along the Nile river for thousands of years, and the people there are known for being welcoming and sharing their beliefs with anyone who comes to their shores.
The Persians conquered the region two centuries ago, and only recently did the Egyptians gain their independence. The Egyptians immediately formed a friendly relationship with the Greeks, and are heavily influenced by their government and philosophy. Egyptians add +2 to their Charisma score. Egyptians gain proficiency with javelin. Egyptians speak Egyptian.
Assyrians The Assyrians are from upper Mesopotamia. Until the last few centuries they controlled the largest empire the world had known to that time. Fierce warriors, they were the first nation to have a standing army of professional soldiers. Even their Kings are expected to fight and lead their troops into battle.
A very dour and harsh people, their rule was overthrown and their empire crumpled over 200 years ago. Now they are controlled by the Persian empire, where the Persians recognize their ferocity and use their soldiers as their front line troops.
The Assyrians were the first people to work with iron, and their weapons are unmatched. The fight with bows, swords and spears, and frequently lay siege to cities with battering rams and siege towers. The also fight with chariots, usually with archers inside the chariot.
Their warriors were expected to fight with only a helmet and shield, and no armor. Assyrians add +2 to their Constitution score. Assyrians gain proficiency with any one crafting skill. Assyrians speak Aramaic.