The ‘small species’ as they are often called by the gods are the dominant species of Jotunar. They have through martial power, magical might, the gifts of the gods, and general tenacity, come to dominate the harsh and unforgiving land of Jotunar. It was not always such and the bones of lost species and civilizations are to be found all around.
Humans:
Humans are the most numerous and widespread of the small species that dominate Jotunar. They are widely spread and vary greatly from city to city, region to region, and kingdom to kingdom. That being said, there are many similarities amongst the humans born in the cold harsh lands of Jotunar.
Allegiance to the kingdom is all well and good but the most important structure to many humans is their clan. There are dozens of clans, both great and small, spread across Jotunar and while the boundaries of kingdoms and the rulers of cities may change, clan unity is much less likely to shift.
Humans are the most likely to welcome other species into their settlements. This makes human cities, in particular their capitals, the most eclectic centers in the country. They, for the most part, welcome all who are not members of a rival clan or kingdom and see the benefit in the strengths of the other species.
Dwarves:
The dwarves who make their homes in Jotunar are the descendants of their ancient kin who left Midgard long ago to settle in Nidavellir. Those who opted to stay made their homes in the deep reaches of the mountains and amongst the rolling hills of Jotunar. They are often an insular bunch, especially those that have made their homes deep below the earth seeking out all the riches there to be had.
Hyngerbrink, Aunaar, and Iron Hold all boast large Mountain Dwarf populations with clans that live within the cities themselves. The bulk of the other mountain dwarf clans live amongst the Glitterpeaks delving deeply into and below the mountains searching for wealth and magic in the earth. While not unfriendly, they have their own way of doing things and have learned to be careful when involving themselves in the affairs of "surface folk" as they call them.
The hill dwarves of Jotunar are much more connected to the other surface folk than their mountain-delving brethren. Found throughout all the foothills of Jotunar these dwarves are best known for breeding and herding giant goats and sheep, making the best beer and cheese in all the land, and being generally well-liked and respected by the other races. These dwarves are also often the ones to become adventurers, more so than their mountain-dwelling kin. As such they can be found in nearly every settlement and are well respected as both warriors and craftspeople.
Elves:
The Elves still living in Jotunar, much like the dwarves are the descendants of those who stayed behind when the rest of their kin left for Alfheim. Elves can be found in most places across Jotunar and those that stayed behind have acclimated themselves to the mountains, forests, and coasts. The elves, being so long-lived, have a different perspective and relationship to the volatile politics of much of Jotunar. They often stay out of, or as they would consider it, above the political squabbles of the humans and other "short-lived". For the most part, the rulers of the five kingdoms have taken a 'live and let lie' attitude towards the elves that make their homes in their realms. The elves that do make their homes amongst the 'short-liveds' often find themselves in positions as teachers and advisors given their long lives. No other species has a greater connection to the world itself and elves make unparalleled rangers and druids.
Forest or Wood elves can be found in small hidden and isolated communities in many of the forests across Jotunar. The greatest city is to be found in the Great Pine Forest. It is hidden from view, and extremely hard to find. The lord of Pinewoods Keep and the king of Srelldendia are close friends though and work in concert towards the betterment of their people. Forest elves are renowned for their connection to both land and beast making their homes in the wilds. They are also renowned for their craftsmanship in weaving, woodworking, and in particular the dying of cloth.
Grey or High Elves make their homes amongst the high peaks of the mountains of Jotunar. Much like the dwarves of the mountains, Grey Elves can be found living in Iron Hold, and Hyngerbrink but the largest clan that makes its home with others is to be found in Aunaar where the elves have lived for centuries. Grey Elves are most known for their gifts in magic and are the only species where wizards are more common than any other kind of arcanist. They are also devout astronomers and metalsmiths. They make some of the most exquisite fine metal jewelry and other works. Though their gem cutting and setting is not equal to Mountain Dwarves they are unparalleled in working fine metals. Collaborations between the two have produced some of the most beautiful works of jewelry, as well as some of the most potent magical artifacts made by mortal hands.
Sea or Coastal elves are to be found throughout Jotunar. A land of rivers, lakes, islands, and coastlines gives many places for these elves to make their homes. They do not have large settlements like their other brethren but instead are spread out all throughout Jotunar in small settlements. Their greatest concentration is amongst the islands of the Bay of Wyrms. They are renowned as brilliant musicians and painters, making the most sought-after pigments out of various sea creatures. They are also renowned for their wayfaring and seamanship. The ships of Jotunar are feared far and wide and when they first arrive on an unknown shore it is almost always under the careful guidance of a Sea Elf.
Halflings:
Halflings came to Jotunar from the main continent to the south several hundred years ago. The difference between the different Halfling peoples is as much a difference in ideology as it is in origin. Some clans of halflings have found that they are content to settle in small communities. Living a simple life of farming, herding, and crafting. Other clans find that the call of the rivers and the roads sing too loud for them to ignore. They wander from place to place, often welcomed but never belonging fully.
Stoutheart halflings are those who have chosen to settle and forgo the wandering life of their ancestors. They are generally welcoming and friendly people, though they have never forgotten how to defend themselves if necessary. Their communities are often nearby, if not mixed in with Hill Dwarves. The Stoutheart halflings love having the larger dwarves around for protection and size whereas the Hill Dwarves love the halflings' penchant for song, wine-making, and growing. Hremreth (half dwarf, half halflings) are not an uncommon sight in these communities.
Lightfoot halflings still hold to the nomadic and trading lifestyles of their forefathers. Some wander the roads and paths of the lands while others travel the water traversing both the rivers and the seas around the great islands. They are brave and resilient people, subsisting off of trade, their wits, and their courage. Their caravans are often met with celebration when they arrive at a settlement and even more often with suspicion. While it is true they often leave these settlements with some things that were not paid for, they truly believe if you are not smart enough to keep track of it then you don't deserve to keep it. They are known for their performances, especially their plays and acrobatics. Performance of both the spoken word and music are held in great esteem. A small number of these clans have turned completely to being Vikingr. Using their ancestral knowledge of the paths across the land and sea of Jotunar to become truly fearsome raiders. An even smaller number have once again moved on from Jotunar, traveling across the sea to explore new worlds yet unseen.
Goliath:
High up, where the wind howls, the wind bites, and the air is thin you can find the villages of the Goliath. The ancient and powerful people have been around and unchanged perhaps the longest of any of the 'small species'. They trace their lineage back to Skadi and the previous age when the first Goliath were birthed from a coupling between Skadi and a great dwarven hero. They are a secluded people who have a deep love of competition and an unshaking loyalty to clan and family. The greatest punishment a Goliath can face is banishment. Almost all Goliath encountered in the 'low places' as they call them have suffered this fate. They have a hatred of Giants, who seek to enslave them and use them as servants, and an appreciation if not a fondness for Grey Elves with whom they trade. Their giant heritage leaves many mountain dwarves suspicious of Goliaths, given their constant battles with giant kin. Goliath stonework is almost unparalleled, matched only by Mountain Dwarves. Their leather and hide work is incredible and they often decorate things with beads of various colors. In battle they are truly fearsome, and a Goliath sword swing is not anything you would care to be on the receiving end of.
Dragon Born(Serpent Born):
The first Serpent Born is believed to have been made when a Seter wished and either Niddhogg or Jormungandr had children. Since then, they have grown into a small but mighty civilization spread throughout Jotunar. Because of their monstrous origin, many of the other species view them with suspicion. As such their clans are small and often fairly insular. They can be found throughout Jotunar. Many of them become mercenaries, using their fearsome natural ability to fetch a high price for their skills. They also boast a higher-than-average number of sorcerers and as such are often employed by nobles as a court mage.
Beast Born:
Much like the Serpent Born, Shifters trace their lineage to one of the great beasts of legend. They hold animalistic features that mark which of these beasts they can trace their lineage to. They are mostly a wandering people, selling their clan's services as mercenaries, guards, traders, and anything a Thane may need. Brekt and Ravens Guard both boast large populations of Beast Born who have settled there and made small but influential minorities of the city's population. The beast origin of an individual shapes much of their temperament. The species known as Aarocokra, Lizardfolk, Gnolls, and Tabaxi are also all present in small communities throughout Jotunar and all fall under the title of Beast Born.
Pheadrin, Half-Elf, Half-Orc, Mul(Half Dwarf):
The half species are to be found anywhere two of these peoples meet. While not common it is not surprising to see these peoples living among the societies of either of their parents. If one of the parents is Human then most children will live with that parent, as human society is more diverse and easier to be accepted into.
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