Quint's Folly

The Halric Homeland

Tucked along the eastern coast beneath the shadow of the mountains, Quint's Folly stands as a unique and vibrant community born from a dark and painful history. Once a thriving symbol of the peace ushered in by the Treaty of Jolagh, it was originally known as Quintara—a prosperous coastal town. However, its fate was sealed when Dwarven workers from the Wall defied the treaty and went north to kill Orcs. The raiding party was successful, slaking their hatred for Orcs in the blood of their ancient enemy.

But the Orcs inevitably retaliated.

In the dead of night, Orc raiders slipped over the eastern mountains into Quintara, destroying the village, abducting its women, and leaving behind only a ghost of what had been. Renamed Quintis’s Folly—a grim acknowledgement of Lord Quintis’ misplaced trust in the treaty—the village became a cautionary tale for generations. But from its ashes, something unexpected emerged: a new people, a new culture, and a thriving community with a spirit as unyielding as the mountains surrounding it.

The Arrival of the Halrics

Years after the raid, women began to return to what was now called Quint's Folly. They arrived traumatized, pregnant, and alone, having escaped the north through courage, endurance, or circumstances shrouded in mystery. Over time, more and more survivors made their way home, forming a community of Half-Orc children born from tragedy but destined to forge a new identity.

Rejecting the divisive term “Half-Orc,” these people came to call themselves Halrics, a name of their own choosing. The Halrics built their lives in Quint's Folly, turning a site of shame and pain into a place of pride and resilience. Today, the Folly Folk, as they are colloquially known by other Cruentae, have developed their own customs, traditions, and way of life—an identity distinct from both their Human and Orcish ancestry.

The Foods of Quint's Folly

Halric cuisine reflects their pragmatic roots and unique environment, blending Orcish traditions with Cruentian innovation:

• Blood Melon: A variant of the poisonous Dhurag melon, Blood Melon is the result of careful cultivation and shamanic leeching to remove its toxins. Sweet and smoky with a faint aroma of raw meat, Blood Melon is a cherished delicacy among the Folly Folk and a source of pride for their shamans, who perfected the process. The best Blood Melons are reserved for crafting specially aged No-Krahsh, a symbol of shared sacrifice and communal joy.
• Blood Honey: Made from the syrup of Blood Melon, Blood Honey is the Halric equivalent of Dhurag-ka (wild Blood Melon syrup) but without the deadly effects. Its rich sweetness is a key ingredient in many dishes and drinks, including a Halric twist on traditional Orc beverages.
• No-Krahsh: This fermented drink replaces the poisonous Dhurag-ka of traditional Orcish Krahsh with Blood Honey, making it no more dangerous than ordinary alcohol. No-Krahsh lacks the metallic burn of its Orcish counterpart but retains a deep, smooth flavour, earning it respect as a Halric staple. The aged No-Krahsh, made from the finest Blood Melons, is reserved for celebrations and shared after combat games and significant events, reinforcing the Folly Folk's belief in unity through shared experiences.
• Shlorg: A practical dish born of necessity, Shlorg uses lesser game animals like rabbit, fowl, and other meats unfit for roasting. Simmered with digestive enzymes extracted from Throgash stalks, the mixture yields tender, boneless meat. Eaten fresh or stuffed into boar intestines and smoked, Shlorg serves as both a warm, nourishing meal and a portable travel sausage.

In addition to these new cuisines, the Halrics have become strong fishers. While many on Cruentum fish with rod and reel or boats, the Halrics love the heady challenge of combating the sea itself with traditional tools like spears and nets. However, as a people, they prefer meat over fish, which has positioned them perfectly to export their catches to Shadawall. Additionally, Blood Melon, Shlorg, and No-Krahsh have become popular among the Dwarves of Vin Lodar.

A Thriving Culture

The Halrics are a people of strength, community, and self-discipline. Recognizing the aggressive tendencies inherited from their Orcish lineage, they have built traditions to foster harmony and understanding with their neighbours across Cruentum. Chief among these is the Pilgrimage of Jalogh, a rite of passage for Halric youth entering adulthood that honours the fact that Jalogh, an Orc, dared to come south to treat with Quintis and enact a peace. Despite the dark times, this peace has endured for hundreds of years, allowing Cruentum to thrive and defend itself from enemies abroad.

• The Pilgrimage of Jalogh: During this festival, young Halrics journey to Arastmith, the capital of Cruentum. There, they expose themselves to the cultures and peoples of the island, learning self-control, empathy, and diplomacy. Equally important, the festival teaches the Cruentae that Halrics are not like the Orcs who once raided the island—they are a people with their own values, strengths, and dreams. Upon returning from the pilgrimage, Halrics are considered adults and often begin new chapters in their lives—whether marrying, entering apprenticeships, or choosing the path of travel and adventure. Many wanderers eventually return to Quint's Folly, sometimes with a Half-Orc spouse from the distant continents.

Strength is deeply honoured by the Folly Folk, and respect is earned through deeds and character. In times of conflict, the community looks to its Champion to lead in war, chosen through combat games and trials of strength. However, governance is entrusted to the Shamans, who guide the spiritual and practical lives of the Halrics. The Folly Folk believe that all things, even terrible events, happen for a reason. This belief has helped them turn their painful origins into a source of pride and purpose.

Though Halrics admire the strength of their Orcish heritage, they disdain its chaotic nature and bear the generational trauma of their origins. If forced to choose, a Halric will always stand with Cruentum, seeing themselves as the bulwark of the North, prepared to defend the south from Orcs and Goblins. Their complex relationship with their dual heritage shapes much of their identity—bridging strength with discipline, and chaos with purpose. This balance is celebrated in their rituals, their shared meals, and their stories, as they forge a future grounded in unity and resilience.

Alternative Name(s)

Quintara, Quintis' Folly

Inhabitant Demonym

Folly Folk

Location under

Bloodshed Island

Owning Organization

The Nation of Cruentum