Thulian

The Thulian People are hardy and resourceful folk hailing from the western isles across the Fathomless Ocean. Driven from their ancestral lands by formidable dragons, they sought refuge under the protection of the World Dragon, Zuravi, also known as Magetongue. The once disparate tribes of Thule united under a single banner to establish the land of Dalantia. Emerging from lost histories, the Thulians became a cohesive people, rebuilding amidst ancient ruins and holds in Dalantia. They are fiercely curious, and some of the most erudite scholars in Hayethe come from this place, devoting themselves to a relentless pursuit of historical and anthropological knowledge.
Homeland: While the Thulian people originate from Thule, a lost land across the Fathomless Ocean, they consider Dalantia their true homeland, where they unified as one people. Dalantia is ruled by a king descended from their first leader, Eivros Galan, and his legendary son, Sir Dalan Galan, known as the thrice-shunned. Sir Galan's journey—from a reveler to a brigand, and finally to a disgraced military figure—culminated in his rise to glory as the champion of his people. Thulian culture places strong emphasis on artifacts and antiques with rich histories, often passing them down through generations.
Demi Appearance: Thulian individuals often possess fair skin, light hair, and light-colored eyes, though some exhibit olive or chestnut skin tones with thick dark hair. Freckles are common among them. They tend to be taller than average, comparable to the Rhorhoan people.
Primary Religion: "Temperism" emphasizes virtue, integrity, and resilience in the face of adversity. It's rooted in reverence for Zuravi, the Magetongue, and The Paragon, a mortal who ascended to divinity through resilience and virtue. It is a religion of renewal and redemption, teaching that even the most broken or corrupted things—be they people, artifacts, or lands—can be restored to purpose and beauty through perseverance and integrity.

Zuravi represents wisdom, protection, and the endless potential for transformation. As the guide who led the Thulians from ruin to renewal, Zuravi inspires believers to embrace change and to shield those in need. The Paragon, by contrast, embodies the mortal struggle for self-betterment, demonstrating that redemption is possible no matter how far one has fallen.
In Temperism, even timeworn relics and cursed artifacts are seen as opportunities for redemption. Practitioners often seek to cleanse and repurpose these objects, imbuing them with new meaning. Followers are encouraged to reflect on their own flaws, striving to temper their souls like steel in the forge, emerging stronger and purer.
Temperism places great emphasis on resilience, integrity, and using one’s strength to uplift others. It teaches that facing challenges and learning from failure are the paths to both personal and communal greatness. In the eyes of Temperism, no one—and nothing—is beyond redemption.

Common Races: Humans (Demi), Ulukana (Half-Vishkanya), Dwarves (Avaar), and Halflings (Venn).
Background Skills:

Artistry

- Artifact Restoration, Calligraphy, Heraldry

Lore

- Ancient (Regional) Ruins, Dragons (Type), Etymology
Background Traits:
Exchange Agent - Counts as a Regional Trait, instead of a Campaign Trait.
Sophisticated Citizen
Reclaiming Your Roots - Counts as a Regional Trait, instead of a Campaign Trait.
Cultural Equipment:
Falcata

Thule Language:

Thulian is compound and complex, with many synonyms and homonyms that can be confusing for outsiders. Few outside of Dalantia speak Thule, but it excels in both complex and simple communication due to its descriptive power.
Written: The characters of the Thule language are not calligraphic or particularly stylized in modern times, though artistic renditions of the alphabet exist. Characters lack accent marks and tonal indicators, relying on pronunciation guides for clarity.

Dialects
Pilgrim - Spoken primarily by natives of southern Dalantia, this dialect retains archaic elements and integrated words from external languages, making it difficult for outsiders to master.
Coastal - A dialect used on the coasts, characterized by its relaxed and truncated form. It is simplified for easier communication with seafarers and travelers.
Noble - The refined dialect of nobility, known for its elaborate structure and formal tone. It is distinguished by poetic and rhetorical flourishes, making it the most intricate.
Sprech - Common among natives of northern Dalantia, this is the most traditional dialect, retaining significant archaic elements. It is particularly challenging for non-natives to learn.
Trade - A straightforward dialect optimized for commerce and negotiation, reducing the complexity of Thule for efficiency in trade and diplomacy.

Thulian Abilities and Lore

The Thulian people are known for their adaptability and relentless pursuit of knowledge, shaped by their history of displacement and survival. Their shared struggles have forged a culture deeply rooted in exploration, discovery, and the preservation of their heritage.
Thulians possess a unique reverence for the past, often treating historical artifacts and relics as sacred links to their ancestors. This passion for history has made them some of the finest scholars and archaeologists in Hayethe. Many Thulians dedicate their lives to uncovering the mysteries of the ancient world and preserving the lessons of those who came before.
Despite their scholarly leanings, the Thulians are no strangers to hardship and danger. Their resilience and resourcefulness, honed through centuries of struggle, enable them to thrive even in the most challenging environments.

Guided by the Dragon

The World Dragon, Zuravi, holds a place of great significance in Thulian culture, embodying wisdom, protection, and the spirit of renewal. Thulians believe that Zuravi's guidance allowed them to rebuild their civilization in Dalantia and find cohesion among their fractured families. Primarily, he gave them a single language and allowed them to unite.
Many Thulians see their devotion to historical preservation and exploration as a way of honoring Zuravi's teachings. This belief drives their determination to understand their origins, as well as their commitment to facing the unknown with courage and curiosity.

Culture Ability:

Thulian resilience and curiosity are deeply ingrained in their way of life. Once per day, a Thulian character may focus on an ancient artifact, rune, or historical site for 10 minutes. This allows them to attempt a Knowledge (History) or Use Magic Device check with a +2 bonus, even if they are untrained. Additionally, Thulians may hustle for an additional hour per day during overland travel without accruing fatigue.

Common Superstitions:

• Invoking the name of a god without due cause invites disaster.
• Spending an entire day without exposure to sunlight is believed to cause illness.
• A couple wishing to conceive should bake bread together each morning to ensure fertility.
• Spicy foods are thought to bring good fortune in battle.
• Touching an ancient artifact without permission angers ancestral spirits.
• Hearing a crow's call at sunrise is an omen of bad luck and challenges ahead.