Bethan
The Bethan people trace their culture millenia back, to the 1st Epoch and the Rule of Dragons. The Bethans were one of the first non-Draconid communities to form a shared cultural identity in the 1st Epoch. These tribes were able to thrive due to the fertile soil and moderate weather of mainland Etherionde. Their abundant food production granted them the wealth required to satiate any nearby Dragon through frequent tributes. Avoiding the wrath of Dragons allowed the Bethan people to rapidly develop.
By the 2nd Epoch, the scattered Bethan communities were united under a single ruling family of Sorcerers, which lorded over the Bethan people for several generations. During the 3rd Epoch, their Sorcerous rulers, and the entire royal family, were killed by the Logicmasters. Their deaths left the Bethan people leaderless, and like many people affected by the Logicmaster's Great Purge, this caused the Bethan people to fracture into dozens of city states, baronies, and aspiring kingdoms. The Bethan people fought amongst themselves in countless wars until the Arbethian Kingdom came to be from King Devinya's conquest in 20 4E. The founder of Dichotism, Ansul, came to Bethan lands in 55 3E after he was expelled from the Logicmasters Council of Mentats. It took years after his death for Dichotism to consume the culture, but it soon became the backbone of the Bethan people, who are among the most devoutly Dichotist to this day. Bethans mostly live within the Arbethian Kingdom, though many Bethan lands were taken in the Naiathel Empire's invasion of 32 5E. A large number of Bethans now live as vassals within the Naiathel Empire. Bethans are comprised mostly of Dwarves and Humans, with minority populations of Dragonborn, and fringe populations of various other races. The Bethan people are characterized by their loyalty, sense of duty, piety, and respect for authority. Bethans tend to flourish when given structure, such as by a religion, ideology, or cause. Bethans value family and community, making steadfast allies and generous friends. They have lived mostly in taiga, deciduous rainforests, and temperate rainforests.
By the 2nd Epoch, the scattered Bethan communities were united under a single ruling family of Sorcerers, which lorded over the Bethan people for several generations. During the 3rd Epoch, their Sorcerous rulers, and the entire royal family, were killed by the Logicmasters. Their deaths left the Bethan people leaderless, and like many people affected by the Logicmaster's Great Purge, this caused the Bethan people to fracture into dozens of city states, baronies, and aspiring kingdoms. The Bethan people fought amongst themselves in countless wars until the Arbethian Kingdom came to be from King Devinya's conquest in 20 4E. The founder of Dichotism, Ansul, came to Bethan lands in 55 3E after he was expelled from the Logicmasters Council of Mentats. It took years after his death for Dichotism to consume the culture, but it soon became the backbone of the Bethan people, who are among the most devoutly Dichotist to this day. Bethans mostly live within the Arbethian Kingdom, though many Bethan lands were taken in the Naiathel Empire's invasion of 32 5E. A large number of Bethans now live as vassals within the Naiathel Empire. Bethans are comprised mostly of Dwarves and Humans, with minority populations of Dragonborn, and fringe populations of various other races. The Bethan people are characterized by their loyalty, sense of duty, piety, and respect for authority. Bethans tend to flourish when given structure, such as by a religion, ideology, or cause. Bethans value family and community, making steadfast allies and generous friends. They have lived mostly in taiga, deciduous rainforests, and temperate rainforests.
When choosing this cultural heritage, gain a +1 culture bonus to either the History, Religion, or Survival skills.