Firbolgs

The Firbolgs are a towering, gentle, and clumsy race of humanoids preferring to live amongst the forests of Vóreios. Firbolgs are known as being tree herders, master herbalists, keepers of the groves. Most Firbolg keep to themselves in isolation within the woods of the world, rarely venturing beyond the woodland fringes. However, some Firbolg do adventure beyond the trees and throughout other parcels of nature, tending for the plant and wildlife as they go. Even a smaller few choose to exist among the towns and cities of the other races of the world. Firbolg are an agreeable people, typically preferring to be introduced by only their first name and if they learn to trust you, eventually you will learn of their groves name, which is much like a Dwarf or Jøtun clan. However, amongst few Firbolg dwelling alongside Men, Elves, Dwarves, and other races, some of these Tree-herders have taken to developing last names. These last names are often an adaptation of a weather condition followed by an anatomical name and geographical and meteorological term.

Masculine Example: Raloran Mossbeard of the Silent Oak Grove
Feminine Example: Lorana Fogheel of the Slumbering Stag Grove

The Endangered Firbolg

A good many of the Firbolg populations lived within the forests of the Kingdoms of Dômenore, Etrá, and Môr’Gahldôr. Sadly, during the events of the Obsidian Tempest, it is presumed nearly 80% of the entire Firbolg population perished and their Sacred Grove destroyed. Few Firbolg already existed within the world due to their tendency to prefer a solitary life amongst nature than even around their own kind. The loss of the Sacred Grove and the many Firbolgs along with it could be felt by the still remaining Firbolg. Those that still survived established themselves within the forests of Númenas, Jøtvåhtn, and the Wandering Woods.

Out of fear, the Firbolgs hid within their woods so well they were thought extinct for many years. However, in the last couple centuries, Firbolgs have made their presence known amongst Vóreios. This reemergence of Firbolg has also come with changes in their once gentle demeanor. Firbolg have always been know as kind and loveable shepherds of the forests. And while they still are, their tolerance for those that would seek to abuse nature and disrupt its balance has all but perished.

The Incident at Silverrun

An incident occurred between the Men of Silverrun in Númenas and the Firbolgs. When the Firbolg learned the Men of Silverrun had felled all their trees along the southern shores of the Númenas river systems with plans of continued logging into the woods south of Gwaelfell, the Firbolgs intervened. The Firbolgs formed a peaceful line between the woods and the lumberjacks of Númenas, stating they would not allow them to harm the trees. When the men of Númenas ignored the Firbolg warning the men became entombed in coffins of vines and forcibly hauled back to Silverrun. When the lumberjacks returned, the Firbolg, in response caused an eruption of flowers and vines and moss to sweep across the entirety of Silverrun, coating it in a layer of lushes green and vibrant flowers. When it became clear the Firbolg would not let them continue their efforts unimpeded, an agreement was struck and the Firbolg aided in the growing of forests for men to fell and maintain for their own needs while leaving the wild forests untouched.

Founding of Qwynarin

While Firbolg settlements are not unheard of they are certainly the rarity; or at least for their location to be known by those other than the Firbolg themselves. Presumptively due to the claimed moving forest of the Wandering Woods, some of the Firbolg that dwell within its' labyrinth established a village along the wood's northern shores. It is on these shores the Firbolg have established the lively and quaint village of Qwynarin. It is likely due to its' rather isolated location in the unclaimed lands of the Wandering Woods their existence has largely gone unnoticed.

The homes and businesses of Qwynarin are made to be one with nature, either being a burrow under the rolling hills, a lodging built with naturally fallen timber and bound by vines, or large cairn like houses bound and covered in moss. The Firbolgs of Qwynarin tend to the lands and woods around them and as such the lands and woods provide for them. The Firbolg's of Qwynarin have small farms and gardens they tend to growing a variety of crops, one of the more popular being mushrooms.

The rare human or Dwarf may wind up in Qwynarin, usually unexpectedly, but the most commonly sited race by the Firbolg are the Jøtun Vikingr sailing south toward Direkirk. It is likely because the Firbolg swear no fealty to the Kingdoms of Men and also share a similar towering stature that the Jøtun do not interfere with the Firbolg of Qwynarin. Though they do on occasion make visits, typically to trade for supplies.