Altorii (ahl-TORR-ee)

The Altorii at a Glance

This folk was designed as the first major settlers of the continent, the closest thing to an aboriginal group. As such they are marginalized by more civilized folk, living as tribal groups in the unwanted places and the badlands.

The Altorii can be thought of as a cross between Pictish folk and Native Americans. Their bond with the natural world can seem magical to those less in tune with the land and its cycles, but make no mistake: magic runs through the blood of Altorii must as much as anyone else's.

The Altorii are among the most ancient humans living on the Continent. Prone to living wild, hidden in forest and under hill, although tales are told of close relationships with the elven folk. Indeed, the strange brogue spoken by the Altorii people, called Thari, owes much linguistically to the elvish tongue.

Living as closely as they do with nature, little in the way of structures or works are left to mark their passing. The most common marks of their lives are ancient runestones, covered in markings representing various magical wards and workings, possibly having been supplied by the elves of yore.

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- Altorii NPCs -

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

While there are a good number of dialects across so large a continent, the major language among the Altorii is Thari , largely a pastiche of Altish (now a dead language) and Quenya . There is no formal written script, but Ogham is traditionally used by druids and priests to inscribe important records.

Average technological level

The Altorii people are relatively primitive, as their mode of living might suggest. While knowledgeable regarding bronze and iron metallurgy, the typical technology rarely rises above late stone age weapons and tools. Natural materials strongly predominate, more often than not reinforced by inherent or cast magic.

Common Myths and Legends

The mythology of the Altorii people is not terribly structured. An appreciation of and bond with the world of nature is not terribly prone to regimentation. Thus, the Altorii are less inclined to personify the powers they venerate, and temples tend more towards natural structures (such as groves, sacred rivers, or high cliffs) as places of worship.

Most Altorii follow the Green Faith, but may also pay homage to Desna (the moon), Sarenrae (the sun), Pharasma (death), or Erastil (hearth and home).

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

The Altorii people are fond of long hair, often plaited and/or decorated with beads or feathers. Men tend to favor beards. Both sexes enhance their appearance with appropriate face paint (specific patterns are considered proper for specific endeavors, such as war, worship, and so on). Likewise, clothing and tools are made of natural materials and decorated with pretty stones, feathers, shells and the like.

Gender Ideals

While distinction between the sexes is the norm, it is not uncommon for people to blur or even cross the line. The act of wearing one's hair and clothing in the manner of the opposite sex is a social cue that the person doing so is accepting the societal roles and responsibility of that sex.

Broadly speaking, women tend to have household duties while men are largely responsible for gathering food, fuel, and building materials for their clan. Elders hold a special role in Altorii society. Women tend towards spiritual leadership and maintaining the oral record of the clan. Elder men tend towards being administrators and supervisors for winter stocks. Both elder sexes play the role of teachers and guides for the younger generations.

Common Heritage
Altorii Human (63%)
Half Elf (19%)
Halfling (14%)
Elf (4%)

Common Classes
Barbarian
Bard
Cleric
Druid
Fighter
Ranger
Sorcerer
Witch

Diverged ethnicities

• Cnuichan
• Halgaring

Related Organizations

• Clan Domnaill
• Clan MacCaille
• The River Kingdoms

Languages spoken

• Altish
• Thari