Founding of Skartuun

Founding

The founding of Skartuun: The Crystal Palace

In the frigid north, where snow and ice blanket the land for miles in every direction, there once roamed a tribe of beast races - centaurs, minotaurs, goblins, kobolds, kitsunes, gnolls - who banded together for survival. They were nomads, constantly on the move to find food and shelter in the harsh landscape.   They found nowhere to be safe, except here, in the frozen wastes of the north. The other races of the world, such as humans, elves, dwarves, etc. had little care for them. After all, they were monsters. And while it is true that most of their compatriots were brutal and ruthless, most having served as the fodder of the Elemental Lords' armies along with lesser elementals... a rare few did seek community, knowledge, sharing of their cultures and such.   One particularly brutal winter, the patchwork tribe stumbled upon a massive cave system hidden beneath the permafrost. Inside, they found a vast network of crystalline caves, glittering in the dim light of the beasts' torches. It was a treasure trove unlike anything they had ever seen before. Vestiges of a bygone era. Likely the old remains of one of Nepturos, The Water Lord' lair.   The tribe decided to make the caves their home, carving out living spaces in the ice and crystal walls, even building a massive stronghold atop it. They discovered that the crystals were not only beautiful but also imbued with powerful magic, able to provide light but also leech away warmth as a souce of energy even in the coldest of temperatures. They named their new home Skartuun, the Crystal Palace.   Over time, the beasts of Skartuun learned to harness the power of the crystals, using them to create weapons, tools, and even armor. They became skilled hunter/gatherers, crystal artisans, trading their wares with other beast tribes and even some nearby common races villages and settlements.   As Skartuun grew in power and influence, other beast races began to flock to the Crystal Palace. Lizardfolk, tabaxi, and even a few dragonborn were drawn to the magical crystals and the promise of a safe haven in the unforgiving north and humanoid socity. Skartuun became a beacon of hope for those who did not fit the humanoid's society's standards..