Algleth

The Algleth are a sub-group of Humans (treat as Common Humans in Rolemaster terms) that live near the eastern edge of the Lemgláhrúbha Continent.
Appearance: Somewhat small humans, with thin to slightly stocky build. Most have dark-brown to black hair, brown eyes, and fairly-light completion. Women tend to wear their hair shoulder to mid-back length, while men keep theirs cut somewhat short or even shaved clean. Men rarely sport facial hair, as the Algleth men tend to have very thin if any growth on their faces.
Dress: Typically wear simple and functional clothing usually of wool or flaxen. Breaches and tunics of functional design are common for both men and women, usually of a single color, but sometimes multi-colored cloths are used for more formal wear. Sometimes women will wear simple dresses when the functionality of breaches and tunics are not needed. However, these dresses tend to be simple but colorful and are of ankle length with short to long sleeves the norm. Wooden soled sandals or shoes are the common footwear, but leather boots (fur lined when cold) are sometimes used when the need for better protection is needed. Armor tends to be leather, with iron and bronze being somewhat common and steel an available luxury. Chain is the most advanced type of armor that is manufactured by the Algleth, but is a rare luxury. Shields are almost never seen in use within Algleth society, as they prefer to parry their opponent’s blows using their weapon or their body. Jewelry made of decorative wooden beads is common, as are hair beads used by women on the rare occasions when they braid or style their hair. Those who can afford luxuries will sometimes possess jewelry made from semi-precious metals, but this is rare as the Algleth culture is not one that promotes flaunting such unnecessary items. Sample jackets or thick and long robes are worn over the clothing when the weather justifies it.
Lifestyle: They are primarily an agrarian society; however moderately skilled crafters are present. They are not warlike and do not usually have expansionist tactics or goals, however if the need arises they are capable fighters with a wide variety of weapons such as staves, sickles, spears, small single edged swords, and short bows. They tend to be family oriented with extended families working together to farm moderate sized tracts of land the norm. Many learn basic hand-to-hand fighting techniques of a “soft” Martial Arts style called Ail-Dochi. This style of martial arts utilizes many moves that redirect the attacks of others away to throw the attacker off balance or to entangle them. Takedowns, grapples, and stun maneuvers are the usual result. It is more of a defensive style than an offensive style, however someone who is skilled can easily incapacitate his or her opponents. Each family is usually overseen by the eldest active member of the family, with towns and villages being run by a council of these elders from each family by majority rule. It is not uncommon for several villages to band together for their common defense, thus forming small semi-democratic states. However occasionally a strong leader with ambition will arrive on the scene and bring together large groups of these states into a single and fairly powerful political entity. Respect for their elders, discipline, and effiency are the principles upon which Algleth society are built.