Valorborn

As Haft advanced, he spotted a soldier from the opposing faction slumped against a boulder, clutching a wound in his side. Blood seeped through the soldier's fingers, staining the earth beneath him. The young warrior tried to lift his sword in defense, his hand trembling with fear.
"I mean you no harm," Haft rumbled, moving slowly. With a swift motion, he gently took the sword from the soldier's weakened grasp, setting it aside. The soldier's eyes widened in confusion, too weak to resist.
Kneeling beside him, Haft tore strips from his cloak to make a bandage. "Easy now," he murmured, binding the wound. "You'll live to see another day." As he worked, Haft spoke softly of the mountains, of peace far from the violence of battle.
The soldier stared, bewildered by the kindness of his enemy. Haft rose, lifting his own weapon. "If we must fight," he said gently, "let it be when you are healed. Honour is found not in taking life but in sparing it."

Noble and powerful, the Valorborn are a race forged from the mountains and raised among human communities. Known for their immense strength and gentle nature, they embody the duality of fierce warriors and compassionate guardians. Valorborn value honor, storytelling, and the deep bonds they form with others.

Giants of Stature

Valorborn tower over their human counterparts, boasting broad shoulders and heavily muscled physiques. Their coarse body hair and rough, tanned skin lend them a rugged, almost elemental appearance. Valorborn females share a similar build, with slightly wider hips and narrower shoulders, though these differences are less pronounced than in humans. Their faces are broad, with hard, angular features that suggest they were carved from stone. Hair color among Valorborn ranges from blonde to dark brown, and their eyes are typically pale blue, though other hues are not uncommon.

Descendants of Legend

The Valorborne are deeply connected to the divine, being the living legacy of Lul’nir and Sune's divine craftsmanship. According to legend, Lul’nir, the god of justice and honor, imbued them with a strong sense of justice and duty, ensuring they would serve as steadfast guardians against any threats. Sune, the Seeker of Knowledge, granted the Valorborne wisdom and a strategic mind, allowing them to understand complex arcane arts and defensive magic.
Created during the War of the Divine, the Valorborne were intended to serve as guardians of ancient knowledge, protectors of great cities, and champions to defend Tavomia against malevolent forces. Though the ancient cities they once protected were destroyed in the cataclysmic Rebirth, the Valorborne remain steadfast, committed to their original purpose of safeguarding the world.

A Life of Honor and Kindness

Valorborne typically hold a deep reverence for Lul’nir and Sune. Their spirituality is woven into their everyday lives, often expressed through quiet acts of devotion such as offerings and donations. Many Valorborne are drawn to serve as guardians of places of knowledge, acting as protectors for libraries, universities, and temples dedicated to the preservation of wisdom. They take on roles that prioritize defense and guardianship, ensuring that these sanctuaries remain safe from harm.
Some Valorborne also join the Church of Lul’nir, serving as clerics, particularly in rural areas or frontier towns. Unlike their human counterparts, Valorborne clerics are less inclined towards zealotry, favoring a more subdued expression of faith. Their commitment is demonstrated through their actions, maintaining peace and protecting those under their care.

Oaths That Bind

Valorborn are renowned for their honor and prefer to resolve conflicts through dialogue rather than combat. However, they will protect life at all costs, as their oaths are sacred and unbreakable. To a Valorborn, an oath is more than a mere promise; it is a binding contract that they cannot break, even if they wished to.
Valorborn often take on roles that involve protecting or educating others. They serve as town guards, teachers, clerics, and personal bodyguards, among other professions. Many also become adventurers, seeking out honorable causes and standing against the forces of evil.

The Twilight of Their People

Though the Valorborn remain steadfast in their mission to protect the world, their numbers are in decline. The destruction of the ancient cities during the Rebirth left many without a clear purpose, and they now face the challenge of preserving their legacy in a world that is slowly forgetting them. Despite this decline, Valorborn continue to uphold their duty, striving to protect other races from evil and honor the purpose for which they were created.

Language and Naming

Valorborn have no language of their own and typically speak Landrian, as well as the languages of the cultures among which they live. Their names often reflect their imposing stature and strong personalities. A Valorborn name typically includes a given name, a title that reflects their personality or profession, and a family name.
Male Names: Brak, Korg, Lur, Tharn, Grom
Female Names: Breka, Kora, Lura, Thara, Groma
Titles: The Even-Tempered, The Stalwart Defender, The Unyielding
Family Names: Stonehill, Thunderstriker, Ironclad, Earthshaper
These names are usually simple, with one or two syllables and strong consonant sounds. Titles often highlight a notable trait or achievement, while family names reflect lineage or place of birth.

Valorborn Racial Traits

Valorborn share a number of traits in common with each other due to their divine heritage and disciplined upbringing.
Ability Score Increase. Your Strength score increases by 2, and your Wisdom or Constitution score increases by 1.
Age. Valorborn mature at the same rate as humans but have a slightly longer lifespan, typically living just over a century.
Alignment. Valorborn tend towards good alignments, with a strong inclination toward lawfulness due to their strict codes of honor and duty.
Size. Valorborn stand between 7 and 8 feet tall and weigh between 300 and 600 pounds. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Oathbound. Valorborn are bound by a sacred code of honor. You cannot lie or deliberately deceive others; you must always speak the truth or remain silent.
Powerful Build. You count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity and the weight you can push, drag, or lift.
Born Warriors. You have proficiency with one melee weapon of your choice.
Warrior Scholars. You have proficiency in one of the following skills of your choice: History, Religion, or Nature.
Sense Corruption. You can cast the Detect Evil and Good spell, but it only detects the presence of creatures with evil alignment or malicious intent within 30 feet of you. Once you use this trait, you can’t use it again until you finish a long rest. You can use this ability a number of times equal to your Wisdom modifier (minimum of once). You regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest.
Aura of Courage. You and friendly creatures within 10 feet of you can’t be frightened while you are conscious.
Indomitable Mind. You have advantage on saving throws against being charmed or frightened, and magic can’t put you to sleep.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Landrian (Common) and one other language of your choice.

Of Friends & Relationships

Valorborn, with their strong sense of honor and loyalty, form deep and meaningful relationships characterized by sincerity and integrity. In friendships, they are steadfast and dependable, often taking on protective roles. Their calming presence makes them natural mediators, valuing peaceful resolutions over conflict.
In romantic relationships, Valorborn are gentle and patient, building connections slowly and thoughtfully. They prioritize honesty and mutual respect, seeking partners who share their values of duty and honor. Despite their formidable appearance, Valorborn express affection through actions rather than words, showing their love by standing by their partners through thick and thin. The slight difference in lifespan compared to humans allows them to form close bonds without the fear of outliving their partners by centuries, fostering deep, fulfilling relationships.

Food and Sharing

Valorborn have a deep appreciation for food, viewing it as more than just sustenance. Due to their large size, they enjoy hearty, filling meals made from fresh, local ingredients, often featuring generous portions of meat, root vegetables, and grains. Despite their love for food, they value moderation, seeing meals as fuel for their daily work and adventures.
Sharing food is an important cultural practice, especially with children, reflecting their nurturing nature. Whether a family meal or a communal feast, Valorborn take great pride in preparing and sharing food with others. They enjoy simple, wholesome dishes like slow-cooked stews and roasted meats, often served with thick, crusty bread and seasonal produce. For them, every meal is a celebration of community, hospitality, and their connection to the land.

Of Children and Valorborn

Valorborn have a particular affinity with children, often having a calming effect on timid or excitable youngsters. Their gentle nature makes them beloved figures in human settlements, where parents trust them to watch over their children. Valorborn are known for their patience and kindness, frequently playing and sharing stories with the young.

Gentle and Lovers of Stories

Despite their imposing size and combat prowess, Valorborn are known for their gentle nature. They are remarkably careful when interacting with others, especially children, and can playfully tumble and wrestle without causing harm. Their patience and kindness make them cherished companions among the young, who are drawn to their warmth and gentle demeanor.
Valorborn love stories and are often found reading or sharing tales with others. They enjoy storytelling sessions, especially with children, captivating them with tales of heroism, ancient legends, and the wonders of the world. Their rich, resonant voices bring stories to life, filling the air with laughter and awe. Despite their formidable appearance, Valorborn are joyous beings who laugh easily and appreciate the simple pleasures of life, making them cherished friends and companions.