Dulac

The Meleki (named for Lake Meleke) are the descendants of the Cradish who refused to accept fealty to the elves after the Vendal Invasion pushed them out of their homelands, and remained in the Banish-Lands. They are thought to be entirely barbaric, naked save for their woad-paint, practicing cannibalism and worshipping bloody pagan gods. Some of this is true, but it has more dimensions than that. They are dominated by the hag-covens of the deep woods, ruled by Witch-Kings on wicked steeds, but also truly wish to reclaim the old culture lost since the coming of the elves. They battle just as much with the orcs under the Desperations and the centaurs of the Rough Bounds as they do with the Steel Marches, and occasionally make deals with the Shalish elves (who they have some kind of udnerstanding with) as well as barghests and their goblin tribes. Like the Cradish they have ruddy skin, but darker hair and features without intermingling with the elves, and uniquely many feature yellow eyes, thought to be caused by the blood of barghests. The Meleki value the primal wild, cunning, and witchcraft. The Meleki worship any pagan god that they think will favor their cause, and Zoryan, Ragna, and Khyber all receive their due, as do the more earthly idols such as Ez or Nogad. More than a few have turned to darker deities, such as the god of murder Sumun or even Ka-Ata-Raya, though only a sparing few have turned to diabolism.

• Ancestry: Quicklings, harfoots and goblins make up most of the Meleki, though a few gnomes have been spotted among their number. Changeling men often rule Meleki tribes as Witch-Kings, while the women answer the Call and join with the hag-covens that secretly (and not so secretly) influence them.


• Starting Languages: Low Talirean, Old Cradish


• Myrcian Weapons: longbow, shortbow, hatchet, club, spear. Meleki weapons are simple and effective, designed for their surroundings while keeping their archery tradition alive. Their warriors wear little armor (indeed, sometimes naked save for enchanted woad) and use stealth to close in, throwing hatchets before surrounding and engaging with spears, while volleys fall from hidden places in the dark woods.