Northerners

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Northerners were a sub-race of the Humans that originally appeared in Aegis. With time and the diversity of the human race, they were fit into the Highlanders.

History

It is commonly believed that the first Northerners emerged when Humans began migrating north past the area of what would become Al'Khazar and into the cold northern forests. Although many would return or perish in this journey, the survivors would be most mentally and physically prepared for life in the harsh snowy north. Permanent settlements would have emerged, clothing styles changed and diets altered to provide the best chances of survival. Over time, this led to a hardy, strong people greatly different from their Southeron cousins.

As the Undead began their attacks on Aegis the towns of the Northerners provided the first defenses against the Undead advance. The combat mentality and tough nature of the Northerners proved to be a good defense against the Undead, for a time. As the Undead grew in strength and their attacks grew more frequent, public opinion of Northerners began to change. Some believed the Northerners to be doing the best job they could, while others believed them to be a weak people. Although Human bloodlines blend easily and Northerners could be found in all Human settlements, the highest concentration of Northerners was found in the towns of Alstion, Snowy Fields, Winterfell, Crimson Vale, Celestine and New Alstion. Many Northerners were killed by Undead attempting to defend these towns when they fell.

Upon moving to Asulon many Northerners moved to cold and snowy areas within the Human nations, including the lands of Hanseti and the settlement of Ildon. Many of the Northerners from Aegis died out over time, and it was their children and grandchildren who began to take on traits of the Northerner. It is often thought that in Asulon the bloodlines of the Humans became more blurred than they ever had been, as the Northerners and Southerons mixed together often in the new cities and towns. Curiously in Asulon, the geography was reversed compared to Aegis. The cold mountains of Hanseti were in the south and hot grasslands of Renatus and Salvus were in the north. Despite this, the terms Northerner and Southeron stuck.

In Anthos Northerners continued to live mostly in the northern areas of Oren, namely Northal and other previously Hansetian and Herendulian lands.

Relations with other Peoples

Unlike other bloodlines such as the High Elves and their kin or the Forest Dwarves and other sons of Urguan, Northerners have rarely been in strife with their Human relatives. Northerners and Southerons have always lived in relative harmony, although the differences between them have been known to lead to some strife.

When not living in the Human lands Northerners are often found amongst the Dwarves. Both stout, hardy people, the Dwarves and Northerners are used to harsh climates and combat. Ale is commonly shared.

Appearance

Northerners are pale, short and sturdily built. It is commonly believed that when the first Northerners began to enter the snowy lands, the Human bloodlines had not yet split off distinctly. The Northerners therefore emerged from Humans that looked very much like what the child of a modern Northerner and Southeron would appear as. With less food readily available and a diet more focused on meat rather than crops such as wheat, the Northerners size grew smaller and more compact. This suited the combat that Northerners frequently found themselves in, fighting off the many monsters and eventually the Undead that scoured the North. With less access to the sun the skin of the Northerner became pale and gaunter. Northerners are likely to wear simple, warm clothing usually made of sheep wool.

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Strengths and Weaknesses

Northerners are renowned for their skill in combat. Having lived in harsh environments for centuries, Northerners use their considerable strength to go to battle. Swords are common for Northerners, but many also wield battleaxes. Physical labour is another benefit to the Northerner. They make excellent miners and lumberjacks, well suited to work in cold areas with many natural resources that other races cannot easily work in. Animal breeding is a long-standing tradition for Northerners, who prefer to raise Cows, chickens, pigs and sheep for food and materials rather than rely on crops.

Northerners are traditionally hesitant to farm given the harsh environment, as only the hardiest of crops can survive the climate. Because of this many Northerners struggle to maintain farms. Only in recent years have some foodstuffs been discovered that are well suited to the snow and climate that the Northerners live in. Although Northerners do enter politics and can be excellent speakers, many struggle with adapting to the harsh political climate that so often exists in Human lands.

Personality

Northerners are frequently quiet, contemplative figures. They have time to think and have discussions during the long, dark days of the snows. Although they rarely have as many friends and acquaintances as Southerons, the ones they do have are usually closer. Familial ties are generally stronger within Northerner homes. Stubbornness and conservatism is often found in Northerners, who loathe change and prefer to do things according to tradition. Their frequent long silences can be viewed with suspicion by others, who may think they are scheming or plotting something. Living in conditions where making small mistakes can be the difference between life and death, Northerners are more cautious and likely to stick with what is known to work.