(See also [[Realms of the Continent]]) # Intro Many different people lived in Drakkenheim. The neighbouring countryside and the realms beyond are no less diverse, though [[#humans]] make up the majority of the population in the current age. In ancient days, the industrious [[#Dwarves|dwarven folk]] built great underground empires, the alien [[#elves]] raised mystical towers, while the [[#Uncommon Origins|orcish]] people constructed monuments and menhirs to honor their old gods. Today, their descendants and those of many other ancestries inhabit the continent, though few would associate their varied biological distinctions with any single nation, culture, or religion. The way that most folks are seen is that they are most commonly humans with a different ancestry. For example Tieflings and Dragonborn are not seen as distinct races but rather humans with something unique in their ancestry. If you choose to play a "stranger" lineage or race, this doesn't come with any antagonisms, biases or adverse role-playing implications - though this will mark you out as clearly just another adventurer searching the ruins of Drakkenheim. ^Peoples # Lineages ## Dwarves Many [[#Dwarves]] tell tales of ancient underground kingdoms that hoarded vast mines of gold and gems and fought great wars miles below the surface. The foundations upon which Drakkenheim were built date back to these times, and traces of dwarven architecture and engineering can still be found in the fortifications, aqueducts, and deep vaults of the city. However, the days of the dwarven realms have long passed, and the dwarven people have no great holds of their own any more. Still, many dwarves dwell in the mountains and keep the traditions of their ancestors: mining, smithing, and engineering. Many more are much less tied to these traditions now, so it is not unusual to see a small number of dwarves in just about any community. ^Dwarves ## Elves No one knows when [[#Elves]] came to these lands, or exactly how they got here. Even the most ancient among them tell little more than vague myths about their origins. These stories claim that millennia ago, the elves came into this world through fairy realms and shadow gates from a distant and long-lost land. Why the elves left, none can say. Today, the elves live in diaspora. Only a handful of elven families dwell in even the most populous regions. Although rare, they are no longer regarded as strangers to these lands. In fact, half-elves are now much more common than those of pure elven descent. Though elves remember little of their history, they still possess great knowledge of magic. The few elven ruins found across the continent contain mysterious portals and arcane lore. The reason they were abandoned remains unknown. ^Elves ## Halflings These smallfolk often form their own communities within settled lands, just as often as they live alongside the other people of the continent. Many live a rural life, tending farms, orchards, and fishing villages. Dozens of [[#Halflings|Halfling]] villages surrounded Drakkenheim, the bounty of their fields feeding the city. Though these communities were not outright destroyed when [[the meteor]] struck, they have not escaped its devastation. The eldritch [[contamination]] spreading from the ruins and the threat of monstrous raiders have forced many smallfolk to abandon their homes. Their once-quaint underhill abodes and welcoming hamlets are now eerie ghost-towns. ^Halflings ## Humans Most of the population of the continent are [[#Humans]], who range in all shapes, sizes, colours, skills, and beliefs. Humans tell countless tales of their origins, and tend to regard wherever they were born as home. They formed many of the great noble and royal houses of the continent, and the endless conflicts between these families have defined the political landscape of the realms. One such family, [[House von Kessel]], ruled Drakkenheim until [[the meteor]] and years of [[The Civil War|Civil War]] ended their regal line. ^Humans [[#Humans]] have long mingled with other peoples, resulting in half-elves, half-orcs, and half-dragons. Though such people often bear distinct physical traits, such individuals are recognized for their shared human origin. Indeed, humanity has often intentionally sought to enhance their lineages. During antiquity, many powerful sorcerous dynasties infused their bloodlines with the essence of infernal and celestial entities, bequeathing their progeny with an enduring magical legacy. Though these old empires have long since fallen, their descendants have since spread throughout the world. ^HalfHumans ## Uncommon Origins Though their populations are sparse, many other peoples inhabit the world of Drakkenheim, including catfolk, dragonborn, gnomes, goblins, orcs, and tieflings. No matter their origin, there is no reason any type of character would be out of place arriving in Drakkenheim. Players should work with the Game Master to invent how their ancestry choice could have a place in Drakkenheim. ^UncommonOrigins