16.9.7 The History of the Norrjin Race

In the year 100 AA, the forces of the orcish Horde descended upon Caanae, leaving the city in ruins and its people scattered like leaves in the wind.

Among the refugees, a determined band of humans sought refuge in the unforgiving snowy wastelands of the north. Their first winter was brutal; the biting cold claimed countless lives, and the survivors faced the grim reality of dwindling resources. As the snows began to melt, a formidable leader, Eldgrim Flatnefr, rose from their ranks. With an iron will and axe in hand, he orchestrated the birth of new settlements, ensuring the survival of his people through organized hunts, resource gathering, and fortifications. But survival came at a cost. Eldgrim, in a ruthless bid to preserve their limited supplies, initiated 'the Culling,' a grim purge that saw the weak, old, and unproductive meet a tragic end.

This harsh decree ensured that only the fittest and most resourceful endured. Over generations, the trials of the north molded the descendants into a formidable breed. Under the subtle influence of Moradeim, the Moon of Change, they underwent further transformation. They grew taller, their muscles thickened, and their skin became resilient to the cold. These evolved northerners, skilled hunters and unparalleled survivalists, celebrated their legacy with an annual festival commemorating the Culling, where the mightiest among them would compete for honor, land, and alliances.

Nearly two centuries after Caanae's fall, in 290 AA, curiosity drove the norrjin southwards. Their return was marked by astonishment; they towered over the tanari and muamrite, their pale skin and robust stature setting them apart. Yet, beneath the differences, the shared thread of humanity was unmistakable. The men and women of the north, with their unique heritage and strength, came to be known and respected as the norrjin.