Thaegars:
Famed monster-slayers and mercenaries, Thaegars are rightly feared. They're honorable to a fault, known for being fatalistic yet stubborn in nature. They don't wish for death, but dying in combat is something they never fear. Thaegars considered Oak Trees and Cairns sacred. Thaegars speak Northern and Drimgoth, their native tongue. They hail from the Kingdom Thaegoradrim. Name examples include (Male) Beowulf and Cuthbert (Female) Audra and Ethel.
Norgardians:
Close cousins to the Thaegars, the men of Norgard have much the same outlook on life. They're less of a stickler about honor, however. They are likely the best sailors and raiders of mankind, or at least on par with a few others. Norgardians favor the axe and shield or the sword and shield. Their Gods tend not to give divine powers to their followers, but they will reward them with gifts. Norgardians speak Northern and Grim Northern. Name examples include (Male) Ulfric and Harold (Female) Brunhilde and Freyja.
Andred:
The Kingdom of Andred is likely the most powerful human nation west of the Sundered Sea. Though its power waned as all other nations did the last few centuries, it still holds technical authority over various provinces on Torek. Andredians are hard working, known for their militias, Knightly Orders, and adherence to their Triarchy of Gods. If you picture the classical castle or the noble late medieval king, you're thinking of Andred. Their heavy cavalry is likely the most dangerous in the north, and many a hero has risen from Andred's bosom. Their native language dominates the north, hence the name 'Northern,' though some know it as 'Andredian.' Name examples include (Male) Alden and John (Female) Lauren and Christine.
Dre Costa:
The citizens of this coastal nation are highly religious and ambitious in their trade. They tend to rent out their ships and armies as mercenaries when not in conflict themselves. Dre Costans venerate Dragons, putting many Dragon insignia's on their clothing or buildings, though most Dragons (save for a few notable examples) tend to pay as much attention to them as they do other humans. Dre Costans are notable sailors, businessmen, explorers, and colonizers. The tend to have olive skin and dark features. They speak Dre Costan, though some speak Northern. Name examples include (Male) Alatriste and Bolivar (Female) Dalia and Franscesca.
Vrettonians:
If Andred has a rival in any given category, it is Vrettonia nine times out of ten. Vrettonians are known for their knights, their opulence, wealth, and magic. Though still a highly religious and fuedal society, fifty years ago their Kingdom was destabilized in a coup and became a short-lived Magocracy, reducing the power of the church and the High Dukes, not to mention the royal family fleeing for their lives. It was a short lived coup, as the survivors took back control and brought the mages to heel. The dissenters were executed, but the court mages did negotiate and re-affirm some power. It has done little to change Vrettonian way of life or its foreign policy, but it's shaken up religious ideals. Vrettonians speak in a flowery language, duel one another quite often, and are avid poets. The predominate hair color in the nation is blonde and brown. Vrettonian is obviously their chief language, though many speak Northern. Name examples include (Male) Louis and Mael (Female) Irene and Jacqueline.
Praelians:
Praelior is an arid land of mountains and shrubs, with little in the way of farming save for vineyards, olive trees, and cattle farming. Visiting the country, you can scarcely believe it is the home of the 'High Men' who once ruled the largest human Empire in history. Praelians are a tall people, with bronzed or coppery skin and dark features. They live in a loose confederation of city-states. Praelians also loosely follow a rule of conduct called the 'Armadium,' which dictates the roles of society, calling for citizens to strive to perfection in all they try to achieve. Praelians are known artists, poets, and they are skilled in the sword and shield along with the spear. Praelians also tend to live slightly longer than normal men, averaging 120 years of age, maintaining their youth into their fifties. They speak Praelian and Northern. Name examples include (Male) Brasidas and Askanios (Female) Barsine and Ithaca.
Basilean:
The spiritual successors to the old Praelian Empire, though the men of Praelior would disagree. Basileans do claim some of the old blood and much of the former administration. Their empire is centered in Basileos, the greatest city in the world. Whilst the Imperials claim this, it's hard to argue. Their citizenry are cultured, olive-skinned, dark haired, and good soldiers when trained to drill. They are also notable cooks, sailors, magicians, scribes, and alchemists. They have a very western meets eastern flavor.
Name examples include (Male) Constantius and Demetrios (Female) Eudokia and Jocasta.
Izyrians:
The Izyrian Shahanate is the first step onto the eastern continent, making its home on the coast of the Sea of Swords. Izyria is much like Praelior, in that it's a collection of city states working together due to a common ancestry and culture. Izyrians are closely related to the Ra'sheeks, though slightly lighter of skin and less prone to opulence, though that is not a high bar. Izyrians are good traders and sea farers, and those that don't live within the city states are rough, mountain folk. They speak Aradian, though some speak Northern or the tongues of those they trade with. Name examples include (Male) Ashur and Tammuz (Female) Mahtab and Samira.
Ra'sheeks:
Citizens of the great Sultanates live in vast cities next to the few water sources they can find just south of the Corsair Strait. Ra'sheeks skin tone range from caramel to brown, often wearing light or brightly colored clothing. They respect wealth as it denotes status, and magic as it denotes power. Living in a barren desert teeming with horrors and dark gods encased in caverns, along with brutal laws against the impoverished give the society and very cutthroat, dangerous feel to it. You might say it's a society of extremes in many ways, though many also make a peaceful living as farmers, sailors, or craftsmen when they find suitable spots for it. Ra'sheeks are notable magicians, thieves, alchemists, and sailors. Their society is deeply religious, worshiping two unique gods. Hayashim, God of the Sun, and Sarika Goddess of Moon and Bringer of Water. They speak Aradian, though some speak Northern. Name examples include (Male) Bahram and Amal (Female) Rahajashra and Fabrija
Di'janni:
Descendents of the Ra'sheeks and Izyrians, Di'janni are exiles from the Arad'Luin desert, living in the north as wanderers and small bands. It is said they have a Djinn blood running through their veins, and their penchant for magic and mischief give credence to the theory. Despite being seen as pariahs and thieves, and some live up to that image, they're also known for being kind-hearted to fellow outcasts and the downtrodden. They're talented performers and weavers, and those that somehow attain great wealth still enjoy traveling. Di'janni speak a language of the same name (very similar to Aradian), and Northern. Name examples include (Male) Dacian and Viorel (Female) Gabriella and Ruxundra.
Banians:
Banians are much like the land they call home; cold and rugged. Banians are heavy drinkers, fell warriors, and famous trappers of beasts. They're often on the receiving end of Norgardian raids on what little coastline they have in the far north. Most people live under the protection of a boyar (baron) among pine forests or rolling hills that lie under snow much of the year. They work together to survive the harsh climate, though Banians in their Capital city are far less cooperative due to their comfort, with duels and scheming not an uncommon sight. Banians have the distinction of being attacked the most by Vampires and Werewolves, and their forests are known to be haunted. Men tend to have dark brown hair and hearty beards, and women's hair tends to be jet black and naturally straight. Banians speak a coarse language of the same name, but also Northern. They are an oddity, as the Banian people are the only nation to be under the rule of a non-human: Queen Isabella, the Silver Elf. Name examples include (Male) Boris and Grigori (Female) Magdalena and Ivanka.
Dwemorlocks:
Exiled from the Northern Continent over a thousand years ago after the Great Civil War, Dwemorlocks were set adrift on boats without sails, paddles, or food as a death sentence. Eleven Thousand were shipped off. Two fortnights later, only three thousand remained, having eaten their fellows and drank their blood. Their ships landed upon the blasted lands of the fallen Xaglethuthe Empire. Desperate and vengeful, they contacted the wraith spirits and demons of the land and became great sorcerer kings and reavers. They interbred with the Bedouin nomads and with the great sun their skin turned tanned and coppery. To this day they still live in their fortress cities over vast slave populations and undead servants, living off the bounty they take from others and giving homage to Heathen Gods. Their numbers are few, but they descend from the High Men as the Praelians do, and so they live far longer than normal men. Name examples include (Male) Zul-gyg and Rathmitar (Female) Badira and Nefertari.
Caelic Isles:
The Caelic Isles dwell within the Shrouded Sea, where few dare travel. Norgardians are the most frequent visitors (and raiders), though much of the southern Isles are under the control of Andredian nobility. The Caelic peoples are hunters, guerilla fighters, and many believe they have some fey blood in their veins. Caels tend to have red, brown, or black hair, and many have blue or green eyes. They wear woad tattoos when in battle and live under Clan Chieftans, paying homage to their Druids that live as the Gods advise. Caels are not great sailors, though those living under Andredian rule have learned how to handle a ship well enough. Caels speak Caelic, though many speak Northern and even Wydarian. Name examples include (Male) Douglas and Seamus (Female) Agrona and Murron.
