Taulsmen
"What seperates men from lesser men? Predators from prey? Fear" - Bloodking Zakun
A Divided People
There is two factions of Taulsmen: the Hellfire Nation and the Taul'Maulron Empire. All Taulsmen originated from Taul'Maulron, which is their ancient city deep within the southern rain forests of Melrhine (the Taul Jungles). Although today, many now align to the Hellfire Nation, which controls all of central Melrhine (the ruins of Shadowvale), and the northern pine forests of Amberpine. The Hellfire Taulsmen are followers of the demon, Azaron, Demon-Lord of Wrath. Some take their fanaticism to new levels with blood rituals that turn themselves into demonic avatars. While others in the Hellfire Nation just stride to find new beginnings: after being driven from their homeland, this new conquered land is the only home they have now.
The traditionalists of Taul'Maulron lead a completely different, yet similar lifestyle. These Taulsmen follow the old ways, and still worship the old prophets and gods of their underworld known as Xilbalba (although the primary gods of this underworld were slain when the Hellfire took power). They had lost their homeland thousands of years ago and only recently in the last century reclaimed the city of Taul'Maulron. Within their ancient birthplace, the Taulsmen of Taul'Maulron seek to live out their lives just as how their ancestors once did thousands of years ago.
The traditionalists of Taul'Maulron lead a completely different, yet similar lifestyle. These Taulsmen follow the old ways, and still worship the old prophets and gods of their underworld known as Xilbalba (although the primary gods of this underworld were slain when the Hellfire took power). They had lost their homeland thousands of years ago and only recently in the last century reclaimed the city of Taul'Maulron. Within their ancient birthplace, the Taulsmen of Taul'Maulron seek to live out their lives just as how their ancestors once did thousands of years ago.
Superstitious and Primal
All Taulsmen carry a sense of mysticism with them - no action is without consideration of how their deity might react to it. Taulsmen in some shape or form, believe that the gods can influence anyone's actions: so when the gods are pleased - life will be bountiful, while on the other hand, when they are angered - they can strike their vengeance upon you. It is only natural that rituals are a daily part of life for a Taulsmen, even simple practices like wearing charms to ward off vengeful spirits or carving scars into their own bodies for every kill they earn hold a deep meaning for them.
To many, Taulsmen appear as a primitive race of humans, no better than cavemen. But on closer inspection, Taulsmen are a people centered around religious philosophies: ideas and practices that are guided by unseen hands to those who do not follow the same deity as they do. Hellfire Taulsmen might not always inhibit this trait, but Taulsmen from Taul'Maulron follow a life centered around honoring their bloodlines, making sure they do well to respect those who came before them. Due to their divided nature, most Taulsmen have differing attitudes towards outsiders: some see them as inferior beings who lack vision, while others simply do not care of what outsiders think and press on with their lives - largely unbiased of other races and cultures.
To many, Taulsmen appear as a primitive race of humans, no better than cavemen. But on closer inspection, Taulsmen are a people centered around religious philosophies: ideas and practices that are guided by unseen hands to those who do not follow the same deity as they do. Hellfire Taulsmen might not always inhibit this trait, but Taulsmen from Taul'Maulron follow a life centered around honoring their bloodlines, making sure they do well to respect those who came before them. Due to their divided nature, most Taulsmen have differing attitudes towards outsiders: some see them as inferior beings who lack vision, while others simply do not care of what outsiders think and press on with their lives - largely unbiased of other races and cultures.
Physical Traits
- Age - Most Taulsmen can live to be around 70 years old.
- Speed - Taulsmen base walking speed is 30 feet.
- Size - Slightly below average height, Taulsmen men and women stand at around 5 feet and 7 inches tall, with women usually slightly shorter. Built short and stocky, their bodies were made for hard work and endurance. Their size is medium.
- Complexion - Most Taulsmen have a darker complexion, usually ranging from a light or dark gray-brown hue. They have straight, black hair, broad faces and prominent, often large hooked noses. Facial hair is rather uncommon among male Taulsmen; only occasionally do they appear in the form of meager beards or chin patches.
- Eye Colors - Most Taulsmen have almond-shaped eyes with black, brown or amber colored irises . In rare events, a Taulsmen is born with naturally red eyes. This phenomenon is often seen with great superstition and mysticism: men born with red eyes are prophesied to become great warriors, while women are heralded to become great mythics or shamans.
D&D Race Stats - Taulsmen
- +1 to all ability scores
- Predatory Instincts - Gain proficiency in the Survival skill.
- Languages - Taulsmen can speak, read and write in Common and Taulic (Taulsmen dialect and accent).