Atlaren

'The Horse-Lords of the West - Riders of Wind and Thunder'

Overview

In the wide, rolling grasslands west of Solamir dwell the Atlaren - a proud and unyielding people shaped by open sky, storm-winds, and the thunder of hooves. Their homeland, known simply as Atlaren, is a land of golden fields, high moors, and scattered hillforts where mead flows freely and ancient songs bind clans as tightly as blood. To be Atlaren is to be born to the saddle; a child rides before they walk, and a warrior's worth is judged by their courage, their loyalty, and the speed of their horse.

 

Though allied to Solamir through oath and ancient friendship, the Atlaren remain fiercely independent. They prize freedom above wealth, kin above crown, and honor above all else. Their culture is rich with tradition - from skalds who carry the memory of their people, to shield-maidens whose valor matches any man’s, to the revered Herd-Lords who rule the great plains not by decree, but by the respect they earn in battle and hardship.

 

Their faith is simple and earnest. Kyte is revered as the exemplar of courage and protection, his symbol carved into shields and burned into the hafts of spears. Faerion, Lord of Beasts, is honored in every stable and pasture, for horses are sacred and cherished above nearly all other things. Though rustic in appearance, the Atlaren are a deeply noble folk - steady as the earth beneath their hooves, swift as the storm, and unbreakable in their loyalties.

Age

  • Maturity: ~17 years

  • Average Lifespan: ~65-70 years

  • Death by Old Age: Begins ~80+ years 

Height

  • Range: 65 to 75 inches (5'5" to 6'3")

Attributes

  • Strength: +1

  • Constitution: +1 

Appearance

  • Skin: Typically fair to sun-weathered, often ruddy or browned from life beneath the open sky. Harsh winters lend some Atlaren a pale, almost wind-bitten complexion.

  • Hair: Commonly blond, flaxen, or light brown, though darker shades appear. Hair is worn long, braided, or wind-tossed. Warriors often bind their hair with leather, bone, or metal rings.

  • Eyes: Shades of blue, grey, hazel, or green are most common - bright, keen, and storm-colored. Deep blue eyes are considered a mark of strong spirit.

Inherent Abilities

Ride

Roleplaying

To play an Atlaren is to embody freedom, courage, kinship, and blunt honesty. They speak plainly, laugh loudly, and wear their hearts openly. Loyalty is sacred - a promise binds stronger than iron, and betrayal is met with swift justice. Atlaren do not hide their feelings: joy is celebrated, sorrow sung, and anger quenched quickly with either fists or mead. They respect strength, but admire heart; a humble shepherd who stands firm is as honored as a knight. Mounted combat is second nature, and even those not of the warrior caste treat horses with reverence bordering on the spiritual. An Atlaren character should feel alive, bold, and rooted in tradition - the kind who charges headlong into danger with a battle-cry of old, or stands defiant atop a hill, wind in their hair, daring the world to challenge them.