Introduction
In the far reaches of Landorya, where icy winds howl and the sun's warmth is but a fleeting whisper, live the Frostborn - a race of hardy, resilient people who have carved out an existence in one of the harshest environments known: the Frostbound Wastes. Born from ice and snow, these beings have adapted to the unforgiving cold, developing a unique culture and way of life that revolves around survival, community, and a deep respect for the forces of nature.
The Frostborn are renowned as practitioners of Runecraft and elemental ice magic, guardians of the northern borders of Landorya, and keepers of some of the oldest oral traditions on the continent. Their proficiency in Runecraft, resilience to harsh climates, and strong alliances with mountain-dwelling races make them a valued and respected people, despite their geographical isolation, limited agricultural resources, and reliance on trade for essential goods.
Their strengths include resilience to harsh climates, proficiency in Runecraft, and strong alliances with mountain-dwelling races. Their weaknesses include geographical isolation, limited agricultural resources, and reliance on trade for essential goods, as well as limited population and potential for internal power struggles.
1.1 Racial Identity
The Frostborn define themselves through their relationship with the frozen north. They call themselves "Iskveld" in their own tongue, meaning "ice-shaped." This term encompasses both their mythological origin from the hands of Glacius and their ongoing daily struggle against the elements. To be Frostborn is to be tested by the cold every single day and to emerge stronger for it.
1.2 Place Among Landorya's Peoples
Among the many races and cultures of Landorya, the Frostborn occupy a unique niche. They are neither conquerors nor merchants, neither scholars nor empire-builders. Instead, they serve as the continent's northern shield, its oldest memory-keepers, and its most tenacious survivors. Other races regard them with a mixture of respect, curiosity, and awe, recognizing that the Frostborn endure conditions that would break lesser peoples.