Wildthorn

When the Minotaur of what would become Thiselwood were forced out of their homes by the xenophobic Elven settlers of the time, they split into 3 clans as their viewpoints on dealing with this upset differed.   Whilst most were forced over to The Halidore Isles, forging their own settlement which would later become a safe-haven for other monstrous races with no home, some fled the expulsion and chose to settle for warmer climates. They sailed the Azean Sea (for the Gulfs had yet to form) and landed on the continent of Faltiss, in it's throes of young civilisation. These Minotaur brought with them knowledge of the advancing civilisations to the West and were welcomed with open arms across much of the continent.   Understandably shaken by their encounter with the invading Elves, they sought out a more fortified location, chancing upon a deep valley which the natives avoided with fervour and had taken to calling the Blackthorn Valley. The first few to venture forth returned immediately with a horrible sickness, which rapidly became incurable, brought forth by the deadly Blackthorn plants which covered much of the valley. The Minotaur sent forth their most powerful druids to tame the valley, relocating the plants as opposed to simply obliterating them, learning to work with them in harmony, creating a natural defence, much like the Elves to whom they lost their home.   From this seat of power, Wildthorn extended and assisted the other rapidly forming settlements across Faltiss, slowly becoming heralded as the denizens' choice of capital. The incredibly potent poison within the thorns of Blackthorn flower was subject to cast experimentation through which, not only were devastating poisons created, but powerful medicines distilled from tinctures and mixtures with other ingredients, providing greater legitimacy to the capital rapidly growing in wealth and power. During this time, other races began to take notice, similarly afflicted by stereotypes and hatred and they, too, began to gather within the bubbling hub of acceptance and peace.