The Gloom

General Info

Though little is known about the gloom as a sentient race, what is known is that with the smallest population of all the nations in the first age The Gloom Order managed to fight off both the fiendish invaders to the north and their giant neighbors to the south. As it is believed the nation was known for its small scale raids on specific targets, as gloom were known for their rampant slave population. Many would fear the surprise raids at dawn or midnight, as a party of elite gloom would rampage and destroy the town if it was close to the unofficial border the Queen declared. Uniquely, if the towns were far enough away from the territory, it is noted that gloom raiders would only take slaves and tribute, leaving the town unsacked. Truly noted as a nasty species of cut throats and thieves but their military prowess in small units of four was considered unmatched, allowing the nation to spend most of it's time sending out mercenary groups to bring back wealth and knowledge for the nation.    

Signed Grum "Old Man" of clan Brainbug

City info

Here we shall list the specific city info if any is listed for the cities history.  

Rashid ad-Din Sinan City

The first city of the Gloom people, though noted as a city of a thousand souls. The city is most known for its obsidian walls, large soulium and mythril forges that allow the gloom elite to craft daggers and rapiers of legendary quality. Though many have noted the city is quite old in it's design. Strange statues of foreign creatures now long vanished from the history books seem to dot the roads all around. Though called "The Old Man of the Mountain" in common, the city itself is noted for its eerily silent streets, not having a single shopping district, and not even slaves being found to roam the open roads. Almost as if none existed within, the buildings are all closed up and instead many of the tunnels beneath the city and passages between houses are used to traverse. As even within the city, clans of gloom are noted for taking entire building blocks as their territory in order to build up enough and grow stronger within. Many have noted when visiting that the few merchants allowed that far within the city have either gained the favor of The Corday or they are providing materials for the mythril smiths.

Technology periods

Here we shall discuss the main technological discoveries by this race.    

Mythril Smiths

It is said that one of the few technologies that developed within gloom society was the understanding of mythril forging. As many would find that soulium when smelted with mythril becomes like iron in the forge, easy to bend to the individuals will. As the process continues the mythril item can either be brought to a temperature that is 200 degrees cooler then tungstens smelting point. At which point the soulium will melt away leaving a powerful magical item that has been shaped exactly as the user wanted while still having its light weight properties. However, if one chooses to leave the soulium within the item, the item seems to naturally be able to become invisible with the slightest use of magic on the item. Seeming to blend in with the users body even when in direct sunlight.

Hierarchy

Here we shall discuss how the overall ladder of power is designed in this races territories.  

The Corday

Also known in common as the title for queen, this was a title given to the strongest of the gloom who had managed to earn the respect of the five clans through any means necessary. Many believe this title was given as a political puppet act, however further accounts show that the only gloom to have ever claimed this title had managed to wipe out the five clan leaders in a single meeting. These leaders being considered to be the greatest gloom at the highest peak of power, truly shows how much a ruler would have to do to become the leader of a vicious people. Though the title in many nations would be more honorary, or for tribute collection, The Corday was a nation wide power that decided the fate of her people. Thus giving the gloom an edge on other nations as they would attack unified under the single ruler and as a whole nation. Even today, many of our nations who live with a feudalistic government in mind, base it off The Corday and gloom governmental system.  

The Five Foxes

Each of the five clans are ran by one of the five foxes, noted as the only gloom to match The Corday in one catagory or another. Each of them are noted for being a continent threat on their own, for like the Corday, when the Fox wants to attack, the clan as a whole follows. Though it is rare to find the foxes on the frontlines, it is not fully unheard of. Noting that this title is only able to be kept if no other gloom challenged their clan fox. If they did, whether a gloom or not, if they are one with the clan, the fox must accept the challenge. If they lose, they are killed and so are their children to avoid weakening the future bloodlines.  

The Mohn

A title given to the second in command behind the fox of the clan. Most commonly referred to as the executioner for it's commonality for leading the charge for the fox. This title is given to the strongest and most capable amongst the clan and is usually considered a natural role for the heir to the fox position. Though that's not always the case, as this role requires the clan member to lead the vanguard, go on multiple raids and attacks, and always be at the defense of the fox. For if the fox dies and the Mohn does not die trying to save them, the Mohn is executed even if not at fault for the fox's death.  

The Hari

A common term for commoner who has raided, or more specifically a commoner who has killed. Every gloom before they can be recognized as an adult must have killed over a hundred non clan members in their lifetime. Thus gaining them the title of Hari, which allowed them to fully travel as they wished, choose which clan to join should they choose to leave, and to be able to challenge for the position of Mohn or Fox.  

The Riano

Translating roughly to non gloom who is clan, this is a term usually given to those outsiders who manage to prove themselves to a fox or a mohn in battle. More commonly this is found to be a title given to exiles from other nations who were prolific killers or raiders. Thus many who claim this title should be considered dangerous. Though rare to be given out, this title allows for non gloom to join a clan and marry into the clan. The title is typically given to no more then two to three outsiders at a time, believing that if one wished for this title they would have to kill another who had it. The Riano are welcomed to travel the nation freely and leave as they please, but each bares a mark that proves their allegiance to their gloom clan.    

The Hyone

A generic term used for non gloom, non clan members who attempt contact or trade. More often than not, these outsiders are enslaved and forced to work within the mines of the nation.  

Nobility

Here we shall discuss notable noble houses through the time periods.      

Royals throughout history

Here we shall mention royals that have a historical value of sorts.  

Dagma "The Twin Bladed" Clan Wrus

Known for her rampant interest in proto-fiends and pakob. Dagma was noted as a half born who suffered from lycanthropy from a young age. Giving her far greater strength and power in comparison to her clan. Though with the were creature she would turn into, she would find the disadvantages far outweighed any gifts it had provided. Turning into a large wolverine like creature, Dagma would become ferocious in battle, developing a love for fighting only those stronger and larger. It was said that through this, she would hand craft two swords that she would spend half a year fighting and studying the proto-fiend clans to make. These two swords would be made from strange stone and absorb the life essence of those the were-gloom had slain. And with time, and with her youth behind her, she would return to cut down and push back the lycanthrope invaders, and by slaying the other three potential Corday, the five foxes had no choice but to bow.  

Noteable Nobility

Here we shall discuss the current ages nobles and royals  

Noteable Royal Family

 

Notable Noble houses

  During the first age it is believed the gloom were a race of five clans, each clan was noted for carrying strange metal amulets each inscribed with magical runes used in teleportation magic.  

Clan Polon

Known exclusively for their potion craft, the clan was infamous for managing to remove key targets before a raid through use of unique potions and wild herbs. The clan infamously were known for capturing a wide variety of slaves to test their salves on. With a green skull flower on a white background, the group of assasins are known for their amulets that identify them. And for their strange black robes that seem to cover every inch of skin normally exposed.  

Clan Bexe

A clan known for its large bear skins that they wear into battle and raids. Clan Bexe gains its name for its capabilities at throwing axes and managing to wipe out entire walls of forces in mere moments. The only clan to practice practical magic, the clan Bexe are most notorious for their axes of returning. Each bearing the emblem of their clan, a large bear with wings that is said to heat up as it hits enemy flesh.  

Clan Hoker

Known for their specifically brutal scenes left behind after a raid, the clan Hoker are known for using metal spears in battle then after the city or town had surrendered, The men and women deemed unfit for slavery would be pushed down on heated metal spears from large fire pits they would leave in the centers of town. The clan is known for carrying an emblem with a speared proto-fiend head ignited on a blackened background.  

Clan Jesiar

A clan known for its extreme stealth and only the single scream as a city would be captured in what feels like mere moments. In truth a clan well known for its well trained group fighting style, stealth like focus, and ThriKreen like learning. The clan Jesiar is well known for having taken out a storm giant raid as the ship landed, as many of the giants would find themselves suddenly swarmed and multiple knives jabbed within their vital points. The other clans have been known to insultingly call them the "Rat King" clan as similar to rat kings they swarm around their leader.  

Clan Wrus

A clan simply unknown in truth, though historically they would birth the most Corday. The clan had no specialization as it stood central to the other four. Though known for their larger population, and their magical immunities. The clan Wrus seem to have adopted the killing style of each of the other clans. Allowing them to become a jack of all trades style of assassins. Though more known for their traps and inventions, without the quick understanding clan Wrus like many other clans before them would have fallen or been destroyed by one of the other four.

Military

Here we will discuss any specific military information  

Dagma "The Twin Bladed" Clan Wrus

Noted as having an army of 85,000 Hari of differening strength and experience to be mobilized at any given moment.  

Wars

Here we shall discuss the notable wars for each period and who they were against.  

The Glooman Wars

House Kllozin Vs The Gloom Order Known to have started in the first age, the two nations would end up at war with one another almost immediately upon the discovery of the other. What gave the war it's name, came in a single act by the corday Dagma "The Twin Bladed" of Clan Wrus requested that the Highborn of house Kllozin become her personal concubine. The immediate anger and hatred that would follow would see both nations in a violent on and off war for the rest of the first age. Though noted that three of house Kllozin would end up with the demanded fate, the Highborn of the house would avoid capture in those early days.

Events/Holidays

We shall begin to discuss notable holidays and events in this culture. Explaining further on where they come from and what goes on during them.    

The First Pillar

To be born as a gloom was considered the first pillar any young gloom had to overcome. As childhood would mean constant battles with other gloom children trying to assert dominance and capabilities. During these years, the first pillar of the gloom society is passed which is to survive and either follow or lead. A celebration is had once a gloom enters adolescence to show their capabilities to the clan they have now sworn to serve.  

The Second Pillar

Known as the first kill, this pillar is overcome when a now young gloom adult is capable enough to go on a raid to join the Hari. Once they join the first raid they are expected to publicly defeat and slay someone or a beast of note to show their ability. If they cannot, they will be killed by their fellow raiders at the end of the raid. Or the gloom will be exiled to continue to fight outside of the homelands until they kill a beast or person of greater note then any other clan member before them.  

The Third Pillar

Known as the pillar of love, to overcome this every gloom must find a mate that they bring into their household. To overcome this is to continue the blessings the Corday has given, and to give the gloom a chance to rise even higher.  

The Fourth Pillar

To overcome this pillar is to die a great death in service to the clan and the gloom, this is the pillar only accomplished by the rare few. A glorious death that would see you taken down in history as a fearful opponent for the race or beast you had perished to. Those who accomplished this were said to be venerated and give greater power to those who would descend from them.  

Religious beliefs

Here we shall discuss the different religious beliefs in this races history throughout the periods.  

Sabbah

Said to have been one of the few male glooms to ever leave the homeland and travel abroad. It is said that Sabbah was the first gloom in truth, he would serve with the Collective of Pyrus for the beginning of the worlds creation and exploration. During this time he would learn far more about his people and their history as well as his own. Finding the truth, it is said that Sabbah had fulfilled his pact with the Collective of Pyrus and with the information in hand that he needed, he would be the first to unite the gloom people to migrate into the new lands. Many believe that the gloom were originally a form of proto-fiend and that Sabbah actually drew his line from the nobility of the Kllozin main ruling family. He is noted as thin but tall, commanding with bright ruby eyes, and many of his statues depict him with a darker goldish copper skin color. Many gloom seem to worship this figure who according to the Collective of Pyrus officially never existed in any of the scrolls that survived from that time. Unofficially, many believe that Sabbah was set on the path by the collective in exchange for their position within the gloom lands.    

Known diseases

Here we shall discuss known diseases to be active and/or discovered or cured during the different time periods of these races  

Soul foot

Said to be a disease that only afffected the smiths who worked on mythril. The disease was noted to in truth not actually be a disease but more a condition that was commonly found amongst the gloom. As they had not yet realized that molten Soulium when laying on the ground after being knocked away from the mythril items being crafted, would continue to stay hot for months and sometimes years, which would slowly meld to the feet of those less fortunate smiths who were not careful. Creating a class of gloom who could not stealth as their feet would clack on every surface they touched no matter how soft footed the individual was.  

Sabbah's Curse

Noted as one of the slowest reproducing races in history, it is believed that the males of the gloom species were extremely rare and far between early on due to a lack of fertility and an animalistic drive to attack others by the gloom. This would lead to many deaths in the early days of the species, and thus with the low fertility it is already noted that the race treats its males as if rare gemstones, hording and hiding them away in many cases. It is said that the average gloom will have one to two children every fourty years or so. Thus many gloom have begun to believe their god is punishing them for not having achieved grander accomplishments in his eyes.  

Economy

Here we shall discuss the unique economics of different nations as needed.  

Note

The gloom were noted as a closed and isolated economy that focused entirely on its internal capabilities.

Coins

Here we shall find how the coins look, what materials they are made of, and what the value of the coins are on the overall market.  

Note

The gloom at the beginning of the first age had no actual coin in storage, thus starting with no capital as a nation.  

Trade Goods

Here you shall find the trade goods this race has on offer in the nations they inhabit.  

Other Characters of note

Here we shall discuss other characters of note directly influence this race.

Anatomy

Here we shall both provide a design as well as an explanation of the anatomy of the race in question.     (image of race)  

Ability score increase

You gain a +2 to dex and a +1 to strength as the gloom were noted for their unusally high capabilitiy to stealth as well as their extreme strength for such lean bodies.  

Age

The average gloom is noted for living around 300 to 400 years of age before suffering from extreme degredation of their bodies.    

Phenotypes

Noted for their dark skin color, lack of eyes and strange elf with conehead like features. The Gloom are tall, lengthy, and known for having spindly limbs. Favoring their large smiles with sharp teeth designed for tearing flesh from bones in a fight.  

Height and Weight

They tend to stand anywhere from 9ft to 22ft tall, they seem to weigh only 4 to 500lbs on average, even with their tall spindly form.  

Alignment

Traditionally many follow a code of laws they themselves have come to agree to, making most gloom lawful evil. However, those who tend to be more ambitious and willing to rise through the ranks follow similarly with chaotic evil.    

Speed

Known to be able to cover 30ft of walking distance in six seconds flat.  

Founding

Here we shall explain when the race came to be, how it came to be, and whom it is credited to and where.   The Gloom are one of the few species that historically was well documented before they became a kingdom, as their founder Sabbah was noted as the first gloom. He would travel from the lands of the proto-fiends after his clan would lose a war with another becoming enslaved and stripped of all power. Sabbah was said to have fled first to the dragon lands and later to the lands of the collective. Upon reaching The Collective of Pyrus, many have noted that Sabbah would impress the director by sneaking into the deepest parts of the strongholds massive library. Here Sabbah would meet the director, a being that none to this day have ever spoken to or of, but a being who blessed the young gloom with great knowledge. After spending a short time in the collectives employ, it is said that Sabbah, upon completion of his pact with the director, would return to collect his clan from slavery and wipe out the proto-fiends that had defeated his family before. He would then migrate south to set up the new lands, many noting that the gloom would slowly indoctrinate into elven society as the times would go on. Creating a strange subculture that would eventually out breed and outlive the gloom.  

Info to still be edited