The Kor

Deeply reverent of the land and its sacred sites, the nomadic kor live a sparse existence defined by their constant travels. Masters of ropes and hooks, they scale sheer cliffs and cross yawning chasms with such skill and agility that they sometimes seem almost to take flight. Their personalities and ideals follow an emphasis on a peaceful, harmonious community with strong traditions binding its members together.

The Kor of Elrün live a sparse and nomadic existence. They travel mercilessly light, carrying with them only the essentials, valuing the portability of individual skill and strength of character over more “static” virtues. Despite their constant motion, the Kor revere locations in a deep sense. They travel in small bands along one of several pilgrimage routes, visiting dozens of sacred sites across Elrün. Each pilgrimage circuit takes decades, and many are lost to dangers along the way.

Kor are tall, slender humanoids with light hair and gray, blue-gray, or ivory skin. All kor have slightly pointed ears, and males have short, tentacle-like barbels hanging from their chins. They paint softly glowing patterns on their faces and bodies. These indicate their tribe, family, important life events, and sometimes can be religious. Their clothing tends to leave their arms and shoulders free to facilitate climbing, and they keep most of their gear in pouches and slings at their waists.

The kor have a nonverbal language of hand signs and gestures that allows communication despite significant distance (particularly when augmented with whirling ropes) or howling winds. They also use this sign language among themselves when they wish to avoid being overheard, giving rise to misguided rumors that they are incapable of speech. When they do speak, they typically use as few words as possible to convey their meaning.

Kor names are fairly melodic and when they come of age they receive a secondary name or title along with the first. This secondary name represents deeds, successes, or failures in life. These secondary names will often change as new experiences, events, and deeds happen in their lives.

Male Names: Bamdon, Bobbo, Dohbe, Dunku, Gebbo, Geldu, Genko, Hundo, Nonmu, Talnu, Tamun, Tebe, Yobbe, Yodo, Zando, Zedan, Zobbo, Zono

Female Names: Fathi, Femya, Fene, Hashi, Hathla, Lamma, Lisha, Liste, Nayla, Nilsi, Tami, Tanme, Tapha, Tinwe, Vimhe, Vinye, Yahna, Yeli

Second Names: Dawncrag, Duskthorne, Elmspire, Fistsurge, Flamespin, Gloombrooke, Hardfist, Heavenguard, Keengaze, Mistmourne, Mournspire, Shademore, Soulcall, Springfall, Stonefury, Thunderglare, Thunderheart