Homebrew Garnar - Alpen Species Details

Pagan Folklore

Over the centuries, the Garnar gradually detached themselves from the Ancient Tradition, adhering for the most part to pagan cults, more in line with the folklore of the cold north. They pass on the memory of the Giants, their predecessors, who dominated the glacial lands, and of all the children of the forest, born from the heart of the Primes.

Where the human soul struggled to explain certain phenomena and the old creatures of the mountains, the Alperns have always dabbled in studying the ancient secrets to feel closer to the charm and the ferocity of nature. Among the children of the Primes known to men were the Mountain Giants extinct in the First Age, with whom they had very little contact but immediately learned not to disturb. Once these titans stopped crossing the Lands of Alper, many natural balances seem to have failed, and the magic of those places twisted to darkness.

Then there were the pale Trudens, tall creatures of feminine appearance with lost lineage. The Trudens got the better of the Giants, taking advantage of the sense of honor inherited from the ancestors of the Sempiternal with their cruelty, greed, and manipulation . They are akin to the gigantic daughters of the earth known as Perchtas and strike fear in the hearts of all Garnar.

Those who inhabited the Alper tell tales of the Striges or Strix: half women and half birds of prey, whose power drew equally on the energies of the world and the dark evil of Ènferun. They are often idolized as a symbol of feminine ferocity, and the most cunning amongst mountain community leaders hope to befriend them.

The Garnar have always feared or deified these creatures, especially those who ascended as Perchtas and claimed dominion over the land , sometimes as benevolent disciples of the mountains, sometimes as fearsome tyrants.

Betrayed by Trudens

The boldest most devoted to old Garnar amongst the Alperns felt outraged by the machinations of the Truden, thus declaring war on them.
At the dawn of the Second Age, as the world was deprived of Lagoran's leadership and the Ancient Tradition took hold, the conflict in the Lands of Alper was resolved. The chieftains of the Garnar agreed to a truce with the cruel-hearted women of the woods in exchange for gifts of power and magic.
The Truden vowed to make them mighty like the Giants, and eventually new lords of the northern valleys. Unfortunately, their witchcraft was corrupt and their words untrue: the Garnar traded that new strength for their humanity without even knowing.
The bystanders at the blood pact became feral creatures, later known as the Om of the Woods, giving birth to a wild lineage of monstrous beings, and the entire race of Alperns suffered from the shapeshifting curse, which took centuries to keep at bay. They never again trusted the Trudens, who became their worst nightmare. Since then, others have begun to call them "Wild Offspring".

Garnar - Alpen Traits

The Alperns are as robust and stubborn as mountain rock, quick to familiarize with strangers and open to contact with other cultures. Although they may seem rude in manners and austere in appearance, their cultural and emotional wealth makes them curious and intelligent people. Their complexion is white, and their eyes are always clear and glowing. They usually wear their hair, often blond or reddish or more rarely brown, very long and combed in long braids, just like their beards and mustaches.

Sturdy Arms

By virtue of their superior strength, Alperns can wield greatswords, mauls or greataxes with one hand; held with one hand, these weapons deal 1d10 damage.

Mighty Limbs

This race manifests traits inherited from the beasts to which they are so close; therefore, you are Proficient in Athletics.

Reckoning of Betrayal

The curse imposed by the Trudens exacts a harsh toll on the Alperns during the lunar cycle; the rays of the Full Moon, and of the Birthmoon of each individual Alpern, alter their appearance with animal traits, while maintaining a humanoid form. Depending on the Atavistic Beast , an animal extinct during the first two ages, you choose at character creation, you can develop a fur or plumage, a carnivorous dentition or rapacious claws.The shapeshifting grants a particular feature and persists throughout the entire Lunar Phase, after which you regain your usual appearance; if the Birthmoon corresponds to the Full Moon, the characters also gain the Beast Moon feature listed for their Atavistic Beast.

Age

The longevity of the Alperns is the same as that of other humans.

Alignment

Although ancient folklore and memories of the past are still very alive in the hearts of the Alperns, several have adhered to the Apostates of Rahidra in the hope of keeping the spirit of the Primes alive, but their open mindedness often causes them to adhere to any creed that gives them welcome.

Size

Alperns are of equal stature to humans, although generally tall; thus, your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.