The Kaldoran people are a proud and hardy folk who call the northern reaches of the Wraith Coast home. They are a diverse yet tightly-knit group, their strength and tenacity honed through centuries of survival in the harsh, cold climates. Though they are not as numerous as their southern neighbors, the Kaldorans are known for their fierce independence, battle-hardened warriors, and deep-rooted traditions.
Cultures of the Kaldorans
The Kaldoran people are divided into four main cultural groups: the Northmarchers, the Grimward, the Tundrals, and the Horselords of the Steppe.
Northmarchers
The Northmarchers inhabit the northernmost part of the Wraith Coast, where the icy tundras and snow-capped mountains define the land. They are the descendants of the ancient empire that once ruled these northern reaches, and they take great pride in their strength and history. The Northmarchers are known for their towering physiques, pale skin, and thick builds. Over time, they have developed a resilient and hardy nature, suited to surviving the harshest conditions.
Cultural Trait:
- Mighty Endurance: You have advantage on saving throws against cold and exhaustion. You can also survive on half the normal amount of food and water before suffering any ill effects from starvation or dehydration.
Grimward
The Grimward are a reclusive and fiercely independent people who live in the rugged forests and hills of the far northwest of Faerûn. They are descendants of the forested tribes that once roamed freely in this region. Known for their skill in woodcraft and survival, the Grimward are often mistrustful of outsiders and prefer to live in small, tightly-knit communities. Their lanky frames are well-suited to climbing, hunting, and navigating the dense woods. The Grimward have a deep connection to nature and the wilds, and their tribal customs remain strong even as they slowly assimilate into larger settlements.
Cultural Trait:
- Woodland Stealth: You have proficiency in Stealth when in wooded or forested areas, and you can move through difficult terrain created by plants and undergrowth without expending extra movement.
Tundrals
The Tundrals are a stoic and religious people from the icy northern mountains. Known for their imposing stature and unwavering determination, the Tundrals are a deeply spiritual people, with many adhering to ancient religious traditions that celebrate the forces of nature, war, and fate. Originally worshipers of primal deities, many Tundrals converted to the faith of the Morninglord or the Old Faith after the arrival of foreign missionaries and crusaders. Their communities are isolated, with many settlements found high in the mountain ranges, where only the toughest and most devout survive. Tundrals are renowned for their intense piety, especially in their worship of the deities of war and light.
Cultural Trait:
- Warrior’s Zeal: You have advantage on saving throws against fear. When you take damage from a creature, you can use your reaction to make a melee attack against that creature. You can do so once per long rest.
Horselords of the Steppe
The Horselords of the Steppe are a nomadic people who roam the vast grasslands and hills of the southeastern Sword Coast. Descended from ancient equestrian tribes, the Horselords are renowned for their mastery of horse riding and combat. They are skilled archers and warriors, known for their use of mounted tactics in battle. Though they have mingled with other cultures over time, the Horselords retain a strong sense of identity rooted in their ancient traditions. While the rise of other kingdoms has brought change to their way of life, they continue to be a proud and independent people, fiercely protective of their land and heritage.
Cultural Trait:
- Mounted Combatant: You gain advantage on any attack roll made with a ranged weapon while mounted. Additionally, you have proficiency in Animal Handling.
Kaldoran Identity
The Kaldorans are a people of resilience, strength, and pride. Their rugged cultures and hardy nature reflect the challenges they have faced in the unforgiving lands of the Sword Coast. While their differences are many, all Kaldorans share a deep respect for their traditions, their history, and their bonds with the land. They are survivors, battle-tested and unyielding, making them invaluable allies and dangerous enemies..
- Ability Score Increase: Your Constitution and Wisdom scores each increase by 1.
- Age: Kaldorans reach adulthood in their late teens and live less than a century.
- Alignment: Kaldorans do not tend toward any particular alignment. The best and the worst are found among them.
- Size: Kaldorans vary widely in height and build, from barely 5 feet to well over 6 feet tall. No matter where you fall in that range, your size is Medium.
- Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
- Languages: You can speak, read, and write Common.
- Cultural Trait. Pick an Kaldoran culture. You gain the cultural trait detailed in that cultures description.
- Legacy of the North. You have proficiency in two of the following skills: Animal Handling, Athletics, Intimidation, and Survival.
- Iron Will. You have advantage on saving throws against being frightened.
- Northern Resilience. You gain a +2 bonus to Constitution checks and Constitution saving throws.
Source: Soulforge Adventures Homebrew