Scandalen

Biography of the Scandalen People

The Scandalen people, an enigmatic race shrouded in myth and legend, stand as titans among the diverse inhabitants of Faerun. Believed by many to be the first humans to tread upon its soils, their origins are a subject of speculation and reverence, often intertwined with tales of divine ancestry and celestial heritage.

Legend holds that the Scandalen emerged mysteriously onto the stage of history, towering in stature and endowed with strength that bespeaks a lineage steeped in the blood of gods. It is said they appeared in a time when Faerun was young, forging their way across its vast landscapes from lands unknown, perhaps beyond the realms of mortal comprehension.

Their legacy is marked by the grandeur of a once-mighty empire that stretched across the northern reaches of Faerun. From the fabled Sword Coast in the west to the icy expanses of the High Ice in the east, and from the towering Spine of the World in the north to the strategic town of Daggerford in the south, the Scandalen dominion knew few rivals in its heyday.

Cities of grandeur rose under their hands, their craftsmanship renowned throughout the lands. Yet, like all epochs of greatness, the zenith of the Scandalen's empire eventually waned. Legends speak of cataclysms, internal strife that eroded their once-mighty dominion, and the whispers of ancient grudges. Cities fell silent, fortresses crumbled, and the great halls echoed only with whispers of their former majesty. The reasons for their decline are lost to time, obscured by the passage of ages and the veils of myth that enshroud their history. 

Today, the Scandalen endure as a proud and resilient people, their once-mighty empire reduced to scattered holdings amidst the frozen peaks of The Spine of the World. Two kingdoms, Hrafnstad and Muspelheim, stand as a testament to their endurance and strength, ruled by leaders like Duke Aktuel and the Kodain family, who navigate the complexities of rivalries and alliances in a world that has grown ever more uncertain.

What sets the Scandalen apart, beyond their towering stature averaging around 8 feet tall, is their unwavering pride and the fierce independence that characterizes their culture. Known for their disdain of magic and their mastery of martial disciplines, they have honed their skills in war and craftsmanship, producing weapons and armor of unparalleled quality. Their horsemanship, riding the fearsome High Shire horses bred for battle, is legendary, a testament to their skill and prowess on the battlefield.

However, amidst their martial traditions and stoic resilience, the Scandalen face challenges that threaten their very existence. Orcs and other beasts prey upon their scattered settlements, and their numbers dwindle with each passing generation. Their pride, sometimes bordering on arrogance, has isolated them from potential allies, particularly the elves who view them with a mixture of awe and disdain.

Yet, amidst the harsh beauty of their mountainous homeland and the challenges that beset them, the Scandalen endure. They stand as a testament to the indomitable spirit of a race whose origins are as ancient as the stones they call home, their fate bound to the winds of fate and the legacy they leave behind in the annals of Faerun's history.

Description of the Scandalen Race

The Scandalen, an ancient and enigmatic race shrouded in myth and legend, stand as towering figures amidst the diverse inhabitants of Faerun. Believed by many to be the first humans to tread upon its soils, the Scandalen's origins are steeped in mystery and reverence, their existence intertwined with tales of divine ancestry and celestial heritage.

Physical Attributes: The Scandalen are renowned for their formidable stature, standing on average around 8 feet tall, with the shortest recorded individual reaching 6 feet 8 inches. Their imposing height is matched by a robust build, characterized by broad shoulders, strong limbs, and a presence that commands respect. Despite their size, they possess agility and quickness, traits that serve them well in both battle and daily life.

Longevity: A notable feature of the Scandalen is their exceptional longevity, with lifespans extending up to 190 years. This longevity is a testament to their resilience and endurance, allowing them to accumulate wisdom and experience over many generations. It is said that the passing of time only enhances their strength and prowess, making them formidable adversaries and respected elders within their communities.

Culture and Society: Scandalen society revolves around principles of honor, valor, and familial loyalty. Descendants of a once-mighty empire that spanned from the Sword Coast to the High Ice, they retain a deep-seated pride in their heritage and traditions. Their cities, now scattered remnants amidst the rugged landscapes of The Spine of the World, reflect their architectural prowess and commitment to craftsmanship.

Skills and Proficiencies: From an early age, Scandalen are trained in martial disciplines, their prowess in combat honed through rigorous training and practical experience. Many are skilled warriors, adept in the use of weapons forged in their mountainous forges. While magic holds little appeal for most Scandalen, preferring instead the tangible strength of arms and the reliability of their High Shire horses bred for battle.

Relations with Other Races: The Scandalen's interactions with neighboring races are marked by a mixture of respect and wariness. They have forged alliances with the Dwarves of the mountains and the Northmen of the Dale lands, engaging in trade and mutual defense against common foes. Their relationship with Elves, however, is strained due to perceived arrogance and cultural differences.

Legacy and Future: In the twilight of their legacy, the Scandalen endure as guardians of their mountainous homeland, ever vigilant against threats from orcish hordes and other predators. Their future remains uncertain, their dwindling numbers and scattered settlements a stark reminder of the challenges they face. Yet, amidst adversity, the Scandalen continue to strive for greatness, drawing strength from their ancient traditions and the indomitable spirit that has defined them for centuries.

Overall, the Scandalen are a race defined by their towering stature, longevity, martial prowess, and unwavering commitment to their heritage. As guardians of their ancestral lands and champions of their people, they stand as a testament to the enduring spirit of Faerun's eldest inhabitants.

Scandalen (Playable Race)

Ability Score Adjustments:

• Strength: +2
• Constitution: +2
• Charisma: -1

Size:

• Large Size: As a large race, Scandalen characters have advantages and disadvantages associated with their size. They take up more space, have increased carrying capacity, and deal more damage with melee attacks. However, they may have penalties in confined spaces and certain actions.

Movement:

• Base Movement: 30 feet

Special Abilities:

1. Longevity: Scandalen characters have extended lifespans, living up to 190 years.

2. Natural Fighters: Due to their martial culture and physical prowess, Scandalen receive a +1 bonus to hit in combat.

3. Resistance to Cold: Having originated from the frigid mountains of The Spine of the World, Scandalen have resistance to cold-based attacks and environmental effects.

Special Restrictions:

• Limited Magic Use: Scandalen characters are less inclined towards magic. They can become clerics, paladins, cavaliers, or fighters; magic-users are extremely rare among them. As a magic user, they max out at level 8

Alignment:

• Typically Lawful good to good, reflecting their structured society and honor-bound culture.

Languages:

• Common, Orc, Dwarven, Scandalen, (a dialect influenced by ancient and formal speech)

Racial Enemies:

• Orcs and other monstrous humanoids are sworn enemies of the Scandalen, and characters receive a +1 bonus to damage rolls when fighting these creatures.

Role-playing Considerations:

• Proud and Arrogant: Scandalen characters may have a tendency towards pride and arrogance, especially when dealing with races they perceive as lesser.   
• Cultural Background: Characters may have a strong sense of duty to protect their homeland and uphold their ancient traditions.

This adaptation aims to capture the essence of the Scandalen as described, balancing their physical prowess, longevity, and cultural traits within the framework of first-edition AD&D mechanics.

Any suggestions or critiques are welcome to help fine-tune this race.