Aalbor

The Fallen Jarldom

Dominating the western continent of Correl is the once-mighty Aalbor. Now reduced to hundreds of scattered tribes, the Aalborn can be found as far south as the Slate Mountains; however, most live to the North, in some of the most remote locations in Correl.

While not united by a single ruler or rulers, the Aalborn share a common history that unifies them; a history very much coupled with the experience of living in isolated clans at the edge of the world. They know better than to engage in petty squabbles, lest they forget the monstrosities that linger in the night.

The Astœr

The Astœr is a collection of the greatest heroes and legends in all of Aalbor. The men and women who make up The Astœr lived a life of strength and glory and were granted a life in paradise after their deaths. Seeking honor through adventure is central to the Aalborn idea of living life to the fullest.

Leaving one's tribe to explore the wilderness is not uncommon. Before a pioneering hopeful leaves their tribe they pledge fealty to a member of The Astœr, asking for protection and guidance as they journey into the unknown. As such any player making a character from Aalbor can choose the legend they look to for direction and gain the benefits thereof.

Stormhammer the Cyclone

A common stereotype is that the Aalborn are brutish, ignorant beasts of men. This is likely because they have only ever heard the legend of Stormhammer the Cyclone. Equipped with his signature weapon, a maul, he was an unstoppable force of tornadic chaos. Aalborn who choose him as their guide are vigorous warriors with a love of combat, and not much else. If your character chooses Stormhammer you gain the following benefits.

Blunt Force

A hammer isn’t a graceful weapon. It lacks a need for accuracy, but instead emphasizes your sheer effort. You gain a +2 bonus to attack rolls you make with bludgeoning weapons.

Lightning Rod

Stormhammer would do battle in even the most heinous weather. Not even a smite from the heavens could end his rage. You have resistance to lightning damage.

Runemaker the First Mage

Ask anyone in Correl where humans first learned to harness the power of magic and they will all, with absolute belief, respond with their respective homeland. Well, they’re all wrong. The first human to reach into the unknown void of the arcane, grasp hold of something solid, and live came from Aalbor. Aalborn who choose him as their guide are wide-eyed magic users with a hint of eccentrism. If your character chooses Runemaker you gain the following benefits.

Obscure Knowledge

Channeling the clandestine without code or creed requires an exceptional level of innate skill. You gain expertise in the Arcana skill.

Enhanced Incantation

Inventing the magic means you’ve got a leg up on everyone else. It’s clear your spells aren’t the same as the rest. The base for your spell save DC is 10, not 8.

Thornslinger the Acidist

The Aalborn climate is harsh, not welcoming to vegetation or man. Only the toughest, nastiest plant life can survive a northern winter. Most would avoid the thickets and brambles, except for Thornslinger the Acidist. She had goals of creating medicinal potions, but her experimental brews quickly turned corrosive, as did her only test subject: herself. Aalborn who choose her as their guide are nature lovers with a serious dark side. If your character chooses Thornslinger you gain the following benefits.

High Tolerance

Once you’ve tasted a few poisons, you’ve tasted them all. And you’ve certainly tasted your fair share. You have resistance to poison damage.

Overgrowth

The tangled brush that fosters your ingredients contorts at your command. You know the Entangle spell and can cast it once per long rest. Wisdom is your spell casting ability for this spell.

Deathwalker the Anti-Demon

Some cultures have a grim reaper, the Aalborn have Deathwalker the Anti-Demon. A student of the First Mage he delved into the deepest, darkest reaches of infernal magic. He never once succumbed to the devils’ empty promises, in fact, he fought them at every turn. With no written account of his death, it’s believed Deathwalker joined The Astœr by his own invitation. Aalborn who choose him as their guide are dangerously curious magicians with something to prove. If your character chooses Deathwalker you gain the following benefits.

Living Shadow

You’ve learned a thing or two from the creatures of the unholy abyss. Their home in the inky blackness of space is also yours. In dim light or darkness, you may take the hide action as a bonus action.

Evil Immunity

Demonic magic has little effect on you, after all it’s the same magic you use. Fiends attack you with disadvantage.

Steelwing the Blade Sparrow

If the heavy-footed battering ram of a soldier that was Stormhammer didn’t strike your fancy, other more precise fighters exist in The Astœr. Of them, Steelwing the Blade Sparrow is the greatest. Her fighting style did not lack polish, or virtuosity. Strapped head to toe with daggers and darts, Steelwing glided across the battlefield, sticking enemies with graceful determination. Aalborn who choose her as their guide always hit their mark, but with a dash of flair. If your character chooses Steelwing you gain the following benefits.

Close Combat

Your speciality is precision. Being inch-perfect is your sport, and you play it well. You gain a +2 bonus to attack rolls you make with finesse weapons.

No Chance

Pity the foe who thinks an attack can go unnoticed. If an enemy makes an opportunity attack against you and misses, they take damage equal to your DEX modifier.