Greyhawk
Oeridians
Some sages believe that the Oeridian peoples originated in a land once known as Orcreich lying far to the west, beyond the borders of the former Baklunish Empire. It is thought that the Oeridians were forced from these lands by an invasion of Orcs and Goblins.
Sages have found some support for this theory among the legends of the Orcs of the Pomarj. It is said among the Orcs there that after the conquest of Orcreich, by the Orc and Goblin hordes, the new rulers renamed the land Hurzak-Gur. It is also said that a particularly powerful Orog named Kiraly Ungash rules this humanoid nation at present.
But no one alive today can know the absolute truth of this matter, given the great distance involved, the hazards of traveling through these now broken lands and the fact that, if true, it occurred over one thousand years ago.
What history does record is that the Oeridians first appeared in the Baklunish Basin in the lands now called Ull, south of the Plains of the Paynims. After the Rain of Colorless Fire and the Invoked Devastation, the Oeridian peoples were set upon by both the Baklunish people and the Suloise — along with their Orc servants — and forced from these pastoral lands into the central and eastern Flannaess.
This Suloise use of Orcish allies, combined with the memory of their lost homeland — if the legend is true — could explain the ferocity with which Oeridians and Suloise have fought each other ever since their peoples first came into contact.
Warriors by nature, the Oeridian peoples quickly recovered from this combined assault and spread throughout the Flannaess, carving out nations for themselves and incorporating the native peoples into their societies.
The Great Kingdom became the greatest of these new nations. If not for the existence of the Oerid/Suel Kingdom of Keoland, the Great Kingdom might very well have come to encompass all of the Flannaess. This vast Empire has left its indelible impression upon the modern Flannaess as well. Nations such as Furyondy still boast predominantly Oeridian armies, which instill fear on the battle field. Oeridian domination in war-craft is quite often proven.
Whatever the truth of their origins, the Oeridians are a resolute people and history has proven that they are at their best when the odds are stacked against them. It is interesting to note that, in spite of the fact that nations abundant with magical ability have often contested with the Oeridian peoples in the past, they are still the least likely race to pursue the arcane arts.
But there are some few Oeridians that hold the opposite view and are known to study magic, specializing in offensive spells in the same way most Oeridians study the more mundane combat skills.
Appearance: The Oeridian people are tan to olive skinned humans and are difficult to differentiate from other human racial types. They tend to be well built, flexible and sturdy; the prototypical human.
Male Oeridians average between 5’ 8” to 5’ 10” tall and weigh between 160-190 lbs. Female Oeridians average between 5’ 5” to 5’ 7” tall and weigh between 110-130 lbs. Of course, taller and heavier Oeridians are possible.
Their eyes span the color spectrum, although auburn eyes are the most common. Oeridian hair color is predominantly brown and auburn, though both honey-blonde and black hair are possible. Curly hair is usual, but straight, wavy and cropped hair are also seen among the race. Oeridians tend to have square or oval faces and strong jaw lines.
As already mentioned, it is difficult to distinguish most Oeridians from the other human races, except for the Suloise. The single most distinguishing characteristics of the Oeridians are in fact not racial, but rather it is their dress and garb which distinguishes them from the other races. Oeridians boast some of the flashiest attire in all of the Flannaess, Aerdi and Nyrondal Oeridians favor plaids and checks with ovals or diamonds in the south and west. Colors and patterns once showed clan allegiance, but this practice is fading in favor of personal color preference. Oeridian clothing usually consists of short tunics, snug trousers, cloaks and caps.
After inhabiting what is now Ull for generations, barbaric Oeridians were driven east by orcs and goblins employed as mercenaries by the Baklunish and Suel. The migrating Oeridians were able fighters and battled their way across the Flanaess, driving the Suel before them and allying with the Flan, elves, dwarves, and other peoples. Nearly pure Oeridians are seen in Perrenland, Furyondy, North Kingdom, Sunndi, and Onnwal.
The most powerful empire in the modern Flanaess was created by a conquering tribe of Oeridians, the Aerdi, who subjugated and assimilated all who opposed them. Ancient Oeridians were fierce warriors, yet they also were self-sacrificing and loyal. These traits are not as evident today, but many Oeridians do remain temperamental and prone to violence. They have a preference for strict social order, usually fitting themselves at the top, and their military traditions are strong. Aggression is often channeled into political conflict and subterfuge. The Oeridian skill at warfare is unsurpassed, and many folk have a hard-learned respect for it. In peacetime, they are practical, hard working, and not inclined to intellectual pursuits.
Following their warlike tendencies, magic-using Oeridians focus on battle-oriented spells, as well as the enchantment of magic items useful in combat. Spellcasters have a hard-nosed, practical attitude, and they are generally hawkish and outgoing. Many strive to be leaders or masters. Magic is often used for pragmatic purposes, too, such as construction, irrigation, and iron-forging.
by:
Samaryllis
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