Kaardon

When the Kaardon finally rebelled against Carnax the Destroyer and fled they sailed for months trying to find a home. They travelled from port to port, speaking with various governments, looking for a place to settle. Because of their past history of serving Carnax, many of the existing nations turned them away. In some cases they were actually attacked and driven away.

Finally, after nearly two and a half years of searching they found the islands of the Carcosan Archipelago. To their delight, the islands were virtually uninhabited by any of the 'intelligent' races. Several tribes of goblins and other humanoids were found, but the Kaardon quickly disposed of them.

The Kaardon's original homeland, which they called Rythaark, was an extremely stark, harsh and barren land. So when they were initially brought to Ghoraja Juun by Carnax they were quite shocked by the fertility of the lands.

It took a great deal of time after the defeat of Carnax for the Kaardon to prove themselves to the other races. Not until nearly 300 years after there settlement of Carcosa were they able to travel to other nations without being ignored, scorned or even attacked.

The Kaardon are a warrior people, the environment of their original home world made this a necessity. But in their time on Ghoraja Juun they have developed into a much more diverse people. Military matters still dominate Kaardonese society, and many Kaardon have taken up life as mercenaries. But, they have learned to make use of their skill as sailors and what was once a nearly non-existent merchant class is now a powerful force in the empire.

Kaardon are very open-minded in their views of other races. They particularly admire dwarves and dwarven craftsmanship. Many Kaardonese noble families will spend vast amounts of money to contract dwarves to build their homes  or do stone/metal work for them. Most of the elven races are considered a bit stiff-necked and haughty. Dagat, Humans and Halflings are pretty much taken as they come. With the relatively recent subversion of the Hob-Goblin race away from Chyronn's patronage and increasing number of these humanoids can be found in the empire. They have thus far been generally well-received.

FThe Kaardon are largely a practical people, and this is reflected in their dress, arts and crafts. The traditional Kaardonese garb is a combination of heavily padded cloth and leather (think Klingons from Star Trek), this was largely due to the environment of their homeworld. With tht much milder climate of Ghoraja Juun, they have kept traditional designs but have modified the materials the use. Kaardon's favor darker colors; brown, blue, black, maroon, etc. Kaardonese artwork favors their passions,; war, hunting and sailing. Geometric patterns are also quite popular. Their music is simple and relies heavily on drums and pipes. The Kaardon have little poetry, but favor epic stories about heroic deeds and grand battles.

Since being brought to Ghoraja Juun the Kaardon have embraced the deities of the Ythrak Nyn. Though the majority of Kaardon still revere Nâzar. Deities such as Falkyr, Droghaan and Thordonar have large followings, with the churches of Tomival, and Zamora slowly growing.