Vohl

Vohl are a long-lived race of demi-humans native to a foreign landmass known as Ord. They are a rare occurrence in Templehelm and Ateon at large. Almost all Vohl are skilled in some form of artisanry or trade, as it is rooted in both their cultural and religious beliefs. Many also serve as hunters and warriors, working hard to protect their lands from threats; the most well-known of these being the hungering Brognag and the bloodthirsty bands of Udyr.

Etymology
According to accounts from one of the first Vohl to have arrived in Templehelm, the word ‘Vohl’ comes from the supposed tongue of the gods. This language is only fluently known and spoken by the highest of religious figures in their society; however, the rough translation or meaning behind the word is “the chosen of the gods”. This alludes to the Vohls’ belief that they were the last creation of the gods before they went to sleep; their magnum opus, whose purpose was to continue to shape the world and thrive until they could awaken once more.

Appearance
Vohl stand taller than the average humanoid, usually ranging between 7 and 10 feet in height. Their physical builds can vary; from lean and sinewy to brawny and robust. Most Vohl tend towards an athletic build and care much about their physical health. The most defining characteristic of all Vohl is a large pair of protruding horns emerging from their heads, unseen in most giant-esque races. These horns can vary in size, shape, and curvature; however, they typically resemble those seen on wild oxen and aurochs.

Lifespan
Vohl can live for several centuries, with the oldest known Vohl said to have made it halfway into their second millennia. The physical features of a Vohl in their second century are equivalent to a Human in their thirties.

History
Little is known about the Vohl as they are sparse throughout Ateon and Templehelm alike.

Templehelm
The first Vohl to arrive in Templehelm is Aksel, who came in the 3rd Era.

3rd Era
In the 3rd era, Aksel the Vohl of Garmrdis is one of the principle defenders of Templehelm from the threat posed by the Drakes.

Outlands
The Vohl are from a land beyond the Setlian Sea known as Ord. It is a place of crawling hills, deep valleys, and golden fields. There, they are oppressed in secret by a race known as the Gothya who impersonate their priestly caste.

Creation Myth
Vohl know very little about the time before the gods; this information is said to be only known by the Gothya. Even so, the Vohl are not concerned with this lack of knowledge, for they put more importance in the work of the gods and their creations.

Works of the Gods
Before they went to sleep, the gods attempted to created beings would could act in their stead. The first of these were the Brobnag. They were formed by one of the gods from clay mixed with their greater blood. However, this combination led to them becoming mindless, ever-hungry monsters, hideously deformed and broken. Some still wander the lands, and it is unknown if they have the means to continue their race.

The next were the Udyr, who were formed by another god by mixing the parts of some of the god’s more successful creations; aurochs, wolves, and other beasts. This high concentration of beast blood created a bloodthirsty, greedy kind.

Finally, the gods came together and combined their skills to form their final creation. Their bones and muscles were formed with clay. Their flesh woven like silk. Their horns were carved like wood. And their spirits were blessed with a sacred song. With this, the first Vohl were born.

The Gothya
The Gothya are believed to have been the first Vohl created by the gods. They act as religious leaders and advisors in the absence of the gods. None have seen their faces, for they are always fully clothed and masked.

Every few years, the Gothya will hold a series of trials. These trials will test the Vohls’ physical and mental skills to the extreme. The best of the competitors would be chosen to become the Gothyas’ new scribes, where they would abandon their original lives and instead dedicate themselves to recording the works of the Gothya deep within their Temple. These Vohl are said to never be seen again.

Law
Vohl tend to live in small villages, often comprising of five to ten different families. These villages are led by a chief and their advisors. Village chiefs often come from the same family, unless that family line perishes and is in need of replacement. Disputes between villages are often settled through the guidance of the Gothya.

Combat
Vohl are often forced to protect their territories from the two other works of the gods: the Brognag, Ord’s equivalent of giants, and the Udyr, which roughly translates to dogmen or beastmen.

Brognag are mindless beasts who wander the land in search of food, killing anything and anyone that cross them. Vohl will tend to lure giants that wander to close to their villages into deep valleys or high-treed woodlands, using large amounts of food. Once there, Vohl will use high vantage points to strike at the giant’s weak spots; its eyes, ears, and neck. At the same time, others will swoop in from below and strike at the being’s heels in the hopes of toppling it.

Udyr are not so easily dealt with. Unlike Brognag who keep to themselves, Udyr roam in large warbands in search of food, wealth, and blood sport. The most effective that has been found has been to scare them off with a show of force. This sometimes leads to skirmishes, which could cost the lives of several Vohl before the Udyr have either been scattered across the hills or scared into the mountains.

Trades
Trades are an important part of Vohl culture. The gods were said to be great artisans and the Vohl work tirelessly to replicate their greatness. Those who live long enough to become masters of their trades will then dedicate their time to educating the next generation to supersede them.

Trades often found among Vohl include but are not limited to: •	Potters •	Weavers •	Bone carvers •	Masons •	Jewelers •	Woodcarvers •	Leatherworkers •	Glassblowers •	Smiths

Notable Individuals
Aksel

Forum Links
A Giant's Tale: The Burning Tree - Illustrates the villainy of the Gothya, a race which oppresses the Vohl outside of Templehelm.