The Njordir are a noble and enduring race of Elf, shaped from the essence of earth and stone by the Terran Drake, an ancient lineage of earth dragons. The Terran Drakes, inheriting their dominion over the land after the war against the Elementari of Earth during The Aeonic Struggle, imbued the Njordir with their resilience, steadfastness, and deep connection to the earth.
Created as stewards of the The Earth Realm's foundations, the Njordir became the architects of balance between the surface and the deep. They are known for their profound respect for the earth's bounty and their role as its protectors. Unlike some elven races, the Njordir’s connection to their progenitors remains sacred, evidenced by their deep reverence for the legacy of the Terran Drakes and their mastery of Earth-Rifting.
Physical Traits
- Skin in tones of earthy browns, grays, and mossy greens, often with crystalline or stonelike markings. Hair resembling mineral veins or thick roots.
- A natural affinity for manipulating and connecting with the earth through Earth-Rifting, from shaping stone to controlling seismic forces.
- Compact and robust, the Njordir are physically tougher than most elves, reflecting their origins in the unyielding stone.
Society and Culture
The Njordir are the heart and foundation of the Earth Kingdom, a sprawling civilization of interconnected mountain strongholds, subterranean cities, and dense forests. Known for their architectural brilliance, they have built enduring wonders into the mountains and caverns of The Earth Realm. The cultural capital, Umber, is a marvel of geomantic engineering, its great halls carved directly from the Spine of the World.
Governed by the Exarchs of the Earth, the Njordir ensure their society remains in harmony with the land. The council comprises elder druids, geomancers, and architects, all dedicated to the preservation of nature and their people's prosperity. Despite their structured society, the Njordir are a practical and grounded race, valuing hard work and craftsmanship above all else.
Avatars of The Earth
The Njordir have been guided through the ages by the Avatars of the Earth, powerful beings chosen to unify their people and preserve balance across the Earth Realm. This cycle, first established by Bjorn the Magma Bear, began with the ascension of Avatar Umber, the first to undertake the Trial of Bjorn.
The Trial of Stone
The Trial of Stone is a sacred rite performed in Grimhold, an ancient labyrinth deep within the Earth Realm. Those chosen to undertake the trial must commune with the earth itself, seeking the wisdom of Bjorn, the primordial magma bear, and passing through elemental challenges that test strength, resolve, and harmony with the land. If they survive these trials, and are proven worthy, they are graced with a chance to peer into the Earthstone, learning boundless wisdom from its connection to the elemental Plane of Gaian.
Lineage of The Avatars
Avatar Umber: The first Avatar of the Earth, Umber, was a unifier and visionary who founded The Earth Kingdom. With the blessing of Bjorn, he brought together the disparate tribes of Njordir, Earth Genasi, and other races to forge a single harmonious nation. Umber defended the fledgling kingdom from the Frost Giant incursions, driving them back and ensuring peace. In his later years, Umber undertook a sacred pilgrimage to the southern peninsula, where his body transformed into the The Earthen Eternal, a mountain-sized statue that still watches over his people.
Avatar Rok: Rok rose during a time of turmoil after Umber’s exodus, when the Earth Kingdom fractured into warring factions. His strength and leadership quelled the Earthen Wars, reuniting the Njordir and their allies. Rok’s most legendary feat was his battle against Malekith alongside the Exarchs of the Earth and the Runewrights, sealing the dark sorcerer in a great tomb. Rok vanished during the climactic battle that sundered the Earth Realm from The Sun Realm, but his legacy endures.
Avatar Terra: The current Avatar, Terra, has led the Earth Kingdom into a time of relative peace. With the help of The Sunsations, Terra uncovered lost secrets of Rok’s disappearance and the lingering shadow of Malekith’s actions. Terra’s wisdom and diplomacy have been pivotal in maintaining harmony among the Earth Kingdom's diverse peoples.
The Exarchs of the Earth
The Exarchs are an elite order of Earth-Rifting masters who serve directly under the Avatar of the Earth. Each Exarch specializes in a unique form of Earth-Rifting, such as:
- Harnessing molten rock and volcanic forces.
- Manipulating plant life and fostering growth.
- Controlling gravitational forces to reshape the land.
- Commanding rock and minerals with unparalleled precision.
The Exarchs act as guardians, advisors, and emissaries of the Avatar, their roles vital to maintaining the balance of the Earth Realm.
Legacy
The Njordir were pivotal during The Riftfire Rebellion, teaching their Vanir and Solir brethren ancient Rift Magic curses which could bind the souls of their draconic progenitors. Using the runewright magic and earthen runestones that were taught to them by the Terran Drakes, the Njordir sundered their creators to pursue an ambitious dream of their own dominion... One of Soil and Stone. While many Terran Drakes perished, were cursed to lesser dragon, or entered eternal slumber after the rebellion, their influence lives on through the Njordir and their connection to the earth.
The Njordir are a testament to resilience and unity, standing as stewards of the material plane's foundation and upholding the enduring legacy of the Terran Drakes and the Earth Avatars. Their story is one of strength, harmony, and a sacred duty to preserve the world’s stability.