“To outsiders, their blunt nature might seem off-putting, but beneath this facade lies a warmth and loyalty that binds them to those they trust. Their sense of humour, surprisingly sharp and playful, is a contrast to their stoic appearances. Misunderstood by many, the Tahl’Askorah are, in truth, refreshingly honest and unpretentious.

I've come to appreciate their straightforwardness and consider myself lucky to call some among them friends. Their laughter, rare but genuine, resonates in a way that belies their rugged exterior, revealing the true character of this unique and enduring people.”

~ Askiti Tradesman.

The Tahl’Askorah are one of the four factions of Tahl inhabiting the Armurian continent. Known predominantly as a subterranean people, their identity is deeply intertwined with a profound cultural and religious love for stone, which is only amplified by an obsession with rare ores and gems. Their capital, Morkanas, is nestled deep within the mountains of central Armuria. In comparison to the majesty of the cities Halanth and Hadar, Morkanas is austere and cold. Its overall design is more angular and functional than decorative. The tunnel networks beneath the city are vast and sprawling forming a labyrinth that would swallow visitors who might stray too deep.

The Tahl’Askorah are renowned far and wide for their exceptional mining skills, regarded as peerless in their ability to excavate rock. They have a knack for locating veins of ore and minerals, a skill they claim is due to a lifetime in the mines. Their love of stone and mining, consequently, has resulted in them developing unparalleled proficiency in structural engineering, construction and masonry. These skills are often sought after in tunnelling and the construction of buildings and chambers within the other Tahl mountain cities. They have played an indispensable role in the architectural and infrastructural development of their realm and their allies. Part of the alliance agreement between the Benemor Empire and the Tahl requires the Tahl’Askorah to train Benemor’s elite, non-Tahl, Malkali in military engineering. Beyond their reputed skills in construction, the Tahl’Askorah cherish rich traditions in storytelling and stone carving, reflecting their strong connection with their land.

The foundation of the Tahl’Askorahn economy is based primarily on the export of metal ores. They also export their skills and labour in building and excavation. The vast majority of exports are to the metallurgists of the Tahl’Azuh. Additionally, they export ore and gems across the world, the Benemor Empire being their largest overseas customer.

The Tahl’askorah are distinguished by their exceptionally direct communication, a trait that is remarkably pronounced even within the inherently straightforward culture of the Tahl. Known for their lack of social eloquence, they are often perceived by their brethren, and the rest of the known world, as blunt, impatient and ‘unvarnished’ as the Tahl’ajanahr like to put it. They disdain what they call 'verbose' use of language, finding it pretentious and unproductive. However, this brevity in speech does not extend to discussions in their areas of expertise; they are known to become quite loquacious when discussing the finer points of topics like masonry or construction.

Relations between the Tahl’Askorah and the other factions, in particular the Tahl’Azuh and Tahl’Ajanar, are complex. They are often fraught with mutual disdain, a sentiment most pronounced among the nobilities. The Tahl’Askorah regard their brethren as frivolous and soft and see themselves, ironically, as the more humble, honest and hardworking of the Tahl. Conversely, the Tahl’Azuh and Tahl’Ajanar tend to regard the Tahl’Askorah as simple, dogmatic and ‘lacking mental flexibility’.

Their religious beliefs align at their core with the broader Tahl mythology. However, they place significant importance on a particular section of the religious mythos. Given that the caves were a crucial sanctuary that saved the Tahl from annihilation, mining and excavating transcend mere professions, rising to the status of virtuous and sacred activities. This reverence, however, is juxtaposed with a deep-seated fear of the ocean, which in their beliefs, is still considered home to the monsters banished by Olen.

The Tahl’Askorah do not maintain a professional standing army. In their culture, each citizen dedicates an hour daily to combat training, conducted in groups who train in shifts. This rigorous daily regimen, along with a lifetime spent mining and hauling heavy stones, has honed them into the physically strongest fighters among all Tahl factions. Instead, when the call to battle arises, eligible citizens arm themselves with weapons and armour stored in their homes, which they are legally required to maintain year-round.Their signature style of combat involves large shields and powerful overhead swings with war axes or war hammers, often decimating the front lines of any opposing force and, as a result, severely undermining the morale of the remaining enemies.

“To outsiders, their blunt nature might seem off-putting, but beneath this facade lies a warmth and loyalty that binds them to those they trust. Their sense of humour, surprisingly sharp and playful, is a contrast to their stoic appearances. Misunderstood by many, the Tahl’Askorah are, in truth, refreshingly honest and unpretentious.

I've come to appreciate their straightforwardness and consider myself lucky to call some among them friends. Their laughter, rare but genuine, resonates in a way that belies their rugged exterior, revealing the true character of this unique and enduring people.”

~ Askiti Tradesman.

The Tahl’Askorah are one of the four factions of Tahl inhabiting the Armurian continent. Known predominantly as a subterranean people, their identity is deeply intertwined with a profound cultural and religious love for stone, which is only amplified by an obsession with rare ores and gems. Their capital, Morkanas, is nestled deep within the mountains of central Armuria. In comparison to the majesty of the cities Halanth and Hadar, Morkanas is austere and cold. Its overall design is more angular and functional than decorative. The tunnel networks beneath the city are vast and sprawling forming a labyrinth that would swallow visitors who might stray too deep.

The Tahl’Askorah are renowned far and wide for their exceptional mining skills, regarded as peerless in their ability to excavate rock. They have a knack for locating veins of ore and minerals, a skill they claim is due to a lifetime in the mines. Their love of stone and mining, consequently, has resulted in them developing unparalleled proficiency in structural engineering, construction and masonry. These skills are often sought after in tunnelling and the construction of buildings and chambers within the other Tahl mountain cities. They have played an indispensable role in the architectural and infrastructural development of their realm and their allies. Part of the alliance agreement between the Benemor Empire and the Tahl requires the Tahl’Askorah to train Benemor’s elite, non-Tahl, Malkali in military engineering. Beyond their reputed skills in construction, the Tahl’Askorah cherish rich traditions in storytelling and stone carving, reflecting their strong connection with their land.

The foundation of the Tahl’Askorahn economy is based primarily on the export of metal ores. They also export their skills and labour in building and excavation. The vast majority of exports are to the metallurgists of the Tahl’Azuh. Additionally, they export ore and gems across the world, the Benemor Empire being their largest overseas customer.

The Tahl’askorah are distinguished by their exceptionally direct communication, a trait that is remarkably pronounced even within the inherently straightforward culture of the Tahl. Known for their lack of social eloquence, they are often perceived by their brethren, and the rest of the known world, as blunt, impatient and ‘unvarnished’ as the Tahl’ajanahr like to put it. They disdain what they call 'verbose' use of language, finding it pretentious and unproductive. However, this brevity in speech does not extend to discussions in their areas of expertise; they are known to become quite loquacious when discussing the finer points of topics like masonry or construction.

Relations between the Tahl’Askorah and the other factions, in particular the Tahl’Azuh and Tahl’Ajanar, are complex. They are often fraught with mutual disdain, a sentiment most pronounced among the nobilities. The Tahl’Askorah regard their brethren as frivolous and soft and see themselves, ironically, as the more humble, honest and hardworking of the Tahl. Conversely, the Tahl’Azuh and Tahl’Ajanar tend to regard the Tahl’Askorah as simple, dogmatic and ‘lacking mental flexibility’.

Their religious beliefs align at their core with the broader Tahl mythology. However, they place significant importance on a particular section of the religious mythos. Given that the caves were a crucial sanctuary that saved the Tahl from annihilation, mining and excavating transcend mere professions, rising to the status of virtuous and sacred activities. This reverence, however, is juxtaposed with a deep-seated fear of the ocean, which in their beliefs, is still considered home to the monsters banished by Olen.

The Tahl’Askorah do not maintain a professional standing army. In their culture, each citizen dedicates an hour daily to combat training, conducted in groups who train in shifts. This rigorous daily regimen, along with a lifetime spent mining and hauling heavy stones, has honed them into the physically strongest fighters among all Tahl factions. Instead, when the call to battle arises, eligible citizens arm themselves with weapons and armour stored in their homes, which they are legally required to maintain year-round.Their signature style of combat involves large shields and powerful overhead swings with war axes or war hammers, often decimating the front lines of any opposing force and, as a result, severely undermining the morale of the remaining enemies.