n the journal of A. R. Proyos, renowned researcher of Terrin’s many sentient and monstrous creatures, it is speculated that lohranar were not originally born of Terrin but instead were summoned here by Ca’alanoran Weisar in the Second Era. Although largely considered a fool and fanciful storyteller by more respected members in his field, his theories are intriguing nonetheless.

Proyos postulates that following the debacle at Onedar, the Weisar frantically sought an army to replace their planned contingent of Sentriss warriors. With very few friends in the world and their brethren bearing down on the island of An Edere, the Weisar again looked to their prized magical powers for a solution. Although powerful, the sorcerers were few in number and their Bol'darvan enemies possessed a far greater standing army; war was inevitable, and the Weisar needed an immediate complement of footsoldiers ready to fight.

As in the past, the Weisar turned to the teachings of Terrin’s most infamous spellcaster, the demented Lemd-Iyan. A First Era sorcerer driven mad by the tainted flow of Wei, Lemd-Iyan was long since dead, killed by the drakadremaar Saldaxin during an epic struggle that nearly brought the Spire of Presada down to its foundation. In life, Lemd-Iyan was known for having inscribed every possible incantation, from the simple to the spectacular, on numerous stone tablets that later became the property of his scattered disciples or Saldaxin himself. Bold, the Weisar of the Second Era – having finally harnessed a purified stream of Wei – not only recovered the tablets outside of Presada, but plumbed the Spire’s depths as Saldaxin slept to snatch up the hidden stones as well. After decoding Lemd-Iyan’s lunatic scribbling, the Weisar unlocked a rite for summoning beings from afar, be they demon, demi-god, or something far more terrible.

Enter the lohranar, mighty winged beasts summoned by Ca’alanoran wei-mastering, ripped from their homeworld to be pressed into service here on Terrin. Stronger and more ferocious than any Ca’alanoran, the lohranar seemed ideal, and the thought of their claws rending the flesh of the Weisar’s enemies was sublime. So important was this experiment, Athoris Weimajir Qandurelde, the highest ranking Weisar arcanist, personally oversaw the summoning ritual. His presence, sadly, did not bring good fortune.

The lohranar were a stoic, sturdy people unimpressed by obnoxious Weisar spellcraft. Owing their summoners nothing and hungry for a new, peaceful homeland to call their own, the lohranar quickly demanded their freedom from the Ca’alanora. Like the Sentriss before them, they gained it by force. This underestimation proved to be the Weisar’s last and greatest folly. Many of their number were lost to the hulking, unstoppable lohranar warriors. Their high courts of magic were soon infiltrated by Drakadremaar spies and assassins, the shores of An Edere felt the keels of Bol'darvan landing craft, and the confusion and destruction of the War of Lies consumed the Weisar utterly. United by Ac’moen Kemaryd, Lord of All Clans, the lohranar were fortunate enough to escape the flames of the failing Empire of Ca’alanor.

“So brazen were we, emboldened, immitigable power stealing away sense and reason. We are at the end of it now, our reign never realized, our sterling legacy swallowed up by the night; our own unchecked ambition has brought us here.” - Second Era Ca’alanoran texts by Tordemmil An’amaeil

Proyos writes that unlike the Sentriss, the lohranar were pitied by Eylin and soon adopted by him. Freed from bondage and having only a savage homeworld to return to, they were permitted to make a new home on Terrin. There was a catch, of course – the lohranar could stay as long as they entered into a pact with the Swordbringer, the details of which to be determined at a later date. Eager for a new beginning here on Terrin, the lohranar elders agreed to these terms. Their trepidation was more than evident as they stood before the mighty Eylin, but to refuse him meant the doom of their kind.

In the time between the fall of Ca’alanor and the rise of the Third Era, the lohranar enjoyed prosperity and tranquility on the Isle of Thrama’gor. Content as the majority was, many of the younger generation wished to explore beyond the island shores and, perhaps, discover the intriguing secrets of their former Ca’alanoran masters. Their curiosity was rewarded tenfold when a new race of man rose to herald in Terrin’s third and greatest age.

Eylin knew the lohranar had warred with men in the past, and their prejudices against mankind ran deep as their blood – if the Third Era was to be successful, the lohranar had to overcome their hatred by tolerating and respecting the eynamen. Now was the time when the Swordbringer would hold them to their oath. Despite a lingering uncertainty among the lohranar, over time they eventually grew to see eynamen as, at the very most, equals.

Today, the scattered and often lonesome lohranar possess few certainties for their future. The majority are adaptive and progressive, their folklore and ancient customs living on in only select members of their kind. Many continue to honor their bargain with Eylin and seek peaceful relations with his children, though their small numbers make it difficult for them to have any significant impact – if going into battle for example, single lohranar often complement large battalions of eynamen soldiers, serving as elite commanders or operatives and doing what they can, when they can. Others remain secluded in Thrama’gor, holding tight to old beliefs in the sole company of their like-minded kin.

ohranar have a skeletal and muscular structure similar to that of an eynamen male or female, but stand digitigrade on feet with four large, clawed toes and maintain balance with a thick, prehensile tail. All lohranar are born with a pair of bat-like wings, though only those who are taught to develop this gift can master the power of flight. Lohranar have wide variety of skin colors, mostly all being darker colors that can be found in nature: olive greens, earthy browns, indigo blues and ruddy reds.

Male lohranar are often extremely muscular and towering in height, while females tend to be suppler and smaller in stature. Male lohranar have symmetrical, snake-like markings along their arms, down the sides of their torso, thighs, and along the upside of their tails. A female lohranar may also have markings, the design of which is generally more artistic, random, and entirely unique from female to female. The markings of both male and female tend to be a darker shade than that of their skin.

any lohranar of the Third Era strive to strike out on their own as soon as possible, some even leaving their parents at a very early age. Few lohranar gather in clans as their ancestors did, as most prefer to join other races' societies or simply live as free spirited travelers. Sometimes considered outcasts by kin favoring large, strong communities, these lohranar often become cunning highwaymen, fortune tellers, or muscle for hire.

In keeping with the more traditional ways, other lohranar will band together in closely-knit groups of their own kind, with each member of the clan relying on their brethren in a functional, stationary community. Lohranar settlements are permanent once established - they are only nomadic until they find fertile land. There they can employ farming techniques gleaned from the nearest culture or from peoples they've previously encountered. Very few of these clans exist beyond the shores of Thrama’gor, the island home of lohranar south of Valanoi.

Outside of Thrama’gor, progressive lohranar clans have adopted other aspects of nearby communities such as dress, language, and sometimes religion. For example, the lohranar tribe Tempered Blade exists near the southern border of Asyrjari and has been established along the Ord River for many generations. Eclectic, they have embraced many of the Northmen customs, most notably their belief in Jorygg and other Northman gods.

All lohranar clans, no matter their place in the world, are lead by a single clan leader called the Koman’en, and leadership is handed down from father to son. Wives and daughters of the Koman’en cannot rule the clan but may take part in leadership decisions, and their insight is particularly sought during times of trouble. Should the Koman’en die without a male heir, leadership may be seized by a relative or his mate until a new Koman’en is elected. Coups are uncommon given the strong bond of fellowship shared by lohranar clan-mates, but they are not unheard of.

ohranar will fashion suitable clothing for the sake of modesty, especially when dealing with other races. In the company of their kin, lohranar tend to reduce down to more comfortable garments such as loincloths and even less. They work predominately with hides, wool, cured leather, and textiles. Large belts, baldrics, and harnesses are popular amongst the male lohranar who use them to carry weapons and supplies on long journeys. Females will usually wear less but still enough to preserve some modesty.

The priests of Sarr’greih dress no differently from the rest of their kind, and their position can only be identified by the color of their garment: white or with notable white accents. Sometimes, their garb will be made of higher quality materials, but this largely depends on how advanced their respective clan is. Priests also wear holy symbols and talismans, something no other lohranar is allowed to openly display. Few in number and non-combative, lohranar priests seldom fight but instead are sought as seers, healers, counselors and keepers of wisdom.

- Lohranar Weapons and Accoutrements -

Lohranar armor is generally very simple: heavy leather, banded mail or chain mail. Only clan leaders may wear plate mail armor. Enchanted weapons and armor are taboo, and lohranar clans will sacrifice even great implements of power for the sake of remaining untainted by the arcane. The exception is an item imbued with the spirit of a fallen Koman’en; these artifacts, called Kep’amed, are not regarded as magical in nature but instead are considered blessed by Sarr’greih and filled with the power of a great lohranar leader.

In a fight, lohranar will first use their natural weaponry to combat their foe, unless their enemy has a significant advantage in size, weaponry, or magic. If they cannot claw and bite their way to victory, their second choice would be whichever weapon they are carrying. Most lohranar will combine their physical agility, strength, and natural armament with the blade or blades that they wield to produce a frightening combination attack. This degree of control over both their body and their tools results in a finely tuned fighting machine. One lohranar, the Kingslayer, was best known for his use of chained, crescent blades and his sheer quickness to rend his foe limb from limb. Lohranar rogues, particularly those of the Whispering Wing, have proven extremely adept with small, curved knives and daggers.

In battle, there is a chance lohranar will become so enraged that their attacks become more powerful, but also more reckless. This adrenaline rush is Mar’gradh’s gift to his children – it can drastically shift the outcome of any melee encounter. Often, the lohranar’s opponent is overwhelmed and falls to the flurry of attacks coming his way, but an adept foe can use his enemy’s frenzied state to his advantage. For as many stories as there are of raging lohranar slaying entire throngs of adversaries, there are an equal number of accounts where a zealous berserker fell to more nimble, calculated attacks he did not anticipate.

“It took maybe two snaps, and then it was done. The beast ducked and spun about, whipping its tail and knocking Belkin to his back. But before he even hit the ground, the beast was standing again and bringing his axe down on ol’ Belk, screamin’ like the howlin’ bitch of Bograddarn. I ain’t never seen a man split so cleanly in two as I did that day, and ain’t never seen it done so quick.” - Unknown

ohranar faith revolves around Sarr’greih the Goddess and Mar’gradh the Dracodemon. According to mythology, the goddess Sarr’greih represents the intangible concepts of truth, devotion, thought and love, and is often regarded as the Spirit Aspect. Mar’gradh is shown holding dominion over earth, energy, flesh, and the fiery emotions of bloodlust, rage and jealousy. Opposite the goddess, Mar’gradh is commonly referred to as the Nature Aspect, embodying all that is physical and real to the lohranar.

Sarr’greih and Mar’gradh were once lovers, deities having crossed all of time and space to discover one another and join together in bliss. In a perfect moment, their passion made the earth and the fruit of their union were the lohranar – creatures with the physical attributes of both dragon and goddess. It was a trace of joy in an otherwise parlous relationship.

Mar’gradh’s loyalty was capricious at best. Not long after the two deities solidified their bond, Sarr’greih discovered her lover’s treachery – when the goddess slept, Mar’gradh took the form of a male lohranar and caroused with mortal females, entertaining new, adulterous affairs. Suspecting such activities, she laid a trap for Mar’gradh by posing as an irresistible lohranar female sure to catch his eye.

In the times following Mar’gradh’s infidelity, the two became further estranged. Sarr’greih focused on educating her children while Mar’gradh, barred from walking among them, created beings like himself – dragons – to cavort and converse with. Such a thing set the two lovers at further opposition, as Sarr’greih wished the earth to also be populated with beings that would be honest and pure, not rogue, deceptive creatures serving only the will of her former lover.

Mar’gradh would not allow it, believing that a race of man would likely pollute and destroy the earth, and ultimately both lohranar and dragons would cease to exist. This was an outrageous concept for Sarr’greih; she was certain that any creature created in her image and bound to her edicts would only promote peace, not destruction, but Mar’gradh would not hear it. This final disagreement between the two gods sundered whatever bond they still shared – Mar’gradh turned against his lover in the violent attack, maiming her, and their struggle for dominance began. Ulo Shether, the battle between goddess and dragon, lasted an entire cycle of seasons before Sarr’greih triumped over her former consort. Severely wounded, Mar’gradh was then banished to the darkest reaches of the cosmos: Sah’idh, the purgatory also known as Shadowdark.

As Mar’gradh fell from his heavenly plane of Dieminus, he used what remaining power he had to spitefully create a new race – the race of man – made to resemble the goddess he once loved. This was a curse placed upon the earth, as Mar’gradh knew man would become selfish, wicked, and would one day burn the world with war and jealousy. In such dark times, surely the lohranar would attempt to reinstate Mar’gradh to Dieminus to cleanse the world of its infection. He had only to wait for that inevitable day.

Realizing the Dracodemon’s intent, Sarr’greih immediately moved to prevent this bleak future and, using Mar’gradh’s spilt blood as ink, wrote a list of commandments for lohranar and Men calling for tolerance, patience, and understanding. This, coupled with her watchful eye, was the first of many hopes that her children – new and old – would live harmoniously with one another. A lost hope, as man quickly dominated the lohranar homeworld in a violent campaign against their kind. Being summoned away to Terrin was a blessing in disguise for the tormented lohranar.

Today on Terrin, many lohranar have lost ties to the goddess Sarr’greih. Her laws continue to remain sacred, though only as a result of their integration with the lohranar code of honor and their pact with Eylin. By upholding these edicts, the lohranar feel they are doing themselves a personal service rather than worshipping a failed goddess. In contrast, Mar’gradh’s faithful, the Chosen, have grown more powerful with new opportunities set before them and have already established themselves as a significant entity on the continent of Athallas. Their devotion to him has been and always will be unwavering.

“Kad silon, traveler. Welcome. What is it you wish to know of me? Of my people? There is much pride in our heritage, much respect for the Spirit. Calm yourself and let me tell you of the great Ac’moen…” - Koman’en Ihilar of Clan Furyheart

ohranarish, their spoken language is a harsh, guttural speech that reminds many of Aluvdlin, or “Earthen,” the modern dwarven tongue. Lohranar may use this language when speaking with one another, but seldom when in mixed company; they prefer to use the common language of the realms, also known as Tradespeak. The written lohranar language, Tabohr, is comprised of simple runes and pictograms their people have been using since ancient times. Today, the most popular use of these symbols is on lohranar weaponry, and often the maker’s mark is prominently featured in Tabohr.

- Sample Lohranar Script -

ohranar of courting age commonly seek a partner based first and foremost on physical attraction. Color, size, and the configuration of their markings are all taken into account. The male often approaches a selected female with confidence; wings are displayed to best frame his form and catch her eye. Should the female show interest, the two will converse and, should their personalities complement one another, a more lasting relationship may soon form. The code of honor dictates lohranar should only physically mate when they are betrothed with intent to start a family, though few today adhere to this rule; young lohranar lack a sense of responsibility, both to themselves and one another, leading to brief encounters with many partners until their exuberance leaves them and they return to the “old ways.” At this time, a lohranar will often seek out a single mate with whom to produce offspring.

Typically, the male declares his intent to take the female as his mate. The betrothal will be made before both families and possibly friends and fellow clan members and, should there be no objections, a small celebration will follow. Should a parent object, the male or female will often have the opportunity to prove themselves a worthy mate and win over the family. If all goes well, the two will be married within the next six months. A lohranar wedding is a grand ceremony involving the entire clan, presided over by a priest or priestess of Sarr’greih. Smaller, private ceremonies may instead be requested by either mate or their families.

ating to produce offspring is an important part of lohranar society, with many of their rituals involving fertility ceremonies and prayers for healthy children. Lohranars procreate sexually, males selecting a female mate and impregnating her. Lohranar males and females are fertile for their entire lives, though old age may complicate pregnancy and the birthing process. Because of this, lohranar of significant age may stop conceiving altogether rather than risk the birth of a deformed child or the death of the mother.

Lohranar children are carried inside the female’s womb for a period of 10 to 12 months and are then born live. A priest or priestess of Sarr’greih may be on hand to bless the child, depending on the religion of the parents. Lohranar children are cared for by both parents, though the father tends to favor the males and the mother the females. Also, if applicable, the clan as a whole is encouraged to look after the child and aid in their upbringing by teaching them a code of honor and one or more trades. Lohranar are considered adults at the age of 30 human years, as lohranar age at roughly half the rate of humans.

Lohranar half-breeds are very uncommon, to the point where many doubt their existence. Lohranar coupling with men, elves, dwarves and other sentient races is not entirely impossible, but is rare. Korom, a traveling scholar and scribe known throughout Csegre, is often thought to be a hybrid of lohranar and drakadremaar.

ohranar treat death as a passing to Dieminus, and do not view it as an end of life. Lohranar funerals are often short ceremonies involving the family and friends of the departed as they wish the deceased good luck on the next leg of their journey. The body is first cleaned by a clan physician and then dressed in clothes or armor by his or her mate. If the fallen is unmated, a volunteer is selected from his family, friends or the clan to handle this task.

When put to rest, the dead are buried in graveyards outside lohranar settlements. Supplies needed for their adventure into Dieminus are arranged about the body before it is covered with a fine, white shroud. The grave is then sealed with earth. Warriors, particularly defenders of clan territories, are treated to lengthier ceremonies meant to empower them as they defend other lohranar in the world beyond. A lohranar clan may also adopt the burial rituals of other nearby cultures.

Before passing on, clan leaders who embrace the lohranar religion and powers of the spirit may also undergo “Dekmethul,” an extensive ceremony for transferring their life essence to a suit of armor or chosen weapon. With a blessing from Sarr’greih, many lohranar have used this process to live their second life on earth as a ghostly protector known as the Kep’thar, or “spirit form.” This is seldom done lately, as clans and clan leaders are fewer and farther between than ever before, though Kep’thar do still roam Terrin’s many lands. Clan leaders who do not choose Dekmethul are put to rest in large tombs overlooking a traditional lohranar burial site.

“I wasn’t sure what it was at first, but Sepen did. He studied under a Lorekeeper for years, and he told me it was a Kepthar. A what? I never saw a lohranar before, not a live one, and here I was looking at one of their ghosts. It was like mist walking about on two legs, but his sword was real enough…” - Unknown

ohranar tend to trust their kin explicitly and will embrace them without question, while their reaction to other races will vary from neutral to positive, seldom negative. Eynamen are perhaps the best received thanks to the lohranar blood pact with Eylin and the many alliances the two races have shared in the past.

The notable exception is how lohranar view true dragons and related dragonkind – they see them as demonic abominations and generally avoid these creatures entirely. The prominent lohranar religion paints dragons and magic in a very negative light, thus causing this deeply rooted hatred. The Chosen, a sect of lohranar sorceresses in league with Mar’gradh, are also similarly despised due to their devotion to deception and spellcraft. Mages from other races are usually regarded with similar rancor.

ohranar are often thought to be non-sentient, feral beasts with little brainpower – this couldn’t be farther from the truth. Though a rare few lohranar are nothing but animalistic, predatory creatures, the majority are sentient, thinking individuals. Lohranar intelligence can easily match or even sometimes surpass eynamen wisdom, depending on how the lohranar was reared. Most lohranar will know the local customs and how to read, write and fluently speak the common language. Although fully capable of doing so, they rarely take up scholarly pursuits, instead preferring the physical work of laborers, tradesmen, guardians or fighters.

Lohranar may also master the art of magic, though the use of such power is considered forbidden within many of their societies. If opting to go down this dark road, females who use magic can join the elite of Mar’gradh’s Chosen while male lohranar often become solitary sorcerers not unlike eynamen “tower mages” and related arcanists. A Chosen sorceress is despised by her own kind and feared by other races; they take solace in support from other guild members and the sleeping spirit of their master, Mar’gradh, and seldom stray outside their hidden temples.

c’moen Kemaryd, Lord of All Clans, led the lohranar through the tense transition from Lohr, their homeworld, to the island of Thrama’gor here on Terrin. Although long since dead, Ac’moen is still sometimes seen as a spiritual authority on par with the goddess Sarr’greih. Today, arguably the most famous lohranar on Terrin is Caerdwyn of Clan Stormtalon. Caerdwyn and his associates have been instrumental in rebuilding the Kingdom of Csagrada and rapidly restoring it to power. Other influential lohranar include Ameld of the Whispering Wing, a sizable organization comprised mainly of rogues, pirates, and assassins. Ameld prefers to work with members of his own kind and as a result has populated with ranks of his guild with many lohranar, and together they are known throughout Valanoi and Torm as prized hirelings. More covertly, Toramyn, a sorceress of the infamous Chosen, is believed to be making strides toward resurrecting the fallen lohranar god, Mar’gradh the Dracodemon.

ohranar are naturally quite strong, both in body and spirit, and will rely on the power of their heart as much as that of their muscles. They are often considered “unconquerable” and persistent. Lohranar weaponry is durable and reliable, and rare Kep’amed are renowned implements of war. Even if disarmed, a lohranar can use his physical strength, claws, and tail to overpower an opponent, and their rage can almost double the severity of these attacks. A majority of lohranar can use their wings to fly or glide, thus giving them a considerable advantage over many foes. Lohranar easily adapt to societies other than their own, whether said society officially accepts them or not – they will endeavor to fit in despite prejudice and fear. A lohranar may go from being a warrior to plowing fields as a farmer in an astoundingly short period of time; their adaptability is only surpassed by the eynamen.

ohranar who live in tribes influenced by neighboring cultures may slowly lose ties to their own ethos and religion; conversely, indurate tribes holding tightly to old beliefs, particularly the clans of Thrama’gor, uphold ancient ways and value their belief in the goddess Sarr’greih. Traveling abroad, lone lohranar also tend to quickly forget their people’s culture and the teachings of Sarr`greih in favor of new ideals they might come across. In battle, an upwelling of rage may cloud their judgment, cause them to act irrationally, and ultimately cost them their life. Few lohranar choose to study the magical arts, although most are capable of learning the skills necessary to command such power. This choice brings power and consequence, as those wearing the mantle of a spellcrafter are immediately shunned by many of their kin. Versed in magic or not, some lohranar are also believed to be demons come up from the underworld due to their physical similarities to Ves-spawned such as the infamous Gazelem.