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There were some rumors at the time of the fire that Nualia was pregnant but that might just have been the other girls being b*tchy

HUMANS
Humans are the most common race in the Wilderlands.
Strictly speaking, the human race has no sub-races, only
cultural and ethnic divisions—of which most humans unfortunately
make far too much of a difference. Most humans in the
Wilderlands are a mix of a number of bloodlines, with the most
common being a mix of Altanian, Tharbrian and Ghinoran,
though some may have Skandik, Avalonian, Viridian or even
Amazonian blood. These mixed blood humans are the most
numerous folk of the Wilderlands. Mixed blood humans tend
to be rather warlike. “Mixed blood” humans normally use the
racial traits from the PHB, meaning that they are Medium size,
have a base speed of 30 feet, they gain 1 extra feat at 1st level,
4 extra skill points at 1st level and 1 extra skill point at each
additional level, they speak Common and 1 additional bonus
language (usually the language of their region), and may select
any class as a favored class.

DEFAULT “HUMAN”
As mentioned above, this is the default human—a mix of many
bloodlines, including Altanian, Tharbrian, Ghinoran and others.
These “normal” mixed blood humans constitute the great
majority of humans in the Wilderlands and are listed here out
of alphabetical order to reflect their numerical importance.
Description: Skin color ranging from fair to pale olive to
reddish to any other slight tint; brown, blonde, black or red hair;
brown, green or blue eyes; 5 ft. 8 in.; 160 lbs; typically Neutral.
Racial Traits: as per the PHB for Human.
Language: Common.

ALRYAN
This is the name applied to the city folk of the large cities of
the northern Wilderlands, such as the City State of the
Invincible Overlord, Warwik and Modron. They are in fact a
mix of Tharbrian and Altanian blood, but they consider
themselves “civilized.” Most Alryans have disdain for the
“uncivilized” barbarian Altanians to the south, and would be
appalled if they knew of their actual close kinship. Wise city
dwellers, Alryans have keen eyesight and are sensitive to the
body language of many races. They consider a highly developed
sense of humor is the prerequisite to civilized conduct.
Description: Skin color ranging from fair to olive to
reddish skin (due to the Altanian influence), brown hair,
brown eyes, 5 ft. 8 in., 170 lbs, average build, typically
Neutral.
Racial Traits: As per the PHB for Humans, with the
following additions:
• Skills: +1 racial bonus to Spot checks. Sense Motive
and Diplomacy are class skills regardless of class
• Disdain Altanians: Default “unfriendly” attitude towards
Altanians. Altanians suffer a +2 racial modifier to the
DC of any social- or Charisma-based skills they attempt
against you due to your natural dislike of them (but not
including magical effects)
• Favored Class: Any, except Barbarian
Language: Common. Alryans do not receive an additional
bonus language.

ANTILLIAN
Antillians, centered on the city of Antil, are a further
admixture of Alryan with more Orichalan, Tharbrian,
elven, and (now extinct) Antili blood. Where Alryans are
wise and wryly humorous, Antillians are cunning and
disarmingly vicious. Antillians are terrifying merchants,
willing and able to swindle at the drop of a copper; they are
also a proud people, and they have taken the tradition of
vendetta to hitherto unknown heights. Antillians are graceful,
with very lithe features and slightly pointed ears, though
to mistake one for a half-elf is to ask for a duel. Antillians
wear rich, colorful clothing, the more ostentatious the
better, and prefer light, quick weapons, such as rapiers and
stilettos. Antillians consider women to be chattel, to be
used to further political and mercantile relationships.
Antillians are notorious slavers, considering other races
destined only for servitude. They despise Amazons, and
believe them to be fit only for concubinage.
Description: Swarthy olive skin, black hair, brown eyes,
5 ft. 6 in., 150 lbs, light build, typically Neutral Evil.
Racial Traits: As per the PHB, with the following
additions or substitutions:
• Skills: Bluff is always a class skill regardless of class
• Weapon Proficiency: Antillians receive the Simple
Weapons Proficiency feat for the dagger and the Martial
Weapons Proficiency feat for rapier as bonus feats.
• Gender Bias: Default “unfriendly” attitude towards
females of all races, unless you yourself are female. Females
suffer a +2 racial modifier to the DC of any social- or
Charisma-based skills they attempt against you due to your
natural dislike of them (but not including magical effects)
unless you yourself are female
• Favored Class: Rogue
Languages: Common, Antillian

COMMON AVALONIAN
Many of the common humans in the city of Valon share
some lineage with their more pure blooded nobles, as well
as their affinity for the sea and ice. Common Avalonians are
expert craftsmen, sailors and shipwrights. Most common
occupants of Valon either take the Cantrips feat or have
taken one level of Sorceror to aid their sailing skills or crafts,
as 0-level spells are freely taught even to children.
Description: Pale skin with light blue tints, hair of any
color, but body hair such as eyebrows and beards are usually
tinted with platinum, gray or black eyes, 6 ft, 200 lbs, sleek
and muscular build, typically Neutral Good.
Racial Traits: As per the PHB with the following
changes:
• Skills: Rope Use, Sail, Spellcraft and Swim are class
skills regardless of class chosen.
• Favored Class: Expert (usually Sailor or Shipwright),
Aristocrat or Sorceror
Languages: Avalonian.

COMMON ORICHALAN
There are few of these folk left, as most people with
Orichalan blood have been hunted down by the Altanians.
Most that still exist either live in isolated communities
(such as the Moonraker Moor Folk or the Roglo River Folk)
or live in areas where they are not persecuted (such as in the
city of Malikarr or in southern Oricha). Nevertheless, some
remain in various regions of the Wilderlands, detailed
below. Each share the same racial traits and description.
Common Orichalans: These can be found in the southern
end of the Orichan Peninsula or in the strange city of
Malikarr on Thrinakia Isle. Interestingly, Common
Orichalans (particularly those in the southern portion of
the Orichan Peninsula) can be some of the most visciously
anti-Orichalan, perhaps as a result of their “tainted blood,”
over which they had no control.
Moonraker Moor Folk: They exist now primarily in the
Moonraker Moorlands between the Howling Hills and the
Dearthwood, south of Byrny and north of the River Eorlbane.
They respect the sanctity of the Rorystone Road, but
anyone that wanders off the road is regarded as fair game.
Unlike the more “civilized” Common Orichalans, Moor-
Folk revere the gods of the moon and nature spirits. They
travel far and wide across the Wilderlands to fulfill ancient
rituals at long-lost altars and monoliths. Females are rare,
and usually are powerful in the ways of sorcery.
Roglo River Folk: The Roglo River-Folk descended
from the merchants of the long-fallen Dragon Empire.
These merchants plied their trade up and down the Great
Estuary of Roglaroon, as well as along the seacoast and
other nearby river systems, though they maintained their
homes in the cities, and mingled with other races. When
the Dragon Empire fell millennia ago, the ancestors of the
Roglo remained on the waters, as it was the safest place
during the terrible barbaric anarchy that followed that
time. Today they trade goods from the City State to
Modron, and from Modron to the port cities along the
north and eastern coasts of the Pazidan Peninsula. They are
regarded as a necessary evil by most city folk. The Roglo are
allies of the Mer-Elves of the Roglaroon, though they are
less friendly with the Cresparine Merfolk, and are mercantile
rivals to the Tritons of the Coral Kingdom.
Description: Slight purple cast to skin, some of which may
also have patches of slight scales like snakeskin; dark hair,
often black or with purplish highlights; amber or grey eyes; 6
ft., 180 lbs, lean build, typically Neutral or Neutral Evil.
Racial Traits: As per the PHB for Human with the
following changes:
• Skills: +1 Racial Bonus to Craft (Alchemist)
• Favored Class: Common Orichalans: Sorceror, Alchemist;
Moonraker Moor Folk: Sorceror, Fighter; Roglo River
Folk: Rogue, Sorceror
• Racial Animosity: Orichalans are disliked and receive
a -1 Racial penalty to reaction rolls.
Language: Common. Common Orichalans may also
select Orichalan and Draconic as bonus languages.

COMMON VIRIDIAN
Common Viridians are the basal population of the cities,
towns and villages surrounding the Falling Empire of
Viridistan. Their primary stock is Tharbrian, dominated for
thousands of years by the True Viridians (of which the Green
Emperor and his Empress-wife are thankfully the last), and
intermixed with a dollop of True Viridian blood. Common
Viridians make up the bulk of the farmers, artisans, craftsmen,
and merchants of the Empire. The green tinge to their
skin is usually looked down upon in the east, while the
greener the skin, the better, in the west near Viridistan.
Description: Pale skin with varying tints of green, tawny
or blonde hair, green eyes, 5 ft. 6 in., 150 lbs, average build,
typically Lawful Neutral or Lawful Evil.
Racial Traits: As per the PHB for Human with the
following changes:
• Skills: All Common Viridians gain Knowledge (Local:
Viridistan) as a class skill regardless of class, since as subjects
of an oppressive and highly structured imperial system they
have had rules and traditions beaten into them
• Favored Class: NPC Classes, Fighter, Rogue
Language: Viridian.

DUNAEL
Dunael Woods-Folk originated in Dearthwood, where
most can still be found, locked in eternal struggle against the
Orcs of the Purple Claw. The Dunael are descended from an
ancient alliance of Orichalan, Tharbriana, Amazon, and
Altanian clans, with a bit of elven blood, blended centuries
ago into a single culture. Today they are few in numbers and
remain hard-pressed by their orcish enemies. The Dunael,
though semi-barbaric today, once had a great culture, and
claim to be descended from the ancient Orichalans that
inhabited the city where now stands the City State. The
Dunael no longer have a king, but are ruled by the Captain
of the Rangers, an ally of the Invincible Overlord.
Description: Bronzed tan skin, coal black hair, blue or
green eyes, 5 ft. 8 in., 170 lbs, average build, typically
Chaotic Good or Neutral Good.
Racial Traits: As per the PHB with the following
changes or additions:
• Skills: Knowledge (Local: Dearthwood) and Survival
are class skills regardless of class chosen and Dunael gain a
+2 racial bonus to Survival.
• Bonus Feat: All Dunael from the City State region and
a homeland of Dearthwood gain the bonus feat of Foe
Hatred for Orcs .
• Favored Class: Druid or ranger
Languages: Common and Dunael

GHINORAN
Ghinorans are the remnants of the Ghinoran Successor
States from the ancient Kelnoran Empire, which fell thousands
upon thousands of years ago. They occupy the lands
of the southwestern crescent of the Sea of Five Winds from
Lenap to Tlan and across to Chim, as well as the regions to
the south approaching the Demon Empires and north above
Lenap. Though some vestige of civilization is returning to
these areas (or has maintained itself over many years), the
people are mostly tribal and warlike. Ghinorans may also be
found near Tarsh and in the isolated kingdom of Damkina
as all are related to ancient Kelnore in some way. The people
of Rallu claim to be descended from the ancient Sea Kings
of Kelnore and are also Ghinoran (though their lineage
comes from Tarsh or Damkina).
Description: Various skin colors ranging from bronzed
near the deserts to olive in Tlan and dusky in Chim, brown
or tawny hair, brown or green eyes, 5 ft. 10 in., 150 lbs,
average build, typically Neutral.
Racial Traits: As per the PHB for Human.
Languages: Ghinoran and Common.

GISHMESH
The Gishmesh are the people of the City State of Tarantis
and the surrounding lands. The race that is today known as
the Gishmesh come from the tribesmen that defeated the
declining Kingdom of Kelnore in ancient times. In fact, the
Gishmesh were once two very distinct tribes, the Gishemesh
and the Paldorian. To this day, people of that region trace
their lineage to one of those two tribes, though their joinder
has made their physiological distinctions minor. The culture
of the Gishmesh still retains its tribal feel. The people
are ruled by Sultans and are ruthless merchants and pirates.
Description: Bronzed skin, brown or black hair, any
color eyes, 5 ft. 8 in., 140 lbs, slight build, typically Lawful
Evil.
Racial Traits: As per the PHB for Human with the
following changes or additions:
• Skills: Profession (Merchant) and Appraise are class
skills regardless of class chosen.
• Favored Class: Rogue, Fighter, Cleric
Languages: Gishmesh.

KARAKHAN
Known as Horse Lords, Karakhan are the people of the
far-off Kingdom of Karak to the east. They trade with
Tarantis and Rallu and mercenary bands and outcasts from
the kingdom can be found throughout the Wilderlands.
Karakhans are ruled by a number of petty kings, all of whom
pay homage to the High King. Theirs is an organized and
clan-based society with a caste system that stifles advancement
and leads some to seek their fortunes elsewhere. They
export many exotic items and have some of the best mercantile
magicians who produce wondrous craft items—robes
that shimmer like stars, sculpture that seems to flow like
water and weapons of fantastic craftsmanship. They value
ritualized wrestling and arenas can be found in every village.
Pointed helms with leather neck guards are common amongst
warriors and leaders have dyed leather strips attached to the
point for identification. They pride themselves as the best
mounted archers in the world (better than even the
Tharbrian nomads). Horses are common in their home
kingdom and every citizen, it is said, owns at least one horse
and rides each day. All citizens are required to keep armor
and lance at the ready. The Karakhan of the Wilderlands
have developed a strong dislike for Viridians, whether due
to imperial pride or culture clash is not known.
Description: yellow skin, black or red hair, green eyes, 5
ft. 2 in., 120 lbs, average build though often bowlegged,
typically Lawful Neutral or Lawful Evil.
Racial Traits: As per the PHB for Human with the
following changes or additions:
• Skills: Handle Animal and Ride are class skills regardless
of class chosen. Karakhan receive a +1 racial bonus to
Ride checks.
• Feats: All Karakhan receive Mounted Warrior as a
bonus feet so long as they are wearing light armor and not
carrying a heavy load.
• Favored Class: Fighter, Cleric
Languages: Karakhan. They may select Gishmesh and
Common as bonus languages.

SKANDIK
The Skandik Sea Wolves are a well-muscled waterloving
race. They are ritually birthed in the water and spend
most of their youth learning the ways of the sea. They build
their towns only along coastlines and their longships raid
the surrounding areas. They pay homage to Jarls and organize
themselves into clan villages. Only true warriors are
allowed to wear beards, which are a sign of manhood. They
are renowned swimmers and sailors. Many, strangely, have
webbed toes. They traditionally worship the gods Odin,
Thor and the Norse pantheon. They inhabit the northern
coast above the City State west of Warwik as well as the
southern stretch of the Pagan Coast and a number of the
isles in that region of the Winedark Sea.
Description: Pale skin, blonde or strawberry blonde hair,
blue or green eyes, 5 ft. 9 in., 180 lbs., stocky build, typically
Neutral.
Racial Traits: As per the PHB for Human with the
following changes or additions:
• Skills: Swim and Sail are class skills regardless of class
chosen. Skandiks receive a +2 racial bonus to Swim checks.
• Favored Class: Barbarian, Fighter, Cleric, Bard, Expert
(Sailor)
Languages: Skandik.

THARBRIAN
Tharbrians are eternal nomads of the central Wilderlands,
having migrated into the Wilderlands from the far West.
Their ancestors, the Tharbrian Wild-Men are responsible
for many invasions into the Pazidan Peninsula and the lands
of the Viridistan and the City State. Though still primarily
nomadic and warlike, some have settled into more permanent
villages and have become accepted in cities throughout
the region. The city of Modron was founded ages ago by less
nomadic Tharbrians in honor of the goddess Modron whom
the Tharbrians freed from ancient captivity. Most Tharbrian
nomads are men and women of honor and battle. They
believe in a strict warrior code that forbids the slaughter of
innocents or the murder of those that have fought valiantly.
Among some, this code seems to be a disdain for all things
not dealing with war. The conquered are kept as slaves to
tend to the herds and perform other labor that is beneath
the warriors of this society. Women are equal to men in
Tharbrian society. Tharbrian smiths are renown for their
sword making skills, and the Tharbrian saber is infamous in
battle, more so when wielded by a Tharbrian warrior.
Description: Ruddy tan skin, tawny brown, or raven
black hair, blue or green eyes, 5 ft. 7 in., 160 lbs., light build,
typically Chaotic Neutral.
Racial Traits: As per the PHB with the following
changes or additions:
• Skills: Ride and Survival are always class skills regardless
of class chosen.
• Favored Class: Any, though generally no psionic
classes
Language: Tharbrian.

ALTANIAN [HUMANOID]
The “barbarian” Altanians occupy the portion of the
Pazidan Peninsula south of the City State of the Invincible
Overlord known as Barbarian Altanis. Families are organized
into animal totem clans within each tribe. Some clans
remain completely nomadic in nature, while most have
settled into a semi-nomadic way of life, settling in small
ramshackle villages. Clans include Grizzly Bear (the largest
tribe), Mountain Lion, Forest Ape, Tusked Boar, Gray
Wolf, and Spotted Wolverine. Altanians are among the
most renowned trackers in the world. Altaninians maintain
their youth and vigor through old age, and then continue
with a mature physique until the day that they die—though
few ever live to reach
the natural end of their
life.
Altanian society (non-nomadic tribes) is dominated by the
women, who own all chattel and property, save the weapons
wielded by the warrior men. The men follow the Way of the
Sword, which is a quasi-religious cult led by Sword Knights—
Altanians that have earned the right to carry Ancestral Swords
(mostly Greatswords). Warriors that are not Knights are
members of one of several Warrior Lodges, including the Red
Lion, Amber Serpent, Blue Bear, Gray Stallion, Black Eagle,
White Wolf, and Green Drake Lodges. Warrior women have
a single lodge, the Ivory Swan. Most women stay at home,
tending to small gardens with their druidic abilities, while the
men go hunting and raiding, or form mercenary bands and
adventure in other regions. There are reputedly some
pureblooded Altanians, with the darkest blood red skin, who
claim descent from various Chaos Lords—powerful inhuman
creatures from the Chaos Planes of the Netherworld.
Description: Copper to reddish brown to blood red
(purebloods) skin, sandy to black (pure bloods) hair, hazel
eyes, 5 ft. 6 in., 180 lbs, average to stocky build, typically
Neutral or Chaotic Neutral.
Racial Traits: As per the PHB for Human with the
following additions or substitutions:
• Attributes: +2 Strength, +2 Constitution, -2 Intelligence
and -2 Charisma
• Feats: Altanians gain the Track feat as a bonus feat
• Skills: Altanians gain Knowledge (Nature), Handle
Animal and Survival as class skills regardless of class chosen
as well as a +2 racial bonus to the Survival skill
• Bonus Skill Points: Altanians do not receive the
normal human bonus of 4 skill points at first level, nor do
they gain the 1 additional skill point at each additional
level
• Age Effects: Altanians do not feel the effects of
age as other humans do. They suffer the penalties of
Middle Age at Old Age, and the penalties of Old Age
at Venerable Age, but gain the bonuses of aging at the
normal age steps.
• Favored Class: Barbarian, Druid (particularly
Altanian women) or Psion (again, particularly
Altanian women; or Sorcerers if your campaign
does not use the Psionics Handbook).
Languages: Altanian.

AMAZON
[HUMANOID]
Known in the northern lands as
“Shield-Maidens” due to their disdain
for armor other than shields,
the Amazons are a race of humanoids
dominated by the female. They
are said to have originated in the
Ament Lands, far to the south, and
over millennia migrated, pillaged,
and battled their way north. In the
north, Amazons can be found in
their castle near Sea Rune on
the Pagan coast north of Ossary.
They can also be found in the
southern lands in and around the city of Rallu and near Ghinor
and the Ament Tundra. Mercenary Amazons can be found in
nearly every fighting force in the Wilderlands.
Friendly with most forest dwelling races, they often unite
to protect an area endangered by woodsmen or some natural
calamity. Amazons frequently have trained animal companions.
The Amazons near Sea Rune are rumored to use
trained lions as pets. Highly dexterous and very well toned,
they are noted for preferring little or no armor in combat. In
grouped combat, they fight in unison as if telepathically
linked with their sisters. They often anticipate the tactics of
opponents.
Amazons take their captives as slaves, though only the
female slaves are put to work. Male slaves (including male
Amazons) are used solely for reproductive purposes and
sport. Pure lineage Amazon males are often traded between
queens of different tribes. Male Amazons are not pampered
as are the female concubines of other races, they are instead
expected to maintain themselves in top athletic condition,
though not to learn the ways of war.
Description: Fair to light brown skin, blonde or red hair,
green eyes, 5 ft. 6 in., 110 lbs., lithe to voluptuous build,
typically Lawful Neutral.
Racial Traits: As per the PHB for Human, plus
• Attributes: +2 Wisdom, +2 Charisma
• Skills: Handle Animal and Survival are class skills
• Armor Aversion: Due to their disdain for armor,
Amazons do not normally gain Armor Proficiency feats
as a result of their starting
class. If their
starting class would
ordinarily grant
them the Heavy
Armor Proficiency feat (fighter, paladin, cleric, amazon
warrior), then the Amazon gains the Light Armor Proficiency
feat (and no other). If their starting class does not
grant the Heavy Armor Proficiency feat, then they do not
gain any Armor Proficiency feat despite what the class may
ordinarily provide. Amazons may, however, select Armor
Proficiency feats as they would other feats both at character
creation or when a feat is gained due to level advancement.
Amazons are automatically proficient with all types of
shields.
• Combat Precognition (Su): All Amazons wearing no
armor or Amazon Armor (see that class) gain the Supernatural
psionic ability of combat precognition, giving them a
+1 psionic bonus to AC. This bonus does not apply if the
character is flat footed, has lost her Dexterity bonus or is
unconscious.
• Gender Interaction: Default “unfriendly” attitude
towards males of all races, unless you yourself are male.
Males suffer a +2 racial modifier to the DC of any social- or
Charisma-based skills they attempt against you due to your
natural dislike of them (but not including magical effects)
unless you yourself are male.
• Favored Class: Amazon warrior or druid. Despite
their innate psionic abilities, Amazons are rarely psions
or psychic warriors.
Languages: Amazon.

AVALONIAN [HUMANOID]
The Avalonians are the noblest of people, in their
own minds if nowhere else. The tall,
thin Avalonians dress in
wealthy clothing, for
all the
Avalonian
clans are of noble blood, and all Avalonians hold a noble title,
even the least citizen. They are also merchants by profession
and control nearly all trade in the Uther Pentwegern Sea as
well as the northern reaches of the Winedark Sea. Their city,
Valon, is built right upon the sea, and consists of gold and
silver tower-girt islands divided by stone-lined canals which
freeze over in winter. Swimming is natural to these folk. They
are also superlative sailors and shipwrights. Most Avalonians
have some sort of magical training, typically cold, water, and/
or ice magic. The wizards and sorcerers of this race are
unsurpassed in the North, rivaled only by the wizards of Tula.
Some claim to be descended from an ancient admixture
of merfolk and an unknown extra-planar folk from the
Elemental Plane of Water or Ice. Sage comparisons between
the Avalonians and the green-skinned Viridians
cause violence to erupt most unexpectedly from this otherwise
peaceful folk. Some few Avalonians have gills and can
breathe in the water as if on land (requires Judge’s permission
and has ECL +2, see below)
Description: Pale blue skin, platinum blonde hair, silver
eyes, 6 ft. 4 in., 200 lbs, sleek and muscular build, typically
Lawful Good.
Racial Traits: As per the PHB for human with the
following additions or substitutions:
• Attributes: +2 Intelligence, +2 Charisma, -2 Wisdom,
-2 Constitution
• Skills: Profession (Sailor), Rope Use, Sail, Spellcraft
and Swim are always class skills regardless of class. Avalonians
gain a +2 racial bonus to Rope Use and Spellcraft, and a +4
racial bonus to Swim
• Resistance to Cold: 1
• Favored Class: Expert (sailor), bard or wizard
Languages: Common, Avalonian. Avalonians may select
Aquan as a bonus language
Aquatic Avalonians: Some Avalonians, due to greater
connection with the Elemental Plane of Water or Ice have
the following additional qualities:
• Attributes: -2 additional penalty to Constitution (in
addition to the attribute modifications for normal Avalonians),
due to the fact that their hybrid breathing system is not
perfectly suited for either the surface or underwater.
• Skills: Aquatic Avalonians gain a +10 racial bonus to
Swim
• Gills: Aquatic Avalonians with gills may breathe
underwater or on land, like merfolk, but must periodically
come into contact with water
• Level Adjustment: Aquatic Avalonians have an equivalent
character level of +2 and require permission of the
Judge to be used as a PC race.

When Jervis Stoot made clear his intentions to build a home on the island just north of the Old Light, locals paid him no mind. Jervis had already garnered something of a reputation for eccentricity when he began his one-man crusade to carve depictions of birds on every
building in town. Stoot never made a carving without securing permission,
but his incredible skill at woodcarving made it a given that, if
Stoot picked your building as the site of his latest project, you seized the opportunity. “Sporting a Stoot” soon grew to be something of
a bragging point, and Jervis eventually extended his gift to include
ship figureheads and carriages. Those who asked or tried to pay him
for his skill were rebuffed—Stoot told them, “There ain’t no birds in
that wood for me t’set free,” and went on his way, often wandering
the streets for days before noticing a hidden bird in a fencepost,
lintel, steeple, or doorframe, which he’d then secure permission to
“release” with his trusty hatchets and carving knives.
Stoot’s excuse for wanting to move onto the isle seemed innocent
enough—the place was a haven for local birdlife, and his claim
of “Wantin’ ta be with th’ birds” seemed to make sense. So much
so, in fact, that the guild of carpenters (with whom Stoot had maintained a friendly competition for several years) volunteered to
build a staircase, free of charge, along the southern cliff face so
that Stoot could come and go from his new home with ease. For 15
years, Stoot lived on the island. His trips into town grew less and
less frequent, making it something of an event when he chose a
building to host a new Stoot.
Sandpoint was no stranger to crime, or even to murder. Once
or twice a year, passions fl ared, robberies went bad, jealousy grew
too much to bear, or one too many drinks were drunk, and someone
would end up dead. But when the bodies began to mount fi ve years
ago, the town initially had no idea how to react. Sandpoint’s sheriff
at the time was a no-nonsense man named Casp Avertin, a retired
city watch offi cer from Magnimar. Yet even he was ill-prepared for
the murderer who came to be known as Chopper. Over the course
of one long winter month, it seemed that every day brought a new
victim to light. Each was found in the same terrible state: bodies
bearing deep cuts to the neck and torso, hands and feet severed and
stacked nearby, and the eyes and tongue plucked crudely from the
head and missing entirely.
Over the course of that terrible month, Chopper claimed 25
victims. His uncanny knack at eluding traps and pursuit quickly
wore on the town guard, taking particular toll on Sherrif Avertin,
who increasingly took to drinking. In any event, Sherrif Avertin
himself became Chopper’s last victim, slain upon catching the
murderer in a narrow lane—known now as Chopper’s Alley—as
he was mutilating his latest victim. Yet in the battle that followed,
Avertin managed a telling blow against the killer. When the town
guard found both bodies several minutes later, they were able to
follow the killer’s bloody trail.
A trail that led straight to the stairs of Stoot’s Rock.
At first, the town guard refused to believe the implications, and
feared that Chopper had come to claim poor Jervis Stoot as his
26th victim. Yet what the guards found in the modest home atop
the isle, and in the larger complex of rooms that had been carved
into the bedrock below, left no room for doubt. Jervis Stoot and
Chopper were the same, and the eyes and tongues of all 25 victims
were found upon a horrifi c altar to a birdlike demon whose name
none dared speak aloud. Stoot himself was found dead at the base
of the altar, having plucked his own eyes and tongue loose in a
final off ering. The guards collapsed the entrance to the chambers,
burned Stoot’s house, tore down the stairs, and did their best to
forget. Stoot himself was burned on the beach in a pyre, his ashes
blessed and then scattered in an attempt to stave off an unholy
return of his evil spirit.

All that remains today of the once-loved Stoot carvings are
ragged scars on buildings and figureheads where owners used
hatchets to remove what had become a haunting reminder of a
wolf in their fold.