Ngorrhali
Alias: None (ancestral names erased for Frost Sentinels)
Origin: Ngorrhal (high-altitude mountain passes); some Frost Sentinels in Thazvaar
Ngorrhali include two groups from Ngorrhal's high-elevation passes: the towering Frost Sentinels, elite trackers and fighters prized for stoic silence and stamina, and the diminutive tribal Ngorrhalis in scattered hideaways. Even in the modern era, little is known about the tribals due to their isolation, theorized to dwell in unexplored mountain caves with no reason to investigate. Frost Sentinels originated from divided passes—Northern, Western, and Northeastern. The Northeastern plotted unification to escape hardship, gaining Thazvaar support in arms and tactics for range control, igniting the Ngorrhali Unification Wars. The Western resisted, the North joined them after attack, but Thazvaari aid made the Northeast strong. The Empire backed the Western on integration terms post-win. With imperial support, they defeated the Northeast, ending Thazvaar's influence, and accepted the trade-off of integration, prospering to become the capital's second-largest demographic after ethnic Gebans. Their strongest joined the Emperor’s Directive as the Empire's most versatile land unit, valued for conquering harsh terrains. Traits persist: colossal statures, altitude-optimized breathing, sparse dialogue in formations, tight kinships untrusting of shunning outsiders. Ancient hymns became the Thundered Dirge, empire-known rhythm tied to Sentinel rites. Notable Tharyn’Breka Kael accompanied Prince Ashan’Raeth Vareth on province expeditions. Frost Sentinels embody the exchange in silence, form, and offspring—not forged by the Empire but incorporated, persisting amid Engineered ascent. Culturally, Frost Sentinels serve as wardens, their toughness and Thundered Dirge revered; tribal Ngorrhalis uphold arts and histories. Engage Frost Sentinels with respect for ethos, tribal Ngorrhalis cautiously, avoiding territorial breaches. Frost Sentinels surged after unification, northern and western alliances aided by Geban vanquishing Thazvaar-allied northeastern forces; remnants in Thazvaar. Tribal Ngorrhalis survived relay assaults. Frost Sentinels thrive in capital, tribal Ngorrhalis in remote niches.