The Thain of the Bare Isle

The Thain are the industrious, hardworking inhabitants of the Bare Isle to the west of Camvonia. According to their myths, they fled to this isle to escape the chaos following the fall of the Imperium. The Bare Isle, as suggested by its name, is a pretty inhospitable place. Theories abound as to why plants struggle to grow in the isle's soil, from an ancient curse to scars from a battle to the displeasure of the gods. Whatever the case, vegetation on the island is sparse, stunted and generally inedible. Through centuries of patient breeding, the Thain have created several viable agricultural plants and introduced a few pack beasts, allowing them to live and grow. However, their diet is still severely lacking when compared to that of those in more fertile areas. Since huge plots of land are needed to produce any kind of bulk volume, Thain society is uniquely urban, as a few farmers control massive pieces of land. The Thain are the Bare Isle's only native ethnic group, and number 9 million, making the Bare Isle one of the most sparsely populated areas of Noliterre. Most of this population is concentrated in coastal cities, the largest of these being the great port of Gorza on the eastern tip of the island, with 1 million inhabitants. Those that farm use a combination of orc labor and ingenious machines to cultivate the land. All attempts to convert these machines for use in other areas have failed. The Thain are relatively liberal in tat they have no caste system, but they do have distinct classes. Farmers are at the top, because they control so much land. Merchants, government officials, warriors and aristocrats follow, then artisans, then common soldiers, then common laborers, then slaves. The Thain are currently being absorbed into foreign powers, but those that remain free are led by a High Stanz, or chief. Stanzes are common, filling the traditional role of country gentry. The Thain are an irreverent people and lack an indigenous religion. Finally they are enthusiastic adopters of modern technology, and are some of the best musketeers in the world. Whole tribes, led by their Stanz, have been enlisted as mercenaries and many are currently looking for work.

 A view of a great estate typical of those in the Bare Isle

 View of Gorza, ca. 2290

 Thain mercenaries, ca. 2300