History of the Varan
The earliest records of the Varan race draw a picture of the nomadic nords who roamed the northlands. These nomads relied on the furs, meat, and bones of the creatures here, specifically mammoths. They struggled to survive in Asgeir's harsh and unforgiving landscape. Winters became so harsh at times that vast regions of Asgeir was abandoned entirely. These nomadic groups most often traded furs, meats, and tools, but were also known to brutally kill one another over supplies. Ki'gars saw their first use as scarves.
These barbaric nomads eventually settled down, and Asgeir was dotted with many small tribes. Varan relied on hunting, fishing, and foraging early on. They lived in mud huts that stayed warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Each tribe was composed of several small clans that relied on each other for survival. Very rarely would two tribes trade, as most would form small warbands that would raid and slaughter other tribes for supplies and land. Land was important to these tribes as it offered more land for which to hunt and forage. During this period, Ki'gars were more prominent as warriors stitched on achievements, family names, and symbols.
Surviving tribes eventually adopted early farming practices, began to build wooden structures, and protected their villages with palisade walls. Trade was still rare, but more common than before. Villages were ruled by chieftains, elected by trials of single combat. Warbands were noticeably larger, and the warriors used iron weapons, mostly swords and axes. By now, Ki'gars distinguished Varan by showing their family name, sigil, colors, achievements, and feats. It was also common that, instead of pillaging neighboring villages, they were assimilated into a chieftain's control.
As chieftains expanded their lands through conquest, small kingdoms began to form. Stone castles were built and chieftains became kings. Moderately-sized armies could be mustered and escalated conflicts began to occur. Many wars were waged over land, disputes, and glory. This continued on for quite some time.
Asgeir entered a period now known as 'the Age of Heroes', colloquially known as the 'Heroic Age'. Numerous nations invade Asgeir, which is taken by surprise. Kingdoms quickly fall and refugees flee north and to the center of the region. As Asgeir nearly falls, Tarro Valgard and other warriors rally the refugees and stage a counterattack against the invaders. The Varan under Tarro push westward, and then south as they make their way around Asgeir's natural borders, driving the invaders out.
In the east, a horseman by the name of Joric rallies his own men and forms the Jorian Riders, who drive invaders out of Asgeir's Eastern Plains. Joric is killed in battle shortly before his penultimate victory. The Jorian Riders regroup with Tarro's army in south Asgeir, where the final battles of the war takes place. This army is known as the Grand Varan Warband.
After their success in driving out the invaders, Tarro leads the Grand Varan Warband deep south, conquering swathes of land for Asgeir, but decides to stop the bloodshed and return home. A newly established government, the Kingdom of Asgeir, is formed. Leaders from the Age of Heroes are given holds throughout Asgeir and elect a High King who will rule in Stormhold.
The Grand Varan Warband was disbanded and the Keepers of the North was founded in their stead. The Keepers are a special, covert group of agents led by the Warden of the North. Keepers are excellent warriors, spies, saboteurs, assassins, scholars, and historians.