DnD 2024 Backgrounds, Species & Cultures
Klavekian & Vikmordere
The Vikmordere are a communal people, living in the coldest part of the known world, not just surviving, but thriving and bonding with plant and animal alike as they revere the wisdom of the “Ancestor Spirit” and seek a constant balance in the natural world.
The Klavekians are hard-working, industrious people who built great cities and expanded their influence over most of the known world. They are inventors, craftspeople, and conquerors, taking what they want through whatever means possible. Most cultures who try to stop the Klavek Empire fail due to the Klavekians’ disciplined military and sheer numbers.
When the Klavekians originally entered the Vikmordere Valley chasing lowland Vikmordere raiders, they discovered the Quor tribe and their village (later named Rybalka) and decided to lay claim to it. A large war was fought which the Vikmordere lost. As the Quor tribe fell to the Klavekians it became fragmented into three groups: Rybalkan Vikmordere who stayed to live in Rybalka with the Klavekians, Umzear who revere nature above all else and traveled north to live in the frozen forests, and the Wo’Cla, an aggressive tribe who rejects everything the Klavekians stand for.
New Lineages: Human (Species)
Klavekian
An industrious and driven people, the Klavekians work and play hard. They tend to live in large cities where they can put their craft talents to work. Nearly everyone in Klavek society finds a lucrative trade and sometimes more than one job to keep them busy throughout life.
The Klavek Empire is a cold and unforgiving place, Klavekians are a strong people well-versed in arctic survival despite their metropolitan roots.
A typical Klavekian can be seen wearing red and black, with the symbol of the red double-headed eagle representing the Klavek Empire. The ushanka, a tall fur hat paired with cold weather clothing is the most common garb worn by the no-nonsense Klavekians who always lean into utilitarianism before vanity. Klavekians tend to be on the short side for humans.
Origin Feats. Your people are industrious and well educated, so Crafter and Skilled are common choices among Klavekian adventurers.
Common Klavekian Names
Female: Didi, Ekaterina, Faina, Leda, Marija, Mokosh, Nyia, Saule, Tanina
Male: Amet-khan, Boris, Helij, Karel, Modest, Romann, Tairov, Velesai, Yarilo
Vikmordere
The Vikmordere originate from the Ancestor People who wielded godlike magic to shape the natural world as they saw fit. They created many marvels, but also caused much destruction as greed took hold of their culture. After generations, the Ancestor People lost touch with the natural world and social structures crumbled as nature righted the imbalance caused by overuse of magic. The natural world spoke louder than ever through huge storms followed by famines and loss of life. Within just a few generations of this atrocity the Vikmordere people had left the cities and now taught the harmony of being one with the natural world, speaking to one’s ancestors in all forms: human and animal alike.
Now, the Vikmordere are a communal people, living in the coldest part of the known world—not just surviving, but thriving and bonding with plant and animal alike as they revere the wisdom of the “Ancestor Spirit” and seek a constant balance in the natural world. Vikmordere tend to be tall for humans.
Origin Feats. Your ancestors watch over you. Arctic Acclimation, Lucky, and Tough are common choices for Vikmordere.
Common Vikmordere Names
Female: Bestlanna, Elenna, Hnoss, Kaya, Laufey, Rann, Skaoille, Sygnn, Zuni
Male: Akando, Beli-an, Bragili, Gymirr, Koko, Narfe, Njorror, Uhguku, Varli
New Species
Half-Orc
The half-orcs of Aventyr’s frozen north — known as Bloodbound among the Vikmordere and Ironborn to the Klavekians — are born from unions between orcish warbands and human settlements. Shaped by brutal winters, border skirmishes, and spiritual traditions, these half-orcs have become hardened survivors.
Viewed with suspicion by both sides of their heritage, they often forge their own paths as wilderness guides, relentless warriors, or intuitive scouts. Whether roaming snow-covered forests or standing sentinel along frozen riverbanks, the Bloodbound are defined by resilience, self-reliance, and the strength to endure.
Creature Type. Humanoid
Size. Medium
Speed. Your walking speed is 30 feet. You also have a climbing speed equal to your walking speed.
Adversity Forged. You have advantage on saving throws against exhaustion and on Constitution saving throws made to resist the effects of extreme cold and cold damage. You also require only half the usual amount of food and water in cold climates.
Rugged Raider. You gain proficiency in the Athletics skill and a climbing speed equal to your walking speed.
Battle Instinct. You gain proficiency in the Insight skill and have advantage on initiative rolls.
Orc (Northern-Blooded)
The northern-blooded orcs of Aventyr hail from the unforgiving icebound territories beyond the settled lands. Clad in stitched hides and guided by ancestral rites, these orcs endure blizzards, hunt among the glaciers, and defend their kin with primal tenacity. Though their reputation for savagery echoes across the realm, within their warbands lie complex traditions, loyalty, and survival wisdom passed down through generations.
These orcs are most often found in the frigid mountains and deep pine forests near the edges of Vikmordere territory. Historically, orcish warbands and Vikmordere tribes have maintained a tenuous relationship—marked by cycles of trading and war. In recent years, however, increasing pressure from Klavekian settlers and imperial patrols has forged new bonds between these once-wary neighbors. United by necessity and shared heritage of the land, northern-blooded orcs now sometimes march alongside Vikmordere warriors to protect ancestral hunting grounds and sacred sites from foreign incursion.
Creature Type. Humanoid
Size. Medium
Speed. Your walking speed is 30 feet. You also have a climbing speed equal to your walking speed.
Iceblood Resilience. You have resistance to cold damage. In addition, you have advantage on saving throws against exhaustion and on Wisdom (Survival) checks made to navigate, track, or forage in cold or frozen environments.
Last Breath of the North. When you are reduced to 0 hit points but not killed outright, you can choose to drop to 1 hit point instead. Once you use this trait, you can’t do so again until you finish a long rest.
Survival Instinct. You gain proficiency in the Survival skill.
Coldfang Thrower. You gain proficiency with handaxes. When you make a ranged attack by throwing a handaxe, you can draw another handaxe from your belt as part of the same action.
Vikmordere Valley Backgrounds
Klavekian Explorer
Ability Scores: Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence
Feat: Choose one Origin feat: Lucky or Skilled
Skill Proficiencies: History and Persuasion
Tool Proficiencies: Navigator’s Tools
Equipment: Choose A or B: (A) Navigator’s Tools, Explorer’s Pack, Snow Shoes*, Hide Boots*, Small Rowboat^ Signal Whistle, 6 Torches, Cold Weather Clothing^; or (B) 50 GP.
You hail from the Klavek Empire, the most powerful and influential country in the known world. While you are as hardy, enduring, and industrious as the rest of your people, you could not resist the call to adventure.
Wanderlust struck and you found yourself venturing far from home and into wilderness and undiscovered lands. You are brave but your people are not foolhardy, and you’ve come prepared for anything.
*Wilderness 1, ^Forthcoming!
Rybalkan Vikmordere Artisan
Ability Scores: Strength, Constitution, Charisma
Feat: Crafter
Skill Proficiencies: History and Perception
Tool Proficiencies: Choose one kind of Artisan’s Tools.
Equipment: Choose A or B: (A) Explorer’s Pack, Artisan’s Tools (same as above), Skis*, Hide Boots*, Fishing Kit*, Cold Weather Clothing*, Block & Tackle, Flask, Hooded Lantern, Oil, 22 GP; or (B) 50 GP.
If you do, your family stuck it out as their village was slowly transformed by the Klavek Empire into what is now known as Rybalka. The Rybalkan Vikmordere embrace non-aggression and believe the Klavekians & Vikmordere have things they can learn from one another. It has not been easy for the two cultures to integrate, but there have been noteworthy efforts on both sides.
You have served as an artisan within the tribe, learning the skills and trade of the Vikmordere and the Klavekians. You preserve the Vikmordere ethos of respecting and protecting nature but might also embrace change and technical advancements brought to light by the Klavekians.
*Red Tree of Grudges Adventuring Gear
Umzear Survivalist
Ability Scores: Strength, Dexterity, Wisdom
Feat: Choose one Origin feat: Alert or Magic Initiate: Druid
Skill Proficiencies: Nature and Survival
Tool Proficiencies: Choose one from: Leatherworker’s Tools, Painter’s Supplies, Potter’s Tools, Woodcarver’s Tools
Equipment: Choose A or B: (A) Choose one kind of Artisan’s Tools (same as above), Explorer’s Pack, Snow Shoes*, Hide Boots*, Hand Plant*, Signal Whistle, 6 Torches, Cold Weather Clothing*, 32 GP; or (B) 50 GP.
You are part of the Umzear, a Vikmordere tribe that reveres Mother Nature and the Ancestor Spirit above all else. You grew up learning about different plants and animals native to arctic forest regions. While you revere nature, you are still an integral part of “the hunt” and perform a special prayer and ceremony when taking the life of an animal.
The Umzear lavishly decorate their homes, bodies, and totem poles with the symbols of the natural world. They also prefer to make use of materials that come more directly from the living world and its waters, favoring leather and wood and clay over metal or stone.
*Red Tree of Grudges Adventuring Gear
Wo’Cla Artifact Hunter
Ability Scores: Strength, Constitution, Intelligence
Feat: Magic Initiate: Wizard
Skill Proficiencies: Arcana and Survival
Tool Proficiencies: Choose one from: Cartographer’s Tools, Mason’s Tools, Cobbler’s Tools
Equipment: Choose A or B: (A) Choose one kind of Artisan’s Tools (same as above), Explorer’s Pack, Masterful Climber’s Kit^^, Crampons*, Hide Boots*, Grappling Hook, Rope, Longbow, Quiver 4 Javelins, 4 Torches, Tinderbox, Firewood, 20 GP; or (B) 50 GP.
You were raised in the Wo’Cla tradition of scouring the great arctic glaciers and climbing dangerous cliffs made of solid ice in search of lost magic items. You learned the stories of many such items. The most sought-after artifact for your tribe is the fabled Tri-Stone, an artifact able to somehow harness the energy of the great serpent of Serpent Lake.
Your chief is a Nukpana’Ko-Ta, a vampire of sorts, and makes no attempts to conceal this fact. Many of the tribespeople are in thrall the chief and follow him on regular hunts for ancient artifacts. You might have picked up the training for this pursuit to please him, to meet the expectations of the Wo’Cla, or out of your own eager curiosity.
*Wilderness 1
^^Survivalist’s Guide to Spelunking; More Rewarding Climbing p.39
Northern Raider
Ability Scores: Strength, Constitution
Feat: Tavern Brawler
Skill Proficiencies: Athletics, Intimidation
Tool Proficiencies: Vehicles (land), One type of gaming set
Equipment: A battered handaxe or shortsword, a fur-lined cloak taken from a distant settlement, a bag of crude tokens carved from bone (representing past victories), and a belt pouch containing 10 gp in assorted stolen coinage.
You grew up among the warbands of the northern tribes, where survival depended on strength, strategy, and the willingness to take what your people needed to survive. Whether you raided out of loyalty, tradition, or desperation, your past is marked by blood and conflict. Now, you must decide whether that path continues or if you’ll forge a new one.
Northern Raider Feature: Ruthless Reaver
You know how to strike fast and hard in small skirmishes. You can identify weak points in defenses, track recent raids, and recognize signs of wealth or valuable resources. When interacting with common folk in isolated regions, your reputation may earn you wary respect — or fear.
Additionally, you can always find shelter or supplies among northern tribes, who recognize your skills and experience. Even rival clans may offer begrudging assistance if you prove your strength or loyalty.
NEW FEATS
Arctic Acclimation
Origin Feat
You gain the following benefits.
Hot-Blooded. You have Resistance to Cold Damage. You don’t need Cold Weather Clothes or to spend fuel to keep warm in weather warmer than -40 degrees, protecting you from hypothermia and exhaustion due to exposure.
You gain the following drawback.
Easily Overheated. You have Disadvantage on saving throws against heat and Fire damage, including hyperthermia and to avoid burning.