The Land: Kartakass is a heavily forested domain in the rugged foothills of the Balinoks. The hills are riddled with caverns, both small and large. Some are rumored to lead all the way to Bluetspur. Fog is common in the low areas, rising from the soil as the afternoon sun begins to wane. The brush is dense, the ground rocky, and the way through the trees is twisted. When straying from the road or a clearing, riders on horseback barely move faster than a man on foot. When the fog sets in, riding off-trail becomes impossible; riders must lead their mounts with a hand outstretched to clear the branches.

The town of Skald, near the center of Kartakass, is home to nearly 2,000 people. The town is known for its sheep, whose wool is particularly fine. The houses fit the Kartakan style: one story, with wooden frames, and steep, densely thatched roofs. The homes have many small, arched windows, each with heavy shutters that can be locked and barred from inside. The shutters are painted bright blue or green; all Kartakans use the same two shades of paint. Villagers must labor continually to maintain the thatched roofs, because nightbirds pick mercilessly at the straw. To avoid the problem, a few wealthy men have capped their homes with imported red tile. Even then, the inhabitants sometimes hear frustrated pecking on the tiles at night.

The village Harmonia, in the south, shelters about 1,500 people. They claim to have the finest singing voices in the demi-plane, and only the people of Skald dispute it. Harmonian architecture matches the description above, but the houses are larger. Villagers harbor livestock under their own roof, in separate quarters at the rear of the house. Despite such precautions, animals still fall prey to foxes and wolves.

Kartakans have cleared the land around each settlement for farming. Vegetables with bulbous roots thrive in the black Kartakan soil; beets grow to be 10 pounds or more apiece. The dark red bulbs and their green leafy tops are staples in the local cuisine.

Berries called meekulbern grow in wild, thorny thickets in the Kartakan hills. Natives distill the berries into meekulbrau. Reputedly, the bitter brew relaxes the throat and sweetens the voice. It's and acquired taste; most foreigners despise it.

The Folk: Most Kartakans have fair hair, blue-violet eyes, and pale complexions. Occasionally, a raven-haired child is born, with the same ivory skin and startling gaze. They are a lean, graceful breed.

Kartakans have rich, melodious voices--the kind granted to angels or sirens. The people have a melody for every labor, a song for every occasion. Their music drifts through the forests and echoes across the hills. Many tunes seem filled with sorrow, but in general Kartakans are content. They fear only the marauding wolf packs.

As the sun sinks below the horizon each night, Kartakans lock themselves in their homes. The wolves in Kartakass are thick as fleas on a dog, and unusually bold. They often wander the streets, and can breech any gate not securely fastened.

The people of Kartakass love nothing more than a good story. Most can spin yarns easily, due to years of practice. As the wolves prowl outside at night, families gather at the hearth to exchange tall tales. They call them feeshka, or "little lies."

A visitor who asks a Kartakan a simple question is likely to hear a believable tall tale that sends him on a wild goose chase. The natives try the same tricks on each other. They are good natured about being the victims of such a ruse. No one, however, deliberately sends a friend on such a chase that will strand him in the wilderness at night.  The culture level of this land is medieval.

The Lord: The Meistersinger, a kind of singing mayor, sets rules and arbitrates disputes in each village, and its surroundings. The Meistersinger who governs each village also instructs the children. Kartakans believe that the gods handed down many of their songs. These divine songs, called Mora, teach lessons about morality, goodness, and happiness. The Meistersinger nurtures order and harmony in his (or her) village by passing on these moral lessons. The knowledge of the Mora, and her ability to interpret and sing them well, determines her stature in Kartakass. Each village holds an anual singing and storytelling contest to determine a new Meistersinger. The incumbent usually retains his position.

Common:                          Rare:

Wolves                            Wolfweres

Dire wolves                      Wights

Werewolves                      Ghouls

Kobolds                          Goblins

Boars                              Leucrottas

                                       Werefoxes