The history of humanity is filled with countless wars, internal strife being as common as struggles with other races. The different human societies have evolved along different paths, and their approaches towards conflict and arms reflect this. The life of the Isenvor humans is almost constantly beset by conflict. The unforgiving climate of their lands make resources scarce and territory crucial. The rivalry over territory is the base of most conflicts, and during the summer strife often divides the tribes. In periods of harsh winters, the tribes are commonly forced to lay quarrels aside and turn united towards the south. Their adversaries, the Ograkk orcs, are often the target of massive raids, and the borders between the two races are seldom static. The Isenvor humans rely on brute force and superior numbers in battle. They prefer heavy weaponry like broad- and great axes, two-handed swords and long spears. Hunting gear such as bows, daggers and short spears are also used. Thick hides that provide both warmth and protection are the common choice of armor, and those who wield one-handed weapons often hold large round wooden shields with their offhand. Metal, either mined in the mountains or claimed in raids, is used for larger weapons. Stone is a common material for smaller weapons and parts, like spear and arrow heads, daggers and the occasional axe blade. The Odar humans seldom engage in major offensives, perhaps lacking the unity to perform one. They execute smaller raids instead, looting and rustling cattle and horses from neighboring races and rivaling tribes. They like to be able to decide the time and place of a battle, and flee to fight another day if they feel that the odds are against them. They are exceptional riders, and fight very well from horseback. They rarely make fortified settlements, but prefer to be able to fold their tents, pack their belongings and depart before an enemy can locate their homes. Their tactics usually rely on their mounted warriors making swift attacks intended to overwhelm and defeat the enemy. Spears and bows are the preferred weaponry, preferably used from horseback. Light swords such as sabers are popular as well, but a lack of metal makes them rare objects from trade or loot. They wear leather armor and bucklers as protection. The Arwondel humans are the only ones in the region to sport larger professional armies. Their feudal system ensures that every lord has his own troop of knights and soldiers, which the king may call upon in times of need. These lords are obligated to keep a stronghold with supplies and ability to protect the peasants in the territory as well. Such castles and fortresses are often placed on high ground, encircled by walls and moats, and are only accessible from drawbridges. Large cities employ their own soldiers and guards, and they commonly construct thick stone walls around the city proper. Minor conflicts among the Arwondel lords ensure that there is a good market for mercenaries of any race and creed. A common way to avoid punishment by law is to swear fealty towards a lord. Thus many former criminals spend a lifetime in servitude as a soldiers instead. The mounted and heavily armed knights of Arwondel are widely feared for their efficiency in battle. These nobles are clad in full plate armor and visor helmets, and they wield maces, long swords and lances. They wear metal medium shields embellished with their heraldic emblems. Many protect their steeds with chain or plate barding. The equipment of soldiers varies greatly depending upon the wealth of their employer, but there are some general expectancies on the different troops. Archers commonly use longbows and wear padded cloth or leather armor, while infantry tend to wear chain mail or brigandine armor, open helmets and small shields. Broadswords, maces, halberds, partisans and spears are common weapons among foot soldiers. The northern kingdoms of Torindal, Valgarn and Barinorr are renowned for their heavy cavalries, while Loldar is known to sport fine archers. Gotanvir and Narinhur keep large disciplined infantry units, armed with pikes. These two coastal countries also have fleets of ships that patrol their borders and escort merchant vessels. The Emerald humans live in relative peace, and seldom engage in land battles, since few are able to march armies to their realms. Yet most adults are prepared and able to defend their ships and homes forcefully, and sailors often learn the use of arms as a part of their training. The Emerald humans use their disorganized fleet to control the waters close to their homes, but if they face large and organized fleets they resort to guerilla warfare, using their intimate knowledge of the waterways to their advantage. Piracy is common in their domains, since no single lord or council has enough control to root them out. Most rulers license their own pirates as well, in order to fill their coffers. Waterways and sizeable ports are typically well patrolled, but other settlements seldom have more than wooden palisades as protection from land attacks. Emerald humans commonly wear leather or studded leather in battle, but they are known to make excellent armor from sea serpent scales as well. They arm themselves with cutlasses, spears, staff slings, and sometimes they use their gaff hooks and harpoons in combat as well.