Hali

“Hali? A children’s tale, designed to scare unruly children.”

- A hooded stranger on the road.

The Egora Range is filled with many secrets; its depths are ancient, and while the Malmr have made their home in the north of the westernmost part of the range, the Hali have made their home in the south. For many, the Hali are a folktale, and there are many stories of the Hali that are told to keep errant children in line, with tales of demons that rise from the depths of the earth, causing thunderstorms and eclipses to scare farmers away to steal their crops and children. For many, it brings to mind some muddy, twisted creature that crawls from the dirt, if only they knew what that story really was.

The stories are true, to an extent, as long ago, the Hali once came from a realm forged of darkness, a place without light as it is known in this realm. When a portal was opened briefly, many Hali were brought to this Mortal realm, unable to return to their homes. Now they live deep underground, many shunning the surface and its blinding brightness for the dark depths of ancient caverns and yawning chasms. But that is not to say that they are cut off from the affairs of those that live above them. The stories made it seem as if these creatures caused the storms and eclipses, but they did not, only utilising the muted light to gather what was needed that could not be done at night, stealing food when their own was scarce, taking slaves that could be useful to them, or twisting them to their ideals to be sent back to the surface.

For the Hali, life is a game that is played from the moment one draws their first breath, and only ends when their final breath has faded. These games are political and often cruel, with power constantly shifting hands, with friends becoming foes and foes becoming allies. Each circle of trust is always changing; however, there is always a constant in that the family remains together, their name is upheld by each member, and any slight is met with deadly force. As their game does not stop with their own people, they often meddle in the affairs of those on the surface, even the Malmr, with whom they share a contested underground border.

Appearance

The Hali are pale as snow in both skin and hair; however, their eyes are as black as the realm they came from. Their ears are also pointed, though not as much as an Alva. Clothing for the Hali is something of a statement, as one must always show themselves as better than others, leading to some constantly attempting to outdo each other (sometimes to hilarious extent). The ment will often wear ornate clothing, with cloaks and jackets, or even finely detailed armor. The women can be found in a myriad of different styles of gowns, depending on the current fashion, which is always changing.

190-210cm in Height.

Lifespan

While the Yunda in their own realm live very long lives, here in the mortal realm they have been greatly diminished, with some living to 200, while others more often see 170 to 180 years.

Religion & Beliefs

The Hali are not from this realm and see the worship of gods as a pathetic act. However, there is some respect given to Khomdon for his secrecy.

Geography

Much like the Malmr, the Hali live underground. Dark caverns have found themselves inhabited and underground lakes populated as the Hali ever expand their realm beneath the surface. Above ground, there is little evidence of their presence; the few structures that do exist are either well hidden within the mountains or well guarded.

Society

Hali society is a complicated beast, however the Hali live and die by their House, often headed by the eldest Patriarch of the bloodline. To a Hali, family is the only thing on which they can rely, as their constant struggle for power within their culture has created an ever-changing system of alliances and enemies, with allies becoming enemies before becoming allies again within a single day. Assassinations are common, and one might even say they are completely sanctioned by all the houses as an approved method.

At least one of the Houses has entered into an alliance with the Malmr instead of fighting them, though it is uncertain which one it is as the Hali are quite secretive.

Architecture

To the few outsiders that make it to the Hali’s underground cities and back with their lives and freedom intact, it is said they are spectacular to behold. With intricate stonework and grand Gothic cathedrals, the Hali have made their homes grand statements.

Wealth & Trade

While not as proficient as the Malmr in mining, the constant expansion beneath the ground has left the Hali with a considerable source of both metals and precious gems. This has ensured that whatever they need that they cannot get for themselves can be bought by their servants in the overworld, ensuring their comfort within their halls to squabble as they please.

Slavery

Slavery is very common within the Egora Depths, as manual labour is often shunned by many of the Hali. Those that are captured by Hali are either kept for their skills, never to see sunlight again, or are sent back to the surface after a suitable amount of time, having been twisted to the will of their new masters. These slaves work to bring both goods and new slaves to work within the depths, and it is common to see workers from all corners of the world working within the Hali cities.

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