Norn
The norn are a 9-foot tall race that currently inhabit the central Shiverpeak Mountains, with some living in or near the abandoned dwarven structures. The individualistic norn live for the hunt, so their tracking, stealth and killing skills make them invaluable allies in any combat situation. The largest gathering of norn one can expect to find outside trading posts is in hunting parties that have united to combat a powerful foe.
Physiology
The norn normally have the appearance of large humans, but they are able to shift into a were-creature of one of the Spirits of the Wild. In their humanoid form they are not only tall, at around nine feet, but their proportions are much broader and more heavily muscled than a typical human. Thruln the Lost describes the norn as being giants along with the Jotun. Norn can also have long lives. A norn might live to 120 and maintain their good health and vitality for a long time, though very few die of old age.
In their transformed shape they take on an upright half-norn half-animal form, taking after one of the animals of the Spirits of the Wild. The were-form is furred, fanged and clawed and grants the norn attributes depending on the animal they transform into.
The transformation between norn and were-form is described as a blurring between the two with the form transformed into gaining a solid appearance over a short period of time. Any clothing or armor worn by the norn is covered by the were-form. It is not known if wounds or poison persist through the transformation.
Culture
Norn culture is highly individualistic with a focus on personal success and glory—particularly when gained from the hunt or in a battle. The norn do not fear death as they believe the bold and strong can achieve immortality, but they do fear they will be weak and end up forgotten. As a result each norn seeks to prove themselves, to build their legend through feats of individual valor and great victories. Every norn hopes their legend will be told by the skaald and celebrated at a moot with story and song.
Norn usually have a great sense of personal honor, for a norn without respect from others is already forgotten. For many norn, the focus on prestige means they're willing to accept any challenge which will prove their worth.They will never give up on their battle, quarry or friends, even if it means years spent tackling a strong enemy or difficult task.
Yet for other norn the pursuit of prestige translates to bragging, bullying, unwise snap decisions and an unwillingness to listen to reason.
Norn are a hearty, proud people—quick to anger but then quick to forgive. They are, by their nature, a race of optimists, keeping a positive outlook even though they have been driven from their homelands. A setback is seen as just another challenge to overcome. They respect those who can best them in a fight so brawling among norn is common. Drinking alcohol, often to excess, is also a large part of norn culture. Being drunk and fighting is not an uncommon combination, for example, norn alemoots feature competitions of 'skill' which require the competitors to be very drunk to compete.
The norn have a shamanistic religion where they revere totem animals of the Spirits of the Wild, the spirits of the strongest, bravest, wisest, or most cunning animals of the Shiverpeaks. The Great Spirit is Bear, who is seen as the strongest of all the spirits and is said to have granted the norn with the ability to 'become the bear'. The worship of the spirits Snow Leopard, Raven and Wolf is also prevalent because of the assistance they gave the norn in the past on their exodus south.
The norn draw strength from their totem beasts, calling on them in battle enabling the transformation of the norn to their were-form. They do not worship the spirits as greater beings but venerate them for the strength that they bring to the norn that calls them.
Names
Most norn follow a Northern European or Viking-style first name system, though some like the famous explorer Captain Romke and his crew have Dutch and Frisian names.
Their surnames can vary in a multitude of styles. Norn without any achievements or legends have surnames after one of their parents (father/mother's first name followed by -sson or -sdottir or a variant thereof); this is most commonly seen in children, and they're named after the more famous of their parents even if they do not like said parent (e.g., Braham Eirsson). Some norn may also take titles instead of a surname if it fits them and their legend more (e.g., Borje the Sun Chaser).
Traits and Talents:
+2 Constitution
Become the Bear: In this form you gain +2 strength and can perform natural attacks of 1d10. You also gain your level as damage reduction while in this form. You can't do anything than fight while in this form.
Become the Raven: In this form you fly, being able to avoid obstacles on your way and avoid terrain.
Become the Snow Leopard: In this form your basic movement is 20m.
Become the Wolf: In this form, you gain +3 on survival tests to track anything with a smell.
(You can only use one form a day)
