The Kaldjari

The Kaldjari built one of the most formidable empires on Encara, dominating the vast southern continent with a civilization defined by order, ambition, and efficiency. Their empire was a marvel of organization and infrastructure—paved roads stretched between great cities, underground irrigation systems fed sprawling farmlands, and heated water was a common luxury even in modest homes. At the height of their power, the Kaldjari were poised to become Encara's first true industrial society, driven by an unparalleled dedication to progress and structure.

For the Kaldjari, the fall of Encara was a profound loss, but they are not a people prone to mourning. Their culture does not dwell on the past; it forges ahead, adapting and conquering new challenges with the same relentless determination that built their empire. On Thaedros, they have wasted no time in establishing a foothold, methodically rebuilding and laying the foundations for a new era of Kaldjari supremacy.

However, the last years of the Kaldjari Imperium were marked by growing desperation. As resources in their homeland dwindled, tensions with the northern nations of Encara escalated, and expansion turned to aggression. The looming arrival of the Hungering Multitude forced an uneasy truce—had the interplanar entity not arrived, it is uncertain how far the Kaldjari would have pushed their campaigns of expansion. Even then, many among the refugees of Encara did not wish to allow the Imperium to escape through the Worldgates, fearing that their rigid dominion would rise again in Thaedros. It was only through the intervention of the coalition of wizards, sorcerers, and clerics—those responsible for opening the portals—that the Kaldjari were granted passage, a decision made with the belief that none should be denied the chance to survive.

What remains of the Kaldjari today is but a shadow of the former Imperium, yet within this remnant is the imperial family itself, along with a disciplined and determined ruling class that wasted no time in attempting to reassert their authority. Their efforts to reclaim imperial rule were met with swift resistance from the rest of the diaspora, leading to a brief but intense conflict. In the end, an accord was reached: the Kaldjari would be granted sole dominion over the northern continent of Lengarth, under the condition that they would not seek to expand southward into Arakol.

Now, the Kaldjari focus their efforts on rebuilding—not as conquerors, but as architects of a new empire. Their society remains highly regimented, governed by a strict hierarchy that values efficiency and discipline above all else. Strength and size still set them apart, but raw power alone has never defined them. Their true strength lies in their ability to organize, adapt, and expand with unmatched precision. Every citizen has a role, every task is undertaken with purpose, and the wheels of Kaldjari progress turn ever forward.

The question that lingers is whether this new Imperium will remain within the boundaries set for it—or if, in time, the Kaldjari's relentless march of progress will demand more.

Racial Traits

Special Abilities

Orcish Endurance You can push yourself beyond normal limits. Once per long rest, when you are reduced to 0 hit points but not outright killed, you can drop to 1 hit point instead.

Imperial Discipline Your rigorous training grants you proficiency in one of the following: History, Insight, or Persuasion.

Tireless March Your base walking speed is 35 feet, and you can travel for 12 hours instead of the usual 8 before suffering exhaustion.

Basic Traits

Languages You can speak, read, and write Common and Orcish.

Size Orcs typically stand between 6 and 7 feet tall. Your size is Medium.

Speed Your base walking speed is 35 feet.

Backgrounds

Imperial Bureaucrat

Even in exile, the Kaldjari bureaucracy endures. You were trained to oversee logistics, manage infrastructure, and ensure efficiency in the day-to-day function of the Imperium's settlements and embassies.

• Skill Proficiencies: Investigation, Persuasion
• Tool Proficiencies: Calligrapher's Supplies, One artisan's tool of your choice
• Languages: One of your choice
• Feature: Administrative Influence - You can leverage your bureaucratic training to gain access to official records, secure minor favors from officials, or expedite approvals for permits and supplies.
• Ability Score Increases: +2 Intelligence, +1 Wisdom

Legionnaire of the Old Imperium

You were trained in the disciplined formations of the Kaldjari legions. Though the old empire is gone, you still carry its military traditions and tactics into battle.

• Skill Proficiencies: Athletics, Intimidation
• Tool Proficiencies: Land Vehicles, Smith's Tools
• Languages: One of your choice
• Feature: Drilled in Formation - When fighting alongside at least one ally, you have advantage on saving throws against being frightened or charmed.
• Ability Score Increases: +2 Strength, +1 Constitution

Architect of Progress

The Kaldjari do not just build structures—they build civilizations. You have studied engineering, city planning, and resource management, ensuring that what is built will last.

• Skill Proficiencies: History, Survival
• Tool Proficiencies: Mason's Tools, Cartographer's Tools
• Languages: One of your choice
• Feature: Master of Logistics - You can quickly assess the most efficient ways to distribute resources and supplies in a settlement or camp, reducing waste and improving productivity.
• Ability Score Increases: +2 Intelligence, +1 Strength