Minthari

Overview

The Minthari are a subterranean race that dwells within the Anvil Range and Astralith Range, forging their vast tunnel networks beneath the mountainous heartlands of Terasil. Born from the dreams of Greed, the Minthari are driven by an insatiable need to mine, extract, and shape the earth's riches, yet they balance this instinct with a deep reverence for the land. They are neither reckless pillagers nor mere laborers; they see themselves as stewards of stone, sculpting the world while ensuring its continued stability.

Minthari society is divided between the two great ranges—the Anvil Range, where their capital city Minthal resides, and the Astralith Range, home to the shadowed city of Minthsen. Over time, the Minthari of each region have diverged culturally, leading to distinct traditions and approaches to their craft.

Biology and Physical Appearance

The Minthari possess unique features shaped by their subterranean existence:

Elongated, Segmented Bodies – Their bodies are built for tunnel life, flexible and resilient, allowing them to maneuver through tight caverns.
Translucent Skin – Faintly glowing veins of crystalline energy pulse beneath their surface, attuned to the vibrations of the stone around them.
Crystalline Veins – Their mineral-infused blood enhances their geomantic abilities, allowing them to sense shifts in the earth and manipulate stone with precision.

Abilities and Geomancy

The Minthari are earth manipulators who shape their environment with unparalleled skill:

Earth Sensing – The ability to detect mineral veins, hidden caverns, and seismic shifts deep within the mountains.
Rock Shaping – Through geomantic force, the Minthari can sculpt stone, reinforcing tunnels, creating defenses, and forging intricate architecture.
Tremor Manipulation – Some Minthari can generate controlled vibrations, either to weaken rock formations for excavation or to defend against intruders.

Culture and Society

The Minthari are deeply communal, valuing cooperation and shared purpose.

The Divide Between the Anvil and Astralith Minthari

The Minthari of the Anvil Range are known for their engineering prowess, crafting massive subterranean cities and vast, stable tunnels. Meanwhile, the Minthari of the Astralith Range have adapted to a more secretive existence, relying on deep, hidden networks beneath their shadowed mountains.

Anvil Minthari – Pragmatic and industrious, they view the mountain as a forge, ever shaping and refining its materials.
Astralith Minthari – Reserved and enigmatic, they believe in working within the stone, rather than forcing their will upon it.

Sacred Sites

Both Minthari groups hold several locations in reverence:

The Forgeheart Caverns (Anvil Range) – The legendary first forge, where it is said the Minthari first learned to shape stone into steel.
The Black Halls of Minthsen (Astralith Range) – A shadowed sanctuary lined with obsidian, where whispers of the earth are strongest.

Settlements

The major Minthari cities and towns are nestled deep within Terasil’s mountains:

Minthal

The capital of the Minthari, located in the Anvil Range. A vast subterranean metropolis filled with glowing forges and endless tunnels.

Minthsen

A secretive city, hidden in the dark heart of the Astralith Range. Known for its shadowed halls and geomantic masters.

Minthara

A mining hub in the Anvil Range, famous for its forges and metalworking.

Minthset

A town in the northern Astralith Range, serving as a watchpoint and stronghold.

Legends and History

The Minthari have countless myths surrounding their origins and role in Terasil’s history:

The Veins of Fire – A tale of a hidden underground river of molten metal, which some believe fuels the forges of Minthal.
The Crystal King – A Minthari ruler of legend, said to have mastered the art of moving mountains before his hubris led to his downfall.

Gallery

A Minthari tunnel.
A Minthari manipulating the earth.
A Minthari warrior.