From the Great Library of New Targonor
Halflings
No other people share a longer lived friendship with the humans of Thestra than that of the Halflings. From the original founding of Willowroot, across the river Beranid from Targonor, each race found a kinship in the other that still exists to this day.1
Just as those of Targonor were forced eastward, the Halflings as well left their home on the Beranid, Willowroot. Many outlying Halfling farms were overrun to quickly to allow their owners a chance to flee. Those that lived closer to the Beranid were able to escape, along with the caravans leaving Targonor and made their way east, over the Widow's Peaks and just past the stronghold of the dwarves.2
Religion does play a role in modern Halfling society, albeit a small one. Many customs have evolved around the worship of deities; however there are not many Halflings who have dedicated their lives to serving their gods. I witnessed a harvest song to Nobbon as well as a rather bawdy and drunken revelry led by worshippers of Tharridon. Clearly religion is not a heavily formalized affair in Rindol Field, at least nothing like what is experienced in the Temple of New Targonor.3
Dwarves
I was struck by the normal activities that carry religious significance for the people of Bordinar's Cleft. Smithing an exceptional weapon or brewing excellent ale is a form of worship to these dwarves. It is accepted that the gods are part of their lives and responsible for both their fortunes and failures.4
Most dwarves are stocky and quite muscular. Most all of the men sport beards. Fantastical tales of bearded dwarven women is certainly a fiction as I never witnessed a single dwarven woman with any type of facial hair. A typical dwarf reaches adolescence in his late 20's and reaches full maturity around 30 to 35 years of age. It is not uncommon to find dwarves nearing 200 years old prior to death. 5
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Half-giants
Most half-giants stand between eight and nine feet high. One characteristic seen in almost all subjects is a more muscular build in comparison to humans. This is obviously a trait passed down through their giant-folk ancestors.6
We observed a shooting star one night during our time in Falgarholm. There was much commotion in regards to this spectacle. It appears the Highland folk call a shooting star "Rurkogd's Spear" and anyone privileged to see it is blessed by the god. The Guardian or The Provider, as Rurkogd is also known in this society, is said to distribute his fortunes to his worshippers by throwing his mighty spear across the heavens. I am told young half-giants have been known to follow the path of the spear across the land in hopes of finding the actual projectile.7
Elves
On the fifth day of the week, at sundown, I followed a procession of elves through Leth Nurae. As we moved through the city, more elves joined the march until we reached the bank of the river. In unison, the elves knelt and began to sing. It was the most beautiful of sights to behold. Later, I asked Velereth what this occasion meant. He replied that Leth Nurae mourns and remember the memory of its ancestors that were lost in Leth Verael as well as those who perished in the battles with the Orcs and Goblins.8
I witnessed a unique rite of passage while in Leth Nurae. When a youth of Leth Nurae Decides on a career path, they are asked to make a journey to the Bay of Despair. The trip is made alone and with minimal supples. The only required item is a ceremonial water urn. Upon reaching the bay, they fill the urn with the water of the sea that claimed their ancestors. The urn is then emptied into the pool in Leth Nurae. It is believed that this will enable the spirits of their ancestors to dwell in the elven home. 9
On my second night in Leth Nurae, I happened upon a group of young elves sitting in a circle around one of their elders. The elf, probably the oldest elf I had seen, was telling a story that enraptured the younger elves. I asked Velereth to translate for me and was fortunate to hear a wondrous and fanciful take about a land, far to the south, with a sea of sand, scheming advisors, and the war that their ambition started. Although Velereth faltered in his translation at times, I was able to determine this story is used similarly as instruction tales in New Targonor are used. The truth of the story matters less than the lesson it imparted of unchecked ambition and its consequences.10
1 Submitted by Iadien, 9/1/05. Source: Vanguard: Saga of Heroes Web Lore. From margin lore: #30
2 Submitted by Iadien, 9/1/05. Source: Vanguard: Saga of Heroes Web Lore. From margin lore: #35
3 Submitted by Iadien, 9/1/05. Source: Vanguard: Saga of Heroes Web Lore. From margin lore: #36
4 Submitted by Iadien, 9/1/05. Source: Vanguard: Saga of Heroes Web Lore. From margin lore: #44
5 Submitted by Iadien, 9/1/05. Source: Vanguard: Saga of Heroes Web Lore. From margin lore: #45
6 Submitted by Iadien, 9/1/05. Source: Vanguard: Saga of Heroes Web Lore. From margin lore: #056
7 Submitted by Iadien, 9/1/05. Source: Vanguard: Saga of Heroes Web Lore. From margin lore: #57
8 Submitted by Iadien, 9/1/05. Source: Vanguard: Saga of Heroes Web Lore. From margin lore: #76
9 Submitted by Iadien, 9/1/05. Source: Vanguard: Saga of Heroes Web Lore. From margin lore: #77
10 Submitted by Iadien, 9/1/05. Source: Vanguard: Saga of Heroes Web Lore. From margin lore: #152
Original page: http://www.thesafehouse.org/vanguard/lore/Content/Journals.A29.php