Arkaiun

The Arkaiun are a human ethnic group residing primarily in Dambrath but also in Halruaa and the Shaar. Arkaiun culture was formed through the interbreeding of Nar refugees from Shandaular and Illuskan tribes. The Dambrathan Arkaiuns live as servitors of the half-drow Crinti.

Society
Arkaiuns living in Dambrath are considered second-class citizens and often work at manual labor. Outside Dambrath some traditional Arkaiuns continue to live a nomadic lifestyle.

Relgion
Arkaiuns in Dambrath are forced to worship Loviatar or Lloth. Those living outside Dambrath often worship Tempus and sometimes Malar.

History
The Arkaiuns can trace their origins to the fall of Shandaular in the far north in -946 DR. Refugees from the city fled through a portal to the Council Hills area in the Shaar. Their king, Arkaius the Archmage, remained behind to close the portal and it is from Arkaius that they take their name. For serveral centuries, the Arkaiuns roamed the Council Hills region, interbreeding with a lost tribe of Illuskans. The Arkaiuns attempted an invasion of Unther and Mulhorand but were defeated and fled south to the Bay of Dancing Dolphins. In the ninth century DR, the Akaiuns discovered the Underdark and attempted to capture a drow city. Instead they were enslaved by the drow and have lived as servants of drow and half-drow ever since.

Appearance
Arkaiuns tend to be short and swarthy with black or dark brown hair.