Socially, Tamgol are generally found in clans (extended families) of 12 to 48, with each group of 12 including one leader. While outsiders view this as a “Chief”, a better translation from the Tamgolin language is “Guide“.  This leader is responsible for providing advice and support for their family.

For most societies their tales of ancestral upheaval are the stuff of storybooks and legends. For the Tamgol it is specific and recent – something the eldest lived through first hand. The events around Mezrek’s attack on Merisyl and Litoriath’s re-ascendency to the Pantheon to defeat him impacted the Tamgol in a dramatic and unprecedented fashion.

They convened the most honored of their Guides and came together for a giant Sharemeet. After a great deal of discussion and debate, they came to the conclusion that their practice of isolationism and self-sufficiency left them unable to influence a complex world in the wake of immense change. Without understanding and influencing the so-called “civilized” world, who could say what a mess of it these other races might make of things. Many Tamgol bundled up their few worldly possessions and set off to deliberately integrate themselves with the broader world. Their vision was to attempt to form Clans inclusive of other ancestries and to serve as Guides to the unfortunate of the world without them – those they called the “Lost”.

That Sharemeet (now often referred to as the Great Trade) was a contentious affair with a sizable contingent of Tamgol preferring the simplicity of their woodland existence to the danger presented by the larger races. Still others held that interacting with the world was fine – but they should be expected to follow Clan Rights. Those with more exposure to the world told a story of people with no clans to support them, no Guides to aid them and a lack of appreciation for their daily experiences. Famously, Guide Arkavix presented it to the sharemeet this way.

Imagine that you have woken up and are alone. You can no longer breathe in the crisp refreshing scent of a pine wood on a winter day. You no longer truly appreciate the succulent juices of a marinated steak grilled over an open flame. You have no Clan to aid and comfort you. You have no Guide to call upon for help. It is you against the world in all of its naked cruelty. This is what the Lost of Merisyl face each and every day. This is what we can lead them from. They need us as cubs need suckle. Let us leave the broken shelter of our forests and caves; let us channel this flood of humanity to water the crops of peace; let us go forth and Guide the Lost to the comfort of a Clan!

After 10 days of vigorous discussion (punctuated with 9 nights of exquisite cuisine) a decision was reached. Those who wished to step into the world as Guides would be given the blessings and supplies to do so.

Less than a year after the Rise of Litoriath groups of Tamgol begin showing up in towns and cities across Merisyl, offering to help, to learn… and to Guide. While the initial integration was awkward and full of misunderstandings and mishaps, the Tamgol and the Lost have become used to one another over the intervening few dozen years. There are now adult Tamgol born into the cities of Merisyl who have known no other life.

Tamgol can be any alignment or religion, but tend to put a high premium on the balance of nature and the importance of structure, leaning towards Lawful Neutral. Vivlorean, Premyzic, and Nuvria are all common choices. More recently, Litoriath has acquired a significant following of Tamgol – especially from those who consider themselves Guide-Called.

Tamgol gravitate towards groups that work closely together, preferring adventuring parties to solo roles. The party structure gives them the Clan concept still so important to how they view the world. If no clear Guide emerges within a party structure, they will naturally move to fill that role. Their small stature and lack of muscle mass discourages them from picking some of the more strength-intensive tasks.

Their background is often related to an art or craft that allows them to excel in experiencing the world at a deep level, such as cooking, herbalism, singing, sculpture or farming. Others prefer experiences stimulated by adrenaline and pursue thievery and intrigue.