The Echker

The Echker are the most populated race of Evrenstride.  They are goblin like in appearance, but for the most part share human skin tones.  The average height of an adult Echker is 5'5".  They have rounded noses and the earlobes are stretched pointing behind them.  Within the bottom of the ear to the end of the pointed lobe is a hollow bone that picks up nearby vibrations.  This aids them in being very aware of their surroundings.  A great survival advantage as the Evrenstride holds a variety of hidden dangers.
The most unique thing about the Echker is that depending on their main diet in youth, their adult appearance is very different.  "You are what you eat" is very true for them.

The general Echker is as described above.  They had a variety of foods when young.

Echker that in youth ate only meat grow up with a craving for flesh and blood.  Their teeth become long razors, their bodies thin and quick, geared for the hunt.  Some even turn to cannibalism

Some Echker are born of darkness.  They are known as Cave Mongers.  Living underground, they only had insects and fungi to consume.  As they grow, their vision fades, their nose grows to compensate lack of sight with a great sense of smell.  Most are albino and more squat in appearance than the standard Echker.

The strangest Echker are those hungry for treasure.  Ever see a child never hungry for normal food, but constantly putting random objects in their mouth?  This what what these Echker children did.  They no longer consume meat or plants, but eat coins, gems, and metal.  Their jaws are wide with thick solid teeth for crushing.  Crystals grow from their back, their skin is hardened and they move slower than most due to the added weight.

The Echker society is one similar to our own.  They have families, build homes, and create full communities.  Their government is under a loose monarchy.
The Echker's technology is not very advanced.  They have no electricity and have not produced anything similar to gun powder.

For the most part their economy is a simple bartering system.  The do have a currency in the form of coins stamped with a symbol related to their kingdom although it is not as widely used as we humans spend money. 

There are three major kingdoms of Echker:
Hernald - Symbol: Alchemical bottle with a ribbon tied around the bottle's neck
Rich and prosperous kingdom run by Queen Titch Hernald.  Their wealth came from trading medicines that others could not acquire or create.  The queen is very protective of her people and the kingdom her family has built.

Rumstarn - Symbol: Face of a roaring beast
King Verst Rumstarn rules with an iron fist.  This is a young, but quickly growing kingdom.  Might is right in the kingdom and the majority of the population has been inducted into Rumstarn's military in some form or another.

Javiece - Symbol: Half moon with an eye filling the empty space
King Larn Javiece and his Queen Seris rule together. The smallest of the three kingdoms.  They rule what is also known as the Roaming Kingdom.  The main cities are on a floating island that moves slowly about the Evrenstride.  It's rumored that at the center of the island hidden under a great tower is a travel way and a source of orange waters that bestow magic upon those that drink it.
The three kingdoms are constantly at odds with each other, Rumstarn being the main agitator wanting a quick expansion.

Journal of Reginald Owen Part 2

This is the journal of Reginald Owen - Banker, Hunter, and now Grand Adventurer

October 8th, 1928

I still can't get over the fact that I ate a blue beast yesterday. 

The reality of my situation did not set in until I awoke this morning.  I don't know if it was shock, or if I thought it was a dream.  Whatever the case for my denial, I truly have found myself in a different world. 

Nerstom and I shared stories last night, too many to write about.  The most interesting thing he spoke about was the travel ways.  Apparently, all over Evrenstride are hidden spots that take you from point A to point B much quicker than any other way of travel.  He said most can't tell where they are, but his people just seem to know when one is near.  Some of the travel ways are connect to home, the human world and others like me have gotten lost here.  To my dismay, Nerstom said that those are only a one way trip.

I was pleased that my Ajax would still start, even if there were too many trees around to actually drive it anywhere. I didn't want to leave my precious car, but if there were other people here, other humans, I had to find them.  I made a makeshift bag out of my coat and some twine and packed up what few things I had in the car: some tools, a few notebooks and pens, a canteen, my hunting rifle and a half box of rounds. 

More will come later little journal of mine.  Nerstom is taking me to a river so we can follow it to his village.  I hope the rest of his people are as kind as he.