Barrowlings

The Barrowlings, also known as the Sepulkreans in their own language, were an ancient culture of darkness worshipers who lived primarily in the region now known as The Barrows.
The Barrowlings have often been demonised by history, and at the time they were seen as dangerous necromancers and demon-summoners. In truth, they were conscientious users of darkness who formed the foundation for the Dark Monks' responsible use of this magic. They were well aware of the threats posed by demonic creatures and the undead, and strove to use their knowledge to fight them.
The Barrowlings earned their name for the barrow-graves that they built so many of. Their culture had a strong reverence for the dead, and as such, they ensured that their honoured deceased were properly cared for.
=== History ===
It is impossible to tell exactly when the Barrowling culture began, but they appear in the Tome of Truths, as an enemy of the Light, so it is clear that they are an extremely ancient group. They may have ties to the Mountainfolk, since their language and certain aspects of their culture, have similarities.
Sometime in the second century, they constructed the Black Monastery, as a home for their religious leaders. This is considered to have been their peak, and their civlisation was likely mostly concentrated across the eastern foothills of the Dragonclaw. However, Barrowling structures have been excavated in areas across Silvershire and the Hinterwald, so they evidently spread far.
However, as the Rune Kingdom appeared, and began to rise, the Barrowlings dwindled, forced out of their lands by the territorial expanse of this new empire. They had a strong influence on the Rune Kingdom however, as it is said that King Nekrus learned his mastery of Darkness during a visit to Sepulkrea, the Barrowling homeland.
Over the centuries, the Black Monastery developed separately from its roots in Barrowling culture, and eventually split into an independent faction.
During the 10th century, the Barrowlings aided their tribal allies, the Athelings and Thassaly, in rebelling against the corrupt Republic of Vylatea.
In the 12th century, during Haven's time of expansion, they expanded into Sepulkrea and drove the native Barrowlings out. Many fled to the Black Monastery, others sought refuge among the Wayfarers. This marked the effective end of the Barrowling culture, though some adherents of Darkness still make use of their practices, and their language is still sometimes used in the Black Monastery.