Lokes

The Lokes, or Loke-men, are the native inhabitants of the rough, hilly country known as the Lokenmoor in east-central Rhydain. Here they maintain a set of independent, self-governing communities called the Lokenthaal. The Lokes speak a Tuvai dialect (with a very distinctive accent) and practice Utara-Vaati, although according to their own age-old customs which may differ from those followed in the big temples of the lowland cities. The cults of Garhanu, Tulkhur, and Touz are also popular among the Lokes. 
The Lokes have a reputation as exceptionally tough, stubborn, and belligerent people. They are known as good warriors and are often hired as mercenaries in other lands throughout Rhydain. The rulers of nearby cities, such as Torrune, also prefer to recruit them as guards and enforcers, for their actual merit as fighters but just as much for their intimidating reputation and the fact that, as outsiders, they won't have preexisting loyalties to any particular faction or clique. 
In surrounding lands it is common for Lokes to be known as Larches, Larchers, or Larch-men after the forests of larch trees that cover much of the Lokenmoor. The inhabitants of the region make great use of the larch tree's wood in constructing their houses. In certain parts of the Helvanderûn they are also pejoratively called "mountain goats," a snide commentary by the civilized lowlanders on the supposedly poor grooming and overdeveloped sexual habits of the moor-dwellers. 
Another nickname for Lokes is "tarkers" or "tark-drinkers", this one coming from a stereotype that is certainly rooted in truth. It stems from their love of a liquor called ‘tark’, a rough and fiery distilled spirit which most lowlanders cannot stomach. Tark may be made from fermented highland apples or other fruit, or from a mash of barley, meaning there are actually several different varieties; "tark" is just the broad term in the Lokish dialect for all their distilled spirits. They have their own specific terms for the different types and styles made in different ways. Non-Lokes generally only find it tolerable if weakened by mixing with water or wine, and often also sweetened with honey, a practice the Lokes sneer at and would never engage in. Many lowlanders assume a Loke-man is never without a leather flask of reeking, pungent tark tucked into the waist of his breeches.