Another of my "races/cultures" from my homebrew campaign setting. This is a "neanderthal type" race of humans.
As with Tobacco Dwarves please let me have any feedback you may have !
The People
BACKGROUND/HISTORY
When the Great One created the world it was wise enough to know that it needed someone to help protect its lush gardens and abundant animal life – it therefore created “The People”.
Formed from the elements themselves The People are as tied to the world as a fish is to water. Totally “at one” with the natural environment whatever part of the world they live in, The People are a nomadic culture of what appear to be human stock. This fact is not totally certain however they do share characteristics with other humans.
The People have a pictoral language and have kept records of their history through the tales and stories of their bards. Needless to say their story appears to predate those of even the oldest “other” races and their own belief that they truly were the first born race of the Great One perhaps holds some truth.
The People now have almost disappeared from the Domains. Less and less groups are seen or even heard of. Many people from other races believe them to be no more than a myth. This is unfortunately due to their rapidly diminishing numbers brought on by the seemingly random slaughter of groups by others who would do them harm. If there are not enough people of a suitable age to mate in a region then no knew children are born – slowly the race will die out.
PHYSICAL APPEARANCE/DETAILS
Standing an average of 5’ tall, The People are not as tall as many other races, however, they are very strong in comparison to those of similair size. Their bodies are usually several inches broader than other races gving them an almost squat like appearance. Naturally stronger than many races this is easily apparent in the increased visible muscle mass in both sexes. They are not as dextrous as other races and this is apparent especially in their choice of hunting tools, stabbing spears instead of thrown and no evidence of the development of missile weapons other than the sling.
Their bodies, both male and female usually have a light covering of very coarse hair, not thick enough to be classed as fur. Their head hair is worn long and males have heavy facial hair from the time they reach puberty. It is not uncommen for members of both sexes to decorate their hair with dyes made from natural extracts or even to attach simple jewellry to lengths of hair.
There eyes are very dark in colouration, usually brown. Skin and hair colour is also usually dark in colour. Occasionally a child will be born with more ginger/red hair and this is either treated as a good omen or portent of some doom about to befall the group. Needless to say if it is good the child can expect great prestige whilst if it is bad the child will be fortunate to survive as they are usually abandoned and left to provide a predator with an easy meal.
The average member of the race lives to the age of 32. A truly old member of the race would be 38 – 40 years old. Due to this short lifespan they tend to reach puberty earlier than most other races, around the age of 9 or 10. It is not uncommen to find a group where the oldest member is no more than 25 and they are treated like venerable wise folk by other members of the group.
POSSESSION/MATERIAL WEALTH
The People venerate spirits, with the aid of their Shamans, and as such tend to carry items that remind them of their totems. This can be as simple as a feathered necklace to signify bird totems. Both sexes wear jewelry, although of a simple design usually involving semi-precious stones or shells and basic woven string, it is nevertheless quite beautiful to look at.
The most important item a male can carry is his hunting weapon. Usually a short stabbing spear made using sharpened flint or bone for its head. It is not uncommen to also see stone headed axes or clubs. The male’s are expected to provide meat for the group and also provide protection and as such the weapon is almost an extension of him.
Both sexes wear clothing made from furs and leather provided by the animals they have hunted. This clothing can be as simple as a basic wrap or thick leggings tied with thongs. Skins are often cut to better wear as cloaks over the top of other clothing.
The women of the group will usually be seen carrying an assortment of bags and sacks made from stomach linings etc of animals. Within these bags the women can gather fresh vegetables and herbs etc for medicinal purposes.
In basic terms the one thing that is apparent about The People is that they make use of almost everything that can be found naturally within the environment they have chosen to live. This can clearly be seen in the tools that are used in everyday life. Bones and sharp flint are shaped into items that better suit the purpose of skinning and preparing meat. Large rocks are carefully attached to strong wooden “handles” to make hammers strong enough to splinter other rocks without breaking.
Although no monetary system exists amongst The People a complex process of barter does. When two groups meet it is usual for them to exchange items of an equal value between the various members. This barter usually enables the group to obtain items that they are unable to make or find themselves. E.g. smoking pipes, dried boar meat, quality fur cloaks etc. Many meetings between groups are just random happenstance however every Autumn many groups meet up prior to the onset of winter to trade anything they have excess of for items they will need during the winter months. NB: This is even true in hot climates where migratory patterns of some animals restricts food supplies.
Although not treated as a possession, members of the two groups may change groups to enable a mating to occur. This helps to make the groups stronger as although they are losing a member they will in turn usually gain a new member who will bring new skills and abilities to the group. This in itself is worth much to a groups continual survival. The other continual benefit is the offspring that such a mating my produce that in turn strengthens the group over the long term.
HOMES/DWELLINGS
The priority of any “home” is to provide protection and warmth for those who dwell within. As such The People usually prefer to start out with a large cave that can be easily defended from beasts or others who would prey upon those inside.
From this “start point” quite complex arrangements are made within the cave with areas defined for sleeping, eating and storage. The only person in a group who will usually get an area of the cave to themselves is usually the shaman.
Outside the cave several simple buildings are made from wooden stakes and other foliage found in the vicinity. In addition it would be normal to find racks of meat drying or fish being smoked outside the main cave. It is very rare but occasionally a few goats may be kept for milk by a group but they will normally be allowed to roam “free”.
The cave entrance will normally have a large fire built just outside. This is done to drive away predators that may try and see what they can find inside. It also helps to keep the cave warm without filling the cave with smoke.
The most unusual aspect of The People’s home caves are the walls. Within days of living in a cave they group will start to decorate them with the pictoral language they use. These pictures hold far more significance than simple art however. The pictures pass on the legends and knowledge of the group so that others who may in time use the cave can learn from it. There will be scenes of particularly good hunting techniques that are detailed enough to show the animal being hunted and any specific terrain or traps that may have been used. The women may draw pictures of various herbs and vegetables that can be found nearby and will also create a simple map showing various objects from the local terrain to enable another to find the items. Some symbols are universal amongst groups signifying spirits or great leaders of the past. They are always drawn almost identical each time. These are the ones used to show legends etc.
It is worth noting that a group may return to a previously used cave every 5 to 10 years. As The People are very nomadic in many ways they will normally follow a “set route”. The route normally matches the seasons or migratory pattern of their main food stuff e.g. herds of buffalo etc.
SOCIAL SKILLS/RELATIONSHIPS
The People have all but removed themselves from “everyday” life. Their entire world has become a puzzle to them that they have been unable to solve. Those of other races hunt them in the name of religion or simply for sport. The end result of this has been the gradual, albeit gathering pace, extinction of a once very proud race. It is a sad fact that millenia ago The People taught many of the younger races how to survive and live in harmony with the land, only for the child to turn round later and bite that helping hand.
They have seen the world change around them on an almost constant basis for millenia and have been unable to keep up with it. Due to this they have slowly moved further and further away from “civilised” society and deeper into the uncharted territories. As these territories are being explored though they are being left with no-where to run to.
It is forbidden for a member of the People to mate with one from the other races, unless of course a sign from the Great Spirit can be seen by the shaman. This fact is one of the reasons the race has now all but died out. As many groups have long since succumb to disease or even simply been butchered by those of other races, there are less People for the young members to mate with. It is forbidden for them to mate with other members of the same group as this has been known to produce deformed offspring (inbreeding) and this is seen as a sign that such actions are not acceptable to the spirits.
It is a rare member of the race who leaves their group behind and joins “everyday” society. Those that do are usually treated as nothing more than primitive barbarians and very few others bother to get to know them. If only they had bothered they would usually find an intelligent individual who could teach them so much about the world around them away from the hustle and bustle of town life.
DIET
The People originally spread across the face of The Domains, however, the main staple of their diet was and still is fresh meat. Those whose groups live closer to the sea have developed extensive fishing skills utilising nets and traps. The animals hunted not only provide food they also provide clothing and bones that can be turned into tools.
Although 70% of the diet consists of meat either fresh or dried the remaining 30% consists of fruit and vegetables that can be found within the vicinity of their home caves. The People have never developed agricultural skills instead allowing nature to provide for them. This spins off into a very healthy respect for the bounty of fruit and vegetables in a region and no group will ever strip the area bare. This policy of always leaving some fruit etc ensures that there will always be more growth over the following years.
One aspect of their diet is the ability to prepare foods that to other races would be poisonous. This is a skill passed down from generation to generation that enables them to pick usually deadly berries etc and turn them into an edible food simply by combining them with other things to nuetralise the poisons within.
For drink the main item is water and occasionally milk. For special occasions, fruit that has been allowed to ferment in a skinbag will be drunk by members of the group. This alchoholic drink can be a bit harsh to those unused to it, however, once the initial bite has faded the drink can be tasted as a sweet if very rich and alchoholic fruit juice.
It is the norm that male members of the group eat seperatly from the women and children. By tradition the male who’s kill as deemed to be the most prestigious is allowed to eat the choicest meat first. One item of note. The first kill of any hunt is always deemed the luckiest and therefore should be treated as so. To enable the luck to pass around the hunting party each member eats a piece of the fresh and uncooked heart of the beast prior to any other form of hunting or indeed butchery of the carcass takes place.
FASHION & DRESS
The concept of fashion has never entered into the mindset of The People. Clothing is practical, it is as simple as that. Clothes are made with practicality in mind the whole time. Clothes must be warm, waterproof and have plenty of pouches etc to enable them to carry tools and other items.
Footwear tends to be furred boots or simple shoes made from tree bark and leather strapping. It is not uncommen, dependant on terrain, to see many people not bothering to wear shoes at all.
All clothes are made from animal skins whether in the form of fur or leather. The materials are sewn together using very thin straps made from cured hides.
In cold periods it is normal for a heavy fur to be worn as a cloak.
EDUCATION
All members of The People are taught from almost the moment they are born. The males are taught the skills of the hunt and the women the skills of homebuilding.
Each sex has specific duties to the group and the skills they know are essential for the continual well being of the group. Those who are deemed worthy may be chosen by the Shaman for more specific training, perhaps one day so that they may too may take over the role..
Many female members of a group learn herbalism skills. This skill is important for many reasons but primarily it is a means of fighting sickness and treating injuries.
Basic skills learned by all members are survival skills relevant to the terrain that the group will live in.
Although they do not have a formal level of education the combined wisdom of the group is passed down from generation to generation with each one perfecting the previous ones skills and abilities.
COMMUNICATION
The language developed by The People is extremely complicated and almost impossible for outsiders to learn without spending many years in the presence of a group. To make matters worse each group will in turn, over time, add words to the language totally unique to them.
The language is built around basic speech patterns. Although words are usually simple in terms of sound they are in turn supported by complicated hand gestures and facial expressions. Some fairly short words and fast gestures can signify much in terms of detail to someone who understands the language.
The actions of gestures and speech can be quite disturbing to those not used to it. There have been instances of total misunderstanding result in a violent confrontation between a group and members of another race.
It should be noted that although the language appears random in so many ways to a non speaker it is in fact very highly structured and there is both a formal and normal level of speech. The formal language is usually only used during rituals or when two groups meet for the first time.
The art of dance and music is one greatly appreciated by the People. Using drums and “pan pipes” the group will often perform elaborate dances to tunes that have been passed down from generation to generation. These are normally ritualistic e.g. prior to a hunt, although it is not uncommen for simple more playful tunes to start up after an evenings food and carry on until late into a night. To those who have never heard this music it can sound almost haunting in its composition.
PROFESSIONS
The People do not have a recognised professional structure to their societies. They have a clear role for each person within a group this is usually hunter or homemaker. The only real role that requires any form of “formal” development is that of Shaman.
The shaman is the groups spiritual leader. It is his responsibility to ensure that the group acts on the spirits wishes and does not do anything to offend spirits that may result in the end of the group.
The hunters are skilled in an assortment of weaponry all of which is efficient for usage when hunting for food.
The homemakers are usually skilled in herbalism to a minor level but do not particularly have any specialised roles to speak of.
It it worth noting that although professions as such do not exist various very important skills do. Most of these are clearly definable as hunter, homemaker or both. Such skills include flint napper, basketweaver, tailor, toolmaker etc. All are important to the ongoing survival of a group.
It is through this very simplistic view that The People categorise professions followed by The Others. Needless to say those who use “flashy” magic will either be categorised as shamans or dangerous fools who have clearly angered the spirits. Those who carry weapons will be treated as hunters.
One very strange aspect is that if a woman from any other race falls outside the norm of homemaker then the group will class that person as a male. They will be expected to act like a male of equal standing of one of the groups males.
MEDICINE & HEALING
For the vast majority of a groups medicinal and healing requirements The People turn to the herbalists. Their ability to create poultices and salves combined with simple medicinal practices e.g. wound dressings and cold compresses has resulted in successful nursing ability.
In many cases patients of the herbalists will make a full recovery, this is even the case for broken limbs if they are treated quickly enough.
It is worth noting that this treatment is always provided without hesitation to members of the group, however, it is customery for an person who has been treated to offer a gift to the herbalist. The gifts are usually simple offers of food or new items of clothing made by the patient.
The most skilled herbalist within a group is also expected to pass her (nearly always female) knowledge to other members. It is a vital role within the group and obviously one that must be continued after she has gone.
If a patient cannot be treated by a herbalist then it would be normal for the groups shaman to be aksed for the aid of the spirits. The shaman would offer himself to the spirits as a conduit for their healing power. This will occasionally result in the casting of healing magics upon the patient.
If a patient dies whether being attended by the herbalist or the shaman then no blame is ever attributed to them, it was obviously the wish of the spirits.
SOCIAL FACTORS
To a member of The People the group they live in is the be all and all of their life. Everything they do in life reflects on this group. To be outcast from this group is the most serious thing that can happen to the individual it also only done for the most serious of reasons – usually neglecting the group in some serious way. NB: it is from these outcasts that the few adventurers amongst The People usually come from.
Within each group a complex hierarchical structure exists and quite naturally each member knows their place and how to react with others. This hierarchy is split even further into roles held by males and those by females. Until a person has come of age, usually first kill for a male and first menstrual cycle for a female, they have no status in society.
The only person excluded from the hierarchy is the groups shaman. This person is afforded respect by all members of the group but is not included within the structure. It is also very rare for such a person to take a mate as they are expected to devote themselves to the needs of the spirits and not the needs of another.
RELIGION
The People are led spiritually by their Shaman’s.
Their very being and daily life is “led” by the wishes of the spirits that share this world with them. They know that to offend a spirit can cause disaster for the group and so without fail will always ensure that suitable gifts, thanks and apologies are offered to them whenever it is required.
It is common for many members of a group to have their own “totem spirit”. This spirit will usually have marked them in some way and the groups shaman will confirm the spirits choice in private commune with the spirit. As an example if a hunter is gored by a boar’s tusk it may have been the Boar Spirits way of choosing them. In honour of this fact the chosen one will usually carry something with them henceforth to signify this relationship. E.g. a boars tusk on a wristband.
RULES
• +2 STR, -2 DEX, +2 WIS
• Medium Size
• Base Speed: 20ft – due to their small stature than other races and their physical restrictions on Dex.
• +2 Racial Bonus to Listen, Search, Spot skills.
• Common skills learned include Profession: Hunter/Gather, Craft:Flint Napper, Craft: Stone Toolsmith
• At 1st level The People gain an additional feat from the following list.
- Alertness (PHB)
- Endurance (PHB)
- Toughness (PHB)
- Track (PHB)
- Forester (FR)
- Survivor (FR)
• Preferred Class: Barbarian
As with Tobacco Dwarves please let me have any feedback you may have !
The People
BACKGROUND/HISTORY
When the Great One created the world it was wise enough to know that it needed someone to help protect its lush gardens and abundant animal life – it therefore created “The People”.
Formed from the elements themselves The People are as tied to the world as a fish is to water. Totally “at one” with the natural environment whatever part of the world they live in, The People are a nomadic culture of what appear to be human stock. This fact is not totally certain however they do share characteristics with other humans.
The People have a pictoral language and have kept records of their history through the tales and stories of their bards. Needless to say their story appears to predate those of even the oldest “other” races and their own belief that they truly were the first born race of the Great One perhaps holds some truth.
The People now have almost disappeared from the Domains. Less and less groups are seen or even heard of. Many people from other races believe them to be no more than a myth. This is unfortunately due to their rapidly diminishing numbers brought on by the seemingly random slaughter of groups by others who would do them harm. If there are not enough people of a suitable age to mate in a region then no knew children are born – slowly the race will die out.
PHYSICAL APPEARANCE/DETAILS
Standing an average of 5’ tall, The People are not as tall as many other races, however, they are very strong in comparison to those of similair size. Their bodies are usually several inches broader than other races gving them an almost squat like appearance. Naturally stronger than many races this is easily apparent in the increased visible muscle mass in both sexes. They are not as dextrous as other races and this is apparent especially in their choice of hunting tools, stabbing spears instead of thrown and no evidence of the development of missile weapons other than the sling.
Their bodies, both male and female usually have a light covering of very coarse hair, not thick enough to be classed as fur. Their head hair is worn long and males have heavy facial hair from the time they reach puberty. It is not uncommen for members of both sexes to decorate their hair with dyes made from natural extracts or even to attach simple jewellry to lengths of hair.
There eyes are very dark in colouration, usually brown. Skin and hair colour is also usually dark in colour. Occasionally a child will be born with more ginger/red hair and this is either treated as a good omen or portent of some doom about to befall the group. Needless to say if it is good the child can expect great prestige whilst if it is bad the child will be fortunate to survive as they are usually abandoned and left to provide a predator with an easy meal.
The average member of the race lives to the age of 32. A truly old member of the race would be 38 – 40 years old. Due to this short lifespan they tend to reach puberty earlier than most other races, around the age of 9 or 10. It is not uncommen to find a group where the oldest member is no more than 25 and they are treated like venerable wise folk by other members of the group.
POSSESSION/MATERIAL WEALTH
The People venerate spirits, with the aid of their Shamans, and as such tend to carry items that remind them of their totems. This can be as simple as a feathered necklace to signify bird totems. Both sexes wear jewelry, although of a simple design usually involving semi-precious stones or shells and basic woven string, it is nevertheless quite beautiful to look at.
The most important item a male can carry is his hunting weapon. Usually a short stabbing spear made using sharpened flint or bone for its head. It is not uncommen to also see stone headed axes or clubs. The male’s are expected to provide meat for the group and also provide protection and as such the weapon is almost an extension of him.
Both sexes wear clothing made from furs and leather provided by the animals they have hunted. This clothing can be as simple as a basic wrap or thick leggings tied with thongs. Skins are often cut to better wear as cloaks over the top of other clothing.
The women of the group will usually be seen carrying an assortment of bags and sacks made from stomach linings etc of animals. Within these bags the women can gather fresh vegetables and herbs etc for medicinal purposes.
In basic terms the one thing that is apparent about The People is that they make use of almost everything that can be found naturally within the environment they have chosen to live. This can clearly be seen in the tools that are used in everyday life. Bones and sharp flint are shaped into items that better suit the purpose of skinning and preparing meat. Large rocks are carefully attached to strong wooden “handles” to make hammers strong enough to splinter other rocks without breaking.
Although no monetary system exists amongst The People a complex process of barter does. When two groups meet it is usual for them to exchange items of an equal value between the various members. This barter usually enables the group to obtain items that they are unable to make or find themselves. E.g. smoking pipes, dried boar meat, quality fur cloaks etc. Many meetings between groups are just random happenstance however every Autumn many groups meet up prior to the onset of winter to trade anything they have excess of for items they will need during the winter months. NB: This is even true in hot climates where migratory patterns of some animals restricts food supplies.
Although not treated as a possession, members of the two groups may change groups to enable a mating to occur. This helps to make the groups stronger as although they are losing a member they will in turn usually gain a new member who will bring new skills and abilities to the group. This in itself is worth much to a groups continual survival. The other continual benefit is the offspring that such a mating my produce that in turn strengthens the group over the long term.
HOMES/DWELLINGS
The priority of any “home” is to provide protection and warmth for those who dwell within. As such The People usually prefer to start out with a large cave that can be easily defended from beasts or others who would prey upon those inside.
From this “start point” quite complex arrangements are made within the cave with areas defined for sleeping, eating and storage. The only person in a group who will usually get an area of the cave to themselves is usually the shaman.
Outside the cave several simple buildings are made from wooden stakes and other foliage found in the vicinity. In addition it would be normal to find racks of meat drying or fish being smoked outside the main cave. It is very rare but occasionally a few goats may be kept for milk by a group but they will normally be allowed to roam “free”.
The cave entrance will normally have a large fire built just outside. This is done to drive away predators that may try and see what they can find inside. It also helps to keep the cave warm without filling the cave with smoke.
The most unusual aspect of The People’s home caves are the walls. Within days of living in a cave they group will start to decorate them with the pictoral language they use. These pictures hold far more significance than simple art however. The pictures pass on the legends and knowledge of the group so that others who may in time use the cave can learn from it. There will be scenes of particularly good hunting techniques that are detailed enough to show the animal being hunted and any specific terrain or traps that may have been used. The women may draw pictures of various herbs and vegetables that can be found nearby and will also create a simple map showing various objects from the local terrain to enable another to find the items. Some symbols are universal amongst groups signifying spirits or great leaders of the past. They are always drawn almost identical each time. These are the ones used to show legends etc.
It is worth noting that a group may return to a previously used cave every 5 to 10 years. As The People are very nomadic in many ways they will normally follow a “set route”. The route normally matches the seasons or migratory pattern of their main food stuff e.g. herds of buffalo etc.
SOCIAL SKILLS/RELATIONSHIPS
The People have all but removed themselves from “everyday” life. Their entire world has become a puzzle to them that they have been unable to solve. Those of other races hunt them in the name of religion or simply for sport. The end result of this has been the gradual, albeit gathering pace, extinction of a once very proud race. It is a sad fact that millenia ago The People taught many of the younger races how to survive and live in harmony with the land, only for the child to turn round later and bite that helping hand.
They have seen the world change around them on an almost constant basis for millenia and have been unable to keep up with it. Due to this they have slowly moved further and further away from “civilised” society and deeper into the uncharted territories. As these territories are being explored though they are being left with no-where to run to.
It is forbidden for a member of the People to mate with one from the other races, unless of course a sign from the Great Spirit can be seen by the shaman. This fact is one of the reasons the race has now all but died out. As many groups have long since succumb to disease or even simply been butchered by those of other races, there are less People for the young members to mate with. It is forbidden for them to mate with other members of the same group as this has been known to produce deformed offspring (inbreeding) and this is seen as a sign that such actions are not acceptable to the spirits.
It is a rare member of the race who leaves their group behind and joins “everyday” society. Those that do are usually treated as nothing more than primitive barbarians and very few others bother to get to know them. If only they had bothered they would usually find an intelligent individual who could teach them so much about the world around them away from the hustle and bustle of town life.
DIET
The People originally spread across the face of The Domains, however, the main staple of their diet was and still is fresh meat. Those whose groups live closer to the sea have developed extensive fishing skills utilising nets and traps. The animals hunted not only provide food they also provide clothing and bones that can be turned into tools.
Although 70% of the diet consists of meat either fresh or dried the remaining 30% consists of fruit and vegetables that can be found within the vicinity of their home caves. The People have never developed agricultural skills instead allowing nature to provide for them. This spins off into a very healthy respect for the bounty of fruit and vegetables in a region and no group will ever strip the area bare. This policy of always leaving some fruit etc ensures that there will always be more growth over the following years.
One aspect of their diet is the ability to prepare foods that to other races would be poisonous. This is a skill passed down from generation to generation that enables them to pick usually deadly berries etc and turn them into an edible food simply by combining them with other things to nuetralise the poisons within.
For drink the main item is water and occasionally milk. For special occasions, fruit that has been allowed to ferment in a skinbag will be drunk by members of the group. This alchoholic drink can be a bit harsh to those unused to it, however, once the initial bite has faded the drink can be tasted as a sweet if very rich and alchoholic fruit juice.
It is the norm that male members of the group eat seperatly from the women and children. By tradition the male who’s kill as deemed to be the most prestigious is allowed to eat the choicest meat first. One item of note. The first kill of any hunt is always deemed the luckiest and therefore should be treated as so. To enable the luck to pass around the hunting party each member eats a piece of the fresh and uncooked heart of the beast prior to any other form of hunting or indeed butchery of the carcass takes place.
FASHION & DRESS
The concept of fashion has never entered into the mindset of The People. Clothing is practical, it is as simple as that. Clothes are made with practicality in mind the whole time. Clothes must be warm, waterproof and have plenty of pouches etc to enable them to carry tools and other items.
Footwear tends to be furred boots or simple shoes made from tree bark and leather strapping. It is not uncommen, dependant on terrain, to see many people not bothering to wear shoes at all.
All clothes are made from animal skins whether in the form of fur or leather. The materials are sewn together using very thin straps made from cured hides.
In cold periods it is normal for a heavy fur to be worn as a cloak.
EDUCATION
All members of The People are taught from almost the moment they are born. The males are taught the skills of the hunt and the women the skills of homebuilding.
Each sex has specific duties to the group and the skills they know are essential for the continual well being of the group. Those who are deemed worthy may be chosen by the Shaman for more specific training, perhaps one day so that they may too may take over the role..
Many female members of a group learn herbalism skills. This skill is important for many reasons but primarily it is a means of fighting sickness and treating injuries.
Basic skills learned by all members are survival skills relevant to the terrain that the group will live in.
Although they do not have a formal level of education the combined wisdom of the group is passed down from generation to generation with each one perfecting the previous ones skills and abilities.
COMMUNICATION
The language developed by The People is extremely complicated and almost impossible for outsiders to learn without spending many years in the presence of a group. To make matters worse each group will in turn, over time, add words to the language totally unique to them.
The language is built around basic speech patterns. Although words are usually simple in terms of sound they are in turn supported by complicated hand gestures and facial expressions. Some fairly short words and fast gestures can signify much in terms of detail to someone who understands the language.
The actions of gestures and speech can be quite disturbing to those not used to it. There have been instances of total misunderstanding result in a violent confrontation between a group and members of another race.
It should be noted that although the language appears random in so many ways to a non speaker it is in fact very highly structured and there is both a formal and normal level of speech. The formal language is usually only used during rituals or when two groups meet for the first time.
The art of dance and music is one greatly appreciated by the People. Using drums and “pan pipes” the group will often perform elaborate dances to tunes that have been passed down from generation to generation. These are normally ritualistic e.g. prior to a hunt, although it is not uncommen for simple more playful tunes to start up after an evenings food and carry on until late into a night. To those who have never heard this music it can sound almost haunting in its composition.
PROFESSIONS
The People do not have a recognised professional structure to their societies. They have a clear role for each person within a group this is usually hunter or homemaker. The only real role that requires any form of “formal” development is that of Shaman.
The shaman is the groups spiritual leader. It is his responsibility to ensure that the group acts on the spirits wishes and does not do anything to offend spirits that may result in the end of the group.
The hunters are skilled in an assortment of weaponry all of which is efficient for usage when hunting for food.
The homemakers are usually skilled in herbalism to a minor level but do not particularly have any specialised roles to speak of.
It it worth noting that although professions as such do not exist various very important skills do. Most of these are clearly definable as hunter, homemaker or both. Such skills include flint napper, basketweaver, tailor, toolmaker etc. All are important to the ongoing survival of a group.
It is through this very simplistic view that The People categorise professions followed by The Others. Needless to say those who use “flashy” magic will either be categorised as shamans or dangerous fools who have clearly angered the spirits. Those who carry weapons will be treated as hunters.
One very strange aspect is that if a woman from any other race falls outside the norm of homemaker then the group will class that person as a male. They will be expected to act like a male of equal standing of one of the groups males.
MEDICINE & HEALING
For the vast majority of a groups medicinal and healing requirements The People turn to the herbalists. Their ability to create poultices and salves combined with simple medicinal practices e.g. wound dressings and cold compresses has resulted in successful nursing ability.
In many cases patients of the herbalists will make a full recovery, this is even the case for broken limbs if they are treated quickly enough.
It is worth noting that this treatment is always provided without hesitation to members of the group, however, it is customery for an person who has been treated to offer a gift to the herbalist. The gifts are usually simple offers of food or new items of clothing made by the patient.
The most skilled herbalist within a group is also expected to pass her (nearly always female) knowledge to other members. It is a vital role within the group and obviously one that must be continued after she has gone.
If a patient cannot be treated by a herbalist then it would be normal for the groups shaman to be aksed for the aid of the spirits. The shaman would offer himself to the spirits as a conduit for their healing power. This will occasionally result in the casting of healing magics upon the patient.
If a patient dies whether being attended by the herbalist or the shaman then no blame is ever attributed to them, it was obviously the wish of the spirits.
SOCIAL FACTORS
To a member of The People the group they live in is the be all and all of their life. Everything they do in life reflects on this group. To be outcast from this group is the most serious thing that can happen to the individual it also only done for the most serious of reasons – usually neglecting the group in some serious way. NB: it is from these outcasts that the few adventurers amongst The People usually come from.
Within each group a complex hierarchical structure exists and quite naturally each member knows their place and how to react with others. This hierarchy is split even further into roles held by males and those by females. Until a person has come of age, usually first kill for a male and first menstrual cycle for a female, they have no status in society.
The only person excluded from the hierarchy is the groups shaman. This person is afforded respect by all members of the group but is not included within the structure. It is also very rare for such a person to take a mate as they are expected to devote themselves to the needs of the spirits and not the needs of another.
RELIGION
The People are led spiritually by their Shaman’s.
Their very being and daily life is “led” by the wishes of the spirits that share this world with them. They know that to offend a spirit can cause disaster for the group and so without fail will always ensure that suitable gifts, thanks and apologies are offered to them whenever it is required.
It is common for many members of a group to have their own “totem spirit”. This spirit will usually have marked them in some way and the groups shaman will confirm the spirits choice in private commune with the spirit. As an example if a hunter is gored by a boar’s tusk it may have been the Boar Spirits way of choosing them. In honour of this fact the chosen one will usually carry something with them henceforth to signify this relationship. E.g. a boars tusk on a wristband.
RULES
• +2 STR, -2 DEX, +2 WIS
• Medium Size
• Base Speed: 20ft – due to their small stature than other races and their physical restrictions on Dex.
• +2 Racial Bonus to Listen, Search, Spot skills.
• Common skills learned include Profession: Hunter/Gather, Craft:Flint Napper, Craft: Stone Toolsmith
• At 1st level The People gain an additional feat from the following list.
- Alertness (PHB)
- Endurance (PHB)
- Toughness (PHB)
- Track (PHB)
- Forester (FR)
- Survivor (FR)
• Preferred Class: Barbarian
now, some comments, questions...
