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| shared_worlds:thick_as_thieves_races [2015/05/01 06:39] – Petike | shared_worlds:thick_as_thieves_races [2020/11/28 03:45] (current) – [ADDITIONAL FACTS AND OVERVIEWS] petike |
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| __Varieties or races:__ Primarily two main cultural subsets, many particular phenotypes. | __Varieties or races:__ Primarily two main cultural subsets, many particular phenotypes. |
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| They are evolutionarily closely related to the "bigfolk" and can interbreed with them and vice versa (which is not that common, but happens from time to time), but they are obviously smaller in height and size. They are this world's equivalent of hobbits/halflings - but with a few interesting twists ! Like humans, they come in many cultural and several phenotypical variations, and are dispersed just as much throughout the entire world. But unlike humans, they are separated into two culturally and slightly anthropologically distinct groups (though their biology is the same) : | The smallfolk are evolutionarily closely related to the bigfolk and can interbreed with them and vice versa (which is not that common, but happens from time to time), but they are obviously smaller in height and size. They are this world's equivalent of hobbits/halflings - but with a few interesting twists ! Like humans, they come in many cultural and several phenotypical variations, and are dispersed just as much throughout the entire world. But unlike humans, they are separated into two culturally and slightly anthropologically distinct groups (though their biology is the same) : |
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| **a.) //Rarachs//** (Common Smallfolk)\\ | **a.) //Rarachs//** (Common Smallfolk)\\ |
| __Singular names for the sexes:__ Rarach (man / woman) \\ | __Singular names for the sexes:__ Rarach (man / woman) \\ |
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| The primary representatives of Smallfolk on the planet, predominant in both numbers and dispersion. They are a generally varied bunch, ranging from rural peasants, landowners and small aristocracy to the urban working class and petit bourgeoisie. In terms of personality, culture and interests, while they do have dissimilarities with the Bigfolk, they generally share the same virtues and vices. Popular stereotypes make them out to be rather jolly and cheerful even in the face of adversity, serving as something of a role model to the more glum-minded and cynical Bigfolk. As far as their relations with beastpeople are species are concerned, they get along best with the hedgefolk, stoatfolk and most martenfolk.\\ | The primary representatives of smallfolk on the planet, predominant in both numbers and dispersion. They are a generally varied bunch, ranging from rural peasants, landowners and small aristocracy to the urban working class and petit bourgeoisie. In terms of personality, culture and interests, while they do have dissimilarities with the Bigfolk, they generally share the same virtues and vices. Popular stereotypes make them out to be rather jolly and cheerful even in the face of adversity, serving as something of a role model to the more glum-minded and cynical Bigfolk. As far as their relations with beastpeople are species are concerned, they get along best with the hedgefolk, stoatfolk and most martenfolk.\\ |
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| __Real world frame of reference:__ Pronounced in English as "Rarakhs" (with the "kh" roughly like the "ch" in the Scottish word //loch//). If you want to get a rough idea about Rarach Smallfolk, picture them as a combination of the halflings and gnomes from //[[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arcanum:_Of_Steamworks_and_Magick_Obscura|Arcanum]]//. In terms of etymological inspiration, //rarach// (or, more diminutively, //rarášok//) is an affectionate (though occassionally mocking) old-timey Slovak word for a dwarfish, impish figure - usually in the sense of a fairytale imp or goblin.\\ | __Real world frame of reference:__ Pronounced in English as "Rarakhs" (with the "kh" roughly like the "ch" in the Scottish word //loch//). If you want to get a rough idea about Rarach Smallfolk, picture them as a combination of the halflings and gnomes from //[[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arcanum:_Of_Steamworks_and_Magick_Obscura|Arcanum]]//. In terms of etymological inspiration, //rarach// (or, more diminutively, //rarášok//) is an affectionate (though occassionally mocking) old-timey Slovak word for a dwarfish, impish figure - usually in the sense of a fairytale imp or goblin.\\ |
| __Singular names for the sexes:__ man / woman \\ | __Singular names for the sexes:__ man / woman \\ |
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| Finally, there is the fact that Bigfolk and Smallfolk can easily interbreed with each other, producing fully healthy and fully fertile offspring (thanks to the genetic closeness of both subspecies of humans). As possible as it is, it is not that common an occurence. Furthermore, while most societies and cultures have no major problems accepting "hybrids" and "half-breeds", there are some which harbour certain degrees of prejudice towards these individuals. Thus, many "hybrids" often resort to hiding their mixed ancestry or lying about it. Of course, this can cause an understandable degree of tension between them and society, as well as certain psychological problems, such as internalised categorism complexes. Thankfully, in recent centuries, societies have gradually grown more tolerant of Bigfolk/Smallfolk pairings/marriages and the children that result from them. | Bigfolk and smallfolk individuals can easily interbreed with each other, producing fully healthy and fully fertile offspring (thanks to the genetic closeness of both subspecies of humans). As possible as it is, it is not that common an occurence. Furthermore, while most societies and cultures have no major problems accepting "hybrids" and "half-breeds", there are some which harbour certain degrees of prejudice towards these individuals. Thus, many "hybrids" often resort to hiding their mixed ancestry or lying about it. Of course, this can cause an understandable degree of tension between them and society, as well as certain psychological problems, such as internalised categorism complexes. Thankfully, in recent centuries, societies have gradually grown more tolerant of Bigfolk/Smallfolk pairings/marriages and the children that result from them. |
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| __PC availability:__ YES, playable species\\ | __PC availability:__ YES, playable species\\ |
| __Singular names for the sexes:__ newtman / newtwoman \\ | __Singular names for the sexes:__ newtman / newtwoman \\ |
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| These beings are amphibious humanoids with greenish skin, large eyes with dusky sclera and earthily-colourful pupils and many newt-like characteristics, including prominent swimming membranes on their feet and hands. Out of all the beastfolk species of Aporue, they are the closest to humans in terms of outward appearance. While sexual dimorphism in the species is just as distinct as in the case of humans, there are notable biological distinctions. For one, newtwomen completely lack any sort of mammaries, yet in terms of reproduction, they are effectively [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vivipary|viviparous]] - though in an amphibian/reptilian, rather than mammalian way. The whole species is known in naturalist/anthropologist circles under the scientific name "enormoeyed newtman", To the average human settlers, its members are simply dubbed with terms like "newtfolk", "swampfolk", "marshmen/marshwomen", "nixies", and more derisively, "piss-swimmers" or "toadtongues". Newtmen inhabit marshy and swampy areas and though their material and spiritual culture is more primitive than that of any of the human species, they are in no way unintelligent or mentally inferior. Oddly enough, they practice well-developed (if primitive) fish and mollusc farming and often tame waterfowl (e.g. herons, cormorants, grebes and coots) as pets or hunting animals (to them, cormorants are like hunting hounds). Newtfolk often wear at least some basic clothing, but it is notably very simple, cheap and often slightly loose (though not baggy). They care very little for fancy, non-practical clothes, and you wouldn't catch most of them alive wearing such "unnecessarily excessive apparel". Unfortunately, this has inadvertently fueled some human and beastpeople social prejudices towards the newtmen, usually having to do with the fact that they're "dressed like the most shoddily-clad commoner", "dressed as a bunch of beggars and vagrants", etc. In some human-dominated regions that they inhabit, the newtfolk are treated rather well. Elsewhere, very badly. In the case of the [[thick as thieves countries#melza|Melzan city state]], their treatment by the (mostly human) locals is somewhere in the middle. While most local people are indifferent or begrudgingly tolerant of them, you occassionally see the local hate group yelling slurs in the vein of "piss-swimmers" at newtmen visiting the streets and public spaces of the city (usually to trade and buy supplies). A few years ago, newtmen protested in the streets of the city for the first time in its history. They were angered, because local sensationalist pulp fiction author Čelar Kapek wrote a dystopian novel in which the humanfolk were dominated by an evil, thinly-veiled analogue of the newtmen. \\ | These beings are amphibious humanoids with greenish skin, large eyes with dusky sclera and earthily-colourful pupils and many newt-like characteristics, including prominent swimming membranes on their feet and hands. Out of all the beastfolk species of Aporue, they are the closest to humans in terms of outward appearance. While sexual dimorphism in the species is just as distinct as in the case of humans, there are notable biological distinctions. For one, newtwomen completely lack any sort of mammaries, yet in terms of reproduction, they are effectively [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vivipary|viviparous]] - though in an amphibian/reptilian, rather than mammalian way. The whole species is known in naturalist/anthropologist circles under the scientific name "enormoeyed newtman", To the average human settlers, its members are simply dubbed with terms like "newtfolk", "swampfolk", "marshmen/marshwomen", "nixies", and more derisively, "piss-swimmers" or "toadtongues". Members of the species have odd voices, somewhere half-way between raspy sighing and a somewhat singsong intonation. Newtmen inhabit marshy and swampy areas and though their material and spiritual culture is more primitive than that of any of the human species, they are in no way unintelligent or mentally inferior. Oddly enough, they practice well-developed (if primitive) fish and mollusc farming and often tame waterfowl (e.g. herons, cormorants, grebes and coots) as pets or hunting animals (to them, cormorants are like hunting hounds). Newtfolk often wear at least some basic clothing, but it is notably very simple, cheap and often slightly loose (though not baggy). They care very little for fancy, non-practical clothes, and you wouldn't catch most of them alive wearing such "unnecessarily excessive apparel". Unfortunately, this has inadvertently fueled some human and beastpeople social prejudices towards the newtmen, usually having to do with the fact that they're "dressed like the most shoddily-clad commoner", "dressed as a bunch of beggars and vagrants", etc. In some human-dominated regions that they inhabit, the newtfolk are treated rather well. Elsewhere, very badly. In the case of the [[thick as thieves countries#melza|Melzan city state]], their treatment by the (mostly human) locals is somewhere in the middle. While most local people are indifferent or begrudgingly tolerant of them, you occassionally see the local hate group yelling slurs in the vein of "piss-swimmers" at newtmen visiting the streets and public spaces of the city (usually to trade and buy supplies). A few years ago, newtmen protested in the streets of the city for the first time in its history. They were angered, because local sensationalist pulp fiction author Čelar Kapek wrote a dystopian novel in which the humanfolk were dominated by an evil, thinly-veiled analogue of the newtmen. \\ |
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| __Stealth, combat and thieving talents:__ In the realms of professional thievery, newtfolk are famous not only for their swimming skills, but also for their immense (some would say slippery) acrobatic capabilities and their unique natural capabilities of blending in with underwater terrain, particularly if it contains foliage. The latter is enabled by a degree of mimicry abilities inherent in a newtman's or newtwoman's smooth, greenish and rather alien skin.\\ | __Stealth, combat and thieving talents:__ In the realms of professional thievery, newtfolk are famous not only for their swimming skills, but also for their immense (some would say slippery) acrobatic capabilities and their unique natural capabilities of blending in with underwater terrain, particularly if it contains foliage. The latter is enabled by a degree of mimicry abilities inherent in a newtman's or newtwoman's smooth, greenish and rather alien skin.\\ |
| __Varieties or races:__ "Piners", "Stonies", "Sablemen" | __Varieties or races:__ "Piners", "Stonies", "Sablemen" |
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| The larger and much burlier cousins of the stoatmen, the martenmen are some of the most varied, most settled and most widely distributed species of beastfolk in the surrounding world. Often colloquially referred to as "martenfolk" and "marts", they come in three broadly distinct varieties/races (at least as far as the Aporeuan marts are considered). These are the "[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_pine_marten|piners]]", who dwell in forested areas and their vicinity (in both the mountains and some of the uplands and lowlands), the "[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beech_marten|stonies]]", who are more generalist and are equally at home in wide open spaces in the lowlands and mountains, and finally, the "[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sable|sables]]", who prefer to live in the taiga and tundra in the cold northern reaches of the continent. In total, this gives the martenfolk quite a bit of range as a species and as a civilisation. Naturally, being so widespread and being so varied also comes with some drawbacks: The martenfolk lack some of the greater sense of unity that other, smaller beastfolk civilisations tend to have. Furthermore, the martenfolk can be described best as species-wide example of "jack-of-all-trades, master of none". Martenmen and martenwomen are very skilled and dextruous, but with the exception of their unparalleled climbing abilities, no members of the species can truly out-excel other types of beastpeople - be it newtmen, stoatmen, hedgehogmen, ottermen, wolverinemen, etc. However, it is this same seeming mediocrity that allows the martenmen a more balanced and more comfortable, middle-of-the-road approach to things, unlike the more specialisation-prone attitudes, outlooks and choices of their cousins. They also invite the most comparisons with humans of the bigfolk variety. Along with the hedgefolk, the martenfolk are the most open of all beastpeoples to embracing the latest technological innovations. Due to their sheer variety, this is not and cannot be a universal constant among the martenfolk. Countryside martenfolk and most members of the sablemen subspecies are known as more conservative when it comes to this topic. Nevertheless, swift-enough adoption and adaptation of new technologies is an element that is clearly present within martenfolk society. While newtfolk, stoatfolk and otterfolk are content with utilising and borrowing more advanced technologies and industrial era products for their own benefit, and wolverfolk and crustfolk are staunch traditionalists, martenfolk and hedgefolk are technological enthusiasts. The reasons range from mundane practicality or prestige among the beastpeoples, to a simple desire for a more comfortable life. As with the hedgehogmen, humans don't consider it particularly odd when both rural and urban martenfolk use steam engines, gaslamp lighting, new-fangled calcs, newspapers, hotplate cookers, electric ovens, steam locomotives, firearms, petrol or battery powered motor carriages, powered circular saws and mining drills, modern foundries and steel mills, steamboats, or even the occassional small airship or 'thopter. The northernly sablemen, with simple shiny dark fur, are by far the most traditionally minded race of the martenfolk. Though they are not above buying, utilising and maintaining more mechanized technologies and vehicles when needed, their economic activities still concentrate on (measly) agriculture, herding, fur trading, domestic handicrafts, and even shipping and transport services in some cases. The piners and stonies are the two more technologically and industrially open-minded races of Aporue's martenmen. Though the two races are very similar and close to each other, there are certain phenotypical, historical, cultural and economic differences between the two. The piners have a generally darker complexion, their fur often having dark brown and yellow-ish tones. They are arguably the most common race/phenotype of the martenmen. Despite their colloquial name, they inhabit a wide range of forests, deciduous as well as coniferous, from the lowlands to some higher mountain ranges. Tree-mounted villages and small towns are part of traditional piner architecture. Piners generally tend to dabble in forestry, logging, hunting, developing herbal products and pharmaceuticals, though light industry - including sawmills, paper-mills, textile manufactories, canneries, etc. - and some amount of agriculture both play an important role as well. Piners living near riverine areas commonly work and trade closely with river otterfolk (mostly with fish and crustaceans, often meant for their for their processed meat products). Stoatfolk, as usual, often find plenty of well-paid work in the employ of the martenfolk, but particularly the piners. The piners share good relations with most species, though they might not understand the newtmen all that much. The stonies are, in contrast to the piners, a race of martenmen that is more specialised for a lifestyle in mountainous areas, including hardier, mountainous woodlands. In this respect, similarly to how hedgehogmen and piners coexist particularly well with rarachs down in the lowlands and uplands, the stonies of the highlands and mountains get along very well especially with the permons. The environments preferred by the stonies have had an effect on their phenotype just as much as on the other fellow races of the species: A typical stonie is shorter than a piner and sports a more lightly, palely brown coat, as well as white-coloured fur in place of the yellowish fur of the piners. Due to living in close proximity with the permons the most out of all other species, the stonies often share entire mining towns with them, creating interesting blended societies (much like the mixed communities of rarachs and hedgefolk). As one would expect, while the stonies often share interest in most of the same industries as the piners, they focus a lot more on mining, ore extraction, heavier industries, as well as on metallurgical and mining research.\\ | The larger and much burlier cousins of the stoatmen, the martenmen are some of the most varied, most settled and most widely distributed species of beastfolk in the surrounding world. Often colloquially referred to as "martenfolk" and "marts", they come in three broadly distinct varieties/races (at least as far as the Aporeuan marts are considered). These are the "[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_pine_marten|piners]]", who dwell in forested areas and their vicinity (in both the mountains and some of the uplands and lowlands), the "[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beech_marten|stonies]]", who are more generalist and are equally at home in wide open spaces in the lowlands and mountains, and finally, the "[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sable|sablemen]]" of shiny dark fur, who prefer to live in the taiga and tundra in the cold northern reaches of the continent. In total, this gives the martenfolk quite a bit of range as a species and as a civilisation. Naturally, being so widespread and being so varied also comes with some drawbacks: The martenfolk lack some of the greater sense of unity that other, smaller beastfolk civilisations tend to have. Furthermore, the martenfolk can be described best as a species-wide example of "jack-of-all-trades, master of none". Martenmen and martenwomen are very skilled and dexterous, but with the exception of their unparalleled climbing abilities, no members of the species can truly out-excel other species of beastpeople (be it newtmen, stoatmen, hedgehogmen, ottermen, wolverinemen, etc.). However, it is this same seeming mediocrity that allows the martenmen a more balanced and more comfortable, middle-of-the-road approach to things, unlike the more specialisation-prone attitudes, outlooks and choices of their cousins. (This invites some comparisons to humans of the bigfolk variety.) Along with the hedgefolk, the martenfolk are the most open of all beastpeoples to embracing the latest technological innovations. Due to their sheer variety, this is not and cannot be a universal constant among the martenfolk. Countryside martenfolk in general, and most members of the sablemen race, are known as more conservative when it comes to these matters. Nevertheless, swift-enough adoption and adaptation of new technologies is an element that is clearly present within martenfolk society. While newtfolk, stoatfolk and otterfolk are content with utilising and borrowing more advanced technologies and industrial era products for their own benefit, and wolverfolk and crustfolk are staunch traditionalists, martenfolk and hedgefolk are technological enthusiasts. The reasons range from mundane practicality or prestige among the beastpeoples, to a simple desire for a more comfortable life. As with the hedgehogmen, humans don't consider it particularly odd when both rural and urban martenfolk use steam engines, gaslamp lighting, new-fangled calcs, newspapers, hotplate cookers, electric ovens, steam locomotives, firearms, petrol or battery powered motor carriages, powered circular saws and mining drills, modern foundries and steel mills, steamboats, or even the occassional small airship or 'thopter. The northernly sablemen, are by far the most traditionally minded race of the martenfolk. Though they are not above buying, utilising and maintaining more mechanized technologies and vehicles when needed, their economic activities still concentrate on (marginal) agriculture, on herding, fur trading, domestic handicrafts, and even shipping and transport services in some cases. The piners and stonies are the two more technologically and industrially open-minded races of Aporue's martenmen. Though the two races are very similar and close to each other, there are certain phenotypical, historical, cultural and economic differences between the two. The piners have a generally darker complexion, their fur often having dark brown and yellow-ish tones. They are arguably the most common race/phenotype of the martenmen. Despite their colloquial name, they inhabit a wide range of forests, deciduous as well as coniferous, from the lowlands to some higher mountain ranges. Tree-mounted villages and small towns are part of traditional piner architecture. Piners generally tend to dabble in forestry, logging, hunting, developing herbal products and pharmaceuticals, though light industry - including sawmills, paper-mills, textile manufactories, canneries, etc. - and some amount of agriculture both play an important role as well. Piners living near riverine areas commonly work and trade closely with river otterfolk (mostly with fish and crustaceans, often intended for their processed meat products). As is often the case, stoatfolk often find plenty of well-paid work in the employ of the martenfolk, but particularly the piners. The piners share good relations with most species, though they might not understand the newtmen all that much. The stonies are, in contrast to the piners, a race of martenmen that is more specialised for a lifestyle in mountainous areas, including hardier, mountainous woodlands. In this respect, similarly to how hedgehogmen and piners coexist particularly well with rarachs down in the lowlands and uplands, the stonies of the highlands and mountains get along very well especially with the permons. The environments preferred by the stonies have had an effect on their phenotype just as much as on the other fellow races of the species: A typical stonie is shorter than a piner and sports a more lightly, palely brown coat, as well as white-coloured fur in place of the yellowish fur of the piners. Due to living in close proximity with the permons the most out of all other species, the stonies often share entire mining towns with them, creating interesting blended societies (much like the mixed communities of rarachs and hedgefolk). As one would expect, while the stonies often share interest in most of the same industries as the piners, they focus a lot more on mining, ore extraction, heavier industries, as well as on metallurgical and mining research.\\ |
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| __Stealth, combat and thieving talents:__ The sablemen traditionally wear the least armour, even in warfare, and they use mostly traditional melee and ranged weapons, with a general focus on stealthiness and hit-and-run ranged skills. Piners have always tended to inclinate towards medium armour (and occassionally heavier armour) and a general focus on both melee and ranged skills. The traditional reputation of the stonies points to them wearing finely crafted heavier armour and focusing mostly on melee combat skills. Within a stealthy, professional thieving context, the martenfolk overall are a middle-of-the-road species, much like humans. Regardless of the traditional inclinations of the martenfolk's three races, each martenman or martenwoman generally offers a balanced skillset, in a "jack-of-all-trades, master of none" sort of way. Perhaps the only standout thieving-friendly ability unique to the martenfolk, are their swift climbing abilities.\\ | __Stealth, combat and thieving talents:__ The sablemen traditionally wear the least armour, even in warfare, and they use mostly traditional melee and ranged weapons, with a general focus on stealthiness and hit-and-run ranged skills. Piners have always tended to inclinate towards medium armour (and occassionally heavier armour) and a general focus on both melee and ranged skills. The traditional reputation of the stonies points to them wearing finely crafted heavier armour and focusing mostly on melee combat skills. Within a stealthy, professional thieving context, the martenfolk overall are a middle-of-the-road species, much like humans. Regardless of the traditional inclinations of the martenfolk's three races, each martenman or martenwoman generally offers a balanced skillset, in a "jack-of-all-trades, master of none" sort of way. Perhaps the only standout thieving-friendly ability unique to the martenfolk, are their swift climbing abilities.\\ |
| __Singular names for the sexes:__ wolverman / wolverwoman \\ | __Singular names for the sexes:__ wolverman / wolverwoman \\ |
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| Also referred to colloquially as the "gulomen" or "wolverinemen". Known to be the most warrior-minded of the mustelid peoples, the wolverinemen can be very fierce in battle and can turn all rabid whenever you insult them or provoke them. While they have their own particular code of ethics, not always understandable to others, they are generally a honourable (if oft-foolhardy) bunch. Just like other human and beastfolk species, they inhabit several landmasses of the known world, but always stick to their cold, northern fringes. This to them is their ideal environment, their true paradise on earth. The material culture of the wolverinemen, while certainly still pre-industrial, is fairly advanced and well developed. Though they still use tools, weapons and even bits of armour that utilise stone, volcanic glass, bark, antlers and bones, the ones from the RP's landmass have a long and distinguished history of metallurgy. Bronze tools and weapons have been abandoned several centuries ago, and most of the contemporary ones are of iron and steel. But the wolverinemen are also proficient in goldsmithery and silversmithery, which has brought them much fame. Their simple jewellery, usually made from mundane or precious metals and adorned with more mundane gems (malakhite, garnet, volcanic glasses, etc.), is a well-respected and well-selling good that provides them with a fairly solid income. In addition to hunting, they also herd reindeer and elk, fish with harpoons and rods (sometimes utilising simple canoes and monoxyls) and trade with furs and bone or tooth trophies. Some tribes and polities of wolverinemen even establish their own fur farms and fish-raising ponds and dykes. Outside of flax growing and the occassional growing or trading of herbs and lichens as spices for their meaty diet, the wolverinemen don't really have a settled agriculture in the traditional sense. The wolverinemen of other landmasses tend to be different in customs and material culture and are often more prehistoric or archaic in this regard. Though wolverinemen trade with humans from near and far - especially via human channels like the nomads of northern Metsämaa - there has always been a degree of tension, friction and distrust between them and humans (particularly mining prospectors from abroad). Some other species of beastpeople don't have it easy either. It doesn't help that the wolverinemen consider most of their mustelid cousins to be "wimps and weaklings, pampered by the use of modern technology". Many individual wolvermen use patronymic-style surnames, rather than true family or clan names, utilising "-narf" as a suffix for sons and "-núar" as a suffix for daughters. E.g. "Harvenarf = son of Harve", "Harvenúar = daughter of Harve". \\ | Also referred to colloquially as the "gulomen" or "wolverinemen". Known to be the most warrior-minded of the mustelid peoples, the wolverinemen can be very fierce in battle and can turn all rabid whenever you insult them or provoke them. While they have their own particular code of ethics, not always understandable to others, they are generally a honourable (if oft-foolhardy) bunch. Just like other human and beastfolk species, they inhabit several landmasses of the known world, but always stick to their cold, northern fringes. This to them is their ideal environment, their true paradise on earth. The material culture of the wolverinemen, while certainly still pre-industrial, is fairly advanced and well developed. Though they still use tools, weapons and even bits of armour that utilise stone, volcanic glass, bark, antlers and bones, the ones from Aporue have a long and distinguished history of metallurgy. Bronze tools and weapons have been abandoned several centuries ago, and most of the contemporary ones are made of iron and steel. But the wolverinemen are also proficient in goldsmithing and silversmithing, which has brought them much fame. Their simple jewellery, usually made from mundane or precious metals and adorned with more mundane gems (malakhite, garnet, volcanic glasses, etc.), is a well-respected and well-selling good that provides them with a fairly solid income. In addition to hunting, they also herd reindeer and elk, fish with harpoons and rods (sometimes utilising simple canoes and monoxyls) and trade with furs and bone or tooth trophies. Some tribes and polities of wolverinemen even establish their own fur farms and fish-raising ponds and dykes. Outside of flax growing and the occassional growing or trading of herbs and lichens as spices for their meaty diet, the wolverinemen don't really have a settled agriculture in the traditional sense. The wolverinemen of other landmasses tend to be different in customs and material culture and are often more prehistoric or archaic in this regard. Though wolverinemen trade with humans from near and far - especially via human channels like the nomads of northern Metsämaa - there has always been a degree of tension, friction and distrust between them and humans (particularly mining prospectors from abroad). Some other species of beastpeople don't have it easy either. It doesn't help that the wolverinemen consider most of their mustelid cousins to be "wimps and weaklings, pampered by the use of modern technology". Many individual wolvermen use patronymic-style surnames, rather than true family or clan names, utilising "-narf" as a suffix for sons and "-núar" as a suffix for daughters. E.g. "Harvenarf = son of Harve", "Harvenúar = daughter of Harve". \\ |
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| __Real world frame of reference:__ While it would be a bit of an oversimiplification, most of the wolverinemen of the Aporue continent could be described as somewhat similar to the Norsemen/Vikings of late Antiquity and the early Middle Ages. However, they are distinctly land-bound and have little interest in maritime matters. Their overall culture also has many parallels to the real world's Paleoasiatic peoples and even Greenlandic Inuits. In political matters, some of the wolverinemen have a Scandinavian-style proto-nobility of sorts, while others use a more peasant-centered system of governance. This latter system is somewhat comparable to Iceland during the Icelandic Commonwealth era, with rather democratically-styled public council meetings and rich peasants and landowners in lieu of actual nobility. The nomadic human tribes of northern Metsämaa who the wolverinemen share some technology and customs with are comparable to real world Saamis, a.k.a. Lapplanders. The wolverinmen of the more distant landmasses are, expectedly, something of a northernly Native American analogue - in the mold of Inuits, Yupiks, Aleutians, Tlingits and Nootka.\\ | __Real world frame of reference:__ While it would be a bit of an oversimiplification, most of the wolverinemen of the Aporue continent could be described as somewhat similar to the Norsemen/Vikings of late Antiquity and the early Middle Ages. However, they are distinctly land-bound and have little interest in maritime matters. Their overall culture also has many parallels to the real world's Paleoasiatic peoples and even Greenlandic Inuits. In political matters, some of the wolverinemen have a Scandinavian-style proto-nobility of sorts, while others use a more peasant-centered system of governance. This latter system is somewhat comparable to Iceland during the Icelandic Commonwealth era, with rather democratically-styled public council meetings and rich peasants and landowners in lieu of actual nobility. The nomadic human tribes of northern Metsämaa who the wolverinemen share some technology and customs with are comparable to real world Saamis, a.k.a. Lapplanders. The wolverinmen of the more distant landmasses are, expectedly, something of a northernly Native American analogue - in the mold of Inuits, Yupiks, Aleutians, Tlingits and Nootka.\\ |
| __Varieties or races:__ They are actually two biologically distinct species. | __Varieties or races:__ They are actually two biologically distinct species. |
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| Two different species, but with the same general basis and culture. Look like humanoid versions of their animal namesakes. Some external nicknames they've gained include "Crustfolk", "Crusties", "Crays", "Shellers", etc. They live along certain seacoasts of various landmasses, including the RP's story-relevant landmass. Lobstermen and crabmen usually utilise coastal caves as shelters and settlements, be they flooded or accessible on dry foot. Despite what many naysayers claim, their material and artistic culture is not all that primitive - they are capable of making simple tools from stone, bones, seaweed and driftwood, and their geometrically-themed cave paintings and rock carvings definitely betray a deeper and more spiritual form of creative sapience. Unlike other sapient spieces of the setting, their language is very alien in its articulation and structure (and also actually rather uncomplicated when compared with the languages of other species). Their livelihood is very sea-focused: They hardly ever venture beyond the beaches, cliffs and caves of the seacoasts to search for additional sources of nourishment. Fish, molluscs, smaller crustaceans, sea plants and even just plain old seabed detritus is all fair game for them. They are purely hunter-gatherers and do not have any sort of recognisable agriculture, not even domesticated sea creatures or aquaculture (fish-raising). However, several naturalists graced with the chance to study lobstermen or crabmen tribes have discovered that the two species tend to build simple stone water tanks, in which they temporarily store fresh catch, such as fish and tasty molluscs. As already mentioned, these peculiar beings have had a bit of a bad lot for a big chunk of their history. To other species, their language was alien and they were frequently dubbed as hideous and little more than smarter pests. In the past, they were often either hunted as animals (due to not being regarded as particularly sapient or due to being regarded as abominations) or captured and enslaved by other coastal and maritime cultures, particularly the sea branch of the ottermen species. The latter example has led to a lot of lingering tension between the two groups, with many ottermen and many lobstermen/crabmen sharing mutual prejudices and fears towards each other even to this day. In the olden days, many ottermen slavers and nobles regarded lobstermen and crabmen as little better than thinking livestock that constantly chirps and clicks a string of unintelligible gobbledygook. Chances are, when an otterman and a member of the crustacean beastpeoples meet nowadays, things are bound to get heated or ugly very quickly. The lobstermen and crabmen don't have overly cordial relations with humans either, given the humans' ingrained views of the two species as coast-dwelling humanoid game, or catch-stealing, coast-squatting monstrosities. Presently, though most places have banned the enslavement and hunting practices of the past, the lobstermen and crabmen are still not welcome with open arms by others, and thus tend to mostly keep to themselves. Some are more eager to do so than others - certain tribes are so infamously paranoid and distrustful of other sapient species, that they attack (and often even kill) their tresspassing members on sight. \\ | Two different species, but with the same general basis and culture. Look like humanoid versions of their animal namesakes (though lobstermen use four legs for standing and walking, making them somewhat centaur-like in body shape). Some external nicknames they've gained include "Crustfolk", "Crusties", "Crays", "Shellers", etc. They live along certain seacoasts of various landmasses, including the coasts of Aporue. Lobstermen and crabmen usually utilise coastal caves as shelters and settlements, be they flooded or accessible on dry foot. Despite what many naysayers claim, their material and artistic culture is not all that primitive - they are capable of making simple tools from stone, bones, seaweed and driftwood, and their geometrically-themed cave paintings and rock carvings definitely betray a deeper and more spiritual form of creative sapience. Unlike other sapient spieces of the setting, their language is very alien in its articulation and structure (and also actually rather uncomplicated when compared with the languages of other species). Their livelihood is very sea-focused: They hardly ever venture beyond the beaches, cliffs and caves of the seacoasts to search for additional sources of nourishment. Fish, molluscs, smaller crustaceans, sea plants and even just plain old seabed detritus is all fair game for them. They are purely hunter-gatherers and do not have any sort of recognisable agriculture, not even domesticated sea creatures or aquaculture (fish-raising). However, several naturalists graced with the chance to study lobstermen or crabmen tribes have discovered that the two species tend to build simple stone water tanks, in which they temporarily store fresh catch, such as fish and tasty molluscs. As already mentioned, these peculiar beings have had a bit of a bad lot for a big chunk of their history. To other species, their language was alien and they were frequently dubbed as hideous and little more than smarter pests. In the past, they were often either hunted as animals (due to not being regarded as particularly sapient or due to being regarded as abominations) or captured and enslaved by other coastal and maritime cultures, particularly the sea branch of the ottermen species. The latter example has led to a lot of lingering tension between the two groups, with many ottermen and many lobstermen/crabmen sharing mutual prejudices and fears towards each other even to this day. In the olden days, many ottermen slavers and nobles regarded lobstermen and crabmen as little better than thinking livestock that constantly chirps and clicks a string of unintelligible gobbledygook. Chances are, when an otterman and a member of the crustacean beastpeoples meet nowadays, things are bound to get heated or ugly very quickly. The lobstermen and crabmen don't have overly cordial relations with humans either, given the humans' ingrained views of the two species as coast-dwelling humanoid game, or catch-stealing, coast-squatting monstrosities. Presently, though most places have banned the enslavement and hunting practices of the past, the lobstermen and crabmen are still not welcome with open arms by others, and thus tend to mostly keep to themselves. Some are more eager to do so than others - certain tribes are so infamously paranoid and distrustful of other sapient species, that they attack (and often even kill) their tresspassing members on sight. \\ |
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| __Real world frame of reference:__ Granted, these two species are quite out-there and outwardly alien, but I think it's a fair comparison to call them a crustacean equivalent of Neanderthals. As noted above, their tech and culture is something of a sea-themed version of the real world human Paleolithic.\\ | __Real world frame of reference:__ Granted, these two species are quite out-there and outwardly alien, but I think it's a fair comparison to call them a crustacean equivalent of Neanderthals. As noted above, their tech and culture is something of a sea-themed version of the real world human Paleolithic.\\ |
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| ^ **Main category** ^ **Formal name ("-folk" moniker)** ^ **Colloquial names** ^ **Terms for male/female** ^ **Slurs and derogative names** ^ | ^ **Main category** ^ **Formal name ("-folk" moniker)** ^ **Colloquial names** ^ **Terms for male/female** ^ **Slurs and derogative names** ^ |
| | Humans ("Humanfolk") | Bigfolk | Men, Manfolk | Man <nowiki>/</nowiki> Woman | Longshanks, Tallheads, Hoity-toities | | | Humans ("Humanfolk") | Bigfolk | Men, Manfolk | Man <nowiki>/</nowiki> Woman | Longshanks, Tallheads,\\ Hoity-toities | |
| | Humans ("Humanfolk") | (Common) Smallfolk | Rarachs | Man <nowiki>/</nowiki> Woman | Shorties, Imps, Gnomes | | | Humans ("Humanfolk") | (Common) Smallfolk | Rarachs | Man <nowiki>/</nowiki> Woman | Shorties, Imps, Gnomes | |
| | Humans ("Humanfolk") | (Montane) Smallfolk | Permons | Man <nowiki>/</nowiki> Woman | Oremunchers, Lantern-luvvies, Dwarves | | | Humans ("Humanfolk") | (Montane) Smallfolk | Permons | Man <nowiki>/</nowiki> Woman | Oremunchers, Lantern-lovers, Dwarfs | |
| | Humans ("Humanfolk") | Midfolk | Man-Rarachs, Man-Permons | Man <nowiki>/</nowiki> Woman | Hybrids, Half-breeds | | | Humans ("Humanfolk") | Midfolk | Man-Rarachs,\\ Man-Permons | Man <nowiki>/</nowiki> Woman | Hybrids, Half-breeds | |
| | "Sprite" Beastpeople | Newtfolk <nowiki>/</nowiki> Nixfolk | Newties, Nixies, Sprites | Newtman <nowiki>/</nowiki> Newtwoman \\ Nixman <nowiki>/</nowiki> Nixwoman | Piss-swimmers, Toadtongues | | | "Sprite" Beastpeople | Newtfolk <nowiki>/</nowiki> Nixfolk | Newties, Nixies, Sprites | Newtman <nowiki>/</nowiki> Newtwoman \\ Nixman <nowiki>/</nowiki> Nixwoman | Piss-swimmers, Toadtongues | |
| | "Furred" Beastpeople | Hedgefolk | Hedgers | Hedge(hog)man <nowiki>/</nowiki> Hedge(hog)woman | Spikeys, Pricklebacks, Hogs | | | "Furred" Beastpeople | Hedgefolk | Hedgers | Hedge(hog)man <nowiki>/</nowiki> Hedge(hog)woman | Spikeys, Pricklebacks, Hogs | |
| ==== Source ==== | ==== Source ==== |
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| **[[http://www.alternatehistory.com/discussion/showthread.php?p=9730913#post9730913|Sapient Species, Fauna and Flora]]** | **[[https://www.alternatehistory.com/forum/threads/1/post-9730913|Sapient Species, Fauna and Flora]]** |
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| (Last modified 2st October 2014 6:20 PM.) | (Last modified 2st October 2014 6:20 PM.) |
