Morzh

The plural of morzh is morzh. One morzh, two morzh, red morzh, blue morzh.

The Morzh are a humanoid race inhabiting the northernmost parts of Nelwar. They are behind the other races in technology, and have only recently learned to work with metal. They are naturally quite strong, and are not often found outside of their native lands. To give you an idea - most people in cities have seen one but don't see them every day, but most people from small towns have never seen one.

Unlike other races which can procreate whenever they like, Morzh females are in heat once per year. During this time, females excrete hormones that make males very attracted to them.

Morzh also give birth to litters of several offspring, usually 4-6.

Society/Culture

 * Split into loose tribes, each ruled by a chieftain
 * Tribes come together annually in a massive gathering, where the chieftains trade people, like "I'll give you this warrior for your fisherman", etc.
 * Although they have just learned to work metal themselves, they often trade for it with the people of Sordius
 * Also have a presence in cities of other races as slaves - particularly in Sordius
 * Primarily worship a loose panethon of spirit/gods, sort of paganish
 * Often have large circle dances around fires as part of gatherings and celebrations
 * Have ceremonial warpaint that they put on before going into battle

Stats/Basic

 * ST +2
 * Will +1
 * Size Modifier +1
 * Extremely deep voices

Advantages

 * 5pt version of Absolute Direction
 * Amphibious (they can swim well, and see clearly underwater)
 * Breath Holding (2 levels)
 * Blunt Claws
 * Must have either magery or magic resistance - cannot have neither. Statistically, the vast majority of them have magic resistance.
 * Thick skin for +1 natural DR
 * Temperature tolerance - 2 levels, both on the "cold end". Read Temperature tolerance advantage to understand.

Disadvantages

 * Social stigma, they are often slaves
 * Extremely low wealth is common if they come from a background of slavery

Skills

 * Your SM +1 means that you have a -2 penalty to most everything to do with stealth, or hiding in a crowd.
 * Hunting/fishing common in tribal lands