Hulder
Hulderfolk are physically the smallest of the human races, and yet are one of the most resourceful. Though they tend to be underestimated by other races, their small size makes them particularly good spies, scouts, and guerrilla warriors. Hulders have a natural Geopathy. They often live in dug-out in homes just below the ground, though some have been known to live farther underground in places where there are natural cave systems. They are particularly good at digging, even without shovel and pick; their small hands have hard nails that make quick work of moving dirt. Hulders are able to dig a hole in soft soil large enough to fit themselves inside in less than 15 minutes.
Socially, Hulders are often taken advantage of by other cultures in Wessa. At various times they have been enslaved, including by the ancient Elvani and northern Jotun. Many live a primitive existence apart from other races. Wherever they are found among people other than their own kind, they are poor and disadvantaged, living in slums and ghettos. Whether found in the wilderness or urban areas, they are often mistreated and taken advantage of.
GREMEN "CLAYFOLK" CULTURE: The most common type of Hulderfolk are known as Gremen (pl.) -- which comes from the literal descriptive phrase "Grey Men." Originally found throughout the continent of Wessa, they are only found in great numbers in the north, living in the same rocky lands as the Jötun people, who often use the Gremen as slaves and workers. Like Ogrim, they generally have grayish blue skin with black eyes and their hair is dark and wiry. They tend to wear rough clothing and animal furs, in addition to items they have scrounged from others. Their unlimited infravision allows Gremen to detect heat in the infrared spectrum, even in complete darkness. Though capable farmers and foragers, when living near the habitations of other races Clayfolk are not above stealing supplies and foodstuffs on a regular basis. This tends to give them a negative reputation among outsiders. They can be encouraged to fill their needs elsewhere, if given proper respect.
GNUMEN "HILLFOLK" CULTURE: The Gnuma (NOO-mah) are little people who share a mixed ancestry combining the Hulder, Kian, and Düergun peoples. When rolling a Gnuma character, +1 is added to STR and STA over and above that of the average Hulder character. Much more like the Düergun with regard to social and cultural interests, Gnuma live in homes just under the surface of the ground. They have an instinctive Geopathy, and can be quite skilled as miners and gem-cutters. Gnuma are best known for their skill in the construction of mechanical devices and technical instruments, unknown to other races (including clocks, eye-glasses, music boxes, etc.). Gnuma have fair skin and slightly pointed ears. Their curly hair is brown, blonde, or rust, and their eyes range in color from brown to blue to hazel; men wear beards with no mustache. The most distinguishing Gnuman feature is their nose, which is usually quite large.
FEAR'DARAG "RAT-FOLK" CULTURE: A unique example of Hulder sub-groups includes the rat-folk known as "Fear'darags," found in the city of Eisothos (aka Port Hansra). In the Age of Epiphany they were genetically altered from more typical Gremen people of Wessa by the Elvani fae to serve as subterranean workers in the city's flood control and sewer system. Programed for obedience and servitude, these hulders continued to exist well into latter ages. They were physically altered with traits similar to those of rodents, with an extended muzzle and sharp teeth, and rat-like tails. In this regard, they might be considered a type of androtherion (beastman) creature.
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