Scribbled in the margin of a copy of Rugadhian History presumably owned by Mordechai
No back room dealer, dissector, or collector could provide me with even the slightest anecdote regarding Rugadhian biology. Too busy cutting up the Krest I’m sure. Such information is crucial.
Firm but gentle, strong but precise, Rugadh are an exacting people who are driven by the common thread of creation. As though something external to themselves, each and every one finds obsession and contentment in perfecting a pursuit of their choosing. Around the continent over they are lauded for their impeccable skills as forge masters, but even within their own Culture of Craft there is more than enough room for less tangible creation.
Appearance
The Rugadh have almost no variance in the tone of their skin; a complexion difficult to pick out from the slate gray rock on which they make their home. They are short muscular people with thick wiry limbs, and long black beards. Their skin has a hardy toughness to it, being thicker than Human and Elvish flesh. Their hands are large but dexterous, allowing for an enviable combination allowing for the capacity to grab coals unprotected, and write with a calligraphers accuracy.
Unique Features
Prepared Passing
Rugadhian’s have a theoretically endless lifespan, most live for around eight centuries but it is common knowledge that many have lived for a millennia or more. When the Rugadh do die via non-violent means it appears to be by a kind of peaceful self-made choice. The passing in this case is referred to as the Codladh an Aoire or Sleep of the Shephard, and is viewed as a kind of material chrysalis to finally join Aoire Sléibhe in the afterlife where the perfection of their craft may continue.
Birth
When a Sochraide who has undergone An Lasc wishes to form a child with her partner she must conduct the necessary ritual from Leabhar na Sochraide. When completed a portion of each of the two partner’s Souls will have been transplanted to a region on either of the individuals1 and a new Rugadh begins to form. When they have formed fully, they drop from their parent’s body and be capable of walking and simple language skills.
Subraces
Footnotes
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It is not uncommon to see non-Sochraide Rugadh carrying the typical hump of a incubating Rugadh ↩