Don't get on a Gallopini's bad side. No, they're not any meaner than any other, it's just a rude thing to do. Also, a Gallopini lands a brutal punch.

— Bonnie Appetit, Culinarian Explorer

A close relative to the graceful Trottelini, Gallopini are a large, striking race of Tauric Folk
with cascading pasta manes that sway with every powerful step.

General Location: Chaff
Population: Low
Lifespan: 150-200 years
Size: 6'-7', Medium

-Playing A Gallopini-

Health: 2d6 + Con Bonus

Gallopini are a naturally tough, Medium sized lineage.
Once per day, they roll Blessed on Prowess checks.

Speed: 50ft

Noodling Around Culinaria

Physical Pastabilities

Naming Traditions

Family Names: Alfredon, Marinarus, Pestonus
Given Names: Farrbio, Orzon, Ravion, Zitius

Gallopini are imposing beings with thick humanoid bodies, bull heads, and long flowing manes of pasta ribbons. Adults stand 6-7 feet tall with sturdy muscular frames weighing 600-800 lbs.

Garnishings

A Gallopini’s mane and tail are composed of thick, prehensile pasta that grows continuously. Hair ranges wildly—spaghetti strands, penne ridges, bowties and more. The mane is a point of personal pride, with braiding indicating milestones completed.
Gallopini experience three growth phases. Soft semolina strands sprout around 10 years and must be shielded until densifying into wheat strands by 30. Full manes with decorative possibilities appear by 60, marking the adult phrase of life. These manes remain strong until around 150, when increasing frailty necessitates mane trimming each decade.

Tagliatongue

Through manipulated vocal chord vibration, Gallopini can generate a complex language of hums, grunts and lows at frequencies below standard hearing range. Linguists speculate ancient Gallopini developed Tagliatongue as a way to issue commands, coordinate herd movement or warn of threats across vast distances when roaming beyond visual contact. This subsonic speech eventually evolved into a fully nuanced tongue.
The inability for other races to eavesdrop makes Tagliatongue an extremely secure method to exchange sensitive information, discuss strategy, or mislead enemies on battlefields. For most Gallopini, casual Tagliatongue supplements but does not supplant traditional speech. Yet subtle lowing underscores herds at markets, betrothed couples murmuring affections, or respected village elders issuing sagely guidance.

Famous Gallopini

Zitia Marinarus

This Gallopini Tea Witch served as Royal Tea Master for six decades. When the dastardly Lord Lactan poisoned Grand Pâtissier-General Risotto’s royal banquet broth, Zitia sensed the toxin’s source and saved the kingdom from turmoil. Although she passed away nearly a century ago, her statue was purchased by Pappa Farfelle and displayed in the window of Farfelle & Sons to keep her in memory. Legends spread that visiting Zitia and commiting her name to memory grants the worthy a Blessing.

While a member of the city militia, Pappa Farfelle’s mane captured dangerous fugitives when he entangled the group until authorities swarmed the scene. The Mayor honored Pappa’s bravery with a key to the city wrought in gold penne. Pappa retired from the militia to open his long-awaited restaurant Farfelle & Sons, which serves his signature purple basil corn gnocchi in rich scampi sauce alongside Culinaria’s finest ales. His two sons help manage the bustling, beloved eatery in downtown Grainspire.

Pappa Farfelle

Holy Cannelloni

Trottelini vs Gallopini

Tracing lineages to the ancient deity Pastauri, divine Gallopini and Trottelini lore holds that ages ago the Titan Tagliatelle emerged from magical gluten depths below the Buckwheat Thickets, breathing life into the first beasts given flowing pasta manes and horns. They maintain a close connection with Pastauri, resulting in many Gallopini following a religious path in life.
Gallopini are renowned for their robust physique and substantial stature. Their shorter legs limit their speed, but provide stability for their powerful physique. Gallopini colors range from pale al dente to a rich bolognese red.
Trottelini present a contrasting morphology, characterized by their tall, slender frames optimized for agility and speed. Typically around 7-8 feet tall, their lean physique reflects an evolutionary adaptation prioritizing swift movement over sheer physical power. Trottelini exhibit a spectrum of vibrant pasta hues from saffron to squid ink black.

Seeking to share pasta’s gift across realms, Gallopini missionary groups left behind the Trottelini and traveled far, spreading their miraculous strands through the joy of scampi song while feeding hungry towns. Centuries passed until yearning for their homeland prompted a great Gallopini migration to the then-empty plains that would become Chaff. Their coming fulfilled ancient prophecies foretelling that once all pasta creatures gathered in one realm, endless abundance shall bless the land. Indeed at their arrival, precious grain burst forth in spectacle ending a great plague. In tribute, Gallopini raised the grateful capital Grainspire on the spot.

Pastauri blesses a range of pasta-based religious orders around Culinaria, with many based in Chaff including:

• Order of Al Dente Devotion
• Basilic Order of Aromatic Blessings
• Order of Pasta Penance

Oat Cakes

These dense and flavorful cakes are a staple food for Chaffian Gallopini. Packed with oats, nuts, and dried fruit, they provide a slow-burning energy source that fuels Gallopini through long days of travel or work.

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup chopped nuts
• 1/2 cup dried fruit
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup melted butter

• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of cinnamon
• Half pinch of ground ginger
• Water or milk, as needed

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking sheet.
2. In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, chopped nuts, and dried fruit.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, melted butter, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix well. If the mixture seems too dry, add a tablespoon of water or milk at a time until it becomes cohesive but not sticky.
5. Form the mixture into small, flat patties and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and firm to the touch.
7. Let cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving suggestion: You can add other spices to the mix, such as nutmeg or cloves, to suit your taste. For a richer flavor, toast the rolled oats in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes before adding them to the bowl.

Of Penne and Gallopini

---

Rigatony dusted off the remnants of his latest journey and adjusted the straps of his trusty pack.

Standing before the familiar storefront of Farfelle & Sons, he marveled at the timeless beauty of Saint Zitia's statue in the window. The pasta-maned saint, with candles flickering at her base, was a symbol of comfort for weary travelers like Rigatony.

His quest for glory had taken him from the frost-dusted peaks to the sweltering spice valleys of Culinaria over the past five years. Despite the acclaim and fortune he garnered, nothing quite compared to the warmth that enveloped him as he pushed open the cheery yellow door. The spicy, garlic-kissed air welcomed him.

"Pappa! I'm back!" Rigatony's voice resonated through the cozy eatery.

"Pasta be praised! Tony, my boy, you've returned!" Pappa leaped over the counter and embraced the younger Gallopini. Tony struggled for a moment before going limp and letting his father jostle him around.

The patrons joined in the enthusiastic welcome, hoisting tankards and urging Rigatony to share his tales. With a hearty appetite, he devoured a heaping platter of Penne Pepperacino. As he savored each flavorful bite, the stories of his adventures spilled out, filling the air with tales of daring escapades and mythical encounters.

Full in both belly and spirit, Rigatony rose from his seat and approached the shrine of Saint Zitia. Bowing his head, he sought the saint's blessing for his next adventure. A sublime glow enveloped Rigatony's pasta mane. The weary adventurer smiled, feeling the comforting embrace of home fortifying him for the journey ahead.

Maybe another bowl of penne first.