Umbaldes
A race of nomadic traders within the Greylands who have cultivated a careful neutrality, and thus, travel between the various Greylord domains.
General Appearance
Physically the Umbaldes seem to take traits from several creatures. Their main bodies are insectoid or arachnoid in appearance, and each of their six limbs end in four digits: three on one side opposite the fourth, each capped by a curved claw. They possess long necks upon which an elongated, somewhat reptilian head sits.
They all possess a pair each of extended, highly-mobile ears and small, emerald green eyes with a pale white nictitating membrane. Skin flaps cover their nostrils as a means to keep out dust during plains storms, theoretically carried forth from when they were mere animals rooting their heads into a prey's burrow. Males have a number of fleshy tendrils hanging from their muzzle, which they often decorate to demonstrate their standing and wealth.
A thick mane grows along the back of their abdomen. While their skin is mostly some shade of gray with a hint of blue, the dorsal fur naturally runs white, gray, and black. Most Umbaldes prefer to stain their fur in bright colors, as well as use similar bright colors in their tattoos. Some manufacture an elaborate ink made from a special fungi found only on specific Gebharik, used to create runes and tattoos which faintly glow under certain conditions.
Culture and Heritage
The Umbaldes are one of the sources of long-distance trade and one of the easiest sources of knowledge, all for the right price. While seemingly very open and friendly, the Umbaldes hold many secrets from outsiders, one example being they are fully aware of the locations of the Gebharik at all times. It is with complete assurance they travel alongside and between the Moving Groves.
These traders avoid using names and avoid asking for an outsider's name. They instead use descriptive and flowery titles when dealing with others. It is considered a grave insult if an outsider learns and uses an Umbaldes name without their knowledge and consent. A being's true name is important; to give one is a sign of trust or submission. An outsider openly using a name is either a fool or insulting an Umbaldes. Some less scrupulous Umbaldes clans will use titles to obfuscate themselves from reprisals for past misdeeds.
It is due in part to their small size and ineffectiveness at physical labor—coming up just to the knee of an average Malok—that as a whole the Umbaldes escaped the Greylords’ attentions as a slave race. Freeborn Malok (See Lhuk) are often employed for security and labor by this smaller race. These mercenaries can find themselves adopted as almost family to the Umbaldes. The Umbaldes are capable of their own defenses as well, but tend to favor tactics that rely on misdirection and the keen application of poison.
Umbaldes evolved from scavengers, and this utilitarianism is still evident in some of their traditions. One such tradition is the eating of their own dead. To the Umbaldes, it is an honor to eat the dead as it keeps the deceased “alive” as part of a living body. Some even suggest that they evolved from parasites that lived on the backs of Gebharik.
Magic
While Umbaldes do practice magic, it is primarily tied into their religious views which surprisingly mirror many Miurag druidic traditions. They have an intricate system of runes through which they channel much of their magic. These runes are often found in many of their items. It is with this realization that one might get an idea of how subtle their use of magic can be. Patterns in their apparel alongside those placed in their surroundings can add a subtle “push” without an active casting; they create channels through which magic can simply flow. The Umbaldes do not teach outsiders their magic though some honored outsiders might be gifted items that utilize their runes for a minor effect.
Umbaldes tattoo their throats with lifelong contracts, the idea being that to go against a deal is to relinquish the contract and thus forfeit their life. Most do not wear more than harnesses to carry items as well as to display badges defining their standing and deeds among their kin. Such trinkets are often lavishly decorated and include small bits of their rune work. How an Umbaldes wears such medals can mean much about each one's significance as well as the power they may be channeling.
This race features in Tales of Miurag: Death.
Something Extra
Patreon exclusive content: Added secret and insight about the Umbaldes.
The Greylands
Appearance
Small, six-limbed, furry Nexus trader
Lifespan
unknown
