Shobhad

SHOB-had

The Shobhads are a race of giant, four-armed, monstrous humanoid creatures native to the planet Akiton. Living in their rugged clans, known collectively as the Shobhad-neh, the Shobhads reject the ways of humans and other soft races(link) in favour of battle and honour.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Grey skin, mostly muscle and four arms.

Ecology and Habitats

Except for in the most rate and unique of circumstances, shobhad are only ever found wandering the deserts of Akiton.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Meat is the preferred diet of the shobhad, as it displays a hunting prowess as well as providing coveted protein for muscle growth.

Additional Information

Social Structure

The shobhad-neh are in a constant state of internecine war over ancient feuds and pecking order.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Most shobhads inhabit the cold deserts and mountains of Akiton, though the rare individual can be found in human cities. In the northern Winterlands(link), Akiton's two polar ice caps, at least two tribes of white-skinned shobhad clans make their home near the ruins of the ancient witchwyrd.

Average Intelligence

Although they have the capacity to think more for themselves, many shobhad are restricted by their traditions and so find it difficult to innovate.

Civilization and Culture

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Actively refuse to speak Common, although some understand it. Most speak Akitonian in a stubborn effort to resist change.

Common Dress Code

When they deign to wear much clothing beyond a loincloth and harness, Shobhads prefer practical clothes like animal hides to protect them from Akiton's brutal winds, though chieftains and shamans wear ornate, brightly coloured ritual garb.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

The Shobhads look down on humans and other Akitonian races, whom they call "the soft races" for giving up combat and hunting for relatively advanced society, which shamefully strips away one's strength. They believe the weak shame their ancestors and are condemned to a nondescript, menial life and forgettable death.

One of the most important sites to the Shobhad-neh is the titanic volcano Ka, the Pillar of the Sky. Here the giants hold an annual Clanmoot to keep a semblance of racial unity. Shobhad braves sometimes take the 'Test of the Mountain'(link those few who survive are said to gain the gift of prophecy.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

They utilise their four arms to wield up to four weapons at a time. Shobhads are often seen wielding huge swords and their trademark shobhad longrifles(link).

History

In ancient times, the ancestors of the shobhads were split into two warring factions. One lived in a state of barbarism as savage nomads; the other favoured magic(link), city-building, and commerce. The civilized people abandoned Akiton to wander the planets and planes and came to be known as the witchwyrd, while the nomads became the Shobhad-neh who remain on the Red Planet.

Genetic Descendants

• Witchwyrd

Origin/Ancestry

The brutish ancestors of the witchwyrds, and grandfather of the kasatha.

Lifespan

55 years

Conservation Status

Sentient beings, and so the killing of one is a murder. Se exceptions exist, such as self-defence.

Average Height

3.7m (12ft)

Average Weight

227kg (500lbs)

Average Physique

Strong, mostly due to their culture and lifestyle.

Geographic Distribution

• Akiton

Related Ethnicities

• Akitonian