Geddemen

The Geddemen are the goat-like inhabitants of the Eropeian continent, and are distinguished by their wooly coats, horns, and cloven feet. They possess humanoid features otherwise, and are considered a distant cousin to dwarves. Standing at an average height of 5'3, Geddemen are not much taller than their dwarvish cousins. A distinct coating of wool covers 75% of their body, excluding the face, hands, and stomach. Their horns grow at an average rate of an inch a year, which inclines them to shaving them down, and has manifested into a form of scarification and stylizing of the horns.

Many Geddemen live in Dwaervi communities, as their cultures vary little in ideals. Many "Goats" prefer small spaces, and appreciate Dwaervish ability to dig burrows. If an underground or cave like residence can be found, they will take this lodging. Some live in larger cities, but in fewer numbers.

History

By the time the first Thritean ships had arrived in Eropei, the Geddeman that called this place home had spread their largest communities through the north, and to the mountain range in the middle of the continent. Extensive stone-worked buildings unlike anything the arriving Thriteans had ever seen, it was well documented in their testimonies of the region:

"The base of the mountain had few homes scattered alongside a path that lead up. It curled and twisted, finely carved from the mountain itself, up to an equally as stunning stone stairway, dug directly up through the mountain. Up we climbed, the stylized artwork adorning this neatly sliced section to the top. A large figure sat amid the smaller depictions, its lower half ending in branches. like a tree. At the top, we found a city unlike any we had seen before. It sat amongst the clouds, and the smoothly carved buildings encircled a spiral stairwell into the heart of the mountain itself."

The Geddeman population of the time was much higher than the current one, although the exact numbers are not known. Large swathes of them lived in these "mountaintop cities" that were an engineering marvel to the Thritic invaders. Unfortunately, many Geddeman fell ill in the following decades, and those that did not, migrated into the Dwaervish communities in the surrounding regions. The architectural stylings of Pillars, archways, and semi-circular designs was adopted by the Thriteans, but whether actual Geddeman architects worked with them is unlikely. Though some cultural exchange did flow in their direction, as around this time the practice of "Fakail Droodeach", known in Common as glyph-making, began. This rich tradition that many still practice today involves the runic inscription of "protective wards" for the wearer, and are usually on the horns. Longer glyphs have been cited on other parts of the body as well using an ink made from local plants. In the hands of a magically inclined person, these glyphs have practical application if simple enough. Tests with the common word for 'shield' or 'ward' have been successful if magically powered, though the strength and duration depend on the caster.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Wool covered bodies(excluding Faces, hands, and stomachs.) Prominent horns(varying shapes) Hooved feet Prominently curved spines, tilted anterior pelvises Slight snout, and protruding, bell-shaped ears. Some Geddeman also possess "goat-like eyes" in addition to these traits.

Growth Rate & Stages

Age 1: Is able to walk, and communicate simply.
Age 3: Able to communicate fluently.
Age 5: Able to read/write, and begins learning to carve stone. Carpentry and art are also taught at this age.
Age 10: Stone-working lessons are finished. Begins to learn Horn carving and ornamentation if they have a talent for it. Otherwise they learn the profession of their parents.
Age 18: After their 18th birthday, the child is sworn by an oath to Civri (the major faith among Geddeman) and given a runic mark denoting their adulthood.
Age 24: Having worked with a craftsmen to learn their trade for many years, or working for another, the Geddeman has the choice of seeking their own enterprise, or perhaps moving to another community in need of their trade.
Age 34: A decade of work, they may decide to sire children, and if a man, will look for a woman. This may prompt a duel with another competing man if their aren't many choices.
Age 44: Having had several children (3-4 on average) the Geddeman will usually begin to apprentice them out to tradesmen, if old enough, or assist the other parent in teaching them the basics of Geddeman society.
Age 44+: Most Geddeman will continue their parenting and craft, most likely teaching their children in the trade they do. Many Geddeman live to the age of roughly 100-120, and will see there own grandchildren plying a trade before dying.

Ecology and Habitats

After their mass integration into Dwaervi towns and cities, many Geddeman make their homes in the subterranean networks of their shorter neighbors. Over the years though, some have began the attempt to resettle the mountainous ancestral homes of their forefathers, to varying degrees of success.

Genetic Descendants