Difference between revisions of "Firnoy"

Revision as of 16:31, 13 November 2011

Legend holds that in a divine fluke, the Firnoy were created by Zif. Like their maker, they put a great deal of faith in luck. Firnoy are amiable creatures and enjoy celebrations, good food and drink, jokes, and friendships.

Physiology

Firnoy are right short, usually 3′ to 4′ tall. They're often portlier than Men, with bright eyes and slightly pointed ears. Hair, eye color, and skin tone in Firnoy range greatly, but most have curly hair. Their bodies are covered with short hair; humans describe them as "fuzzy". They have a prehensile tail which grows to be as long as they are tall, and to be strong enough to support their weight. Firnoy start to come of age around 20 and are considered adult by 25. Firnoy typically live slightly longer than humans, the oldest said to have been 140 years of age.

Appearance

Firnoy don't usually enjoy jewelry or extravagant colors, but prefer simple and functional clothes and footwear. Many Firnoy laborers wear hats while at work. Adventurers are found wearing light armor and cloaks of wool or cotton.

Personality

Few love a good laugh as much as a Firnoy. Firnoy are even likely to laugh at a great practical joke at their own expense. Most Firnoy have an insatiable curiosity that often lands them in trouble; older Firnoy are seen as busybodies and gossips by youths. Firnoy are easily excited and sometimes quick in speech. Many Firnoy are quick learners and very insightful, especially with age. Their small stature and simple demeanor make them less noticeable in a crowd than a human.

All Firnoy will wager bets on anything convenient.

• "I'll bet ya sixpence the sun don't go down today."
• "You're on!"

Habitat

Firnoy live in cozy wooden and earth cottages grouped into villages and small towns. Firnoy usually abstain from big groups; you'll never find a Firnoy city.

Society

Firnoy typically exist politically within human domains. Their towns are run by a mayor and often a ruling council. Many Firnoy take to farming and animal care, but some enjoy the life of a merchant which goes well with the Firnoy's tendency to collect useless items. Scholars and mages are very, very rare among Firnoy. Thanks to their overwhelming love for culinary delights, Firnoy make the best chefs; it won't be uncommon to find a renowned Firnoy chef in the employ of a human noble. They enjoy fine foods they they either produce themselves or discover from other races. Firnoy have a diet similar to Men, consisting of produce, grain, and meats. They are also excellent beekeepers and bottle the sweetest honey and can produce smooth, rich meads.

Since Firnoy will party at the drop of the hat, the momentous occasions in life are especially good reasons for a crapulous celebration. Firnoy have a Welcoming for the birth of a new child, giant wedding feasts wherein the entire village or town is invited, and a Departing wake for the deceased. Firnoy usually mate for life and many have 1–5 children.

Relations

Firnoy will sometimes travel in small groups of close friends, but occasionally tag along individually with a group of "bigger folk". Due in part to their happy-go-lucky demeanor, Firnoy can get along well with any of the races. Some Men find Firnoy laughable and dismiss them, but others realize what a boon they can be. Vidari and Evengar have no problem with the "little ones" (but some may find them rash) — Evengar themselves being only slightly taller than Firnoy. Malign Apsarava consider Firnoy as little more than an annoyance, but moral Apsarava find them amicable comrades.

Motivations

The curiosity of Firnoy is probably the driving force behind leaving the village. Their goals range from the simple (perform the greatest prank ever, throw parties to be remembered) to the nigh-unattainable (find the Rapier of Zif). Firnoy adventurers would delight in any goal which would result in a hearty laugh or a great celebration.

Max Caps

• Muscle 8
• Agility 12
• Presence 8
• Insight 12

Powers

• Lucky Stiff: Firnoy have supernatural good luck. A Firnoy can spent 2 MP to add a +1 bonus to any roll. This takes no AP to perform.
• Tall Tail: Firnoy have a prehensile tail, which is as long as they are tall. They can use it as a strong extra limb, but it's not well suited to wielding weapons. It also gives them a +1 bonus to Gymnastics when balance is involved.
• You Must Be This Tall to Ride: Firnoy, because of their small stature, cannot ride horses effectively (though ponies or donkeys serve just fine) and cannot wield certain large or difficult weapons with ease. For instance, a human scythe would be too much for a Firnoy, but if one were constructed Firnoy-size, that would be just fine.
• Natural Shepherds: Firnoy take to farming and herding even more so. They receive a +2 bonus to Animal Control checks both on domestic and wild animals.
• Prodigious Fencers: When using rapiers or daggers, which are well-suited to the Firnoy's stature, they receive a +1 bonus on rolls involving the weapon skill (e.g. Parry, Attack, Disarm). They say that a little of Zif's skill with the light sword made its way into their blood.