Kulgeris

The kulgeris (singular: kulgeri, adjectival kulgeric) are a brutish race of reptilian humanoids. They can survive quite happily in any environment: desert, tundra, jungle, swamp, plains, and forest. They're strong, tough, and straightforward. It's said that Traldiv the Dagger in the Night was responsible for their creation. Most kulgeris don't seem to care either way.

Physiology

Kulgeris are ectothermic; they regulate their body temperature via environmental means. They're also pretty big creatures. Females often grow to be larger than males, usually between 7′6ʺ and 8′6ʺ, males between 7′ and 8′. Kulgeris are covered in tough hide, thick scales, and beefy muscles; they weigh in excess of 300 pounds.

Appearance

The first thing you might notice about a kulgeri is the lack of clothing. You'd probably see one wearing armor, but in their downtime, kulgeris shun the concept of clothes. The first reason is their tolerance to temperature extremes. The second reason is kulgeris, being decidedly reptilian, they have no breasts, nor any external reproductive organs, and since their cloaca is hidden beneath the tail, there is no reason for such modesty. That being said, kulgeris enjoy jewelry and such decorations, but their scaly hide is simply too thick for piercings.

Occupations

The kulgeris are heavyweight die-hards at home in any climate. They excel where brute strength is needed: laborers, bodyguards, bouncers, and porters. Their ferocity and stealth make them devastating hunters, assassins, and mercenaries. The kulgeris' distance from the supernatural means that spellcasters are exceedingly rare.

Kulgeris tend to favor simple weapons: primarily spears and bludgeons. In ranged combat, they prefer anything they can hurl with their bare hands.

Max Caps

• Muscle 12
• Endurance 12
• Psyche 8
• Courage 8

Powers

• Big Deal: Kulgeris are taller and heavier than most races. Adults are considered Size 1.
• Cold Blood: A kulgeri's ectothermy grants the ability to operate in extreme temperatures. They can resist hypothermia and hyperthermia much easier than weak, soft-skinned races. They receive a +8 to Stamina checks dealing with hot or cold temperature. The downside is that kulgeris suffer reduced mobility, taking −2 to Dodge, Dash, Gymnastics, and Thievery in such temperatures, but stave off that pesky Knockout.
• With Teeth: Kulgeris have sharp, pointy chompers. A bite attack causes 2 Harm, takes 3AP, and uses the Hand-to-hand skill.
• Germ Warfare: Kulgeris harbor extremely virulent bacteria in their mouths and digestive tracts. This confers two benefits. First, kulgeris receive +4 to Vitality to resist bacterial infection. Second, in addition to the obvious primary damage from a kulgeri bite, bite wounds without proper treatment will become horribly infected (treat as a Level 3 Disease as detailed in the Life and Death chapter). Victims could face gangrene, amputation, and even death (kulgeris themselves are immune to bacterial infection from a kulgeri bite).
• Tip the Scales: The hide of a kulgeri sports tough scales, granting an innate +2 to Guard.
• Stalker: Kulgeric cold blood allows them to all but halt their metabolism. This grants a +2 to Stealth when hiding or sneaking.