B’rohg

Naturally ambidextrous and very strong, b’rohg are highly prized for arena combat. B’rohg are formidable opponents due to their ability to with their four arms. B’rohg prefer to fight with primitive stone weapons, such as spears and clubs, but will use any available weapon. A favored form of attack is wielding clubs in the lower two arms and long spears in the upper arms. While most younger b’rohg favor an all-out, 4-weapon attack, some older b’rohg prefer to pad their lower two arms and use them as shields, thus “equalizing” the match. Using Because of their lack of intellectual development, b’rohg have never mastered the use of missile weapons other than those which can be thrown. There will be a dominant male leader present in any group of six or more b’rohg. The leader brings his battle savvy into play, directing the combat actions of his warriors. When a leader is present, the b’rohg are more likely to set ambushes for approaching enemies rather than conduct a simple frontal assault. Also, b’rohg under the command of a leader will turn and run after losing two of their original number. Otherwise b’rohg tend to fight to the bitter end.

B’rohg are a throw-back to simpler times. They are nomadic hunters and gatherers who continue to live within a primitive culture primarily because of their low intelligence. A b’rohg child taken and raised in a human community is unable to comprehend anything but primitive concepts; his lack of intelligence makes him unable to excel. B’rohg live in small bands comprised of 1-4 family units called cliques. Family units consist of one male, one or two females, and generally no more than four total offspring. Males are dominant within the family structure, but tasks within a band are accomplished by the most capable member regardless of gender. The strongest in the band are primarily hunters, while the older, weaker members and the children are gatherers and water bearers. B’rohg have yet to master fire, but are not afraid of it; in fact, they are often attracted to it if they see the distant glow. B’rohg are scavengers, and their clothing often testifies to this fact. When clothed, they combine animal skins with “found” or discarded scraps of clothing and armor. B’rohg typically live to be 80 years of age but seldom do because of the harshness of their environment and a high mortality rate among their young. B’rohg do not understand the concept of death and tend to leave things that do not exhibit signs of life alone. An exception to this is seen in combat, where they may repeatedly strike a dead opponent just to make sure it does not arise later. B’rohg will eat the flesh of other races, but are not cannibalistic; they do not consume their own kind. Neither suspicious nor superstitious, b’rohg are reactionary when magic is used in their presence. Depending on previous experiences with spellcasters, the creatures may be awed or angered. When encountering magic for the first time, their reaction tends to be one of curiosity (until the spellcaster’s intent – malevolent or benevolent – has been established). Their nomadic lifestyle calls for periods of movement followed by periods of rest. While on the move, the adults carry the few belongings they have and their children in simple sleds made from skins or leathers stretched across a triangle of wooden poles. Each adult drags a single sled across the ground to the next temporary settlement. Once in an area fresh for further hunting and gathering, the group settles down, forming small hovels out of their sleds and additional skins. Where possible, the hovels use existing rocks and crevices to serve as walls or additional rooms, respectively. When under the direction of a dominant male leader, the group selects an easily defended position over any others.

B’rohg do not directly contribute to the social or economic well-being of Athas, as they neither create nor produce any raw materials or refined goods. They are, however, top draws at gladiatorial arenas, although they seldom benefit from their victories. Some captive b’rohg are too stupid to attempt to escape, while others die in their mad flight from the sorcerer-kings’ cities. B’rohg are sometimes “seduced” into gladiatorial slavery by being tempted with sweetmeats, fresh cold water, and a variety of simple yet enticing “luxuries.” However, this seduction is the exception and not the rule, as most b’rohg are sought out and overcome by shear force of numbers before being taken into slavery. Few people have ever made lasting friends with a b’rohg. Due to their limited intelligence b’rohg seldom remember friend from foe for any length of time.