The bilnarko are a race of humanoids that dwell in mountains throughout the world. The look like very ugly humans, with an unbelievably muscular upper body and a relatively small lower body. They average slightly taller than a human (60 + 5D4 inches for males, 55 + 5D4 inches for females) but weigh a great deal more (300 + 10D10 lbs. for males, 300 + 8D10 lbs. for females). Bilnarko may live for a few centuries (250 + 5D10 years) and do not show the signs of aging. Their skin is usually tan or light brown in color, and they have brown hair and eyes.

PERSONALITY:

Bilnarko have a great fear of large crowds of people, and will seek to avoid them at all costs. They also have an ancient fear of vast open spaces, such as plains or the ocean. When forced to travel across such areas, bilnarko suffer a -4 penalty to all dice rolls.

The bilnarko believe that neutrality is the balance that all people should strive to attain. Most bilnarko will be neutral in some respect. Bilnarko respect strength and physical prowess, but are not easily impressed by wit or cunning. They feel that such things are the weapons of a weak individual. Even bilnarko thieves will tend to be very daring and bold.

LIFESTYLE:

The bilnarko live isolated from the world, nestled in tiny mountain regions. They are not very well known and will almost always be mistaken for humans. In their homeland, the greatest warriors are given the greatest power. Despite their barbaric nature, the bilnarko are quite advanced and have mastered the art of making steel weapons of great quality.

TOOLS & TECHNOLOGY:

Bilnarko, particularly those who live in cold climates, have a few specialized tools and weapons. They tend to use typical oriental weapons and equipment as well.

When selecting armor, bilnarko favor hide or leather to other forms of protection. They see metal armor as a weakness and refuse to wear it. They refuse to use shields for the same reason.

Hornspike: (Damage 1D6/1D8, Speed 4, Type B/P) The hornspike is a weapon and musical instrument used by the bilnarko of cold climates. It consists of a single Buffalax horn (sorry, buffalax is a buffalo-like creature of the arctic; it'll be in the bestiary) that has been sharpened and has had several holes drilled in it. It can be used as a club or a spear, and it can be played almost like a clarinet.

Dragon's Claws: (Damage 1D6/1D6, Speed 2, Type S) These are a pair of glove-like pieces of leather which strap onto the hands. On the back are a set of four 1' long, hooked blades. They can be used as weapons, and the hooked blades aid in climbing (+ 5% per hand).

Dragon's Wings: (Damage 1D4/1D3, Speed 4, Type P) Dragon's wings consist of a pair of inverted bat-wing shaped blades. They are thrown like daggers.

Hookstaff: (Damage 1D6/1D8, Speed 6, Type S) A hookstaff is a short naginata, about 3 feet long, with a two foot blade at one end and a metal hook at the other. The blade can be used to slash an opponent while the hook can dismount riders or it can be used to grab and throw footmen, judo-style.

Hut Cloak: This is a heavy, oversized cloak made of buffalax fur used by bilnarko of cold regions. There are a set of poles strapped to each side of the cloak. At night, the cloak can unfold and be propped up with the poles to form a simple one-man hut. It is not particularly sturdy, but it is very warm.

GAMING NOTES:

Attribute adjustments: +2 to strength, dexterity, and constitution; -2 to intelligence, -3 to wisdom, and -4 to charisma.

Special Abilities: 60 foot infravision, +1 to save vs. rod, staff, wand, spell, or poison for every 3 1/2 points of constitution, natural AC of 8, naturally ambidextrous, heals 50% faster than normal, get mountaineering and tracking as bonus proficiencies.

Special Disadvantages: Fear of large crowds, fear of open spaces, cannot wear metal armor or use shield, refuses to use a mount.

Proficiencies: Agriculture, Animal Lore, Blacksmithing, Bowyer/Fletcher, Hunting, Leatherworking, Survival (mountains) and Weaponsmithing.

Class Options: Fighter (no limit), Ranger (limit 12), Cleric (limit 10), Thief (no limit)