Ducks!

From: bjm10_at_cornell.edu
Date: Wed, 26 May 1999 19:08:08 -0400 (EDT)


Ah, the wonderful, magnificent Durulz (aka Druluz, aka Druulz--it's been spelled all three ways over the years. These are a proud, sensitive people (who bear their young live--they don't lay eggs). For reasons unknown, they have a very close affinity to Death Rune cults (to the extent that, in earlier editions of RQ, they got 3d6 CHA instead of 2d6 if they were initiated into a Death Rune cult--if I remember aright). Their history is mysterious, and they keep many secrets from the larger races.

They are a type of Beastman, there is no doubt of that, and they have great affinity for water, of course. Whether or not they are actually "birds" is under debate, although they appear to have special love for Fire cults or for the Sun, so they might not be descended of the primal Bird in the way that other "avian" creatures are.

While they may look absurd to their larger neighbors, they are a race that should be given some measure of respect--especially when you're walking through a swamp where they tend to have the upper hand (natural swimmers, dontchaknow).

As far as society is concerned, they pretty much keep to themselves, although they appear to have an undying hatred of undead and an almost Orlanthi level of dislike for Chaos.

Other details:

Whenever possible, they live among water, not just on the shore, but within swamps, on the shallows of lakes, etc. Their houses are built on stilts in these cases. Their preferred construction material is the humble reed, and their ability to weave boats approaches the legendary. Indeed, Duck weaving is remarkably strong, and their wicker shields and armor are not to be scoffed at.

They are well aware of their combat shortcomings compared to larger races, and their tactics take advantage of the difference--Ducks rarely travel alone, and they learn to fight dirty. They love entangle weapons (nets, ropes, bolas) and use them to discommode their enemies before closing.

I've got other tidbits, but I have to dig them up.

PS: Keets and Ducks are the same race. Differences are purely cultural. This actually may make them unique among non-human sentient races in Glorantha--their culture isn't genetic!


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