Dengen

The **Dengen** are a race of bipedal humanoid creatures with a strong affinity to woodland regions. The Dengen are known for their gentle nature and similarity in belief as elves, though Dengen are largely adverse to violence. Dengen are some of the only advanced races considered herbivores, and cannot consume meat. This likely has contributed to their conflict-adverse natures.

## Origins

Dengen are mist likely either related to humans, sharing many similar traits in appearance. They also seem to share commonalities with apes, and the term Dengen is thought to be derived from dwarven words meaning "upright forest ape". The Dengen have always lived in or very close to forests and woodland regions, and seem to dislike open spaces or barren lands such as deserts or the sea.

## Characteristics

Dengen share many characteristics that are associated with apes and humans, though are distinct in their own ways. First and foremost, they are not omnivorous creatures, being herbivores. This is one reason their integration with larger societies has become difficult.

### Height and Weight

Dengen are slightly larger than humans, averaging heights between 5'8" and 6'5". Their average weight range is between 160 to 240 pounds. Males and females are of relatively similar height and weight, and it seems the variance comes more from diet and location rather than gender.

### Physical Appearance

Dengen are described by humans to be large, having bigger heads and builds by comparison. Their faces are often round and bulbous, and all dengen have relatively thick hair that covers their bodies and most of their head. Their faces, hands, and feet are less hairy, and their skin can be shades of grey, orange, or tan. Many male dengen have noticeable facial hair and bushy eyebrows, while the women are unable to grow long or thick facial hair.

### Lifespan

Dengen age slowly, and reach peak physical maturity between 24 to 26 years of age, and are considered adults when they reach the age of 40. Dengen live, on average, 180 years. Some have been known to live much longer, and the oldest Dengen in recorded history was 250 years old.

### Diet

Dengen are herbivores, an unusual trait among most known races as a majority are omnivorous. Dengen forage through the woods for fruits, berries, nuts, and vegetation. A favorite of the dengen is mushroom and other fungi. Dengen have taken a strong liking to tea, a ubiquitous import and export of their society. Dengen are not known for their cooking skills, though are not adverse to well prepared meals, typically preferring elven meals to that of most races. Dengen are curiously allergic to some alcohols, such as beer or ale. The effects are various, but typically life threatening only if consumed in a higher than normal quantity. Wine seems to be a safe drink for Dengen, as well as some spirits and strong drinks.

## Races of Dengen

Dengen are largely uniform in their appearance and behavior. Not much changes aside from slight color variation depending on the region and type of woodland they settle in to. As a general trait, Dengen that originate from colder climates tend to have thicker hair than that of Dengen originating in warmer, hotter climates.

### Woodsen

The Woodsen are Dengen who live in areas of little tree cover. They are the only Dengen who are not outright bothered by wide open spaces, and are more likely to travel away from home. They indulge in many civilized customs, and are the main Dengen race that are accustomed to currency. Woodsen Dengen are more tan or red in appearance, with hair that takes on more brown coloration.

### Tressen

Tressen are Dengen who prefer temperate forests and jungles. They live among trees and tree roots, slowly shaping dwellings with respect to the natural forms of the trees. They have been known to commune magically with nature and use that magic to shape the land around them in a mutually beneficial way for both Dengen and plant. They generally frown upon technology, with strong beliefs in the necessity of nature's simplistic design. They frown upon using refined metals and tools crafted without the consideration of the natural order of things. They tend to have slightly greener hues in their dark hair, and light brown or grey skin tones.