Neanderthal

*“We is people of ice. We is strong and mighty. You is welcome among us.”-Urak, Yeti-Clan.*

*“Sturdy people. Reliable and strong.”-Frizt Keller, Vitteodel merchant.*

*“Look the same as any other human if you ask me.”-Elakas Flowergleam, high elf artist.*

## Physical Description:

Neanderthals do resemble other humans, though larger and more crudely shaped. They tower between seven and seven and a half feet and easily weigh 350 pounds. Females tend to be smaller, though not by much. They have thick chests, overly long arms, sloped foreheads and jaws that jut outward, full of strong, crude teeth. Neanderthals are incredibly hairy, with thick, coarse, black hair covering their limbs, chests and heads. Neanderthals dress in crude furs and pelts, adorning themselves with bone ornaments and simple jewelry. Tattoos, body paint and scars are all common, with value ranging from personal delight to religious symbolism.

## History:

What caused the neanderthals to appear so different from other humans is largely unknown. While neanderthals do have a rich oral tradition, they are largely concerned with the great deeds of tribal heroes instead of their own grander history. Some scholars believe that neanderthals were brought over by mind flayers to serve as beasts of burden. Others think the neanderthals are descendants of humans separated from society and forced to live alone in the icy fields. Whatever the cause, neanderthal tribes exist at present and that is enough for them.

## Geography:

Neanderthals are found primarily in two areas. Many wandering tribes are found in the Great Northern Sheet, where they roam as nomads following caribou and elk herds. Some other tribes take shelter in caves or outcroppings and settle in more permanent locations. The other place is in Druz, where neanderthal tribes dwell in the lawless region between human and frost giant territory. Some go so far as to live among the druzi with the odd town hosting a neanderthal community within.

## Personality:

Neanderthals come off as aggressive, crude and suspicious. In the frozen wilderness where they live, the unknown is very dangerous. Yet among friends, neanderthals are friendly, sociable people, quick to laugh, sing and dance. They love story telling and simple artistic displays, great feasts and wrestling matches. A neanderthal doesn't enjoy more complex activities or cerebral pursuits but will prove excellent friends to those who earn their trust.

## Society:

Neanderthals live in small tribes of six to seven families. This practices holds for both nomads and settled neanderthals. Even those who dwell in human villages try to congregate with other neanderthals. Most are lead by a chief, the strongest or wisest of the tribe, supported by a druid. Each person within a neanderthal tribe has a role to play as survival is the key concern in the frozen regions and there is little mercy for slackers. Even the very young or very old participate in some activity suitable for their age such as sharpening spears or preparing meals. Neanderthals are the definition of work hard play harder and are quick to have celebrations after the day's work is done.

## Religion:

Neanderthals are animists, who believe in the spirits of nature, guardian animals and their honored ancestors. The one God who does hold reverence among the neanderthals is The Green Lord, though they call him "Grandfather Winter." Some neanderthals believe Grandfather Winter was their progenitor, the one who created them to survive in the wilderness where no other men could. Typically druids perform most religious rites for neanderthals. Fire is sacred to the tribes and some view fire itself as a god and offer prayers to its spirit.

## Alignment:

Neanderthals tend to be neutral. There is no time for complicated morality and philosophy when it comes to survival. Still, more are neutral good than neutral evil.

## Relations:

Aside from the druzi, most neanderthals don't trust groups of outsiders as a whole and don't tend to make great deals or alliances. Still, individuals can earn a neanderthals trust and affection. Those who do tend to be rugged arctic dwarves, goliaths, walrusfolk or half-orcs.

## Language:

Neanderthals speak a crude, simplified version of common, though most are illiterate and prefer pictures and illustrations to written words.

## Adventurers:

The rare individual neanderthal is often forced by necessity to become an adventurer. This is usually due to a horrific tragedy such as an illness, accident or violence, or the neanderthal is exiled for some great crime. Those who find an adventuring party can do very well as adventurers, as their wild tales of nature and their friendly personality make them great friends, to say nothing of their great strength and stamina.

### Names:

Neanderthal names are short and primal. Neanderthals put great value on their title, such as tracker and likely introduce themselves with title included. Example "Thok, tracker for the Mammoth tribe." Each also has a tribal name that is typically drawn from a spirit animal for the tribe.

**Example Male names:** Artock, Beskor, Brulak, Garthank, Karlak,Llurg, Orick, Ralagh, Thok, Torak, Urak

**Example female names:** Ayah, Bagdah, Cirah, Drelli, Durana, Illka, Kara, Lana, Magala, Neruh,Onsi, Orili, Zura

**Example Clan Names:** Bear Clan, Mammoth Clan, Wolf Clan, Elk Clan, Yeti Clan, Tiger Clan.

## Racial Traits:

Neanderthal traits are identical to those in Frostburn on page 37, they are included here for convenience.

+2 Strength, +2 Constitution, -2 Dexterity, -2 Intelligence

Medium

Base Land Speed 30 feet

Primitive Weapon Mastery (Ex): +1 racial bonus on attack rolls made with the Boloas, Club, Dart, Greatclub, Goad, Harpoon, Iuak, Javelin, Longspear, Quarterstaff, Ritiik, Shortbow, Shortspear, Sling, Spear, Sugliin, Throwing Axe and Tigerskull Club.

+2 racial bonus on Listen, Spot and Survival checks.

Climate Tolerant (Ex): Neanderthals do not have to make Fortitude saves in environments between -20 degrees F and 140 degrees F. This does not provide protection from actual fire or cold damage. Neanderthals count as having the Cold Endurance feat for purposes of filling prerequisites.

Human Blood: For all effects related to race, a Neanderthal is treated as being human.

Illiteracy: A Neanderthal does not automatically know how to read and write. Must spend 2 skill points to gain the ability to read and write all languages he can speak.

Favored Class: Barbarian

Automatic Language: Common(Neanderthal)/ Bonus Languages: Giant, Orc, Dwarven