The Beast-Folk of the Merth Peninsula

In studying the various races and species that wander the four corners of this world, I have found a few strange variants. Among the less human-shaped, the more bestial races of the peninsula of Merth. They are as diverse as they are many.

Orcs, green skinned creatures. Though possessing sentience they are primitive at best. Divided among many separate clans ruled by a single clan leader with the authority to make decisions for their fellow clan mates. There is little cultural or technological progress due to their constant wars and feuds with rival clans and other species. Though savage brutes, the species does rival the average human, in terms of feats of remarkable endurance and incredible strength. There have been reports of "orc shamans" but these are the gross exaggerations of the misinformed. Some few orcs may have capabilities that are difficulty to explain, but they are no more complicated than that of the common spider or an Pstrider's ability to spin a web.

The Naga. Some of the more uncivilized races of the peninsula. They are cold-blooded, in both the physiological and psychological sense. These serpent-men prefer sub-tropical and tropical climates, do not take homes but rather wonder their territories before burrowing holes to sleep in at night, then emerging from their lairs at dawn's first light to bask in the morning warmth. The venom of a Naga from information I have gathered is quite potent. A neurotoxin? A trait most common to venomous serpents, the Naga indeed are more akin to devious ambush predators that lay low on their belles in the tall grass, waiting to strike at unsuspecting prey.

Porkmen. A most vile and mysterious race of anthropomorphic pigmen. That is correct. Pigmen. But do not be fooled by their appearance. They are savage, hateful and above all else, completely hostile. These pigmen maintain a deep and fanatical devotion to a mysterious power referred to simply as "the Pork." I do not yet, know the true meaning of this. On another note, information gleamed from the rare Porkmen captive lay claim that their kind once held a vast and mighty empire that stretched far and wide across much of Merth. The assumption that these brutish pigmen held and controlled any thing even close to an "empire" is preposterous; several of my colleges have termed it "nauseous balderdash," and rightly so.

Giants. Giants indeed. Though humanoid, these behemoths tower over most and in terms of both intelligence and culture, they are simple and backward. In general, they tend to be solitary creatures. Sightings of similar beings further inland have pecked my interest. I have not yet determined if they are indeed of the same race, possibly an offshoot population or a case of mistaken identity.

Merth may be home to some of the most foul aberrations, Ogres. In a sinking nest of sticks or the shallow cave of a rocky hillock, and you may meet a small community of these repugnant creatures. Ogres have not the intelligence to communicate and take an almost sadistic enjoyment when mashing intruders into sticky red pulp. They hunt for food and gather necessities, they are also known to prey upon lost travelers.

Indeed, Merth is home to many uncivilized and savage races, and yet the Kittens' Republic of Kanto who's forces now occupy the peninsula have done little to nothing to intercede and deal with the threats present to them. Yes! As we speak, roving bands of savage beasts and monsters still roam the countryside despite statements by officials of the Commewnist Party. Now the question is; Why? Why would the Kittens of Kanto wish not to bring these beasts to heel? The answer is simple and shocking! The Kittens do not wish to bring civilization to their new territories. But why? Yet again, the answer is simple. Because my readers, the Kittens are closer to beasts themselves.