Sagai

in: Races, Vargans

## Introduction

Opportunity flows through the veins of the Sagai. In contrast to the Mac Tirad, who chafe at the encroachment of their human neighbors, these pointy-eared Vargan have taken well to the vast towns and cities of Jazira. Their mostly-nocturnal lifestyle has allowed them to occupy several shadowy niches in society, some usually reserved for riff-raff and criminals. Mercenary work is common among the Sagai, as is poaching, and pedaling scavenged or stolen goods on the city streets. Not all Sagai are criminals or fighters, of course… no matter what the common folk of Jazira would have you believe! Many prominent business owners have been, to the surprise of their associates, one of the particularly talented Sagai. Wherever a clever mind excels, there is ample room for one of these Vargan to make their name known.

## The Basics

* **Other Names:** Vargan
* **Slang:** Animal references are often offensive to beastkin. “Cat Girl” “Dog Boy” and so on are often seen as an insult.
* **Appearance:** The Sagai have long and pointed ears, and are often smaller in size than the Mac Tirad; being shorter than their Mac Tirad counterparts, and possess less mass on their frames. They are most commonly dark furred, with some golden-coated Vargan being found among them as well. A common mistake made by a large majority of people is the mislabeling of a Sagai Vargan as an Arai due to sometimes similar ear shapes.
* **Lifespan:** Upwards of 65 years
* **Height:** 165 cm (5’5”) to 185 cm (6'1")
* **Culture:** Enterprising and opportunistic, these Jazira-centric Vargan doggedly pursue any thrift or opening that leaves them better than where they started. They are renowned merchants, thieves, mercenaries, and scavengers and their usual haunts are found throughout Jazira’s outskirts, upwards near the Simiku forests and in some cases, as far east as Khemet.
* **Common Character Roles:** Thieves, Savages, Hunters, Assassins
* **Common Allies:** The Sagai Vargan often associate with the people they’re surrounded by. Those of Khemet, Jazira and even the Simiku up in the northern part of the lands have been known to work alongside the jackal-like Vargan under the dark of night, usually finding a use for these canine-type humanoids.
* **Common Enemies:** Due to the unfortunate similarities some Sagai Vargan have with that of Arai, it is not uncommon that they have been mislabeled and mistaken as Arai. This is insulting not just to Vargan, but to the Arai as well. The Sagai have also had a history of conflict with those who perceive them as dogs of death, or associate them with the scattered worshippers of Malahkt.
* **Religion:** Sagai Vargan are not known for their religious ways, much like their Mac Tirad counterparts. They’ve been associated with the God of Death, Malahkt, though this is not proven. With as scattered and whimsical Malahkt worship is outside of Khemet, anyone can issue a believable claim towards the God of Death, and even the Sagai themselves in rarer cases have embraced this misconstrued label, claiming the mantle, ‘Malahkt’s Descendents’.
* **Views on Magic:** Having originated in Jazira, a disdain for magic is common outside of Malakht’s priesthood. Given the common accusations and associations the Sagai experience in relation to the Malakht’s cults and followings, the Sagai Vargan have adopted a more liberal use of magic to deter their would-be assailants but it is generally something that is performed in desperation rather than out of preference. It brings too much attention to an otherwise discreet group.
* **Weaknesses:** Sweet Opportunity - Sagai will take risks, perhaps against better wisdom, when given an opportunity to gain something. Get rich quick is always better than working for something.
* **Quirks:** Opportunism; Fleet-footed; Canine Behaviors

## Appearance

The Sagai have canine ears and tails with fur varying in color usually between gray, white and black. They normally dress in tribal fashion though this can culturally vary between the styles of the tribal forest peoples of the Caledonii to having a more Nord-like appearance, though they are incapable of natively doing their own metalwork and so any metal will have either been stolen or traded for. Their eyes often more resemble those of dogs or wolves than men, and can vary in color in the same way those animals can. Their hair is usually black, brown, gray or white.

## History & Culture

Sagai are an opportunistic group by nature. They’re not bound by any code of honor. It’s a sub-group of Vargan who pursue personal advancement to their lot in life, be it through unsavory tasks such as thievery, assassinations, or other mercenary type work. Others are scavengers and con-artists. Due to the perceptions of those around them, these vargan often operate during the late night hours where fewer witnesses can make note of their misdeeds. It’s rumored that they stem from the God of Death, Malahkt, whom they share a measure of visual similarity with. This has not been proven and most Sagai dismiss this labeling, though even that has begun to shift. Malahkt’s growing in popularity amongst the Sagai with times growing harder and the general populace opinion being overtly negative towards the Vargan. All Vargan, Sagai and Mac Tirad both, are known for keeping a lifetime partner. While the Mac Tirad may live out the rest of their days on their own when losing their partner, the Sagai are very likely in moving on from their missing counterparts since they are not as family oriented.

### *Leadership*

There’s no true leadership patterns shown throughout the various groups within the Sagai populace. Authority is poorly received by the Sagai and loyalty is fleeting. Those who proclaim a title of leadership often do not live for long. Only the most cunning survive a long life, doing so of their own wit and experience versus any position of authority which often leads to a premature demise.

## Racial Abilities & Weaknesses

### Nightvision

All beastkin are capable of seeing in the dark.

### Aspect of the Wolf (Sagai)

The Sagai are keen on reading the body language of another, offering them an enhanced sense that allows them to be quicker on their feet in a bid to avoid incoming harm. This gives them an advantage in dodging physical attacks, offering a little baseline bonus to Physical Defense / Dodge, and an even smaller bonus to Dexterity.

### Sweet Opportunity (Sagai)

Sagai will take risks, perhaps against better wisdon, when given an opportunity to gain something. Get rich quick is always better than working for something.