The Bestiaries of Déchiré - Kish'pu - The Great Metalworkers

Range: Northern Amarant. Southern Al-Khor. Northern Zairath.

A diminuative race not unlike dwarves, dwelling in and just above the mountain caverns of northern Amarant and Zairath, the Kish'pu are reknowned for their metal-working abilities and the occasional production of faceted jewels. Most have dark complexions and long manes that are worn braided at either side of the head. Their armour, weapons, and clothing - the latter, like that of the Ruj'vaki, mostly of hides and furs - are all highly decorated with jewels, beads, and enamelling. When fabric can be obtained, it is usually extensively embroidered as the last step of garment-making. Most jewelry takes the form of thick, engraved bands of gold, silver, or steel set with faceted stones. A well-worked piece of Kish'pu ornamentation can command a small fortune in the up-lands.

The native lands of the Kish'pu overlap with that of the Yacand'a, and meetings between the two are rarely peaceful. The males are warriors nearly without exception, but many females are capable of defending the home as well. The weapons of choice are spear and shortsword - the former is used in the few areas where range can be gotten, and the latter for close fighting. Armour generally consists of a layer of leather with an overlay of steel, and it is not uncommon to find sets that have had shamanistic magic performed to increase effectiveness.

There is a sub-race of Kish'pu that inhabits the forests of southern Al-Khor. Among the southern Kish'pu, little clothing is worn, and bone and body paint join the complement of personal decoration. Like their northern cousins, they are adept with the spear, but prefer the bow to the sword.

Asunder - The Bestiaries of Déchiré