Scaragán
The Scaragán, “the Sundered,” are a Prōlēs race that were originally Fae. These Fae were captives of the original lich Nae’Va and had their very essence warped through Necrotic Magic.
When they were eventually freed from their torture and returned to their respective courts, they were met with disgust and hostility. The “true” Fae found the survivors to be abominations and no longer the kin they once knew. The survivors fled from their former home to build their own village and society. They took the name Scaragán and have been at war with the Fae ever since.
The Scaragán are highly specialized in trades related to war and survival. Scholars believe that they focused their new civilization around industries that used a significant amount of iron as a final declaration that they forsook their Fae heritage.
Types of Scaragán
Below is a list of Scaragán that have been documented by scholars:
Goblin
Goblins are smaller Scaragán characterized by their repulsive features: green / brown / grayish skin, large noses, pointed ears, sharp teeth, and disproportionate limbs. They often wear ragged, simple clothing and favor crudely fashioned weapons or tools. While some are simply mischievous, they can be straight malevolent and delight in tormenting humans, causing accidents, and other sadistic pursuits. They are extremely greedy and covet gold and jewels but are also cowards that can be easily scared away. They prefer to live in dark, confined, or subterranean places such as caves, mines, dense forest or under the foundations of abandoned houses.
Hobgoblin
Hobgoblins are very similar in appearance to goblins; however, they are typically a bit taller, with reddish and gray skin. Hobgoblins also differ in that they have been reported to be more helpful than harmful. Hobgoblins will attach themselves to a home and will “secretly” perform chores for the family overnight such as sweeping floors, polishing silver, or churning butter. They are typically solitary and generally shy and will only turn malicious if insulted, ignored, or if the family tries to reward it with clothing or money. If offered payment, they will leave the household forever, sometimes causing mischief on its way out.
Boggart
Boggart are Scaragán that do not have a fixed appearance and are powerful shapeshifters. Most academics believe that a boggart’s body is not fixed and is constantly in a state of cellular flux and, thus, are considered “unseen.” When someone does observe them, they will appear as anything ranging from a humanoid to a dog, or simply a shadow. They are fiercely territorial which cause them to be mischievous and, at times, dangerous. When hostile, the boggart aims to cause fear, discomfort, and disruption. Its sole purpose is to harass the occupants of its territory.
Troll
Trolls are massive, powerful Scaragán that are widely considered ugly, clumsy, and crude. They have thick, rocky skin, moss growing on them, large noses, and, sometimes, multiple heads or extra limbs. Trolls are nocturnal creatures and studies have shown that skin of the troll reacts poorly to sunlight and, if exposed, will turn the troll into stone. Trolls are, statistically, slow, dull-witted, and easily tricked; however, what they lack in brains, they more than make up in tremendous physical strength. They will really eat anything that is unfortunate to cross their path, but they have a particular penchant for human flesh. There are three troll tribes that have developed over the years: Mountain, Forest, and Water trolls. The largest and most ancient trolls dwell in vast caves and mountains. Smaller, perhaps more bestial and hairier, trolls dwell in deep forest and even act as guardians of nature—albeit savagely. The rarest breed of troll will make its home under bridges or near rivers, laying in wait to ambush those that attempt to cross.
Ogre
Ogres are large, hideous, and monstrous Scaragán that are like trolls but have specific characteristics that define them. Ogres are significantly larger than the average human and are often fat, stocky, and have disproportionately large heads and mouths. They typically have thick, coarse hair, scraggly beards, and skin that is often ruddy, green, and covered in warts and grime. They usually wear rough hides, simple garments, and carry crude, massive weapons like clubs and axes. An ogre’s defining trait is its insatiable hunger. They crave human flesh and have a particular taste for children. Their lairs are often strewn with human bones. Ogres are driven purely by their appetites and, as a result, are incredibly dense and easily tricked. Ogres are commonly found living in castles, houses, or a lair relatively close to human settlements.
Trow
Trow are human-sized Scaragán that are ugly, misshapen, dark, and often have a sorrowful or grumpy appearance. Trow live underground in small, grassy mounds or hills called Trowie Knowes. Trows are particularly known for their love of music and dancing and particularly skilled at composing dirges. They are tricky and prone to mischief and have been known to kidnap people and livestock leaving a sick or wizened changeling in their place.
Kobold
Kobolds are shapeshifting Scaragán that range from helpful to malevolent in temperament. The most common and benevolent kobolds are found living in houses acting as protectors and caretakers of the home and have thus been dubbed “house kobolds.” They are nocturnal workers and will perform chores and bring the household good luck and prosperity based on a delicate and transactional relationship. House kobolds expect a small payment, often a bowl of milk, porridge, or leftovers—left in a specific place within the home. House Kobolds are fiercely loyal but incredibly touchy. If insulted, their behavior shifts entirely and they will wreak havoc by breaking objects, starting fires, and driving the family out or even to death. “Mine kobolds” inhabit underground spaces where they act as the guardians of the earth’s riches. Mine kobolds are tricky and often malicious. They have sometimes led diligent miners to a rich vein; however, they have more often led them to their demise. They cause rockfalls, extinguish lamps, and set up traps within the tunnels. They have a particular fondness for the element cobalt. “Water Kobolds” are less common but can be found on ships or along coastal waters. They help ensure a smooth voyage and assist the crew in keeping the ship safe; however, their mood is fickle. If angered, they would cause storms, misdirect the ship, or puncture the hull.