The Dirkasso Clans (Fierce Ones, Boneskins)
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       The Dirkasso are a small but fierce race standing about 4'6" to 5'
tall.  They are thin and angular, covered with tough, smooth, bone-white
skin.  Their heads are narrow and resemble a cross between a fish and an
insect.  They have a sagital crest which descents to join their nose, which  
is flanked by two large yellow eyes with slit-irises. Their mouths jut out 
and are filled with sharp yellow fangs.  Over each eye, extending horizon-
tally from the nose along the supra-orbital ridge, is an antena.  These are
stained in different colors and patterns depending on the Dirkasso's clan.
Dirkasso hands and feet both consist of three "fingers" and a "thumb".  These
digits are very long and powerful, and each ends in a curved, retractable
yellow claw.

       Dirkasso are a warrior race.  They enjoy combat and their services as
mercenaries and guards are widely sought.  Dirkasso will rarely back down 
from a fight, but they are not stupid blundering thugs.  Rather, they are
notoriously vicious and cunning, and will often back out of a situation in
order to get back at their opponent later.  Dirkasso do not forget challenges
and insults, though, and they have been known to spend many years concocting
plans to get back at those who have wronged them.
       
       Dirkasso clans exist in small wooden fortress towns (if they are a
jungle tribe) or sod and stone fortifications (if they are plains dwelling). 
Each fort typically contains 40 to 100 individuals, though much larger groups
are occasionally found.  Of the clan members, about 40% are males and 60%
females.  About half the clan members are children (though to call many of 
them children would be a mortal insult).  Marriage is polygamous, with each
male having about 1-3 wives.  Wives are always fought over, this is part of 
marriage ceremony, but the combats are only to first blood, so serious injury
is rare.
       
       Dirkasso are nocturnal hunters.  Their night-vision is excellent and
they suffer only half penalties from anything except complete darkness.  Note
the Dirkasso night vision is not infra-red based, so heat sources are not 
seen any better than other objects.  Because of their strong light-gathering
abilities, the Dirkasso are susceptible to bright light.
       
       Dirkasso are often contemptuous of other races, not understanding 
their lack of combativeness.  But they are not generally disrespectful of
life. In fact, their culture is full of rituals honoring the spirits of dead
game animals and opponents in combat.
       
       The Clans do not know the Secret of Metal, and their weapons and tools
are often made of wood and bone.  Common weaponry carried varies from a spear
and shield to a large two-handed pick.  Bows, spear-chuckers and slings are
commonly used, but only by women as males consider ranged combat distasteful.
