The Gashen (Sand People, Desert Dwellers)
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       The Gashen are very similar to humans, but have developed the ability
to survive in dry environments.  They tend to be short, about 5' to 5'6" tall
on average and have pitch-black skin with silver or white hair.  Their eyes
are usually an opalescent blue-black, but may also be deep green or purple.
Gashen noses are thin-bridged with flaring nostrils and their lips are thin
and sharp.  To humans, this often gives them an arrogant look.  Gashen  
frequently paint their skin with white or beige dyes, either for cammouflage
or simply for decoration.  Occasionally, during open wars, red paint is used
in an attempt to make Gashen forces look more intimidating.
       Gashen live in travelling bands numbering from 20-80.  The bands   
travel desert trails, moving with the seasons.  They spend much of their time
hunting, finding water, and gathering the meager desert plants.  In most 
bands, therre are equal numbers of males and females.  Children are few due
to the difficulty of raising large numbers of them in the harsh environment.
Each band is led by a chief.  Generally, the chiefdom is hereditary, though
occasionally a chief may be challenged and displaced in a ritual wrestling
match.
       The deserts the Gashen inhabit contain a plant called Pyulbarin.  The
gum from this plant contains a powerful hallucinogen which forms part of 
Gashen religious ceremonies.  Gashen bands will sometimes travel to human 
cities to trade the gum for other commodities.  In recent times, some Gashen
have elected to settle in human cities as merchants of this substance.
       Their harsh life has made the Gashen a very hearty people.  They are
able to go for long periods without food or water (half damage or penalties 
for thirst or starvation) and are 75% resistant to all insect, arachnid and
reptile poisons.  Also, they are 50% resistant to all charms, hypnosis and
the like.
       Though they are not actually arrogant, Gashen often seem aloof to
other races as a result of their stoicism and constant alertness for danger.

Pyulbarin:  Chewing on pyulbarin gum first reduces all physical and mental 
abilities to 75% of their normal values.  A second dose will cause catatonia
for about an hour in those not accustomed to the drug.  In those who have
built up some resistance will merely have abilities reduced to half and will
see bizzarre visions and such. The Gashen believe these to have premonitory
value.


