beyond anduin

THE BOZISHNAROD: USING THE CULTURES OF FAR HARAD IN MERP

Mark Thorne: 1327 2nd St, Coralville, IA 52241-2930, USA ([email protected])
Jason Mulligan: 1 Hann St, Mayfield 2304, Australia ([email protected])

Š1996 Mark Thorne and Jason Mulligan; first published in Other Hands 12.

The land of the Bozisha-Miraz (Apy. "Dowry of the Goddess"), known as Far Harad to the sages of Northwestern Middle-earth, lies south of Umbar, beginning somewhere amongst the endless miles of the Dune Sea. While much of the land is indeed desert wasteland, in the center of the nation is an area of relative fertility called the Raj (Apy. "Paradise") due to its position at the mouth of the great Bay of Tulwang. The people of this land call themselves the Bozishnarod (Apy. "People of the Goddess") and are as culturally diverse as they are physically similar. They are an amazingly stable people as well; they live in much the same way that their ancestors have for centuries. Only in the cities do the influences of other places become apparent. The Bozishnarod are considered by many outsiders to be both heartless and cruel, but this is not so. They are actually a pious and honorable people in their own peculiar ways. The religion they follow, the worship of the goddess Ladnoca, unites all the Bozishnarod together. The populations of the Raj can be split into three quite different cultures: the urban populations, the outlying Hillmen, and the desert nomads.

[For more information, read ICE's Far Harad: The Scorched Land. Most of the following information was drawn from the above source and from the Haradrim listing in the MERP rulebook (Second ed.) published by ICE.]

The Bozishnarod (sing. Bozishnorad) are an Apysan people who migrated across the Ered Harmal very early in the Second Age. The above diagram shows how they are related to their northern and southern neighbors. When they crossed the mountains they settled in the Raj, the only fertile region of the Bozisha-Miraz. The Raj is the cultural and agricultural center of the whole region and is located at the mouth of the Rijesha, the river that empties into the Bay of Tulwang.

Languages
As the Bozishnarod are an Apysan people, their native language is Apysaic (abbreviated as "Apy."). However, it is distinguished from the Apysaic spoken by their Apysaic cousins to the south; the Bozishnarod's language has enveloped much Haruze influence over the centuries and is now more properly referred to as Northern or New Apysaic. Among those people living to the north of the Raj, the Haruze influence becomes more pronounced, creating a mixed language which is spoken by most of the northern desert nomads who still reside within the bounds of the Bozisha-Miraz.

As the Adûnaic-speaking Númenóreans interacted with the local Apysan peoples of the coastlands, a common speech known as Ansith (analogous to the Westron tongue of Gondor and Arnor) gradually came into being. It has become the common trade language of Far Harad and all of the coastal lands between Umbar and the Yellow Mountains.

The other main languages spoken by the Bozishnarod are Varadja from Khand, Nûradja from the Nûrniags (an Easterling tribe), and Tazinain from Greater Harad to the southeast. All of them are in use as inland trading languages. They are also the primary language of a few isolated settlements where groups of Variags, Nûrniags, Sirani, or Ayten have established their own communities within the Bozisha-Miraz.

Lastly, some of the Southern or Old Apysaic dialects have come into use along the coasts as trade ties are strengthened with the lands to the south such as Tulwang, Hyarn, Mírëdor, and Drel.

Common Characteristics
Although fragmented culturally in many respects, most Bozishnarod share the same common physical characteristics. These are summarized below.

Build: In general, the people of Far Harad are tall and wiry with sharp, angular features. Men average 190 lbs., and women average 145 lbs.
Coloring: Medium to dark brown skin is the norm; eye color is either dark brown or black. Their hair is black and can either be straight or curly.
Endurance: The Bozishnarod are used to harsh climates and stifling weather. They are not unfamiliar with the desert and its ways; they are able to travel long distances in hot climes without much water and still maintain their endurance level. Naturally, the city dwellers would be less apt at desert travel than the indigenous nomads.
Height: Males average 5'11." Females average 5' 5."
Lifespan: The harsh climate of Bozisha-Miraz takes its toll on the region's inhabitants. the average lifespan is about 45-65.
Resistance: +10 DB and RR bonuses versus heat/fire attacks; -10 DB and RR bonuses versus cold/ice attacks.

URBAN FOLK
The more civilized people of Far Harad live in the area's few cities. However, despite the wide distances which separate these urban centers, there is still a significant amount of cultural similarity among them. Within the cities themselves, there also exists a noticeable cultural shift between the wealthy and poor classes of the population.

Many of Far Harad's city dwellers are of mixed blood, containing elements of blood from the old Númenórean colonists, their lighter-skinned neighbors in North Harad, and especially the Mûmakan to the south. The information below can apply to the inhabitants of the cities of Bozisha-Dar, Bûr Esmer, and Tresti.

The notable exception is the city-state of Tûl Póac on the Ogladalo Vatra (Apy. "Mirror of Fire"); its inhabitants are a mix of the urban and Covshek-pust cultures. They also worship Tûlimi, the Master of Fate and Prophecy, rather than the goddess Ladnoca.

Physical Character
Special Abilities: The lifeblood of Far Harad's cities is commerce. +10 bonus to Appraisal and any activity involving trade.

Culture
Clothing and Decoration: The people of Far Harad dress practically for their location; comfortable, loose garments of light cloth is common garb. One's wealth is usually worn in the fashion of gold rings, bracelets, and necklaces. Reds and golds are more popular colors, although white and black are the most common during everyday life. Headdresses of some kind are also quite common among both men and women. Only the richest can afford true jewelry such as gems.
Fears & Inabilities: None.
Lifestyle: Although often outwardly cold to outsiders, amongst their own the Bozishnarod love laughter, partying, and games both of the mind and of the body. Warcraft is taught at an early age. The skills of commerce and trade are also taught, as commerce is the basis of urban life in Far Harad. The "poor" classes comprise the work force and the merchant class, while the wealthy attend to their own affairs of business and government. Amongst all the classes, family ties are extremely important.
Marriage Pattern: Not strictly monogamous, as the possession of more than one wife is acceptable but terribly expensive. They follow a patrilineal kinship pattern (line traced through the male).
Religion: All Bozishnarod share a common religion, that of the worship of the goddess Ladnoca. This religion serves to bind all the people in a land which would otherwise be fragmented culturally. The epic poem from whith this religion is derived is the Kat Polazaj (Apy. "Story of the Land"). It embodies the moral and judicial code that all the people (generally) strive to live by.

Other Factors

Demeanor: Cheerful, fiery, realistic, calculating, shrewd, fatalistic, and even pious. They possess a peculiar sense of honor and morality strongly tied to their religious doctrines.
Language: Starting Languages: The Bozishnarod speak Apysaic as their native tongue (Rank 5) and the Haruze of their northern neighbors (Rank 3). Most know Ansith, an Apysaic/Westron dialect commonly used throughout the land for trade (Rank 4). Skill Development: Through commerce and trade, they have great opportunity for learning the languages of foreign lands. The languages of Varadja (Rank 3), Logathig (Rank 2), Tazinain (Rank 3; Rank 5 for those living in Tûl Póac) and Adûnaic (Rank 4) are not uncommon in the bustling markets of Far Harad's cities.
Prejudices: The Bozishnarod view all outsiders with some degree of suspicion and mistrust, calling them poganin (Apy. "pagans"). They are especially mistrustful of Dwarves, Elves, and anyone else who appears and acts significantly different from themselves.
Restrictions on Professions: None.

Outfitting Options

Weapons: Scimitar (favored weapon), dagger, composite bow, sword, and spear, and javelin. RM options: Blow gun, longsword, falchion, darts.
Armor: Soft Leather and loose chain are common.
Clothing: Cotton clothing of all types abound, although some silk is available to the more wealthy. Loose clothing is the most practical for the environment; loose tunics and pants are the norm. Tassles and some embroidery is also not uncommon. Gold bracelets, leather boots or sandals, and light cotton headwraps finish up the usual attire.
Money: Money is usually found in the form of goods and personal ornamentation, such as jewelry and gold. Desert amber or gold bracelets or necklaces worth an equivalent of two gold pieces.

Background Options
Normal, 5 background options.

Special Abilities: All available.
Special Items: All available. Usually with fanciful engravings but without gems, etc. Finely-made weapons and armor is not uncommon. Their locale allows them to come into contact with many of the more exotic trading wares of Middle-earth.
Extra Money: Exotic goods or coinage worth 2-200 gp.
Hobbies: Primary Skills: M/M in no armor and chain; 1-H edged, missile, and pole-arm weapons skills; riding, tracking, and stalk/hiding skills; perception; and body development. Secondary Skills: Acrobatics, appraisal, boat-handling, gambling, and trickery. Artistic Skills: Singing, storytelling, cooking. Athletic Skills: Jumping, sprinting, tumbling. Craft Skills: Weapon smithing, gold smithing, fletching, boatmaking. Influence Skills: Leadership, conning, bribery, trading, public-speaking. Lore Skills: Animal and plant lores, local geography, local history, other geographies, warcraft and tactics.
Stat Increases: Any stat may be increased.
Extra Languages: Under special circumstances, a Bozishnorad may come to learn Avarin (Rank 3), or any of the many varied Apysaic dialects of the nations to the south (i.e. Tulwang, Hyarn, Chennecatt, Isra, Mírëdor, etc.) such as Sederi (Rank 3).

NARODBRIJIG
(Apy. "Hill People")
Living in the hills of the Bozisha-Miraz, the Narodbrijig (sing. Narodbrijig) live their lives without the hustle and bustle of their urban neighbors. They make their homes in the Brij-Mijesec (Apy. "Hills of the Moon") and in the scattered small towns and villages of the region. There are three main divisions of the Narodbrijig: the traditional farmers/goatherders, the folk living in the towns and villages of the Bozisha-Miraz, and the influential warrior/bandit clans. The following information applies to the native inhabitants of the Brij-Mijesec and the towns and villages of the area.

Physical Character
Special Abilities: Due to their southern latitude, their eyes are accustomed to bright light. They also receive a +20 bonus to Animal Handling or any related activity.

Culture
Clothing & Decoration: Practical clothing is a must for the Narodbrijig; cotton is the most common fabric. Whites, blacks, and tans are used most of the time, although they prefer more vivid attire for special occasions. Such activities as weddings, religious ceremonies, and clan celebrations bring out the more favored colors of red, purple, blue, and especially the respective clan colors.
Fears & Inabilities: None.
Lifestyle: Despite the widely varying lifestyles among the Narodbrijig, there are some characteristics shared by all. An affinity for sports and any other physical activities, a love for celebrations and parties, a deep sense of religious piety, and a strong devotion to one's work and clan are but a few. The majority of them herd goats for a living, especially around the city of Tresti; the number of goats a man owns is often a good indicator of his wealth and power. Those living in the towns and villages usually support themselves through either personal farms or shops. Among the warrior and bandit clans, warfare is a common way of life, both against traveling caravans and amongst themselves.
Marriage Pattern: Some clans allow polygamy, while other do not. The line is traced through the male. All of the Bozishnarod live in a very male-dominated society.
Religion: The Narodbrijig follow the same religious practices that the urban folk do. However, in general the Narodbrijig follow a slightly more pious lifestyle. Even the bandit clans lead a pious life in their own peculiar way.

Other Factors

Demeanor: Stoic, practical, determined, rugged, and aggressive.
Language: Starting Languages: Their native tongue is Apysaic (Rank 5), and they also know a good deal of Haruze (Rank 3). Ansith is in common use among the townsfolk (Rank 3) but much less so among the farmers and goatherders (Rank 2). Skill Development: It is possible for a Narodbrijig to come to know Varadja (Rank 2) or some of the Southern Apysaic dialects (Rank 2).
Prejudice: They are naturally mistrustful of all foreigners except those who have come to trade. They are especially mistrustful of Dwarves and Elves.
Restrictions on Professions: None.

Outfitting Options
Weapons: Sword, dagger, scimitar, short bow, javelin, and spear. RM Options: Long Sword, Falchion, halberd.
Armor: None.
Clothing: Long sleeves and pants are the norm. Tunics of cotton with leather boots and cotton headwraps are the most common attire, although more festive clothing is favored for celebrations and similar events. For these, silks of red, blue, gold, and purple are used. Embroideries are common on all clothing.
Money: Jewelry (bracelets, necklaces, etc.) or desert amber worth 20 silver coins.

Background Options
Normal, six background options.

Special Abilities: All available.
Special Items: All available. +5 or +10 weapons are common among the more privileged members of society.
Extra Money: Gold or silver jewelry or actual coinage worth 2-200 gp.
Hobbies: Primary Skills: M/M with no armor, 1-h edged and pole-arm weapon skills, ride, climb, stalk/hide, tracking, perception, and body development. Secondary Skills: Animal Handling, Appraisal, Cookery, Foraging, and Sky Watching. Artistic Skills: storytelling, singing, and dancing. Athletic Skills: sprinting, tumbling, jumping. Craft Skills: woodworking, blacksmithing, fletching, carving. Influence Skills: Public Speaking, trading, trickery, leadership. Lore Skills: Local geography and history, clan history, animal lore (primarily goats), and weather lore.
Stat Increases: Any stat may be increased.
Extra Languages: In addition to the tongues listed above, a Narodbrijig might learn Tazinain (Rank 3) or Logathig (Rank 3) through the trade.

COVSHEK-PUST
(Apy. "Men of the Waste")
The Covshek-pust (sing. Covsheki) are a reclusive lot, living in the arid deserts to the north of the Bozisha-Miraz and on the fringes of the Ogladalo Vatra (Apy. "Mirror of Fire"). They are nomadic, moving where the water will let them. Of all the Bozishnarod, these are the true desert dwellers, and theirs is a hard life.

Physical Character
Special Abilities: Their eyes are naturally accustomed to very bright light and will not be affected by light displays which would blind ordinary people. Also, they are very familiar with the desert and its ways and can usually find water when needed; they are excellent trackers. +5 bonus to Foraging and Tracking attempts; +15 when in the desert.

Culture
Clothing & Decoration: The Covshek-pust have little access nor desire to wear anything but the most basic and practical of clothing. Only for the most special of occasions do they wear fancy and colorful attire. All parts of the body are covered unless indoors. The most striking aspect to their attire are the headwraps; the Covsheki use them as means of identification. Not only do different colors distinguish clans and individuals but so do the way in which they are wrapped. The Covshek-pust do not wear much personal decoration save for the occasional necklace of desert amber.
Fears & Inabilities: For these people, severely cold weather would effectively incapacitate them.
Lifestyle: During the day, their time is spent traveling the area, either looking for desert amber with which to trade for goods or tending small flocks of goats where there is enough water and vegetation to support them. They sometimes act as guides across the vast expanses of the desert. They are able to make virtually everything they need. Each clan supports itself with the essential arts and crafts necessary for their lifestyle, and a small few make a living producing and trading glass. They are also not unfamiliar with the ways of war. At night, the clans gather together to discuss the day, events, and to celebrate another day of life. Although outsiders would perhaps consider them extremely boring and unblessed, the Covshek-pust do not mind their lot in life. They take a rather fatalistic view of the world and do not complain or gripe over their own condition. This outlook shows in their unique culture.
Marriage Pattern: Monogamous. While not outlawed in any way, tradition has kept polygamy to a minimum as well as the fact that almost nobody could afford a second bride price. The line is traced through the male.
Religion: Of all the Bozishnarod, the Covshek-pust are perhaps the most outwardly pious. They follow the same religious practices that the urban folk do, with the addition of a pilgrimage to Tresti, the holy city of the goddess Ladnoca, every 10 years.

Other Factors
Demeanor: Fatalistic, calm, shy, dedicated, pious, practical, hard-working.
Language: Starting Languages: Although somewhat isolated, the Covshek-pust know their native tongue Apysaic (Rank 5) and the Haruze spoken by their northern neighbors (Rank 5). Skill Development: It is quite possible and often likely for traders or travelers to learn the Tazinain of Greater Harad (Rank 3), Varadja (Rank 3), and Ansith (Rank 2).
Prejudices: Covshek-pust are immediately wary of all strangers, as they are both unfamiliar and potential trouble-makers. Traders are usually welcome, although common adventurers are usually not. Dwarves and elves as well as Dúnedain or Black Númenóreans would garner the most mistrust due to their substantially different appearance.
Restrictions on Professions: In general, there are no Covshek-pust mages.

Outfitting Options
Weapons: Scimitar, broadsword, dagger, Spear, Short bow. RM Options: Cutlass, falchion, darts (throwing), blow gun.
Armor: None.
Clothing: White or tan long-sleeved tunic or shirt with white, tan, or black pants. Cuffs at the wrists or ankles are common. Leather boots or sandals are worn to protect the feet. The headwrapping signifies clan and position within the clan as well as profession. Almost all the clothing is made of cotton except the footwear. Embroideries are not common, and personal ornamentation is also sparse.
Money: Desert Amber or gems worth 20 silver pieces.

Background Options
Normal, six background options.

Special Abilities: All available.
Special Items: All available. Magic items will be very rare.
Extra Money: Gold, desert amber, or jewelry worth 1-200 gp.
Hobbies: Primary Skills: M/M in no armor, 1-h edged and thrown weapon skills, track, stalk/hide, body development, perception. Secondary Skills: Animal Handling, Cookery, Foraging, Signaling, Sky-Watching. Artistic Skills: Storytelling, dance. Athletic Skills: Sprinting, jumping. Craft Skills: Fletching, glass-blowing, pottery, sand sculpture. Influence Skills: Public speaking, leadership. Lore Skills: Local geography, clan history, religious history, desert lore, local road lore.
Stat Increases: Any stat may be increased..
Extra languages: In addition to the tongues listed above, a Covsheki might learn an Avarin tongue (Rank 2) or Nûradja (Rank 3).

Bozishnarod Adolescent Table (MERP)

Skill	Urban Folk	Narodbrijig	Covshek-pust
Movement & Maneuver
No Armor	1	1	2
Soft Leather	1	2	2
Rigid Leather	0	0	0
Chain	1	0	0
Weapon Skills
1-H Edged	2	1	1
1-H Concussion	0	1	0
2-Handed	0	0	0
Thrown	1	1	1
Missile	1	1	1
Pole-Arms	1	1	1
General Skills
Climb	0	2	0
Ride	3	2	1
Swim	0	0	0
Subterfuge Skills
Ambush	1	1	3
Stalk/Hide	1	1	3
Pick Locks	0	0	0
Disarm Traps	0	0	0
Magical Skills
Reading Runes	0	0	0
Use Items	0	0	0
Miscellaneous
Body Development	2	2	2
Perception	1	1	2
% Chance to get a Spell
List	3	2	2
Additional Lng. Rank	3	4	2
Background Points	5	5	6

Sample MERP Character

Name: Tejic Palutz Race: F.H. Urban Folk Profession: scout Ht / Wt: 5'7" / 160 lbs Hair / Eyes: black / brown Gender / Age: male / 16 Demeanor: fiery Personality: suspicious Motivation: destroy Alignment: neutral Special: scar above right eye	Spell Lists	% chance	Languages	Rank
	1)		1) Apysaic	5
	2)		2) Haruze	4
	3)		3) Ansith	5
	4)		4) Nûradja	3
	5)		5)
	6)		6)
	7)		7)
	8)		8)
	9)		9)
	10)		10)

STATS (Abbr.)	Value	Normal Bonus	Race Bonus	Total Bonus
Strength (ST)	79	+5	+5	+10
Agility (AG)	99	+20		+20
Constitution (CO)	80	+5		+5
Intelligence (IG)	68
Intuition (IT)	72
Presence (PR)	59
Appearance (AP)	65

Current Level: 1

Experience Points: 10,000

Realm: Channeling

Power Points: 0

	Stat	Items	Special	Total Bonus
Defensive Bonus (DB)	AG +20			+20 DB
Essence RR	IG			+0 RR
Channeling RR	IT			+0 RR
Poison RR	CO +5			+5 RR
Disease RR	CO +5			+5 RR

Encumbrance Penalty
+0: 0-15 lbs. -10: 16-25 lbs. -15: 26-35 lbs. -20: 36-45 lbs.
30: 46-60 lbs. -35: 61-80 lbs. -40: 81-100 lbs. -60: 101-120 lbs.

Skill Ranks

Category	Rank	Bonus	Stat	Prof	Item	Spec	Spec	Total Bonus
Movement & Maneuver
No Armor	2 (2)	+10	AG +20				+0	+30 MM
Soft Leather	1 (3)	+5	AG +20				-15	+10 MM
Rigid Leather	0 (5)	-25	AG +20				-30	-35 MM
Chain	1 (7)	+5	ST +10				-45	-30 MM
Plate	0 (9)	-25	ST +10				-60	-75 MM
Weapon Skill
1-H Edged	3	+15	ST +10	+1				+26 OB
1-H Concussion	0	-25	ST +10	+1				-14 OB
2-Handed	0	-25	ST +10	+1				-14 OB
Thrown	2	+10	AG +20	+1				+31 OB
Missile	2	+10	AG +20	+1				+31 OB
Pole-arms	1	+5	ST +10	+1				+16 OB
General
Climb	1	+5	AG +20	+1				+26 MM
Ride	3	+15	IT +0	+1				+16 MM
Swim	3	+15	AG +20	+1				+36 MM
Track	1	+5	IG +0	+1				+6 MM
Subterfuge
Ambush	1							+1 SP
Stalk/Hide	2	+10	PR +0	+2				+12 MM
Pick Lock	2	+10	IG +0	+2	+5			+17 SM
Disarm Trap	0	-25	IT +0	+2	+5			-18 SM
Magical
Read Runes	0	-25	IG +0					-25 SM
Use Item	0	-25	IT +0					-25 SM
Directed Spells	0	-25	AG +20					-5 OB
Miscellaneous
Perception	2	+10	IT +0	+3				+13 SM
Body Development	3	+21	CO +5				+5	+31 SP
Base Spells OB								+0 OB
Secondary Skills
Boat Handling	5	+25	IT +0	+1				+26 MM
Foraging	5	+25	IT +0	+1				+26 MM

Equipment:
Total Weight: 22.1 lbs.
Without sack: 11.1 lbs.
2 Daggers (2 lbs.)
Scimitar (4 lbs.)
Sling (0.5 lbs.)
Clothes and personal effects (includes boots, cloak and weapon belt) Beltpouch (w/money - 30 sp) (1.1 lbs.)
Lockpick Kit (+5 to Pick Locks and Disarm Traps) (0.5 lbs.) Pouch (with 12 stones in it) (3 lbs.)
Sack (holds 50 lbs) (2 lbs)
Waterskin (1 lb)
25' rope (3 lb)
Bedroll (5 lb)

Background: "My name is Tejic Palutz. I was born eighteen long summers ago in the port city of Bozisha-Dar. As a young boy I was taught to fish, swim, and sail, I was also taught how to be a silk merchant like my father. I have no memories of my mother. Father always told me that she had gone away on a long journey when I was young and never returned. Nonetheless, life was good for me and my father and sisters until I was fifteen years old. Then tragedy struck.
"One day when I came home early from our shop I overheard a strange-sounding man arguing loudly with my father. Suddenly my father screamed out in agony. As I ran into the room, I saw the strange man sheathing his blood-stained scimitar over as he stood above my father's now-lifeless corpse. For the rest of my life, I will remember most vividly that man's face and the shield he borea black dragon on a red field. He tried to kill me too, but I barely managed to evade him and run into the streets. I knew the shop was not safe, so I ran to the poor district to hide. I still do not know what became of my sisters.
"Living in the poor district ever since, I have learned the ways of the streets. I have had to steal and kill to survive, yet survive I must. For one day I will exact my revenge on that hated man with the red shield who so suddenly ruined my life. His face still burns hot in my memory. I have recently decided to venture outside the poor district to try to find out the significance of the shield symbolprecious information that will set me one pace closer to finding that man."
RMSS STATS
Hits: 48 Melee OB: 45 Missile OB: 45 AT(DB): 1 (27).
Profession: Thief.
Stats: Ag 99, Co 80, Me 70, Re 60, SD 70, Em 68, In 72, Pr 59, Qu 99, St 79.
Skill Categories: Armor - Light 24, Armor - Medium 19, Athletic - Brawn 18, Athletic - Endurance 18, Athletic - Gymnastics 34, Awareness - Searching 16, Communications 3, Lore - General 8, Outdoor - Animal 15, Subterfuge - Mechanics 27, Subterfuge - Stealth 30, Technical/Trade - General 6, Urban 7, Weapon - 1-H Edged 33, Weapon - Missile 36, Weapon - Pole Arms 29, Weapon - Thrown.
Skills: Acrobatics 40, Alertness 19, Boat Pilot 18, Body Development 48, Chain 22, Dagger (Thrown) 40, Foraging 18, Hiding 52, Observation 16, 'Own' Culture Lore 17, 'Own Region Lore 17, Pick Locks 38, Pick Pockets 36, Riding 24, Scimitar 45, Sling 45, Soft Leather 27, Staff 30, Stalking 42, Trading 17, Trickery 36.
Languages: Apysaic (S8/W6), Haruze (S6/W6), Ansith (S6/W5), Nûradja (S4/W4).
Spells: None.
Appearance: 50.
Principal Items: Cloak, +10 to hiding.
Lesser Items: 2 Daggers, Scimitar, Sling, Clothes and personal effects (includes boots, cloak and weapon belt), Beltpouch (w/money - 30 sp), Lockpick Kit (+5 to Pick Locks and Disarm Traps), Pouch (with 12 stones in it), Sack (holds 50 lbs), Waterskin, 25' rope, Bedroll.

Bozishnarod Adolescent Table (RMSS)

Category/Skill	City Folk	Narodbrijig	Covshek-pust
Armor - Light	1	2	2
Soft Leather	1	2	2
Rigid Leather
Armor - Medium	1	0	0
Chain	1	0	0
Athletic - Brawn	1	1	1
Athletic - Endurance	1	1	1
Swimming	0	0	0
Athletic - Gymnastics	1	1	1
Climbing	0	2	0
Awareness - Perception	0	0	0
Alertness	2	2	2
Awareness - Searching	1	1	1
Body Development	2	2	2
Communications	1	1	1
Language	8	6	4
Lore - General	3	3	3
"Own" Region Lore	3	3	3
"Own" Culture Lore	3	3	3
Outdoor - Animal	3	2	1
Riding	3	2	1
Outdoor - Environmental	0	2	2
Power Awareness	0	0	0
Science/Analytical - Basic	0	0	0
Spells - Own Realm Open (1)	0	0	0
Subterfuge - Stealth	0	0	0
Stalking	0	0	0
Hiding	0	0	0
Tech/Trade - General	1	1	1
Urban Skill	3	0	0
Wp - 1-H Concussion	0	1	0
1 Weapon	0	1	0
Wp - 1-H Edged	2	1	1
1 Weapon	2	1	1
Wp - 2 Handed	0	0	0
1 Weapon	0	0	0
Wp - Missile	1	1	1
1 Weapon	1	1	1
Wp - Pole Arms	1	1	1
1 Weapon	1	1	1
Wp - Thrown	1	1	1
1 Weapon	1	1	1
Hobby ranks	12	12	12
BG Options	5	5	6

RMSS CONVERSION NOTES

URBAN FOLK

Physical Character
Special Abilities: The lifeblood of Far Harad's cities is commerce. +10 bonus to Appraisal and Trading skill rolls.

Other Factors
Starting Languages: Apysaic (S8/W6), Haruze (S5/W4), Ansith (S7/W5); Allowed Adolescent Development: Varadja (S5/W5), Nûradja (S4/W3), Tazinain (S6/W4; S8/W7 in Tûl Póac), Adûnaic (S6/W6).
Special Skills: Everyman: Trading, Appraisal, Trading Lore; Restricted: None.
Standard Hobby Skills: Chain, any 1-H Edged, Missile or Pole-Arm Weapon Skills; Riding; Tracking; Stalking; Hiding; Observation; Body Development; Acrobatics; Appraisal; Boat Pilot; Rowing; Gambling; Trickery; Singing; Tale-Telling; Cooking; Metal-crafts; Fletching; Shipwright; Leadership; Bribery; Trading; Public-Speaking; Fauna Lore; Flora Lore; Region Lore; Warfare and Tactics [Lore - Technical]

Background Options
Common Men get six background options; Mixed Men get five background options.

Extra Languages: Avarin (S5/W4) or southern Apysaic dialects (S6/W5).
Talents: All available.

NARODBRIJIG

Physical Character
Special Abilities: They also receive a +20 bonus to Animal Handling. Animal Healing, Animal Mastery, Herding skills.

Other Factors

Starting Languages: Apysaic (S8/W6), Haruze (S6/W5), Ansith (S4/W4). Allowed Adolescent Development: Varadja (S6/W4), southern Apysaic dialects (S5/W4).
Special Skills: Everyman: Herding; Animal Handling; Tale-Telling; Restricted: none.
Hobby Skills: Any 1-H Edged or Polearm Weapon skills; Riding; Climbing; Stalking; Hiding; Observation; Body development; Animal Handling; Appraisal; Cooking; Foraging; Star-Gazing; Tale-Telling; Singing; Dancing; Sprinting; Tumbling; any Wood-Crafts Skills; Fletching; Public Speaking; Trading; Trickery; Leadership; Region Lore (local area); Clan History [Lore - General]; Fauna Lore

Background Options
They get six background options.

Extra Languages: In addition to those listed above: Tazinain (S6/W5) and Nûradja (S5/W4).
Talents: All available.

COVSHEK-PUST

Other Factors

Starting Languages: Apysaic (S8/W6), Haruze (S8/W6); Allowed Adolescent Development: Tazinain (S6/W5), Varadja (S6/W5) Ansith (S4/W2).
Hobby Skills: any 1-H Edged or Thrown Weapon skills, Tracking, Stalking, Hiding, Body Development, Observation, Animal Handling, Cooking, Foraging, Signaling, Star-Gazing, Tale-Telling, Dancing, Sprinting, Jumping, Fletching, Glass Blower, Sand Sculptor [Crafts], Region Lore, History (Religion).

Background Options
Covshek-pust get six background options.

Extra Languages: In addition to those listed above: Avarin (S6/W5), Nûradja (S6/W4).
Talents: All available.