The northern islands of North Nurai consist of large networks of shallow water passages, effectively making this area ideal for the lives of the Gruidae. These simple fishermen and farmers excel at both, and work very well with the natural world. Their homes are usually a part of the landscape, rather than in spite of it. The Gruidae also produce a high quality netting, called idibei which is prized through out much of the Shen Empire, not only for it strength, but for its beauty when added to clothes. Finally, to the Gruidae, dance is a part of every day life, from courting to negotiations.

Appearing as thin, humanoids, the Gruidae are anthropomorphic crane men, with their long necks able to move in amazing ways. Their skin is lightly feathered, usually white or gray, with occasional gray, brown, or red interspersed. Their thin arms and legs end in talons, which are usually black. Their eyes are green, blue, brown, or hazel. Height and weight for full grown adults ranges from 5’4 to 5’11, and weight is 60 to 100 pounds. Very rarely, a Gruidae male will be born with a tuft of golden spiked feathers atop his head, and these men are treated with utmost respect and considered to have destiny.

Gruidae Racial Traits

Abilities: -2 Strength, +2 Dexterity, +2 Wisdom

Size: Medium

Speed: 30 (6 Squares)

Vision: Low-Light

Contortionist: Reroll any Escape Artist check, take better result.

Dancers: +4 racial bonus to Perform (Dance) and Balance checks. Perform (Dance) is always a class skill.

Beak Strike: Natural Attack (1d4 piercing)

Brittle: +1 damage received from bludgeoning weapons

Light-weight: For purposes of knockdown or spells such as gust of wind, Gruidae are considered small creatures

Favored Class: Druid