Skeeks and Skreeks
Skreeks

Skeeks and Skreeks are often confused with each other by outsiders, much to their chagrin, but without much surprise, considering the many resemblances and possible relationships of origin. For one thing, their "race-language" is shared -- either called "Skeek" or "Skreek", depending upon whom you may ask. Also, they tend to be fairly short compared to human standards, the males being approximately four feet tall as adults ... though Skeeks tend toward the shorter end of the scale. Both races undeniably resemble rodents, while the Skeeks resemble mice, and the Skreeks more approximate rats.

There is a certain rivalry between the two species, one with unknown origin. Skeeks tend to find their ways into more reputable lines of employment and higher strata in society, while Skreeks tend to fill up the lower ranks and dredges of society.

Skreeks and Skeeks tend to be fairly plump, tending toward looking like giant versions of rats and mice that walk about on their hind feet and have opposable thumbs. Skeeks, more often than Skreeks, may have more human-like builds and may sport human-like head hair.

Though Skreeks and Skeeks don't have anything in the way of a "homeland", per se, the obscure "kingdom" of Kroz (in Nordika) is split up into eight Principalities, three of which are ruled by Krozite Skreeks (Naochi, Stiletto, and Cobalt), and one ruled by Krozite Skeeks (Urban). Although there are "normal" Skeeks and Skreeks to be found in Kroz, the typical Krozite Skeek or Skreek is humanoid in form, plantigrade, with human-like head hair, and while they may very well get plump, they have no greater predisposition toward this than humans do. While Rephidim Standard is widely used in Kroz, the native tongue there, "Krozite", is very closely related to Skeek/Skreek, to the point that someone who knows Skeek/Skreek may be able to haltingly convey ideas to Krozites with a bit of pantomime thrown in for clarity, and vice-versa.

It should also be noted that Kroz is very peculiar when it comes to genetics. Many of the Krozite versions of Sinai sapient species are genetically compatible, the resultant child coming out as a member of the species of one of the parents, but with genetic features (hair color, etc.) based on those of both of the parents. Thus, it is quite possible for a black-furred Khatta prince to take a red-haired Skreek bride, and end up producing a little Khatta kitten with black fur and red hair.

PC Requirements:
There are no skill or ability requirements for Skeeks or Skreeks. They have no particular "powers", save for better night vision, etc., that may occur on occasion amongst those with mutated genes.

Back to Section 2.1.25