Among the Shagir, most barbarians are found in northern areas of Kovlich and Margova and in parts of Stadhof. The concept of the "raging dwarf" has diminished over time as most Shagir have gradually moved into neighborhoods of the larger cities in the Buchlayne. Those few Shagir who belong to barbarian tribes are in danger of disappearing as the more civilized races continue to encroach on their territory.
Northern Outlander (Variant): In the snow and ice of the far north of Kovlich live a few barbarian tribes of Shagir. These tribes stretch back to the earliest dispersion of the races throughout the World Continent, never fully integrating with the rest of the human-oriented socities that have arisen through the centuries. Over the years, these Shagir have become aware of a shadowy presence in the wastelands north of Kovlich, and are determined to be a first-line of defense against any evil that dares to move against their tribe. They concentrate on developing a rage-oriented fighting style, and many have bear animal companions.
Suggested Skills: Handle Animal, Survival, Spot, Listen
Suggested Feats: Boar's Charge, Alertness, Endurance, Toughness
Suggested PrCs: Mountain's Fury Devotee, Tundrin (Hammer & Helm)
Bard
The bards of the Shagir are different from many other cultures in that they tend to perform only long, sad tales of the former glory of the Shagir. The bards drink often and are known for being drunkards; indeed, many humans ascribe this trait to all Shagir. The songs of these bards, however, actually lift the spirits of the Shagir, who take pride in their heritage. Some Shagir bards also sing boasts of their superiority in fighting prowess, drinking ability, and love. These bards tend to become very popular among the "working class" Shagir, but they also become targets for other Shagir to prove them wrong. Many a popular Shagir bard has died a quick and violent death in a dispute over the self-promoting lyrics of one of his songs. Composer Historian (Variant): Many Shagir take their music very seriously, and they are determined to use their musical abilities to gain respect for their people. The idea of a Shagir "Court Composer" has come into fashion in the eastern parts of the Buchlayne that do not subscribe to the AEtonist persecution of dwarves. These composers actually weave tales of ancient Shagir history into their compositions in a very subtle way, and most non-Shagir listeners never catch the references. Shagir operas are also quite popular, as the Shari seem to have a knack for presenting epic tales of war, passion, and sadness. One of the most famous Composer Historians, named Tennyson, became leader of an acting troupe in the Buchlayne, but was hunted down and killed by members of a conservative AEtonist family from Courrisseux. His legendary scores and plays are still performed, oftentimes in secret.
Suggested Skills: Peform (chosen instrument), Craft (Musical Composition), Knowledge (ancient history), Knowledge (Shagir history), Profession (Composer), Diplomacy
Suggested Feats: Artisan, Prodigy, Cultured
Suggested PrCs: Artisan (Rokugan - custom variant)
Cleric
Clerics are relatively unknown among the Shagir. As a general rule, the AEtonist religion does not allow dwarven priests due to their unwillingness to convert to the faith. This stance of the church varies widely throughout the Buchlayne; however, in most areas not under the direct influence of the Holy City in Esoria, the Shagir are pretty much ignored by the religion. Being precluded from the priesthood of AEton (despite the fact that one of the Hallowed Sixteen Prophets is actually a dwarf), most Shagir simply ignore ministering to their own people. A few Shagir follow an old tradition of ancestor worship, honoring those great Shagir heroes who have come before. These ancestors worshippers at times try to espouse their faith, but for the most part they are largely ignored.
Priest of Ancestor Worship (Variant): One of the rare Shagir who goes out of his way not to fit in with the predominantly human society in which he lives, the Ancestor Priest tries to show his fellows the power they can gain by honoring their ancestors, heroes of the ancient world. The Ancestor Priest are also keepers of the slave history of the Shagir, and they spend much of their time researching and and explaining this particular era of Shagir history. As vocal espousers of a non-AEtonist faith, they must always be on guard from the Illumination and others who would turn them in to the Church authorities in order to save themselves. Many Ancestor Priest are multi-classed Cleric/Bards.
Suggested Skills: Knowledge (Religion - Shagir Ancestor Worship), Heal, Knowledge (Shagir History), Perform (Storytelling)
Suggested Feats: Shagir Clan Magic, Ancestral Protection; Skill Focus (Knowledge, Heal, or Perform)
Suggested PrCs: Shagir Ancestor Priest (custom)
Druid
There are few true druids among the Shagir, as most Shagir have settled into the major urban areas of the world. Still, a few Shagir find spiritual elightenment in the ancient ways of the druids, given that most of the modern religions do not accept them as equals. Some Shagir druids specialize in the underground environments, helping dwarven miners to avoid dangerous (and beautiful) areas in the caverns below the earth. Most Shagir druids, however, are outsiders and loners, operating on the fringe of society and are even more outcast than other Shagir.
