==From [[Book:HzpTHC#Ram|The Human Clans]]==
The people of Shark Clan are warriors and sailors that dwell in the seas of the [[Qi]] Province. They are also rogues -- pirates, that make their living by attacking other ships and stealing their goods. Little is known of Shark Clan, for historians are not exactly welcome among them. All I can say is that if you sail upon the [[Reshal Sea]] and are approached by a ship with a shark's flag, you would do well to pray to [[Lemicus]] for safety.

==From Historiann [[Zelka]], building upon the work of Zuebara Pulan in the book [[Book:HzpTHC#Ram|The Human Clans]]==
Until recently, little was known of Shark Clan by outsiders save for whispered rumors, snatches of old, moldering texts, and, of course, the rampant piracy.

Over the last several years, however, I have worked hard to build trust with people in Shark Clan in order to gain access to their stories and ways, with an aim to not only understand them and their history better myself, but perhaps to also bring this to the rest of the world so that the relationships between this insular Clan and others may be built upon truth and understanding going forward.

In my time with the Clan, I have come to understand that to say that people of Shark Clan are warriors, sailors, and pirates that dwell in the seas of the Qi Province is an understatement of great proportions. Their traditions are often predatory in nature, just like their namesake, but beyond that they are also protectors, innovators, and people who see themselves as a pure, untainted extension of the sea itself.

The shark moves forward, and the same can be said for this Clan. Originating from a band of early seafaring Humans, Shark Clan is deeply religious. They see themselves as part of the ocean, having adapted their lifestyles to existing nearly entirely aboard ships at all times. Shark Clan sees that all of them are born in blood and salt water, and so too do they all live in it. This attunement to the more brutal aspects of nature, and particularly the sea, has left the Clan with little moral compunction against piracy or raiding. They see it as a form of hunting no different than any other. It has, however, also lead them to a sense of morality in that they 'hunt' no more than they need to survive, just like any shark. Their raids and pillaging expeditions are never to become rich, but instead a simple extension of what they are as creatures. In truth, Shark Clan roams the entirety of the oceans, not just those nearest Qi, though different families tend to remain within the same set 'territory', and thus the acts of active piracy vary depending on the needs of the families in any given area of the ocean.

Their reputation with outsiders is complicated by the fact that many Shark Clan members have also participated in the activities of The Red Sash Pirates, but Clan elders and traditionalists frown upon this practice, seeing it as an affront to their place in the ocean's life cycle. However, the core of the Clan does not engage in such activities, instead keeping to their own ships, and their own form of worship. Shark Clan members are, incidentally, just as likely to be followers of Eluned or Lemicus as they are of Drogor, and all give at least some fealty to all three Aspects.

Though only tangentially related to the topic at hand, it is important to note that there exists a prominent offshoot of Shark Clan that lives on the difficult to reach island of [[Tref Bain]]. This group split with the Clan proper long ago, but the two groups hold no ill will towards each other, instead seeing themselves as close cousins. This island group is not recognized as a formal Human Clan, but their close blood and cultural ties to Shark Clan are evident in their protective natures. It is my great hope that I will soon be honored with permission to travel to Tref Bain and meet with these people. <ref>GM Persida on the forums, 4/13/18</ref>

==Notes==
Shark Clan is widely conflated with the Red Sash Pirates (who are also known as just 'the Red Sash') by outsiders, but this is not really correct. While some Shark Clan members do join in with the activities of the Red Sash Priates, the Red Sash is an entirely distinct group from the Clan.

The Red Sash is a group of pirates operating in the [[Reshal Sea]]. Historically composed of and led by [[race association is::human]]s, it is presently led by [[Aedem]], an elf, in the aftermath of the death of [[Sallador]], a human. Aedem had joined the pirate group shortly before becoming its leader, previously being known as an independent operator.

The group had (ca. 2002) been dormant and thought dispersed before a series of attacks that eventually culminated in wide-ranging attacks during the [[Outcast War]].

Long ago, the group was just known as the Sashes, and was a small Human organization (not quite large or formal enough to be considered a true Human Clan) like many others, though preferring to roam the seas rather than stay on land. Group members wore sashes to distinguish themselves by rank and position. Leaders wore purple; warriors, red; and merchants and other wore other colors, such as yellow, blue and green. It is believed that their society fractured in some way, as red sashes predominate greatly nowadays. <ref>GM [[Jaedren]] on the forums, 7/6/2011, and GM Persida on the forums, 4/13/18</ref>
{{RefAl|r=y|}}
{{cat|Organizations}}

Shark Clan

2018-04-14T12:00:41Z

DR-PERSIDA: /* Notes */

Shark Clan

2018-04-14T11:58:15Z

DR-PERSIDA:

2018-03-06T19:47:53Z

DR-PERSIDA:

(Posted on the forums by Persida, 07/02/2015)

What has come to be known as moonskin is simply what we, the [[Rakash]], truly are. 

Though our people had different words for it so long ago when the horrors in the sky caused the loss of our original physical forms, Katamba's scarring was also our own undoing. 

However, as in all things there is a deeper truth, a deeper Us. 

Wracked as we were by the suddenness, the fear, the disorientation of that, the moment of our First Change, many thought it was the coming of the end of all things. The stripping of our forms was seen as yet another aspect of the mutilation of one of [[Mrod]]'s many Faces and the full loss of another -- harbingers of the eventual nothingness to come when all was fully lost. 

So great was this painful thought, that the earliest of the stories to remain with us from this time speak not of the destruction of [[Grazhir]] as coming first, but of [[Katamba]]'s sudden, inexplicable darkening presaging a great explosion in Mrod's Kingdoms. It was thought that this explosion; attributed variously to destructive magical forces great and small, and even, in despondent, hushed whispers, to us having angered Mrod and Him bringing this upon us as His punishment; caused the true damage to Katamba and the wholesale disappearance of Grazhir. 

Every Rakash from the most aged to the youngest of our children was brought together in our pain, our loss. We were always one, but at that moment we learned that were truly One. It was in this learning that we came to our prayers, to our Great Supplication. We prayed to Mrod as the common knowledge says, but also to [[Enelne]] and to [[Coshivi]], for our Oneness is Their Oneness. Do not mistake me, I am not speaking as a [[Prydaen]] here -- our gods are not as theirs -- I say simply that what we are, They are: we are the Pack, we are One, we are Us. 

Perhaps it was this knowledge that was the intended lesson, no matter what the cause of the calamity that brought about our change, for in our prayers we did cry out of our Oneness with each other, with the world, with the heavens, with Them, and the Leader of the Great Pack did answer. We were not lost, we were simply different -- as was the world, as was the heavens -- and along with the cycles of change that we had already known was placed another, the coming and going of our moonskin. 

We change -- yet we remain ourselves. We are many -- yet the Pack is always One. We were mutilated into unnatural forms -- yet we are never more aware of the truth of our being. 

Katamba's scarring was also our undoing, but from every end we begin anew. 

We are Rakash. Our moonskin is our Nature, both in its coming, and in its going. 

- Ticetar, Cleric of [[Siksraja]]

Truth of Self

2018-03-06T19:47:07Z

DR-PERSIDA:

Truth of Self

2018-03-06T19:45:49Z

DR-PERSIDA:

(Posted on the forums by Persida, 07/02/2015)

What has come to be known as moonskin is simply what we, the [[Rakash]], truly are. 

Though our people had different words for it so long ago when the horrors in the sky caused the loss of our original physical forms, Katamba's scarring was also our own undoing. 

However, as in all things there is a deeper truth, a deeper Us. 

Wracked as we were by the suddenness, the fear, the disorientation of that, the moment of our First Change, many thought it was the coming of the end of all things. The stripping of our forms was seen as yet another aspect of the mutilation of one of [[Mrod]]'s many Faces and the full loss of another -- harbingers of the eventual nothingness to come when all was fully lost. 

So great was this painful thought, that the earliest of the stories to remain with us from this time speak not of the destruction of [[Grahzir]] as coming first, but of [[Katamba]]'s sudden, inexplicable darkening presaging a great explosion in Mrod's Kingdoms. It was thought that this explosion; attributed variously to destructive magical forces great and small, and even, in despondent, hushed whispers, to us having angered Mrod and Him bringing this upon us as His punishment; caused the true damage to Katamba and the wholesale disappearance of Grahzir. 

Every Rakash from the most aged to the youngest of our children was brought together in our pain, our loss. We were always one, but at that moment we learned that were truly One. It was in this learning that we came to our prayers, to our Great Supplication. We prayed to Mrod as the common knowledge says, but also to [[Enelne]] and to [[Coshivi]], for our Oneness is Their Oneness. Do not mistake me, I am not speaking as a [[Prydaen]] here -- our gods are not as theirs -- I say simply that what we are, They are: we are the Pack, we are One, we are Us. 

Perhaps it was this knowledge that was the intended lesson, no matter what the cause of the calamity that brought about our change, for in our prayers we did cry out of our Oneness with each other, with the world, with the heavens, with Them, and the Leader of the Great Pack did answer. We were not lost, we were simply different -- as was the world, as was the heavens -- and along with the cycles of change that we had already known was placed another, the coming and going of our moonskin. 

We change -- yet we remain ourselves. We are many -- yet the Pack is always One. We were mutilated into unnatural forms -- yet we are never more aware of the truth of our being. 

Katamba's scarring was also our undoing, but from every end we begin anew. 

We are Rakash. Our moonskin is our Nature, both in its coming, and in its going. 

- Ticetar, Cleric of Siksraja

Truth of Self

2018-03-06T18:56:19Z

DR-PERSIDA: Created page with "(Posted on the forums by Persida, 07/02/2015) What has come to be known as moonskin is simply what we, the Rakash, truly are. Though our people had different words fo..."

(Posted on the forums by Persida, 07/02/2015)

What has come to be known as moonskin is simply what we, the Rakash, truly are. 

Though our people had different words for it so long ago when the horrors in the sky caused the loss of our original physical forms, Katamba's scarring was also our own undoing. 

However, as in all things there is a deeper truth, a deeper Us. 

Wracked as we were by the suddenness, the fear, the disorientation of that, the moment of our First Change, many thought it was the coming of the end of all things. The stripping of our forms was seen as yet another aspect of the mutilation of one of Mrod's many Faces and the full loss of another -- harbingers of the eventual nothingness to come when all was fully lost. 

So great was this painful thought, that the earliest of the stories to remain with us from this time speak not of the destruction of Grahzir as coming first, but of Katamba's sudden, inexplicable darkening presaging a great explosion in Mrod's Kingdoms. It was thought that this explosion; attributed variously to destructive magical forces great and small, and even, in despondent, hushed whispers, to us having angered Mrod and Him bringing this upon us as His punishment; caused the true damage to Katamba and the wholesale disappearance of Grahzir. 

Every Rakash from the most aged to the youngest of our children was brought together in our pain, our loss. We were always one, but at that moment we learned that were truly One. It was in this learning that we came to our prayers, to our Great Supplication. We prayed to Mrod as the common knowledge says, but also to Enelne and to Coshivi, for our Oneness is Their Oneness. Do not mistake me, I am not speaking as a Prydaen here -- our gods are not as theirs -- I say simply that what we are, They are: we are the Pack, we are One, we are Us. 

Perhaps it was this knowledge that was the intended lesson, no matter what the cause of the calamity that brought about our change, for in our prayers we did cry out of our Oneness with each other, with the world, with the heavens, with Them, and the Leader of the Great Pack did answer. We were not lost, we were simply different -- as was the world, as was the heavens -- and along with the cycles of change that we had already known was placed another, the coming and going of our moonskin. 

We change -- yet we remain ourselves. We are many -- yet the Pack is always One. We were mutilated into unnatural forms -- yet we are never more aware of the truth of our being. 

Katamba's scarring was also our undoing, but from every end we begin anew. 

We are Rakash. Our moonskin is our Nature, both in its coming, and in its going. 

- Ticetar, Cleric of Siksraja

Concept:Rakash

2018-03-06T18:55:49Z

DR-PERSIDA: /* Points of Interest */

{{#Concept:[[race is::rakash]]}}
{{RTOC}}[[Image:rakash_female.gif|left|200px|Female Rakash]][[Image:rakash_male.gif|right|200px|Male Rakash]]

==Play.net Description==
{{Pt|race}}Quick to react and living for the pack, the Rakash consider themselves at one with their pack and often speak in the plural. While [[Human]] in appearance most of the time, they shapeshift into a wolf-human hybrid when the black moon, [[Katamba]], is full. Even when not in their [[moonskin|moonskins]], however, the Rakash retain a touch of their wild nature. 
 
Having lived in the hinterland west of the Five Realms for uncounted generations, the Rakash were driven out of their homeland by an undead menace. While suspicious of their new environment, if there's one thing that the Rakash are good at, it's survival. Adaptation may be challenging, but their shapeshifting tendencies have taught them that change is inevitable -- and the Rakash love a good challenge.

==Character Creation==
A deep, growling voice emits from the figure: "Rakash I am, the hunter who is happiest when she is with her pack. We live for the family, fight for the family, die for the family. No king can break us up, no god can destroy us. In ones and twos we may sometimes travel, but our happiness is complete when we are. The other races try to understand us, but cannot, for in their minds they are examining us in the singular. We discovered the truth long ago when we learned that we are strongest when united. Strength have I, and endurance, and speed. Whether I hunt with steel or with spell, all that matters is that I do what I do for the pack!" 
 
The Rakash is of moderate height and seems to shift between a humanoid with a furry coat and a short snout and a Human with deep, soulful eyes. Both forms gaze at you with a combination of strength and loyalty, and there is a down-to-earth sensibility about this race present in only a few of the others. In its half-[[Human]] form, a short tail sweeps down behind the Rakash, stopping just short of the ground it stands on, and its ears are tall and curved, constantly twitching at the smallest sounds.

==Racial Statistics==
{| cellpadding="4"
! Statistic || align="center" | Starting || align="center" | [[TDP]] Mod
|-
| | [[Strength]] || align="center" | 10 || align="center" | 0
|-
| | [[Reflex]] || align="center" | 12 || align="center" | -1
|-
| [[Agility]] || align="center" | 8 || align="center" | +1
|-
| [[Charisma]] || align="center" | 10 || align="center" | 0
|-
| [[Discipline]] || align="center" | 12 || align="center" | -1
|-
| [[Wisdom]] || align="center" | 8 || align="center" | +1
|-
| [[Intelligence]] || align="center" | 6 || align="center" | +2
|-
| [[Stamina]] || align="center" | 14 || align="center" | -2
|}

==Rakash Appearance and Behavior==

"They look much like Humans most of the time, but when the black moon Katamba waxes full, they undergo an amazing transformation that leaves them looking very much like wolf-men. Oh, they continue to walk upright and they do not actually change into wolves completely, but they grow fur and tails and I would not fancy an encounter with their jaws when they are in what they call their "moonskin". But for all that, I do not find them as off-putting as I do the [[Prydaen]], near whom they lived in western lands before migrating here in the year 357. Although the Rakash suffered terribly at the hands of the necromancer [[Lyras]], they are very devoted to one another and form tightly knit packs even in their new homes with us. Some folks find them a bit dull between the ears, but they are far from stupid and I find their tenacity and toughness quite admirable."

==Racial Characteristics==
==Age==
{|
|0-13 || Cub
|-
|14-21 || Underdog
|-
|22-33 || Cub-herder
|-
|34-43 || Pack Hunter
|-
|44-55 || Pack Beta
|-
|56-63 || Pack Alpha
|-
|64-67 || Den Watcher
|-
|67-69 || Grizzled Elder
|-
|70-?? || Pack Historian
|}
===Height===

Racial minimum and maximum heights by gender:
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"
|- cellpadding="5"
! width="100px" |
! width="150px" align="center" | Minimum Height
! width="150px" align="center" | Maximum Height
|-
| align="right" | '''Male'''
| align="center" | 5.5 feet
| align="center" | 6 feet
|-
| align="right" | '''Female'''
| align="center" | 5 feet
| align="center" | 5.75 feet
|}

===Lifespan===

'''Average lifespan:''' 70 years 
'''Maximum lifespan:''' 90 years

===Reproduction===
'''Average gestation period:''' 7 Elanthian months

Rakash can conceive children with the following races:
*[[Dwarf]]
*[[Elf]] - difficult
*[[Elothean]] - difficult
*[[Gnome]] - difficult
*[[Halfling]]
*[[Human]]
*[[Kaldar]]
*[[Rakash]]

==Points of Interest==
* [[Rakash Introduction Log|Original Introduction of the Rakash race <s>(And Prydaen)</s>]]
* [[Moonskin|Rakash Moonskin]] Detailed information on the transformation of Rakash under the full moon of [[Katamba]]
* [[Rakash Verbs]]: Excitably growling, howling, ear wiggles, and tail wagging for everyone.
* [[Awksa Dzilvawta Ala]], the site for obtaining favors through the Rakash gods.
* [[Odcoru]], the former Rakash capital before the migration into eastern [[Kermoria]].
* [[Siksraja]], the Rakash village in [[Therengia]]. [[RanikMap149|Map of Siksraja]]

;Rakash Culture
* [[Rakash Traditions and Dawvs (book)|Rakash Traditions and Dawvs]] by [[Ravwe]] Tashkiok 
* [[Coming_of_Age_(book)|Coming of Age]] by [[Kyrie]] Needels 
* [[Rakash Holy Symbols]]: Symbols of the Rakash Gods and what they represent.
* [[Rakash Attire]]: Traditional styles of dress created by and for the Rakash people in both of their forms.
* [[Rakash Weapons and Armor]]: Weapon and armor designs which the Rakash have brought from their homelands.
* [[Rakash Colors]]: Hues with special significance to the Rakash.
* [[Rakash Menu]]: Traditional Rakash cuisine information.
* [[Rakash Moots]]: A type of gathering hosted by Rakash to celebrate their culture and heritage.
* [[Rakash Traditional Healing Practices]]: Herbal healing the Rakash way.
* [[Truth of Self]] by Ticetar

;Rakash Language
* [[Rakash Language (book)|Rakash Language]] Common to Rakash, by [[Ivukav]] Voskid 
* [[Rakash Grammar (book)|Rakash Grammar]] by [[Ivukav]] Voskid 

{{RefAl}}
{{cat|Races}}

2018-01-24T15:27:12Z

DR-PERSIDA:

{{Place
|image=Image:dirge.jpg
|province=Zoluren
|currency=Kronar
|pop=1,500
|est=Imperial times, sometime prior to 500 BL
|alt=Darkstone; Darkstone Town
|gov=Mayor [[Hunlynd]] Turmar
|deity=Botolf
|warning=Lesser skeletons and corpse grubs ocassionaly roam near town square
}}
==Overview==
[[Image:DirgeIcon.jpg|left]]'''Darkstone''', now known as Dirge, was one of the most important cities of the [[Seven Starred Empire]] and had a trade road going directly to [[Throne City]]. Today, it is known as Dirge, following the explosion of the [[Greater Fist]] in 277 [[AV]], during which Darkstone and the [[Alshaerd]] estates were destroyed. 
 
'''Description from <tt>HELP CITIES</tt>''': Dirge, or as it was once known, Darkstone Town, is now in a sad state of ruin and lawlessness due to volcanic activity in the not-too-distant past that wiped out direct caravan access to the town as well as most of its farmlands, productivity and population. Now mainly a hiding place for criminals, thieves and other ne'er-do-wells, few decent people ever make the arduous journey there. 
 
'''Play.net Description''': Living in the shadow of active volcano Greater Fist, Dirge is a bleak grey city of stern, hardened, determined people. Yet underneath the ash and rubble lies a once-charming village waiting to be discovered.

==Government, Politics, and Culture==
Part of the lands held by the [[Magen]] family of Zoluren nobility, Dirge is a town that embraces its many contradictions as well as its status as part of the borderland between Zoluren and Therengia as well as that between the holdings of the Magen and the [[Turmar]]. Citizens of other parts of Zoluren and travelers from abroad often comment on the town's seeming disrepair and the overall harsh lifestyle lived by its inhabitants, frequently blaming the government for not intervening directly. However, the residents of Dirge will loudly state to anyone who bothers to talk to them instead of just about them that they are just fine, thank you. The town's culture has evolved to actively seek out and embrace hardship as a way of making itself stronger and more prepared to deal with whatever may come its way, and the citizens of Dirge seem to hold this as a point of pride. So much so, in fact, that they are at times somewhat dismissive of people who hail from elsewhere as being far too soft to truly understand the world.

During part of the early reign of Prince [[Vorclaf]], Dirge was in part run by the [[Dirge Council]], which was formally led by [[Mordiazi]] Neus and other Adventurers. Inquisitor [[Anamir]] was Prince Vorclaf's liasion to the Dirge Council during this time. The organization has since dissolved, and more traditional governmental oversight returned to the town. Outside of this brief anomaly, Dirge has been (and is currently) run by a mayor, who is appointed by the Magen family. The current mayor of Dirge is [[Hunlynd]] Turmar, a man with blood ties to both the Magen and their close neighbors, the Turmar.

When asked about the oft reported criminal element attracted to Dirge, Mayor Hunlynd will laugh and say that such rumors are exaggerated and mostly a product of outsiders misunderstanding and misinterpreting aspects of normal, law-abiding Dirge life.

===History===
*600 [[BL]] -- The reign of [[Qoemeth]] begins. When 25, Empress Qoemeth asked the Compact to open a tomb to the west of Darkstone which the War Mages couldn't get into. They did it and recovered some artifacts, the records of which have been lost.
*418 [[BL]] -- The [[Gorbesh]] occupy the Imperial City of Darkstone
*415 [[BL]] -- Emperor Vithwok of [[Kermoria]] leads an assault to retake Darkstone; the Gorbesh are victorious
*411 [[BL]] -- Gnomic prophets decree that the [[Bloodworm Comet]] will soon fill the skies again
*411 [[BL]] -- Admiral Xireshi is ordered to return to Albaria will all haste, withdrawing from Darkstone
*239 [[BL]] -- Darkstone falls to [[Teiro]] during the [[Resistance War]]
*236 [[BL]] -- Darkstone is taken by [[Lanival]] during the Resistance War.

*In 106 [[AV]] [[Zoluren]] and [[Therengia]] fall into dipute over the borders of their provinces. This becomes known as the [[Faldesu Conflict]] and fighting erupts near [[Sicle Grove]]. A summit is held in Darkstone which results in a successful treaty.

*'''277 [[AV]] -- The [[Greater Fist]] erupts and destroys Darkstone and the [[Alshaerd]] Estates.'''

*303 [[AV]] -- Chelaemador Polibara, author of [[Gamgweth Grammar (book)|Gamgweth Grammar]] was born in Dirge

===Landmarks===
*Temple of the Volcano

===Unique shops and services===
*Divorce Blades can be obtained from the acolyte in the tent inside the town's Temple of the Volcano.
*[[Iron Mountain Weapons]] - Best storebought light-edged weapon for [[Backstab skill|backstabbing]], the stout short sword.
*[[Prayer Beads]] available near Temple

===Shops===
*[[Ahnglor's General Store]]
*[[Darkstone Inn]]
*[[Garn the Grocer]]
*[[Iron Mountain Weapons]]
*[[Scorched Earth]] - home fireplaces and stoves

===Bars, inns, and taverns===
*[[Darkstone Inn]]

===Prominent hangouts===

==Important activities==

===Favors===
Inside the gate of souls offers a [[Ushnish]] altar.

===Task givers===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Task Giver !! Location !! Task Types
|-
|None currently || ||
|}

===Quests===

==Creatures==
*[[:Category:Dirge_Creatures|Creatures in and around Dirge]]
*[[:Category:Gate_of_Souls_Creatures|Creatures in and around the Gate of Souls]]

==Maps==
*[http://www.play.net/images/dr/geography/zoluren_region.jpg Graphical Layout Of Zoluren]
*[http://www.play.net/dr/info/geography/area.asp?area=55 Graphical Layout of Dirge]
*[[RanikMap13|Dirge and Surrounds]]
*[[:File:Darkstone_Dirge.jpg|Map of Darkstone and the Northern Trade Route by The Conciliar Government of Darkstone]]

==Scripts==
*[[Scripts#Survival_Skills|Climb Crossing Walls]]
*[[Scripts|Click here]] for other possible scripts

==Miscellaneous==
Dirge is believed to be the favored city of [[Botolf]], who frequently visits.

{{cat|Cities, Zoluren cities}}