Nethermen

Nethermen are not a true race but a cross between humans and goblins. Now and then the two species still interbreed, helping keep their small numbers up, but most Nethermen come from hybrid stock bred by Atlantean sorcerers in the First Age. They are about human-sized but tend to be more muscular and less nimble, with tan, yellow-green, brown or black skin, usually without the mottling common in goblins. They have their goblin forebears' deep-set eyes with the same reversed coloring, black with white pupils, and about 95% have infra-vision.

They live fairly short lives, and because they are hybrids more than half of both sexes are sterile, so, like the Andaman, the race seems to be slowly dying out. Even so, nomadic clans still roam many regions. All are warlike, but not all are hostile to humans, and many human lands tolerate them. Sadly, the race has largely inherited the worst of both parents: with exceptions, most are violent, cruel and cunning and care little for other humanoids.

Nethermen have little gift for magic, and most become warriors, spies, rogues or assassins, though some tribes have shamans or witch doctors. A few clans build permanent settlements in the wilds, small and roughly made and usually ringed with a stockade or earthen wall. Those who live among humans most often work as mercenaries, caravan guards and the like. All Nethermen gain +1 on saves vs STR. By the appendix they may be Assassins, Bounty Hunters, Corsairs, Gladiators, Hunters, Rogues, Shamans, Spies or Warriors.