RIFTS
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By: Simon Heath (siheath@angelfire.com)
The Lishka culture values trickery and subterfuge over direct combat. When direct combat is undertaken, they cheat and backstab mercilessly. They figure that there is a "trickster's honor," that if you trick someone in to doing what you want, or outwit someone in a fight no matter the tactics, then it shows you're better than they are. The Lishka have no concept of a fair fight except as a weakness in others; they always fight on their own terms, and will retreat to a stronger position. "Win if you can, lose if you must, but always cheat" is a common saying. Other common phrases include "Cheaters always prosper" and "Don't get angry, get even." When among other Lishka, good-natured pranks, contests and arguments are very common. Lishka are very strong-willed, know their own mind, and will not hesitate to act on a whim. They tend to be very good-natured and friendly, even if they're caught manipulating someone to their own -usually selfish, sometimes malicious- purposes. While they will readily (and proudly) admit to their true nature on when caught red-handed, but will absolutely deny it under any other circumstances. They are experts at deflecting questions and redirecting conversations. Blessed with the ability to laugh at themselves (and others), they tend to be very easygoing, and will always share a joke. Although the Lishka rarely have evil intent, they can sometimes be very cruel and arrogant, acting with little regard for others' feelings, however their misdeeds are usually meant in good fun. Rarely holding grudges, the Lishka will readily apologize (with every appearance of sincerity, but who can be completely sure?) if they truly offend someone, especially a friend. Generally curious as hell -especially when young- Lishka often become adventurers, wilderness scouts, headhunters, mercenaries, traveling wizards, and other wanderers. They rarely settle down for long until they are quite old, and they love visiting new places and meeting different people. Unexpectedly, Lishka are absolutely loyal to their friends (i.e. people who can take their quirky personality and sense of humor in stride) and will trust and protect them implicitly. Note: They are generally not thieves, at least not of the living (no compunctions about looting battlefields, etc.). Not casually anyway, but will steal to save their lives. However, they generally respect other people's livelihoods too much to be career burglars.
LishkaAlignment: Any, usually selfish.
Bonuses: +1 to dodge, +1 to save vs. illusion (being
masters of it themselves), +2 to roll with impact, and +2 to save vs.
Horror Factor ("is that all?" attitude), in addition to those gained
from attributes, O.C.C., and skill bonuses.
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