The Nyalae, children of Nyal

    The Nyalae are a human race that is gifted with the ability to heal. This is a psychic ability rather than magical. The Nyalae travel the world in small groups centered on a powerful healer or group of healers. In addition to psychic healing they are well versed in mundane medical skills. Often a healing group will contain a dentist a veterinarian and several nurses and midwives in addition to the generic healers. These nomadic groups will live off of payment for services or charity from those that cannot pay with money. Women and men share responsibilities equally, both medically and culturally. Children are brought up communally, though matrilineal and patrilineal ties are recognized. It is simply felt that in such a small group, the child should see the whole as his family, with special affection for mother and father.

    Nyalae will usually not carry more than will fit in a shoulder sack, in addition to a bedroll and a walking staff. Usually at least one member of the group will have a bow and arrows and the skill to use them. All adult Nyalae wear a white headpiece, which consists of a simple square of cloth tied in back and covering the top of the head and the upper forehead, it is usually just called a kerchef. White clothing is preferred, having both religious qualities and being a way to advertise who they are. Bandits might be less inclined to attack an obvious group of healers.

    While most Nyalae are pacifistic to some degree, very few will allow themselves and their clan to be harmed without fighting back. To this end the Nyalae train with their staves as well as in their martial art, Light Fighting. Light Fighting was developed by the Nyalae hero Lorragal who desired a way of defending his clan without carrying a weapon. He soon organized his style into a teachable format, so that others could master his art. Light Fighting is functionally the same as Judo, and should be treated as such. They also use arm locks and for those that have a level of Power Investiture with Lorragal it has several defensive Cinematic Maneuvers. They are also taught the Trip Maneuver with their staves.

    The hero Lorcard was the first to become a master archer. It is through his teachings that the Nyalae uses bows for defense. Nyalae who become expert in the use of the bow are referred to as Lorcardian Archers and wear a red band around their kerchefs. Those who obtain a level of Power Investiture with Lorcard have access to several Cinematic Maneuvers.