Handelsters

Handelsters are a fictional species from the role-playing game, Pathfinder. They are a race of intelligent, rodent-like humanoids known for their proficiency in trade and their intricate underground cities. Handelsters possess a keen sense of smell and are adept at navigating dark or complex environments. They typically have short fur, long tails, and large, expressive eyes. Their society is structured around a complex system of guilds and trade agreements, where individual success is often measured by one's accumulated wealth and influence.

Physically, Handelsters are relatively small, usually standing between three and four feet tall. They have nimble fingers, well-suited for delicate work and bartering. Their diet consists of a variety of grains, roots, and fungi, often supplemented with whatever goods they acquire through trade. Handelsters are known for their cautious nature, preferring to avoid direct conflict and instead relying on diplomacy, negotiation, and cunning to achieve their goals. While they value profit, they are not inherently greedy, often engaging in fair trade practices within their own communities.

Handelster cities are vast subterranean networks, often carved into hillsides or beneath large mountain ranges. These cities are characterized by their intricate tunnels, bustling marketplaces, and well-fortified treasuries. They are masters of engineering and construction, creating durable and functional living spaces underground. While generally peace-loving, Handelsters can be fiercely protective of their homes and their trade routes, employing a variety of traps and defensive measures to ward off intruders. Their culture emphasizes resourcefulness, adaptability, and the importance of community.