Sub-Races
Shemite Sub-Races Shemite characters have Shemite traits as detailed in Conan the Roleplaying Game. The core rulebook details a few of the sub-races, the Meadow Shemite and the Pelishtim. Another option is to play one of the Aphaki as seen in the story, Drums of Tombalku.
Aphaki
The ruling caste of Tombalku, the mysterious city beyond the Southern Desert, were originally Shemites but have interbred with and taken on the culture of both the desert tribes and the folk of the southern Black Kingdoms. The Aphaki exist in a constant state of tension with the ordinary citizens of their land, who are closely related to the Suba tribe of the southern Black Kingdoms (and can be treated as Southern Islanders). Culture: The Aphaki culture seems likely to be a curious mixture of Shemite and the Black Kingdoms, though precious little is known of Tombalku and its ways. Certainly its politics are highly factionalised. Names: These seem to be based on traditional Ghanaian names. Examples: (male) Askia, Kordofo, Zehbeh. Suggestions: (male) Ato, Kofi, Kwaku; (female) Abena, Ama, Efua, Kisi. Religion: As descendents of Shem, the Aphaki might revere Shemite gods, but their main god is Jhil. Other than as follows, they are identical to the Shemites. +1 bonus to all attack and damage rolls when wielding a scimitar. These bonuses replace the usual Shemite bonuses with bows (though Aphaki still gain weapon familiarity with the Shemite bow). The Aphaki favour wild charges and hard scimitar blows, rather than standing off and shooting arrows. Martial Weapon Proficiencies: Scimitar. All Aphaki are proficient with the scimitar. Illiterate. Aphaki begin play without the ability to read and write, unless they choose to spend 2 skill points to gain it.
Background Skills: Handle Animal, Ride, Survival.
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Favoured Class: Nomad or noble. Prohibited Classes: None. Automatic Languages: Tombalku. Bonus Languages: Shemitish, Ghanatan, Tibu, Southern Islander.
The Classes in Shem
Rich or poor, nomad or urbanite, Shemites are renowned as unrepentant liars and tellers of tall tales, thus they tend to have high Bluff scores. Treasures, riches and beautiful things cause the hearts and souls of the Shemites to soar. They live to accumulate wealth and beauty, surrounding themselves with jewellery and lovely slaves. Regardless of their character class, Shemites tend to keep their Appraise scores relatively high.
Shemite Barbarians Shemite barbarians are usually part of a nomad or hillmen tribe, including the infamous Zuagirs. These tribes move from place to place, seeking new watering holes or grazing grounds for their herds. Shemite barbarians tend to keep Spot, Ride and Survival at maximum. They take feats such as Eagle-Eyed, Precise Shot, Mounted Archery and other feats to keep their reputation as keen eyed marksmen and impressive riders. They maintain barbarian codes of honour as discussed on page 6. Players with access to Conan: Hyboria’s Fiercest will find several multiclass options for Shemite barbarians. Those belonging to the nomad tribes tend to look upon themselves as proof of the perfection of creation. To these tribesmen, the Sons of Shem are the noblest of all people, with a noble ancestry. Most nomads, regardless of class, can trace his lineage back to the times of Shem. Nomadic Shemites tend to be open-minded and always interested in what is going on around him. Desert survival demands such attention to detail. Listen, Sense Motive, Spot and Search are always going to be important skills for a Shemite nomad, regardless of class. Nomadic Shemites also tend to be suspicious of strangers and will keep a low profile about his own background.
