Myrgha

[Kenneth New]

Myrgha are bipedal humanoids standing 2.0 to 2.2 m in height. They have flat, cat-like noses, erect ears and soft, thick hair. Their bodies are covered by short, fine fur in shades of red, black, yellow or gray. Hair on the head is usually a darker tone of the same shade as their body fur. The fur on their chests is usually a lighter tone.

The Myrgha were a subject race of the Kishandry until a few decades ago. They served as janissary shock-troops. When they rebelled, they earned their independence and kept a lot of Kishandry military equipment. Their native tech level is much lower than the Myrgha [TL 10], but they have a lot of more advanced weaponry [TL 12 or 13].

Myrgha are divided into clans. There was fierce competition between them on the Myrgha home world, but the advent of space travel has led to different clans controlling different worlds. The home world was considered sacred, but it was left desolate during the rebellion by a concentrated Kishandry bombing campaign. This incident (the Atrocity) is a rallying for the Myrgha whenever they face the Kishandry in battle.

Myrgha clans squabble and fight among themselves, with no unifying leadership. Many of them hire themselves out at mercenaries, while other ply the space lanes like star vikings, pirating when they can and trading when they can't. Like the Kishandry, their space is spinward of the New Frontier.

Myrgha are omnivores, but require lots of protein to power their muscular frames. They prefer leather clothing in simple and efficient styles and seldom go unarmed. Myrgha warriors are trained with the kukri, which they use in honor fights. They are also known for their proficiency in using bayonets in close combat.