Appearance

Ogdans appear similar to humans, but are generally shorter and more heavily built. They have a very small chin and their foreheads are sloped back. They appear to have slightly longer heads compared to other humans and they are much stronger, having particularly strong arms and hands. Like humans, they come with various levels of body hair, but are distinct in that no Ogdan has red hair of any kind, blonde hair is rare.

Ogdan Language

Ogdans do not have a known language. It is uncertain how they communicate with each other. The only form of communication observed, is a system of hand signals used to communicate with the Ganarii.

Ogdan Ironworks and Pottery

Ogdans have proven to be good steelworkers. Their steel is among the purest known, due to their ability to heat furnances to higher temperatures. No one is certain of the processes they employ and they are not willing to teach any outsiders, not even the Ganarii. Their swords have a curvature that makes them resemble a khopesh. Their shields are usually round and small. They do not appear to make any kind of armor except a light chain mail. More is not known.

The Ogdans have also demonstrated an unusual talent to ‘blow’ opaque pottery in a similar fashion to glassmakers blowing glass. The ceramic material used is unknown in other lands of the world. Vessels made of this ceramic are almost indistinguishable from other materials used to make pottery. The only distinguishing characteristics are the round shape and amorphus areas of color.

Nechka, Milga, and the Ogdan Mug

One peculiar vessel commonly called an Ogdan Mug is an almost pear shaped mug with a small chamber near the rim where the top of a handle would normally be located. This mug is used for a specific spiced drink called a nechka. Mead is poured into the larger chamber of the mug and a strong, almost pungent mliga (runny cheese) is placed in the smaller chamber. The mug is tilted to allow a little mead to dissolve the mliga. Once dissolved, the rest of the mead is consumed in such a way that the tip of the nose barely touches the dissolved mliga. Apparently, the Ogdan enjoy the simultaneous experience of sour smell and sweet taste. (The milga is not consumed.)