The Masgai are an insectoid race of imperialistic conquerors who can be encountered in the Spelljammer campaign setting.[1]
Overview[]
The Masgai are empire builders who are slowly spreading their influence from world to world, and have developed a systematic approach to gaining dominion over other worlds. They begin by establishing trading enclaves in the most powerful cities of each world, entering into trade alliances that give them both financial and political power. When they determine the time is right, they establish a minor settlement on the frontier, helping the indigenous races keep any humanoids, giants or monsters at bay. Once their presence has been accepted, they slowly increase the size of their settlement until they can challenge local authorities for political, economic and military supremacy.
The Masgai are perfectly content to wait for centuries for their plans to come to fruition. They prefer to establish control without military conquest, but they engage in battle without hesitation whenever necessary.
Description[]
The Masgai are tall and long-limbed insectoid humanoids. They walk upright on spindly legs, and their thin arms extend almost to their knees. The outer surface of their entire body is covered by a dark chitinous layer, acting as natural armor plating. Their faces are elongated, with two eyes set wide apart, a prominent jaw, and sharp teeth.
Masgai are highly advanced tool makers, and their clothes are mass produced. While their clothing is of high quality, there is very little variety in fashion, so most Masgai have a uniform appearance. The Masgai do not have wings, as they are distantly related to air elementals and have the innate ability to fly at will.
Behavior[]
The Masgai are an ambitious, powerful race. They plan in the long term and are extremely patient in dealing with other races. Masgai population centers tend to be very large, and they are a great drain on the natural resources of the surrounding lands. The Masgai need to expand their population base due to their short life-span, which forces them to go further and further afield for food and materials. Their largest empires have actually drawn on the resources of numerous worlds, all connected by sophisticated teleportation portals. The Masgai jealously guard their magical advances, which are focused on benefiting their society rather than individuals.
Despite their apparent strict adherence to their militaristic society, most Masgai are individualists at heart. Advancement within Masgai society is often based on personal achievement, and one of the fastest ways to rise to the ranks of the powerful is to be either financially or militarily successful beyond the borders of the empire. Those individuals able to strike out on their own and make a name for themselves are rewarded with higher status when they return. However, those that fail in the outside world, fail completely, and are never able to regain their position in Masgai society.
Individual masgai are quick to make friends and allies; however, most relationships are viewed as temporary in nature, and can swiftly change as circumstances change. Masgai are opportunistic and rarely risk themselves personally without the chance of significant gain. If they perceive a specific goal as worthwhile, though, they pursue it with all the means at their disposal.
Masgai work well with others, and — although they are arrogant — are quick to grasp and follow orders. They respect power and authority and take pains not to break local laws. When they are given authority themselves, they expect complete obedience and have little patience for dissension and debate.
Combat[]
The Masgai are exemplary warriors. They are disciplined in battle, responding flawlessly to a hierarchy of commanders and sub-units. Attacks are coordinated and well-planned, and their assaults are always carried out with a specific purpose in mind. The Masgai do not form rigid battle lines or commit themselves irrevocably to attack. They usually approach in a loose, flexible formation, trying to attack opponents at their weakest points. The front ranks of Masgai warriors usually carry 12-foot spears that are used to thrust at non-flying warriors, and secondary ranks are typically armed with both bows and short swords.
If facing strong resistance, the Masgai withdraw, hoping to coerce the enemy into breaking ranks and overextending themselves to counterattack. Once an opponent's discipline has broken down, the Masgai attack isolated groups, engaging in melee combat only when the battle is clearly in their favor.
Society[]
Masgai are builders of the highest order, and live in vast cities that have been built with magic. Since they can fly, they choose sites that are easily defensible and of little value to creatures who can't fly. They use sophisticated agricultural techniques to produce large yields from their fields, and they create immense transportation networks to bring supplies from outlying regions. The Masgai's capital city of Rig-Veda is hidden on a remote world, and its location is jealously guarded by both mundane and magical means.
War is central to the social structure of the Masgai. The military hierarchy wields economic and political power, and all citizens are expected to serve at least two years in the standing army of each Masgai city. The response of most Masgai warriors to the strain of constant warfare is fierce adherence to a strict code of honor that stresses personal service to the state above all else. This strict warrior code has led to the establishment of various military orders, membership in which is the measurement of social status in the Masgai hierarchy.
The Masgai wage war as an extension of their political power; they do not waste resources without the prospect of some kind of gain. They see conquest as a means to gain riches and power, planning campaigns strictly for the annexation and consolidation of power. They are ruthless and terrifying in battle.
Appendix[]
External Links[]
- Masgai article at the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd Edition Wiki, a wiki for official Dungeons & Dragons content from 2nd edition AD&D.
References[]
- ↑ Michael Lambert, "Warriors of the Wind", Dragon Magazine issue 244, February 1998, (TSR Inc.), Masgai entry, pages 32-33