Thomgog

Thomgog concept art

The Thomgog are a race of large, scaly-skinned, four armed beings and one of the four Ascendant Races. The most well-known and prominent member of this race was Baccata, a Talamari mage of Gladstone who serves as Dawn's apprentice/bodyguard and Kieran's companion during the Nether Mask Conflict.

Physiology

Thomgogs are covered in a rough yellowish-brown hide and have four arms, which can operate independently. They lack any discernible nose, ears, neck or body hair of any kind, although some thomgog have a bony ridge that goes down the middle of their heads while others do not possess this trait. Each hand contains four fingers and their feet have three toes. Their eye color ranges from bright red to deep green and soft blue. They possess great strength which in addition to their extra arms makes them highly regarded as warriors, as they can wield several weapons and/or shields at once. They have green blood, as evidenced by their appearance when grievously wounded. Due to the bulk of their fingers, they cannot wear most rings.

When a Thomgog "dies" the "soul" leaves the dead body, becomes a "seed" that takes root in fertile soil, and about a year later reincarnates into a new, young Thomgog. The full details of Thomgog reproduction is one the the Great Mysteries of the Lands, but it's enough to know there's no way to actually kill a Thomgog, simply reincarnating with a new body. Scholars believe this is why Thomgogs developed such forgiving natures and philosophical lifestyle. Sadly, there are methods of death that can interrupt the Thomgog birth cycle, as any protections afforded by mundane racial characteristics would be completely invalidated by Ancient Magic or objects enchanted with such as the horns or claws of an Ancient.

History

Concept art - Lands of Lore IV

Thomgog pride themselves on their cult of mysticism and philosophy of universal brotherhood. The reasonable and enormously patient Thomgogs are valued throughout the Lands as diplomats, negotiators and arbitrators. Paradoxically, they also have an aggressive nature that makes them ill-suited to the practice of magic and few ever become mages.

Thomgog settlements live in desert landscapes on isolated rock outcroppings or slot canyons, made from mud brick and timber. A network of bridge structures connects the pinnacles. Houses contain ceremonial rooms on the upper level. Messenger birds are used to communicate with other settlements and are sheltered in towers with mechanical lifts.

Trivia

• According to writer Rick "Coco" Gush, a proposed sequel in the series would have including a story about a Thomgog damsel.
• A common axiom in the Lands says: "Speak softly, and have a Thomgog at your side." This is reminiscent of the real-world quote by President Theodore Roosevelt "Speak softly, and carry a big stick" in reference to his foreign policy.
• The enchanted weapons Axe "Splitter" and Saber "Cutter" are more powerful in the hands of Thomgogs.
• A sign in the Urbish Mining Co. reads "Thomgogs do NOT get double pay!", presumably due to their additional appendages.

Gallery

Petricia, proprietor of the Southland Marina (Lands of Lore: The Throne of Chaos)

Baccata, Talamari and officer of Gladstone (Lands of Lore: Guardians of Destiny)

Viscosa, Baccata's brother (Lands of Lore III)

Appearances

• Lands of Lore: The Throne of Chaos
• Lands of Lore: Guardians of Destiny
• Lands of Lore III