"Sonhali are humanoid in form and man-sized, but exceedingly ugly by human standards. They are usually obese, with dull, hairless, olive-green skin. Their facial features are broad and prominent, with faded, yellow eyes that have no discernible iris. Instead of teeth, the Sonhali possess a hard, sharp bone ridge that protrudes from the upper and lower gums within their elongated jaws. Their toenails and fingernails grow very slowly, but are exceedingly hard and carefully sharpened.

Sonhali appear to take great delight in their appearance, and the uneasy response they receive from most humans. They rarely wear clothing upon their upper torso, and frequently pierce their folds of fleshy skin with gold and ivory rings and studs. It is apparent that they enjoy promoting their reputations as uncouth animals, and they happily mock theatres, circuses and other "civilized" entertainments. But the Sonhali are rarely satisfied with meager existences, and they heavily indulge in material comforts, with particular fondnesses for fine clothing, food, drink, perfumes, scented oils, and chewing tobacco.

Though oftentimes considered more akin to orcs than humans, Sonhali are most appropriately categorized as human. Though their apparent racial similarities to orc species prove problematic, the Sonhali nonetheless move relatively unscathed through the nations of mankind. Most are nomadic and tenacious merchants, willing to trade in any commodity, and following the lure of gold wherever it is found. Their unlikely success in merchanting endeavors is to be highly commended, for it is most certainly a credit to their persistency, and not their charisma..." -- from Personal Observations of the Lesser Known Human and Humanoid Races, by Nyn' Thuvir the Legender.