Minotaur
Viewed by outsiders as savages or barbaric, the Minotaur are misunderstood people. They are fierce nomadic survivalists that travel in family groups through the mountainous regions of Xadune. They are an incredibly strong people, both physically and as a culture. Often stubborn and independent, many find it better to simply avoid dealing with Minotaur in general.
Minotaur have been described as large crosses between bovine and humans. They have large bovine horns and ears, and a similarly styled snout and tail. They are covered in short hurt. These people also have hooves, rather than feet. Incredibly tall, these people stand between 5’11 and 7’ on average.
It should go without saying the Minotaur are strong people, but when outside their homelands they often forget how much so. Some have a strong fortitude against diseases and others toxins. Additionally, many cannot be put to sleep by outside means, and others cannot be charmed. However, it can be easy to confuse a Minotaur and they are hurt dramatically from attacks of the mind.
Average Life Span: ~40
Average Number of Offspring: 1
Maximum Number of Offspring: 2
The Minotaur safely guard their mountainous home. Minotaur were one of the few races to stay strong during Fallen Star; they used to dwell on the coast and for hundreds of years ruled the seas around Pha. After the event occurred, however, those that survived moved north to the mountain range and resettled, making their new home an empire over the next 100 years or so. That empire became known as Kaz’letai. Kaziga’thai de Aurluig was the one to step up and move the people north, and it was in his name the nation was named.
There are seven clans and tribes that make up Kaz’letai, each having their own Clan Chief. Each clan has a region of land in Kaz’letai that they have made their home. The clans still intermingle and trade goods between each other.
This author hs only had the opportunity to come into contact with three fo the Minotaur clans, and as such this book can only describe the ones I have researched.
Truziadak – Yak Men- These Minotaur have been the protectors of the high elevation passes through the Nigean Mountains. Due to their seclusion, these minotaurs have become the most prejudiced of all the other races. These minotaur have zero tact and tolerance for anyone or any other race but their own. They refuse to work with anyone but minotaur and even go as far as openly admitting the weaknesses of others, often challenging them to duels in which the winner is to be cast away in some fashion.
Sheeshahman- Four Horned Antelopes- These minotaurs have become the merchants and chief artisans of the race. They have many dealings with the outside world and are more commonly seen among the rest of the world. The Sheeshahman are the only race of minotaurs that have learned to read and write other languages. However, the Sheeshahman cannot comprehend magic of any sorts, whether arcane or divine in nature. They intermingle, trade, and socialize with all other races with no prejudice- unlike most of the other minotaur.
Blakar-dar- Water Buffalo- These massive minotaurs stick to the lower elevations to be closer to the rivers, lakes, and other water sources. They protect the mountain empire from invasion, and have stood like a wall to all opposition. These minotaurs are about as stubborn, but are a little less prideful and stuck in their ways. However, these people still have difficulty with the written word in terms of mundane languages or arcane; and they cannot seem to comprehend the arcane or the new study of tinkering and as such avoid it. They are a stubborn people.
Felines
There are several species of the Feline race, most of them with many different attitudes and outlooks on the world. They often keep things to themselves, unless the situation calls for it, especially if it comes to their race. Because of this, their actual history as a race isn’t well known.
Felines are humanoid in shape, with furred ears on top of their head rather than skin ears on the sides. They have a small black or pink nose, very similar to that of a cat. Additionally, felines have a long tail.
Felines are light on their feet; somehow, they always manage to land on their feet. Felines have a strong fortitude against all disease. And very importantly, Felines are obsessed with one thing. This thing differs from person to person, and it could be anything from a color, to an idea, to a task, to a God. However, it is a trait all Felines have and many attempt to control, to little avail.
Average Life Span: ~65
Average Number of Offspring: 2
Maximum Number of Offspring:4
Feline Cultures
Lynx: Call themselves “Lincei”. These people have large ears with tufts of fur on the top and a nub of a tail- these dominants are the only piece of this culture to have a peaceful calm about them. They are mystical and religious in nature, often seeking council with the Powers and the Gods for advice. As such, it isn’t uncommon for a Lynx to be a cleric of sorts. However, these peaceful people can take a turn when upset. Because of their uncontrollable rage, they have blood lust when it comes to battle and may lose sight of the enemy and attack their friends. They tend to be the outcasts of Mirth.
Snow: Call themselves “Pardus”. They have white ears and a white spotted tail. The feline here are often known as the protectors of Central Pha, since they guard the border from the terrors that live in the North. Natives are often blunt, and can be cold towards anyone or anything. Fantastic in combat, they go above and beyond to prove that they are tactically the best front line the feline race has. However, they live in a cold climate and heated temperatures can exhaust them easily. They are born with a defect and cannot speak loudly, and as such it is polite to quietly listen to them.
Leona: These people categorize each other by their color. The yellow eared folk call themselves “Marozi”, and the white eared folk call themselves “Krugeri”. The males of this culture are known best for their leadership and tactician skills. They are great for close combat, but would require the aid of other means to make up for their lack of stamina for long distance/ranged combat. The females are the warriors of this culture.
Lizardfolk
The Lizardfolk are a patriarchal society usually putting the strongest and fiercest warriors in charge, with the most adept shamans as counselors. The Lizardfolk societies on Xadune are natural and shamanistic. They take from the land only what they require so that the land may replenish itself. They seldom go to war with any except amongst themselves, and if they do, it is due to survival or defense.
However, the Lizardfolk are broken into three distinct communities based on their religion. The intensity of their beliefs mixed with their violent nature means they are constantly at odds with the opposing factions.
Their heights range between 5’4″ – 6’3″ on average, weighing 200-300 pounds, with males being taller than females. Occasionally, a giant or runt will be born; pygmy or gargantuan Lizardfolk are not uncommon. They have a natural resistance to most toxin and sleep effects. Lizardfolk are cold-blooded by nature, and in cold temperatures will enter a unconscious hibernation. Uniquely, these people also have very thick, rough scales which cover their entire bodies.
Average Life Span: ~250
Average Number of Offspring: 2
Maximum Number of Offspring: 6
Lizdardfolk History
In AFS 037, a civil war broke out between the Lizardfolk which nearly wiped out the Awakened.
Lizard Folk Cultures
Deep in the murky swamplands of Shirri’saan’isssi a conflict as old as the planet lurks. The Lizard folk are broken up into several tribes: The Awakened, Shin’shi, and the Ais’pa. Not much is known about them outside the waters of their swamp. The Lizard Folk have been attempting to convert each other seemingly since the dawn of time. This has led to many great battles and wars throughout the ages. Much of the time however, the tribes remain at neutrality, with little or no issues arising. They care for the land they live in greatly, and only utilize that which is required.
Shin’shi– The followers of Riot: Mischief and Storms. This is the disorganized chaos of the lizard folk. The culture follows a tribal-leader, but no tribal leader seems to remain in power for more than a decade. Only the strongest or craftiest get the position, through underhanded means. These lizard-folk believe that this is the true incarnation of Riot. They are the storm dancers or the rogues, thugs, or mercenaries. Much of this culture spends more time watching their own backs than those of their enemies. Due to the chaotic nature, these people have difficulty understanding social skills.
Ais’pa– The followers of Riot: Magic and Fate. These Lizard Folk dedicate much of their lives to the worship of Riot through rituals and magic. They are organized under the tribal leader who is also their head prophet and seer. They believe that this incarnation of Riot is the true Riot, and moreover, there are no gods worthy of worship outside of Riot. These lizard-folk treat magic use and divination as religious and a form of worship. Because of this, Ais’pa are very sure of themselves in critical situations; their fate has already been decided. Their penchant for magic has made it very difficult for them to comprehend engineering as a study.
Awakened– The followers of the unified Riot. The most peaceful of the lizard folk, this tribe has developed a greater understanding of Riot and have unified the differing beliefs. The priests in this culture have found that Riot follows seasons and stages of development, flowing from one to the other. This culture is rich with antiquity and looks down upon the two others for their ways. Possessing of great posterity, the Awakened suffer persecution from the Ais’pa and Shin’shi, and have therefore developed many faithful paladins and clerics to defend their beliefs.