Anthrokind

Kayden

Often simply referred to as ‘Birdmen’, Kayden are a humanoid-avian hybrid race of average height and typical lean, slender build. 

The origin of the Kayden race is assumed to stretch back to original formation of the Realms of Strife. Kayden are thought to be the descendants of those among the Third Creation that were heavily influenced by the Realm of Storms. In the early days this influence transformed the Substance of the bodies. None can say for sure if this process occurred gradually over several generations or if when the first Kayden opened their eyes upon their new home they had already transformed. Regardless the wings, claws and feathers became their defining features, making them more at home high in the sky than on the ground.

The Kayden’s ability to understand and wield Spiritual powers waned as time stretched on. Some believe that much of their innate spiritual power was lost, consumed in the transformation into their bird like form, but the influence of the Realm of Storms still lingers on in their species, particularly among the Druids of Vedren Roost.

In the native home of Kazan, a large island found within the continent of Norlanin, the coloring of a Kayden’s plumage identifies which Roost or clan they belong to. Most Roosts are very protective of their bloodlines and as such cross-breeding is uncommon, though not unheard of. Cross-breeding of Roosts can lead to a variety of rare and sometimes spectacular plumage coloring. They are typically a communal race, and deeply religious. Regardless of which patron god they or their roost may align themselves with, all Kayden revere the Sky in some form.

With keen senses and generally strong intuition, coupled with an aerial advantage over other races, Kayden make excellent archers. Despite being considered less intelligent and sometimes even savage by other races, they are well-known for their craftsmanship, which possesses a delicate and airy style that conceals considerable strength, not unlike their race itself. But perhaps the most well known export from the Kayden homeland is their liquor, widely regarded to be some of the strongest drink in all the land, making Kayden Brewmasters highly prized.

For more information on the Kayden Roosts see: The Great Roosts of Kazan

Age: Kayden youth mature and come into their full plumage in their late teens or early twenties. While the average Kayden male lives well into their second century, the females tend to outlive them by another fifty to a hundred years. In addition to their longer life spans, females remain fertile even into the twilight of their life. The most ancient and powerful matriarchs among them will often have many broods and are entrusted with ensuring the bloodline of their Roost remains pure.

Size: The Kayden are Medium sized creatures that generally stand somewhere between 5 and 6 feet tall, though while in flight their wings and talons can make them appear much taller. While their bones are known to be hollow, they are no less dense and it would be a grave mistake to assume their slender frames are fragile for they are anything but. Without their wings they typically weigh slightly less than humans but over all they are heavier, averaging between 150-250 pounds regardless of gender.

Physical Features: With the exception of the large feathered wings protruding from their shoulders, the majority of their features resemble those of humans. There are several distinct differences, one being that their feet resemble those of a bird of prey, including razor sharp talons, from the knee down. Their facial features are sharp and angular, giving them a bird like appearance without actually having a beak. In place of hair their heads are feathered, with those same feathers running down their neck, into their wings, and across their entire back, culminating in a short feathered tail. Despite having wings, they do possess standard humanoid arms and hands, allowing them to wield weapons in much the same way as other humanoid races, though their armor is somewhat modified to fit their form. Plumage and skin tones can vary from dull earth tones to extravagant bright colors but are typically common to the bloodline of the Roost to which they belong.

Languages: Most Kayden speak, read, and write both common tongue and the Kayden language. Each Kayden roost has it’s own distinct accent and slang that can make outsiders assume that each roost has it’s own language.

Affinity: Kayden have a racial affinity for Air magic (+5% Critical Cast Chance) as well as Kick attacks/Skills (+3% Critical Hit Chance)

Resistant to: Elemental (+5), Natural (+5)

Stat Modifiers:

Racial Passive: Flight, Animal Feet

Racial Secondary Skill: Brewmaster OR Expertise Trainer OR Craftsman (typically fine wood-craft of some other craft requiring delicate or precise handiwork)

Minotaur

Minotaurs are a race of large, humanoid creatures with the upper body of a human but lower body and head resembling a bull. They are physically imposing and possess immense strength and endurance.  They are typically viewed as barbaric and savage, with a culture centered around strength and combat, where only the strongest may lead. In combat, Minotaurs are feared for their size and powerful charges.

On the continent of Norlanin, the minotaur tribes have carved out their own lands and civilization in the frigid  tundra and dense forests of the northeast. Known as the Dominion of Minocea, they countless tribes are all ruled by a warrior King who represents the mightiest of all minotaur kind. While brutal in politics and war, they have built a respected nation and earned their place in Norlanin.

On Gant however, minotaurs are almost unheard of, a near mythical creature who can only be found on the isolated Isle of Beasts of the rugged northern coast of the island continent.

Age: Short lived in comparison to many other races, minotaurs mature quickly. Most will participate in some for of tribal ritual of adulthood somewhere between there 10th and 15th year, when their horns have grown to adult size. While their horns will continue to grow throughout their lifetime, and can be used as a relative indicator of age, the rate of growth slows drastically after the age of maturity is reached. Among most minotaur tribes, to die of old age brings shame to your descendants for many generations so the true life expectancy of the minotaur race is unknown. However, age does seem to eventually impact their combat prowess and ability to work or contribute to the tribe or society at large. This physical decline typically begins at around age 50, and they will often spend the next decade in pursuit of a worthy or heroic way to give their life. Out of respect for their elders, a young minotaur may challenge a parent, aunt, uncle, or grandparent to ritual combat in their later years to provide them a fitting end that will honor their ancestors and descendants for years to come. This is considered an act of great respect, and among some tribes is even a part of the ritual of adulthood. To teach the next generation to fight is the greatest service a minotaur can provide, and is worth giving ones life to ensure the tribe remains strong.

Size: Minotaurs are on the lower end of  the large creature size, ranging from around 7 to 9 feet tall. Males tend to be heavier, but weights in general can range drastically depending on height. A small Minotaur would be around 400lbs while the largest among them would be upwards of 800lbs. 

Physical Features: Minotaurs have thick, muscular bodies, covered in short fur and typically sport a pair of curved horns protruding from their bovine heads, though some females do not possess horns at all. Among the various tribes of minotaur the shape and size of horns can vary dramatically and is an excellent identifier of lineage. In some cases horns may be ornamented or carved with designs. Disgraced minotaurs may have their horns broken, cut off or filed down as a reminded of failures or weakness.

Languages: Most minotaurs prefer to speak Minotauren, though many cannot read or write their own language. Most are comfortable communicating in the common tongue as well, though if they feel inferior in communicating in common they may feign that they cannot.

Affinity: Minotaurs have a racial affinity for Fire Magic (+5% Critical Hit Chance) and Physical Melee attacks/skills (+3% Critical Hit Chance)

Resistant to: none

Stat Modifiers:

Racial Passive: Bull Charge, Animal Feet, Large Race

Racial Secondary Skill: Intimidator OR Combat Trainer OR Hunter

Centaur

Text Description

Age:

Size: Just as the size of horses can vary greatly by breed, so too does a Centaur vary by their tribal lineage. Typically though, their lower equine half is of similar size to a stock horse, measuring anywhere from 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 feet up to the withers (top of the shoulder blade). Centaurs then have the added height benefit of a human sized torso and head, attached roughly from the naval upwards where a horses neck would be, making their overall height somewhere between 6 1/2 to 7 1/4 feet. This puts them somewhere between a medium and large creature size from a height perspective, however, also possessing the length of a typical horse Centaurs are considered large creatures. Centaur’s can weight anywhere between 1000 to 1400 lbs, depending on lineage and gender, with females typically slightly leaner than males.

Languages: Most centaurs speak the common tongue, but their ability to read and write largely depends on their upbringing. Centaurs that live in tribes in the wilds also typically speak a local tribal Centauren tongue as well.

Affinity: Centaurs have a racial affinity for all Faith Paths, Domains and/or Powers (+5% Critical Hit Chance)

Resistant to: Arcane (+10), Elemental (+10), Natural (+10)

Stat Modifiers: