Kep Barna
The Kep Barna are race of small Octopus-like humanoids, the origin of which have yet to be identified. A small and strange race, the Kep Barna are the natives of Lucidity. Due to years of fighting for survival on the Fragment Island, and their constant exposure to the maddening energies of The Far Realm, the Kep Barna are a hardy, and inventive species, being the originators of the Augmention branch of Artificery. Kep Barna are naturally distrusting of outsiders to their island, but, once that trust is earned, one will find that they are an inquisitive and kindly folk, eager to learn of new technologies that they may use to enhance their community.
Basic Information
Anatomy
A Kep Barna’s life can be a strenuous one, particularly those who remain on their native island. They are a short race, standing between Halflings and Dwarves at about 3 and a half feet tall and usually weighing between 50 and 60 pounds, however, this can vary due to their unique physiology. A Kep Barna resembles an octopus, with eight tentacles leading from an elongated head, however, the bases of their tentacles are far thicker, and they have two layers of these limbs, each made up of four tendrils, forming an outer and inner layer. The inner layer of tentacles is far thicker than the outer layer and will twist into a braid-like structure to form a torso and two legs, almost resembling a humanoid’s own limbs. The outer layer is made up of four thinner tentacles. On their own, each tentacle is not able to lift much, however, twirling two of the limbs together forms a strand that can resemble a humanoid arm, despite being tipped with two highly malleable tendrils as opposed to fingers. This allows the Kep Barna to wield weapons and manipulate objects as well as any other humanoid. However, they are not restricted to this form, and can quickly escape from any clothes they are wearing or restraints by quickly unraveling their form. However, it is often seen as unbecoming to do this in Kep Barna culture, and they will refrain from doing so unless it is absolutely necessary.
Their limbs are incredibly sensitive, and can produce a small electrical charge, originally to allow them to detect others in the sometime-pitch blackness of The Void, that allows to interact with their machinery as if it were a nerve. This has allowed them to create the school of Artificery known as Augmentation, in which they inhabit prosthetics to give them an edge over the larger and deadlier Sclera, the other native population on Lucidity. The most famed of these Augmentations, and the most commonly used among Kep Barna, is the Magnus Gauntlet, that gives them powerful augmentations to their cultural weapon, the Boomerang.
Biological Traits
The Kep Barna are miraculous amongst the races of Apa Axas, as they are one of the few species who have survived the full might of the Far Realm. How they have done so is a mystery, perhaps even to them, but their minds are unique in that they seem to be as twisting and malleable as their bodies, leading to difficulties for a telepath to read their minds. This is not entirely a benefit however, as the Kep Barna often suffer from extreme mood swings due to this, and can be indecisive and quick to frustration.
Genetics and Reproduction
Due to the influence of the Far Realm, which causes life to unravel quickly, particularly if a young, newborn mind is present, Kep Barna have managed to overcome this with their own unique reproductive properties. Sex is not present amongst the Kep Barna, with all individuals sharing a single gender. If a Kep Barna loses a limb in battle, or by accident, the severed limb is quickly retrieve and placed into the Birthing Pit, a large hole in the ground that is present in all Kep Barna settlements. The limb is placed in that hole, where it will continue to thrive, as long as it is kept moist and provided with a cocktail of enzymes and nutrients. When eight severed limbs are found to be compatible, the limbs will fuse, eventually creating a new brain, and eventually, a new Kep Barna. This can lead to an infinite amount of Kep Barna, as each of them can regenerate their own limbs, however, the Kep Barna of Lucidity keep strict regulations on this, as to not overrun an environment they enter.
This is important, as a nomadic people, as it allows them to live in harmony with the creatures around them. As such, they are not often treated with hostility when meeting new creatures, unlike other species present on Lucidity.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
The Kep Barna rarely have need for names amongst themselves, as they will often exchange information about themselves by flashing bioluminescent lights, that are located on their forehead. Each individual has a different pattern and combination, so an outsider may be able to decipher their identities with careful study. However, Modern Kep Barna are a far more open species, and enjoy the novel ways in which mortals communicate. As such, they will often give themselves names that they think may allow them to more easily fit in with other races. However, their understanding is limited, and they may mistake naming conventions, and they may be mispronunciations of more common species names.
Primal Kep Barna Names: Four Green, Two Red, Purple Yellow Flash, Two Blue Four Green One Black.
Present Kep Barna Names: Gladrie, Bannasta, Andrekic, Nialoo, Annba, Saluta, Gria
Average Height
Between 3 and 4 feet tall.
Average Weight
Between 50 and 60lbs.
Geographic Distribution
Related Ethnicities
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