Kender
Wanderlings, Whimsykin, Chaos Children
During the mythical origins of Krynn, Reorx, god of craft, indulged in an age of unfettered creation. Many peoples sprang from his divine forge, but not all among them remained as the god created them. Altered by unbridled magic, a group of gnomes were transformed and given almost supernatural curiosity and fearlessness. These were the first kender.
Originating on the world of Krynn, kender are diminutive Humanoids who look like humans with pointed ears and diverse appearances. Kender have a supernatural curiosity that drives them to adventure. Due to this inquisitiveness, many kender find themselves falling through portals to other planes and worlds.
Kender sometimes amass impressive collections of curiosities. Some might collect mundane knickknacks or relics from magical sites, while others might become professional thieves.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Kender are diminutive humanoids resembling small humans with pointed ears. They typically have a wiry build, dexterous fingers, and expressive faces that seem perpetually alight with wonder. Their bodies are adapted for agility and endurance rather than strength, and they have an uncanny knack for quick, precise movements.
Genetics and Reproduction
Kender reproduce similarly to humans, with an average gestation period of nine months. Their genetics favor traits of adaptability, curiosity, and dexterity, often leading to offspring that inherit a zest for exploration and mischief.
Ecology and Habitats
Kender thrive in environments rich in novelty and change, such as the Surging Plains. They are drawn to places infused with wild magic or otherworldly energy, which align with their innate curiosity and adventurous spirit. While they can adapt to nearly any setting, they prefer environments that provide endless opportunities for discovery.
Behaviour
Kender are driven by an insatiable need to explore and understand the world around them. They are fearless, often to a fault, and possess a childlike wonder that never fades. Their behavior can range from endearing to exasperating, as their curiosity often leads them to "borrow" objects of interest or meddle in affairs they find intriguing.
Additional Information
Average Intelligence
Kender exhibit average to above-average intelligence, with a natural aptitude for quick thinking, problem-solving, and improvisation.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Kender possess heightened situational awareness, allowing them to navigate chaotic or unpredictable environments with ease. Their innate curiosity sharpens their perception, particularly for details others might overlook, such as hidden objects or subtle shifts in their surroundings.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Kender names are often playful and lyrical, with first names like Tassilda, Finro, or Kariwyn, and surnames that reflect their personality or achievements, such as Brightwhistle, Featherfoot, or Wanderpath.
Beauty Ideals
Kender value expressiveness and individuality over conventional beauty standards. A lively demeanor, creative flair, and an imaginative mind are seen as the most attractive traits. Accessories like brightly colored scarves, trinkets, and whimsical adornments are popular.
Gender Ideals
Kender society is fluid and egalitarian, with little emphasis on traditional gender roles. All individuals are encouraged to pursue their passions and express themselves freely, regardless of gender.
Courtship Ideals
Kender courtship is often spontaneous and playful, involving shared adventures or mutual interests. Gift-giving is common, with gifts often being curious or unique objects the giver finds during their travels.
Relationship Ideals
Relationships among Kender are partnerships rooted in mutual respect, shared experiences, and a love of discovery. Bonds are often informal, with a focus on enjoying life together rather than adhering to rigid structures.
Common Etiquette Rules
Politeness among Kender is casual, with a focus on friendliness and curiosity. Borrowing items without asking is common, though the borrower usually assumes they’ll return or replace the item eventually. Insults are rare but, when given, are often couched in playful banter.
Common Dress Code
Kender attire is colorful and eclectic, often reflecting their personal adventures. Patchwork cloaks, mismatched boots, and an abundance of pockets for storing trinkets are common. Practicality is important but never at the expense of flair.
Culture and Cultural Heritage
Kender culture is centered on storytelling, exploration, and the collection of unique experiences. Tales of daring escapades and remarkable finds are passed down through generations, forming the backbone of their identity.
- Story Circles: Regular gatherings where Kender share tales of their adventures.
- Trinket Swaps: A communal tradition where Kender exchange interesting or unusual objects.
- Winds of Whaeyagaard: A festival celebrating the chaotic magic of the Surging Plains, featuring games, races, and storytelling.
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
Wanderer's Jubilee
4th Lumisara
The Wanderer’s Jubilee is a raucous and exhilarating celebration held annually by the Kender people, known across Astrium for their insatiable curiosity and chaotic charm. Taking place simultaneously in Whaeyago, where wild magic flows freely, and Kaspax, nestled beneath the mysterious Whispering Alps, this holiday epitomizes the Kender's adventurous spirit.
Morning:
At dawn, the Rally of the Restless begins, where Kender gather in their temporary meeting spots—be it the wild and chaotic lands of Whaeyago or the ruins and winding paths of Kaspax. Kender of all ages come together, each wearing bright and mismatched garments they’ve picked up from their various adventures, adorned with trinkets from distant lands. The air is filled with excitement and chatter as everyone shares what they’ve found, from strange magical artifacts to mundane (but curious) knickknacks.
Midday:
The Exchange of Oddities begins as noon approaches. Each Kender proudly presents the curious artifacts, magical items, or treasures they’ve discovered or borrowed during their adventures. It's customary for these items to change hands frequently throughout the day, as ownership is a fleeting concept in Kender society. This chaotic marketplace embodies the Kender's lack of attachment to material wealth, valuing the joy of discovery over possession.
Afternoon:
In the afternoon, the Wild Magic Races take center stage in Whaeyago. Kender participants harness unstable spells and wild magical forces to create unpredictable vehicles, from enchanted brooms to floating carts. The goal is not to win, but to see who can create the most ridiculous, inventive, or explosive transportation in the spirit of fun. In Kaspax, this part of the festival takes the form of a Rune Hunt, where Kender search for ancient runes scattered across the city that may lead them to hidden vaults or long-lost giant artifacts.
Evening:
The day concludes with the Feast of the Fools, a grand banquet where Kender gather to eat, drink, and laugh under the stars. Food and drink from all over Astrium are shared, but true to Kender form, the feast often turns into an impromptu juggling act, with enchanted plates and mugs flying through the air. Kender perform acrobatics, illusions, and pranks, culminating in a grand display of chaotic magic. The evening is full of wild music, firework displays, and dancing, with everyone celebrating the unpredictability of life and the joy of wandering.
As the day winds down, the Tales of the Wide-Eyed gathering takes place. Kender sit around bonfires or magical lights, sharing exaggerated stories of their adventures, some with threads of truth and others spun purely from imagination. These stories often grow more outlandish with each retelling, and the best storyteller of the evening is crowned Wielder of the Wandering Word—a title that holds honor until next year’s festival.
Night:
The final event of the day is the Spectacle of the Stars, a magical display unique to the Kender. In Whaeyago, the skies above are illuminated with swirling bursts of wild magic, with Kender casting chaotic spells to make the heavens dance with unpredictable colors and forms. In Kaspax, they use ancient Aasimar knowledge to project constellations and enchanted symbols from the Whispering Alps, casting an ethereal glow across the mountain range.
The Wanderer's Jubilee is a celebration of curiosity, chaos, and the Kender way of life. It’s a day when the Kender honor their restless hearts and adventurous spirits, sharing the joy of discovery, the thrill of the unknown, and the magic of never settling down.
Common Taboos
- Hoarding: Keeping items without sharing or explaining their significance is frowned upon.
- Fearfulness: Showing excessive fear or avoiding adventure is seen as un-Kenderlike.
- Deliberate Malice: Harming others out of spite or greed goes against their playful and curious nature.
History
The Kender have lived in search of curiousities and artifacts in Astrium ever since they arrived in the late 500's Their curiousity had lead them through the a planar tear that had dropped them in the middle of the Savage Grove - with all the kender just unable to stay put in a forest, they all set out in search of places that satiated their wiles.
A number of the Kender had wound up in Whaeyago where chaos and wild magic run wild, and the others have taken up residence in the city of Kaspax after the Aasimar who abandoned the city had left runes and notes that there is a hidden treasury deep in the whispering alps that was the vault from when the giants lived across the entire span of Realmshatter.
Based on their chaotic nature, they have no want or need to join the Astrium council, so they only have made a settlements of places that are already established.
Common Myths and Legends
- The First Wanderer: A tale of the Kender who first ventured beyond Krynn, bringing the spirit of exploration to other planes.
- The Singing Wind: A magical breeze said to carry messages and inspiration to Kender in need.
- The Eternal Borrower: A mischievous spirit who collects objects of great value and hides them in places only the most curious can find.
Scientific Name
Homo Curiosus Kenderii
Lifespan
~100 but there are Kender who have lived to 130.
Average Height
3'6" - 4'0"
Average Weight
40-50 pounds
Average Physique
Lean and wiry, built for agility and endurance. Their strength is modest but sufficient for their size.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Kender skin tones range from pale peach to warm tan, with hair colors spanning a spectrum of natural hues like blonde, brown, and auburn. Their eyes are bright and lively, often in shades of green, hazel, or blue. Freckles are common, adding to their whimsical appearance.
Geographic Distribution
Comments