Leonin
Ironmane (honorific clan title), Guardians of Freereach, Sons and Daughters of Theros
Leonin tend to be tall compared to humans and move with a boldness that suggests their physical might. Tawny fur covers leonin bodies, and some grow thick manes ranging in shades from gold to black. While their hands prove as nimble as those of other humanoids, leonin have retractable feline claws, which they can extend instantly. This, along with their ability to produce bone-shaking roars, gives most leonin an air that readily shifts between regal and fearsome. Leonin often act with confidence, which can come off as imperiousness. While this can reassure their allies, it can also suggest defiance in the face of what they perceive as imposed authority or unworthy experts.
Other peoples often perceive leonin as quick to take offense, intolerant of criticism, or belligerent. The truth is that many leonin simply enjoy fighting, whether verbal or physical. They take pleasure in argument, wrestling, sparring, and even battle, enjoying the opportunity to exercise their minds and bodies. It follows, too, that leonin aren’t inclined to carry grudges. A warrior might react with sudden violence to an insult, but when the fight is over (and the leonin’s superiority proven), the insult is forgotten—along with the vanquished foe.
Basic Information
Anatomy
The Leonin possess strong, muscular builds with broad shoulders and tall frames that are covered in a mix of coarse fur and mane, varying from golden to deep brown hues. Their feline faces have expressive, amber to green eyes with slit pupils, sharp feline teeth, and long, agile tails that aid in balance. Their claws are sharp, retractable, and used for hunting and combat.
Genetics and Reproduction
Leonin reproduce similarly to humans, with females typically carrying one to two offspring per gestation. They share a combination of humanoid and feline traits, with genetic markers that reflect resilience to harsh climates and muscular development suited for strength and endurance.
Ecology and Habitats
The Leonin prefer open plains, savannas, and rocky highlands. On Blaezasia, they adapted quickly to the haunted terrain, using their senses and strength to patrol and protect the area. Their culture emphasizes protection and the preservation of the land, forming a symbiotic relationship with their environment. Leonin pride-based societies encourage communal hunting and strict territorial boundaries to keep areas safe from undead threats.
Behaviour
Leonin exhibit strong loyalty to their prides (clan groups) and are highly protective of both their kin and territory. Generally peaceful, they possess a strong sense of justice and adhere to a code of honor. Known for their courage, they face undead and other threats fearlessly. Leonin psychology is heavily influenced by their historical isolation in Oreskos, with a natural caution around outsiders.
Additional Information
Average Intelligence
Their intelligence is comparable to that of humans, though they often favor practical wisdom over abstract concepts.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
The Leonin have enhanced vision, particularly in low-light conditions, allowing them to see well in dim or dark settings, though with less color differentiation. Their hearing is sharp, attuned to detect even subtle sounds over long distances, while their sense of smell aids in tracking.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Leonin names typically reflect natural elements, ancestral lineage, or honorable titles. Surnames often denote their pride, such as Ironmane or Stormfang.
Beauty Ideals
Strength, confidence, and warrior prowess are seen as the highest marks of beauty. Well-kept manes are particularly admired, with darker shades considered rare and desirable.
Gender Ideals
Gender roles are fluid among Leonin, though males often serve as warriors while females lead in diplomacy and pride management. Both genders participate in all roles if skill allows.
Courtship Ideals
Leonin courtship emphasizes mutual respect and admiration. Gifts are often exchanged, including crafted tokens and trophies from hunts.
Relationship Ideals
Leonin value loyalty, shared goals, and a sense of duty in relationships. Partnerships are often based on complementing strengths and building mutual trust.
Common Etiquette Rules
Bowing one’s head or exposing one’s neck signifies respect or trust. The Leonin are known for their honorable and direct speech, avoiding deception or hidden meanings.
Common Dress Code
Simple and practical, Leonin dress in protective leathers and woven fabrics, often adorned with clan symbols. Only during ceremonial events do they wear elaborate pieces made from precious stones or metalwork.
Culture and Cultural Heritage
Leonin culture revolves around strength, family, and honor, valuing tales of past warriors and keeping stories alive through oral traditions. They pay homage to the god Nylea, the goddess of the hunt and wilderness, who represents their values of harmony with nature.
The Leonin hold seasonal hunts and feast days, honoring their ancestors and celebrating their victory over Orcus. These celebrations are marked by dancing, singing, and story recitals.
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
Roar of the Pride - is a grand festival celebrated by the Leonin, a day where they honor their strength, unity, and heritage. The celebration includes ceremonial hunts, storytelling of heroic deeds, and a mighty chorus of roars at sunset, symbolizing the bond and courage of the pride. The day concludes with feasts and communal gatherings, where the Leonin share their victories and remember their ancestors;
Roar of the Pride is celebrated on 8th of Thundralis to signify the day that the Leonin first arrived to Astrium
Common Taboos
Deception, betrayal, and cowardice are viewed as severe taboos. Leaving a pride without good reason is also highly frowned upon.
History
The Leonin, originally from the plane of Theros came to Astrium in the year 798, after arriving through planar travel from a mysterious Satyr who spent year studying the multiversal planes. This Satyr followed a pride of outcast Leonin and told them about a plane that needed assistance - the "Nexus" (Astrium). The Leonin's leader of the time - Grexes Ironmane; lead his tribe as well as a tribe of nomadic Satyrs - into abandoned ruins of Blaezasia where hoardes of undead that was roaming the island since the Elves sealed away Orcus - Sin of Pride.
During the early years of settlement on Blaezasia, the Leonin was instrumental in clearing out a vast amount of undead, making contact with an adventuring party to start forming alliances with Astrium, and setting diplomatic relations with the shadar-kai, with Grexes Ironmane being instrumental in re-sealing the Sin of Pride in 801.
Grexes was the first Leonin in the Astrium Alliance.
Today, the Leonin are mainly settled in two locations after a civil leadership dispute in 854 lead to some of the settled leonin to spilt and search for an alternate settlement:
The Leonin that stayed in Blaezasia now live in Freereach, located at the northern side of the island.
The Leonin that left eventually settled in the Ironspike Savannah offering trade with the races settled there.
Common Myths and Legends
Leonin folklore recounts tales of Grexes Ironmane, the first Leonin to seal Orcus, as well as myths of a hidden, eternal paradise in the “Golden Plains” they left behind in Theros, a place they hope to replicate in Blaezasia by bringing balance to the land.
Scientific Name
Homo Leo Sapiens
Lifespan
80-100
Average Height
Leonin are typically over 6 feet tall, with some individuals reaching over 7 feet.
Average Weight
Males average around 250-300 pounds, while females are slightly lighter, between 200-250 pounds.
Average Physique
The Leonin possess a robust, muscular build optimized for strength, endurance, and agility.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Body Coloring and Markings: Leonin have fur ranging from tawny gold to dark brown. Some individuals have dark spots or stripes as remnants of their ancestors’ more patterned fur.
Geographic Distribution
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