Fera
The Fera, also known as the Beastfolk, have a naming convention in which each subrace is identified by the type of mammal it resembles, such as Rat-Fera or Wolf-Folk.
Basic Information
Anatomy
The Fera are bipedal mammals of human height with typical humanoid features such as two arms, two legs, and a head. However, they are almost entirely covered in fur and have facial features that resemble their animal counterparts. In addition, the physical characteristics of each Fera are similar to those of its associated animal species.
Growth Rate & Stages
Fera, who are born completely similar to their animal counterparts, undergo a gradual transformation process as they age into adolescence. The transformation process varies from individual to individual, but there are generally four stages of development for Fera:
Infant Stage: At birth, Fera look and behave like their animal counterparts. They are completely dependent on their parents for survival and show no signs of human-like intelligence.
Juvenile Stage: As Fera enter this stage, they begin to display human-like intelligence and develop basic communication skills. They also begin to develop more humanoid features, such as hands and feet. Fera in this stage are still heavily dependent on their parents, but they begin to learn survival skills and gain more independence.
Adolescent Stage: During this stage, Fera develop more advanced communication skills and become more independent. They also undergo a significant physical transformation, becoming more humanoid in appearance. This stage marks the beginning of Fera's adult life, and they are usually capable of reproducing.
Adult Stage: Fera in this stage are fully humanoid in appearance, but retain some of their animalistic traits. They are highly intelligent and have a deep understanding of nature. Fera in this stage are typically at the peak of their physical abilities and often hold leadership positions within their communities.
The rate of growth for Fera varies between individuals and is largely dependent on their species. Generally, Fera reach the adolescent stage between the ages of 10 and 15, and the adult stage between the ages of 20 and 30. However, some Fera species may develop more quickly or slowly than others. In addition, environmental factors such as food availability and exposure to toxins can affect the rate of growth and development for Fera.
Biological Cycle
The Fera have evolved to adapt to seasonal changes in many ways. During the colder months, they have the ability to grow thicker fur and their bodies can produce more heat to keep them warm. They are also able to store more food during the summer months to sustain themselves through the winter.
In addition, the Fera have developed cultural practices and technologies that help them cope with seasonal changes. For example, they may build insulated shelters or wear warm clothing during the winter. They may also have developed agricultural practices that allow them to grow and store crops to supplement their food supply during the winter.
Overall, Fera have a number of physiological and cultural adaptations that allow them to thrive in different seasons and environments without the need to hibernate or migrate like some of their animal counterparts.
Behaviour
The behavior and psychology of the average Fera can vary depending on their specific animal counterpart and individual personality traits. However, some general characteristics can be observed.
Fera tend to be highly attuned to their natural environment and have a strong sense of their animal instincts. They may exhibit behaviors and mannerisms similar to their animal counterparts, such as grooming or territorial behavior. They are often highly skilled at hunting, tracking, and surviving in the wilderness.
Despite their animalistic tendencies, Fera are capable of complex emotions and social relationships. They can form deep bonds with their family and pack members, and are fiercely loyal and protective of those they care about. They may also exhibit curiosity and a desire to explore, which may lead them to venture outside of their familiar territory.
Fera are typically fiercely independent and may have a strong sense of personal freedom and individuality. They may resist authority or rules that feel restrictive or go against their instincts. However, they can also work well in a group setting and may have a strong sense of responsibility to their pack or community.
Overall, the behavior and psychology of the average Fera can be seen as a unique blend of animal instincts and human-like emotions and relationships.
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
The Fera have highly developed olfactory senses and a remarkable ability to see in low light, surpassing that of many other races.
Civilization and Culture
Average Technological Level
Due to the lack of metal structures and glass windows in their construction, it is a common misconception that the Fera still live in the pre-Bronze Age in terms of technological advancement. In reality, the Fera are as technologically advanced as any other common race. They choose to build their homes without glass windows, preferring the free flow of air and the insulation provided by their fur. Their use of glass is mostly reserved for cooking and alchemy. In addition, the Fera prefer the rustic appearance of wood over metal and stone. However, they do use metal to make nails and fasteners for their construction and crafting.
Culture and Cultural Heritage
The Fera have a deep connection to nature and the animals they resemble. They have a deep respect for the balance of the natural world and live in harmony with it. They see themselves as stewards of their natural environment and work to protect it from harm. They also have a strong sense of community and work together to provide for the needs of their group. Skilled trackers and plant experts, they value self-sufficiency and take pride in their ability to live off the land. They use natural materials to construct weapons and communal living spaces that foster a sense of unity and social cohesion, with each member contributing to the well-being of the group. Some have a preference for their natural weapons, stemming from a belief in the power of the animals they resemble and a desire to preserve the balance of the natural world.
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
The Fera's respect for nature is reflected in their approach to agriculture and construction. Instead of cutting through the land, they work with it in a way that allows for harmonious coexistence. They use living trees as pillars and corner supports for their structures, avoiding unnecessary damage to the environment. Similarly, their roads and fields follow the natural contours of the land, going around trees and incorporating natural slopes rather than removing them. This approach allows the Fera to build and farm in a sustainable way, minimizing their impact on the environment. Occasionally, when the Fera find it necessary to remove a tree for construction or other purposes, they take the time to sow a few nearby to ensure that at least one tree will grow to replace it.
This is also the reason why the Fera do not rely heavily on metal in their societies. Instead of creating mines, they look for existing caves to mine. When mining, they take great care to minimize damage to the natural cave formations. As a result, metal is scarce in Fera societies and is used only when necessary. Recently, many Fera have begun trading with other races for metal, making mining even less common.
When hunting for food, the Fera show their respect for their prey by offering a prayer of thanks. They also make sure that every part of the animal is used in some way. This practice explains why most of their equipment is made from bone, horn, leather, and other animal products. The Fera used to follow a similar practice for the deceased members of their own community. However, after an outbreak of disease was traced back to this practice, they switched to the ritual of tree burials. When a Fera dies, he or she is buried in a place meaningful to the deceased, and a sapling is planted to mark the grave. These trees are distinguished from others in the area by tying ceremonial ribbons around them.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
In general, Fera and humans coexist peacefully, though some humans tend to see Fera as animals rather than people, believing them to be wild and unpredictable. Meanwhile, some Fera resent the humans for their harsh treatment of the world around them; how they cut up and burn down anything that doesn't fit their vision of it. Dwarves and Fera share an appreciation for the earth and its resources. However, dwarves may view fera as primitive or uncivilized, while fera may view dwarves as too focused on material wealth. Elves and Fera share a connection to nature, making them natural allies. However, elves see fera as too animalistic and lacking in refinement, while fera see elves as too aloof and detached from the physical world.
Unlike other races, Orcs and Fera often find common ground in their fierce and primal nature, and can form alliances based on mutual respect and strength. However, the Orcs often see the Fera as competition for resources or territory, while many Fera see the Orcs as too violent and destructive. The Fera have great respect for the Culatan, who are also deeply connected to nature, and are interested in their expertise in caring for the environment.
Lifespan
80 years
Average Height
55 to 75 inches for tallfolk.
30 to 40 inches for smallfolk.
Average Weight
85 to 195 pounds for tallfolk.
25 to 40 pounds for smallfolk.
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