Beastkin

Beastkin or wildkin are a subspecies of animal-like races that are known to be the ancestors to the more larger and powerful beastmen. Beastkin often resemble animals that are more common to people in the world of Gaia. They are often called by what their race most resembles. They are not as organized or developed as the Beastmen that make nations and larger societies amongst Gaia. The beastmen often have mixed reactions to how these people are treated, some revere them, respect them, and some outright treat them without respect or lessers.

Difference of Beastkin and Beastmen

The beastmen are a common and at times a term of disrespect to the animal-like races that equally populate Gaia. Races like the Nozumi, Icians, Isarians, etc are beastmen. What makes them different then beastkin, is they have evolved into a society that is organized and ordered. The most successful of the Beastmen are the Nozumi, and Isarians. These societies have raised great empires, and great organization. They are more advanced to the beastkin and often seamlessly integrate into nations or form their own.

Beastkin or wildkin are animal people who have not evolved or embraced society as a unified front. They are not as advanced, often live simpler lives and found in the wilds. However they are not uncommon to have integrated within other nations. Certain nations view them as a lesser race. By all means this does not mean they lack intelligence. They are as intelligent as the others in the world. Most people who don't understand this think they are simpler minded creatures that are seen as vermin or pests.

They see us as pests! Because we simply look like our ancestors more! We're a step above them. We speak, we work, we live amongst them, and we are capable just like the rest of the world! But yet, We are just animal people to some. It makes me incredibly sad, and frustrated.
— Veeka Moontail, Possum-kin

Mysticism

Beastkin are often more attuned to nature than the beastmen. They are friends of the fae. Their lives maybe simpler, and some of them hold secrets to ancient beastmen tribes. Most choose to live in rustic locations, live in amongst nature in cabins or hovels that are made up of the things around them. Its seen as a way of Neo-medeival living that has even spread to man and beastmen alike. They are also more attuned to magic than the others as they are the purist form of wildkin there is. They are more common than many think, just remain unseen or to the shadows.

Shamanism is popular amongst them as well as druidism. They do not follow gods, but ways that they know and have inherited from oral tradition of their ancestors.

Fauna Relations

Another interesting fact of the wildkin, is their affinity towards natural fauna, where animals they descended from do not fear them. The predator/prey dynamic remains, but not as feral as wildlife. Prey wildkin have worked with Predator wildkin. Some even have interesting relationships. Their evolution was what keeps them from being like their feral ancestory, they are able to approach with reason and intelligent thought.

Integration Into Modern Gaia

Wildkin have been around for millions of years, slowly evolving like the dominant races of Gaia. They integrate into society rather well, they learn modern technology just like anyone else. They just choose to live in the way of the old. They wear simple clothing, use simple tools, and live off the land by farming or hunting. They welcome trade should a trader happen upon a wildkin hovel or home.

Some humans have become fond of them and some people have been influenced to return to a Neo-Medievalist way of life, in simple homes, little to no modern tech and living off the land. Large cities have the likely chance of having a native wildkin population. However a natural wildkin in their native element can be seen in rural or out of the way locations away from modern cities and technology.

It's a humbling feeling coming across the precious wildkin. Treat them with respect, or remain out of their way, and they can be fascinating to learn from. A glimpse into ancient life before the technology became where it was today. I once was hosted by a badgerkin couple and their adorable daughter, they showed me ways I never thought still existed, and made one of the best meals I ever had in my travels. Very quiet and well respected. They are very aware that they live in a fast world. They told me to stop, and take a look around, to enjoy the moment, and I did not regret it. It was amazing.
— Scholar Sulcha Detiero, Abraqus el-Doroto

Despite misconceptions, wildkin are very aware of how modern and advanced the world has become. It is wrong to call them backwoods and backwards people. They retain some of their original feral ancestry from their fauna ancestors. Most stay out of the public eye, but some wildkin have become known in Gaia.