Riktus

Most of the beast-like Riktus population lives in the chilly Northern Grask mountain range. Disgraced Riktus outcasts, or those that can't deal with the extreme freezing temperatures, reside in the more pleasant climes of Tsarkos forest - They live alongside indigenous tribes local to that area.

The mountain caves of Stexus are not as oppressive or dark as we first believed. Stones glow in the dark and the Riktus architects have fashioned holes in the walls to let in natural light.

Royalty:

Riktus don't use the conventional Royal terms, instead preferring the Alpha moniker. Their Queen is Alpha Ashaborn, and their King is Alpha Prodigalas. Just like the Fein King and Queen, our archivians have no picture records of the Riktus Alphas. But rumours claim Prodigalas is the most humungous Riktus in existence, standing well over 10 feet tall (and this doesn't include his horns and wings). Even an Imperial giant like the Purity Knight Captain would appear like a child in comparison. As powerful as the Riktus King and Queen are, their powers still pale in significance to their Guardian: Okron.

Border control

The Riktus are a secretive race that resists outsiders entering their domain; if an intruder is caught inside their boundaries, the border control will demand an explanation before escorting them back to neutral territory. This starkly contrasts the Fein, who prefer to attack strangers first before questions begin. The Ofrak have no such concerns, for few are stupid enough to attempt crossing into Drad's borders. (Read A deadly choice.) Queen Ashaborn holds a deep resentment toward the Imperials for the human experiments conducted on them pre-Purifiaction. But King Prodigalas, who was not around then, has accepted they must work together to forge a better future. He encouraged his Queen to enter her Balters into the Battle Balt ARL. He also created new laws to allow his people to enter Imperial lands using DNA identity papers to appease Imperial concerns and stop the more violent of his species from abusing this agreement. So far, any attempts to broker peace with the Fein King Titan Toriel have failed, leaving his people unable to enter Eristry forest.

Trading with Imperials has opened up new arcitectural designs for the Riktus to enjoy

Border control Rules

Fein: The earth-dwelling Fein under King Milandor are allowed entrance to Tsarkos forest but not the Stexas caves. No other Fein allowed.

Ofrak: chased, hunted and killed as soon as they show their dead ugly faces.

Imperials : Allowed on the edge of the Grask border but cannot enter Tsarkos forest unless they have a signed official document from a Riktus Elder.

Grimlock, an ex-balter who returned to Grask mountain in disgrace, having lost to Intisar in an epic Battle Balt contest. The furious King banished the once-mighty Grimlok to mountain control, where he still patrols, venting his anger on any Ofrak that encroach Riktus land

Controversial Origins

The truth of Riktus' origins cannot be found in any archivian document. Ricardo Butler claims to have evidence proving the first of their species came from twisted experiments undertaken before the White Lord's arrival. He believes the race of beings that existed at that time was attempting to create the perfect warrior soldier - Splicing the genetic matrix of prisoners with that of powerful animals such as the rhinox, elefantus, crocas, garillan and Leon. To see examples of Riktus, see the gallery later.

DNA Identity

At birth, each Riktus has a DNA test to see what animal their genes were spliced with and the percentage they score will determine their role in society, not just in Grask but also within Tenglan - the land of Imperials. The higher the score, the less freedom you are offered within Tenglan. (As explained later). The higher a Riktus's DNA, the more animal-like they appear and as a byproduct, it also manifests in more aggressive and/or impulsive behaviour. Some Riktus have as low as a 2% DNA match. Rax from the gallery has a 6% match with only Ursine's ears showing—the rest of his body is human. Anyone around 20% or more has a startling animal-like appearance. For the male species, it often shows itself in the face, back and glutes. For females, it appears in the forehead, ears, glutes and occasionally calves. Also, avian traits can show through with wing-like appendages. And in very rare cases, bat-like wings (Pteropine DNA). See Serenas Fasto later. Butler claims these horrendous gene splicing experiments between man and beast triggered the end of the Old World - the repercussions of these experiments and the wars that followed causing the planet's eventual downfall. The White Lord saved Lendor from a total meltdown with his Purification, which freed the imprisoned animal-like beings. The survivors found a home in the Grask mountains and called themselves the Riktus. The original Riktus all had far higher DNA ratings, averaging over 50%, but after each new generation, this has decreased to an average now of about 25%. As ludicrous as Butler's arguments may sound, unlike my peers, I believe he speaks some thread of truth. We still have no answer for why Imperials and Riktus have such genetic similarities or why many of their races closely resemble the animals I mentioned earlier. Despite how grotesque many of the Riktus may appear to most Imperials, they still deserve our respect as equals. The White Lord honoured their kind with the same gift he offered us - the blessing of Purification. There must be a reason the Riktus were granted access to Sorce abilities and why one of their kind was chosen as one of the 5 Guardians.

Evolution and Breeding

When two Riktus breed, the offspring takes only one DNA strain from its parents, but in rare exceptions, a hybrid can be formed with two animal traits (e.g. Serenas Fasto with bat and cow DNA.) Over the centuries, with the decline of their animal traits (much to the distaste of Riktus elders), their warrior mentality has softened, with many of their kind forgoing the war-like attitudes of their early ancestors and instead moving from the Stexus mountains to live in the Tsarkos Forest, hoping to allow their artistic talents to flourish. Old Imperial historical books used to represent Riktus as huge, brutish thugs. Beings stacked with muscles but lacking in intelligence, solving disagreements with fights using their deadly sharp horns. Nowadays, only their elite warriors have horned capabilities, and even those possessing full tails have become rare indeed. Somewhere along the evolutionary line, tails fell out of favour, leaving appendages that are now closer to stub-like.

Riktus DNA and Work opportunities within Grask

Ritus Law regarding jobs and work location within Grask varies depending on their DNA score.

It can be difficult for Riktus with a high DNA value to accept they can never leave the mountain

50% or more

Cannot interact with any species other than Riktus. The exception is for a balting match.

Living Location: They must live within the Stexus Mountain range and cannot enter the Tsarkos forest.

Can not apply for travel to Tenglan.

Jobs allowed = Balters, guards, security, royal protection.

40% - 50%

Living Location: Allowed to leave Stexus mountain as part of their job condition, for example, border control jobs, but must live within the mountain range.

Can apply for a 2-week Tenglan travel visa.

Jobs allowed: The same jobs as a 50% Riktus but can also do cooking and cleaning responsibilities and limited customer-facing roles.

30% - 40%

Living Location: Allowed to live outside Stexus mountains but must declare their location to the appropriate authorities

Can apply for a 1-month Tenglan travel visa.

Jobs: Any job allowed but less common for highly qualified positions like teachers and lawyers because they are often too impulsive for dedicated study.

20 – 30%

Living location and jobs: The most prevalent Riktus are those who are allowed to live anywhere, there are no restrictions, and all jobs are acceptable.

Can apply for a 2-month Tenglan travel visa.

10 - 20%

Living location: They are allowed to live anywhere they choose, and no need to declare their location.

Can apply for a 6-month Tenglan travel visa.

Jobs: No restrictions. The most highly educated jobs like doctors, teachers, lawyers, politicians, and architects are taken by Riktus in this category.

Less than 10% (These Riktus are regarded as half-Riktus)

Allowed to live anywhere but are seen as a second-class citizen and must declare their location to authorities and update records every 6 months.

Can apply for a visa for permanent stay in Tenglan and are given acceptance immediately. (The Riktus are glad to get rid of these half-humans)

Jobs: They are not trusted to do any jobs connected to the Riktus judicial system. EG. Lawyers, security guards, politicians, cave watch guards, border control. They are also not allowed to apply for balter status. (Although interestingly, they can apply to become a balter for Imperials - but males only - due to the Imperial Queen's 819 AP laws)

Riktus DNA Vs Imperial Society

For any Riktus to enter an Imperial Tenglan city, they must show their identity papers to the Imperial border control showing their DNA score. If a Riktus commits a minor discretion (such as littering, drunkenness, and disorderly behaviour), they will be banned for a certain time period, as listed below. Major discretions (Level 4 crimes like stealing or worse) will lead to a permanent ban from the lands of Tenglan. (After serving the crime's sentence).

Over 50% DNA

Work: No work opportunities (only single-balter matches allowed)

Travel: Riktus can only stay for a maximum of 2 hours - this is to allow Riktus balters enough time to participate in ARL balter matches within Imperias City.

40% - 50% DNA

Work: No work opportunities. (Except balter weekend tournaments)

Travel: Riktus can stay for no more than a night in any city. And a Maximum of 2 weeks in all of Tenglan.

Any discretion means a total ban on ever returning.

30% - 40% DNA

Work: Riktus can work for a 1-month part-time contract.

Travel: Riktus can stay for a week in any one city and for a total duration of a month in all Tenglan cities.

Minor discretions lead to a 5-year Tenglan ban.

20% - 30% DNA

Work: Allowed to work for 6 months.

Travel: 2 weeks in any one city and 2 months total in Tenglan.

Minor discretions lead to a 2-year ban.

Allowed to date an Imperial but cannot marry nor have kids. (If they do have kids, they must all return to Grask)

10% - 20% DNA

Work: Allowed to work without restrictions.

Vault accounts allowed for the duration of your work.

Travel: 1-month maximum stay in any one city and 6 months total in Tenglan.

Minor discretions lead to a 1-year ban.

Marriage allowed - but no kids. (If you have a child, your family must return to Grask.)

Less than 10% DNA

Work: Allowed to work and get a lifetime vault account that can be used even if they return to Grask.

Travel: Providing they have their identity papers, they can stay as long as they want in any city and are treated the same as any Imperial.

Minor discretions: The offending Riktus will face the same punishment as an Imperial and no ban from the city. (If they commit a major discretion, then, after serving the sentence, they must return to Grask forever.)

Marriage and kids allowed.

Can even apply to be an Imperial balter.

Serenas Fasto and Changing Times

by Rastamust the Vanquisher

Not all Riktus are creatures made for war, as shown by Serenas Fasto, who models the latest Tatrin fashions generally worn by Imperial females. Wings still exist on a small percentage of Riktus, but lack of use spending centuries in the mountains means the muscles have atrophied, stopping full flight. Gliding and hovering being the most a feathered Riktus can attain these days. However, Alpha Prodigalas is supposed to be an exception, somehow retaining full flight capabilities and making him an impossible Alpha for rival Riktus to defeat in a duel. Evolutionists believe having access to Sorce powers has closed the appearance gap to Imperials, leading to a controversial new social development - Riktus wearing Imperial clothing and joining partnerships between the two races. Although still exceptionally rare, it nonetheless has risen in popularity over the last decade. An Elista gold member was banned from the organization after he married Miss Fasto while at the same time, she lost her right to ever set foot in her homeland of Grask. So, while both races disagree on most things, the one thing they all seem to agree on - "race-swapping" is an abomination. I prefer not to express my feelings on the matter. Ricardo Butler, however, believes race-merging (as he calls it) is the best thing to happen to Lendorian society for over 5 centuries - Views which cost him his job and banned him for life from the archivian community. He claims it was a price worth paying, for integrity can never be bought.

Stexus mountain range - a different perspective.

Most Imperials see the Stexus mountain range as a harsh, inhospitable place fit only for beasts, but I dispute these claims, as proven by Terine Liston's wonderful artistic creation of their habitat during the summer months. Much like the Riktus race themselves, their place of residence has many more facets than what we learned at school.

by Terine Liston

Celebrity Riktus

Bruxox the Brutal

Although rare, thanks to Battle Balt, some well-known Riktus have appeared in the public conscience. At the forefront, we have Bruxox the Brutal. Popular with the crowds due to his eccentric behaviour, never-give-up attitude, and infectious grin - even when facing a losing battle. His winning personality can only help convince Imperials the Riktus are more than just mindless beasts. Bruxox is also great friends with everyone's favourite ex-balter Rastamust the Vanquisher - another Riktus with a delicate heart that belies his brutal appearance.

by Rastamust the Vanquisher

Rhitox the Crusher

Unfortunately, for every Bruxox, we have a Rhitox. A savage Riktus who thrives off delivering as much pain as possible. Where Bruxox smiles in the face of defeat, Rhitox smiles when he knows he can crush his opponent in the most horrific ways possible. Responsible for more broken backs and snapped necks than any other balter in history. Even his modified axe is utterly useless as a Balter Blade, and he doesn't care, for his only mission is shattering bones - winning or losing is irrelevant. The All Race League has tried to ban him on numerous occasions, but the people always vote him back to the Tremena. Despite his terrible balter record of losing twice as many as he wins, he remains a fan favourite for the blood he brings to the Tremena. Sadly, his violent actions paint all the stereotypes of how Imperials believe all Riktus behave. While beings like Rhitox run amok within Imperial society, the Riktus will never be accepted as equals by our kind.

by Rastamust the Vanquisher

Rhitox is incredibly intimidating in the post-match face-off, although despite his fearsome size, his terrible agility means he'll fall over at some point and lose.
Rhitox is famous for going old school by ignoring the current blade technologies and using his 15-year-old wooden club he calls 'old faithful'.
Contact:
In our attempt to highlight the softer side of the Riktus personality, both Seranas Fasto and Bruxox the Brutal have agreed to respond to any messages sent to them. Rhitox has also offered his services, although don't expect a pleasant response. (He's furious about our profile of him).

by Adam Neve-Dunn

Back to World of Lendor

Basic Information

Anatomy

Riktus have animal-like appearance. the extent depens on their animal DNA levels.

Genetics and Reproduction

Follows the same as Humans with a 280-day gestation period.

Dietary Needs and Habits

A fruit based diet with some carnivore DNA animals preferring chicken meat.

Behaviour

Behaviour is determined by the DNA level and the animal traits they have inherited. Higher DNA Riktus have more aggressive tendancies and more commonly warriors, whereas lower DNa are more patient and able to do organisational administrative ttasks

Additional Information

Facial characteristics

Depends on Animal traits

Average Intelligence

Some RIktus have high levels of intelligence and others have lesser capacities

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

The enhanced senses depends on the annimal traits they possess.. For example: Some Riktus with bird DNA have heightened vision, other Riktus with Panthera DNA have improved smell.