Qhasim

A race of ancient Mortals with a catlike appearance.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Qhasim are tall catlike humanoids with retractable claws and powerful fangs. because of their angled elongated hindlegs they will often hunch over similar to a gorilla, despite this they can move on two feet with careful balance.

Genetics and Reproduction

Qhasim almost always have twins when giving birth, they gestate for five months before giving birth.

Growth Rate & Stages

Qhasim are helpless for their first year of life similar to a Human or Dwarf, but rapidly grow for the next three years reaching adolescence by the time they are five. during this time the Qhasim will be required to feast regularly to prepare for their next growth spurt to reach maturity, typically at the age of twelve of thirteen.

Ecology and Habitats

Because of Qhasim anatomy they often prefer secluded wilderness, even among their own tribes they never reach the bustling cities of the Dwarves or the Humans.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Qhasim are typically carnivores, though they can digest various vegetation their teeth are ill suited to the task.

Biological Cycle

Qhasim will grow thicker coats in the winter and slowly shed that coat over the following season.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Qhasim have always lived in a clan or tribe structure, only settling scattered cities they kept hidden from the other Races. Qhasim would often be led by a Matriarch and Patriarch, their family becoming the leaders of their tribe.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Qhasim have been hunted by various groups throughout history for their pelts, bones, and even their meat.

Facial characteristics

Qhasim have short snouts and whiskers, with pointed catlike ears.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Qhasim have sensitive hearing and keen sight, though this can be detrimental as they can be overwhelmed by loud sounds.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Qhasim have a private name within their family and tribe, and a separate name they share with outsiders. on rare occasions they will share their tribal name with outsiders who have earned their trust. 
Tribal Names: Flower of Rain, Curious Star, Fangs of a Dragon, ect. Personal Names: Akteon, Ziost, Xyran, Galar

Major Organizations

Dor'arr-jo - A Qhasim clan that serves as a mercenary group to the Elves in northern Ravan. rumor has it they make their homes in the White Mountains,
K'har - A Qhasim Clan that frequent ports and join in ships across long voyages, many speculate they make their home in the ruins of Vael.
Shivvra - Also known as the Qhasim Outriders, they make their home somewhere in the deserts of Narsai with the Human Tribes of Narsai.

Beauty Ideals

Qhasim enjoy accenting natural beauty with various pigments and jewelry.

Gender Ideals

Qhasim often venerate their females over males, though they both are respected the Matriarch of a Qhasim tribe historically commands more respect.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Qhasim have a secret language shared only among their tribes, a series of clicks, growls and subtle body language that outsiders can't replicate.

Common Etiquette Rules

Qhasim are often seen as shy at first, slow to trust. any who befriend a Qhasim will argue otherwise, as they have no concept of personal space, and will often speak their minds.

Common Dress Code

Qhasim have various pigments they use to stain their fur for a number of ceremonies and religious purposes they do not share with outsiders.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

Qhasim have a number of customs they only share among their kin, with slight variations from tribe to tribe. of the few widely known to outsiders is their free willed natures. despite a tribal clan like structure the Qhasim can choose to come and go freely, so long as they do not disclose the location of their tribe or their secrets. while not forbidden Qhasim can choose a partner outside of their clan.

History

Very little is known of the Qhasim, the Elves befriended them millennia ago but respect the secrecy of their catfolk friends. the Tribes of Narsai rarely speak to outsiders themselves, both speak quickly of the Qhasim's loyalty once earned and their tenacity in battle. The Qhasim also have a penchant for elaborating their stories, their mythology and their history closely intertwined and difficult to decipher. Most of the knowledge of the Qhasim comes from the scholars of Throne before Long Night, how many of the Dwarves raids on ancient Sya'Nau. supply lines raided behind their defensive lines by Qhasim forces would quickly dismantle Argantian attempts to claim the forests. following long night Brightstone mining Co. has cited similar Qhasim raids as reason for missing Mystrium shipments in Narsai.

Common Myths and Legends

What is known of the Qhasim is the origin of their name, which means First Clans. The legend of Qhasim says that the first clans sailed across a sea of stars to reach Irindoth shortly after the Dragon wars. it was here that the Qhasim met the Elves before the Unity Fell and grew a close bond that they still share to this day. many Qhasim wished to see the rest of Irindoth's bounty and left to forge their own Tribes to explore. as these tribes left they discovered many of the other mortal races desire to hunt the catfolk, and so they chose to lie a nomadic life never settling one place for long. the Qhasim were said to have returned to their journey across the stars to find new worlds, leaving the clans who chose to stay behind eons ago.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Qhasim are slow to trust most Mortals with the exception of Elves and the tribesmen of Narsai who have never hunted them.

Lifespan

50-60 years

Average Height

182cm - 214cm

Average Weight

34kg - 63kg

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Qhasim have various fur patterns and colors, depending on the tribe Qhasim can have spotted or striped fur with bright orange coats or a single dark midnight blue, and many more.