Jarai

(pronounced: Yar-ai, rhymes with eye)
These people are a very reclusive race, living mostly in the Great Rages and Minor Rages. There is said to be few tribes in the mountains on the western most island of Ækstan, and even fewer on the main island; the volcanic isles in Ekbir; and the northern Shadow Mountains. They are shorter than most races, ranging in height from 107 (3-½ feet) to 160 centimetres (5 feet, 3 inches). They are very stocky and strong in body, which more than makes up for their lack in height. Most Jarai have darker hair: browns, black and some auburn; skin tone is fair to medium; and eye colour is usually brown, black or grey. The Weiß-Jarai (White Jarai), a very northern race, are very light of skin; eye colour is greens, blues, greys, some yellow, and even white; hair colour is always light — lighter reds, blonde and white.
The society of the Jarai is often very strict and lawful. Most Jarai are reclusive from other races, although there are some traders. This is necessary for their society, for without outside trade they would likely have little textiles as they do not grow outdoor crops or keep livestock in large quantities. They do grow some underground crops, which are utilized for food and medicine. Many of these plants are unique to Lainshoa and would be unfamiliar to any surface dwelling races. This makes many of them valuable to wizards, alchemists and herbalists, and even to artists. Jarai are very good metal-smiths, and their trade in copper, bronze, brass, gold and silver is very highly valued. They are reputed to have the best goldsmiths and crafters in the world. Jarai are reputed to have a metal that is superior to any other known, which they call Galam; most others know it only as Jarai metal. It is not traded. The process required for the creation of objects from this metal requires extremely hot forges, such as magical fires or volcanoes, as well as fusion with magical energies. Galam is not only stronger than other metals but is also lighter than most. Use of this metal in weapons or armour adds two points to breakage number or deflection value. No Jarai knows the entire process for forging this metal, the secret is guarded so closely.
Some Jarai, especially those in the Rages (two mountain ranges in central Lainshoa) are reputed to keep slaves. These slaves are often captured enemies but may also be those bought from human or other traders. Jarai are known to be extremely jealous of their territory, killing or enslaving all who trespass upon it. Having permission to pass on established trade routes is not considered trespassing — but be careful how far you wander from these paths! (Note: slaves are difficult to confirm, it may just be horrible rumours.)
Jarai most often worship the god GaLa, as a builder and creator, but have also been known to openly worship Amares or Pappol.
There is one race reputed to be more ruthless in their society than other Jarai; these are the Weiß-Jarai (White Jarai), who live in the Shadow Ranges, far to the north. They openly keep many shamans and are “too dependent upon ground dwellers.” These Jarai have been known to work peacefully with Gnar, even having treaties for which territory belongs to whom. They are said to trade regularly with Chujarai, rather than simply enslaving the trespassers or taking what is wanted in exchange for allowing them to dwell upon Jarai mountains.

Civilization and Culture

Relationship Ideals

Jarai are true monogamists, mating for life.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Jarai typically view others with suspicion, even those from outside Jarik families, tribes, or clans. They are particularly suspicious of Humans and Gnar because of their violent tendencies.