Varkani

The Varkani are a subrace of Faunari with striking bat-like features, reflecting their ancestry through a variety of visual traits. While they share a humanoid shape, their appearance embodies the characteristics of bats, allowing them to excel in nocturnal activities and aerial movement.

The Varkani are a race defined by control, wisdom, and reverence for Father Night. They are a people who believe in the strength of the mind, and they view their calm demeanor as a reflection of mental fortitude. They are reserved and stoic, with a strict social hierarchy based on their magical affinities. Elders are the cornerstone of Varkani society, treated as precious sources of wisdom, whose counsel is reserved for those they trust. Varkani beauty, while undeniably striking, is as much a product of their inner mystique as their physical allure. In all things, the Varkani value control, silence, and respect, maintaining an air of mystery and guardedness to protect the wisdom and secrets of their culture.

Basic Information

Genetics and Reproduction

The Varkani are one of the longest-living races, with lifespans ranging from 200-300 years, which grants them unparalleled wisdom and experience. Elders are highly respected, revered, and often act as the guiding authority within Varkani communities. However, they are viewed as precious commodities of knowledge, and the younger generations are protective of them. While Varkani elders will freely give counsel to their own people, they are much more cautious in offering advice to outsiders, as their wisdom is seen as a valuable resource to be conserved. Younger Varkani are often hesitant to allow outsiders too close to their elders, fearing that sharing such wisdom with other races may result in it being misused or diluted.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Varkani society is divided along lines of magical affinity. Those born with powers connected to shadow and sound are the nobility of Varkani society, viewed as being the closest to Father Night. Their influence is vast, and they often hold positions of power. Those born with wind and storm magic are seen as more distanced from Father Night’s favor, occupying a lower status within the hierarchy. The more Primal Varkani—those with affinities tied to earth or fire—are seen as more volatile and impulsive, lacking the mental control of their shadow-bound counterparts. They often fill more pragmatic roles in society.

Despite their aloofness, the Varkani have an immense sense of pride in their cultural heritage. Their long lives and unique connection to the darkness give them a deep respect for their ancient traditions and lineage. Loyalty to family, kin, and those within their affinity is sacred. A Varkani would defend their family or their ancestral honor with a quiet ferocity, even though they are slow to show outward emotion. The concept of betrayal or dishonor is seen as one of the gravest offenses in their society.

Facial characteristics

Their faces are sharp and angular, with wide, expressive eyes that are typically dark in color, often ranging from deep brown to onyx black. Their eyes are large in proportion to their heads, adapted for low-light environments. Their noses are small and slightly upturned, with delicate nostrils. The most distinguishing feature is their mouth, which may include sharp, pointed teeth reminiscent of their bat lineage.

The Varkani ears are one of the most prominent features, being large, bat-like, and triangular in shape, positioned high on their heads. These ears give them exceptional hearing, capable of detecting even the faintest sounds. The ears may vary slightly in shape and size depending on the lineage of the bat species they descend from (some may have longer, more tapering ears, others may have shorter, broader ones).

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

First Names:

• Short and Gothic-Inspired: First names among the Varkani are short, striking, and often gothic or vampire-esque in style, reflecting their mysterious, introspective culture. They may sound haunting or regal, and are often derived from historical figures or thematic elements associated with night, shadow, or the eternal.
• Examples include:
• Lestat (after the literary vampire, symbolizing power and allure)
• Reyanya (a dark, feminine name, evoking the mystery of night)
• Riven (signifying sharpness or split, perhaps from the shadows)
• Vespera (meaning evening, related to the onset of night)
• Thorne (evoking the feeling of danger and darkness)
• Sylas (meaning "forest," but in a dark, haunting way, often associated with shadows)
• Nyxian (deriving from "Nyx," the Greek goddess of night)
• Drakar (suggestive of dragon-like, dangerous grace)
• Calysta (meaning "beauty" or "kaleidoscope," suggesting mystery)
• Zathira (evoking the idea of something hidden, like the moon in a cloud)

Last Names:

• Family Name as Identity: The family name is of greater significance than the first name in Varkani society, reflecting the bloodline's strength and status. A family name indicates the Varkani's magical affinity and their position within the social hierarchy.
• A shadow affinity family carry names related to their magic, signaling their position as nobility or powerful clans within the society.
• A sound affinity or wind affinity family may hold lesser status but still be significant in their contributions to Varkani society.
• Notable Bloodlines:
• Nightrunner: This family name is associated with Shadowprime heritage. The Nightrunner family is known to be one of the oldest and most prestigious bloodlines within Varkani society, and their shadow affinity places them at the highest levels of power. Nightrunner is synonymous with nobility and authority.
• Shadowstrider: A family known for its shadow and wind affinities, the Shadowstriders hold power due to their mobility, stealth, and mastery over the storm. Though not as powerful as the Nightsingers, they still hold significant influence in Varkani society.
• Duskweaver: A lesser-known, but still prestigious family associated with both shadow and earth, known for their durability and connection to the land.
• Ebonflame: A family whose affinity with shadow and fire creates powerful and destructive forces. They are not as well regarded for diplomacy but are feared for their prowess in battle.
• Moonfall: A shadow-wind family with a strong tie to the cyclical nature of the moon, making them particularly revered for their ability to see the unseen and move silently through the night.
• Naming Example for Full Name:
• Nightrunner Lestat: This denotes Lestat as being from the Nightsinger family, a prestigious and powerful shadow affinity family.
• Shadowstrider Reyanya: This indicates that Reyanya is from the Shadowstrider family, known for their shadow and wind affinity.
• Duskweaver Vespera: A member of the Duskweaver family, reflecting a more humble but still significant standing with a shadow and earth affinity.

Common Etiquette Rules

Order of Address:

• In greeting, Varkani lead with their family name followed by their given name. This reflects the immense value placed on one's bloodline and magical affinity, as their family name is considered the true identity.
• For instance, a Varkani might greet another by saying:
• “Nightsinger Lestat, how do you fare this night?”
• “Shadowstrider Reyanya, may Father Night bless your path.”
• In more formal settings, titles or even matron/patron familial titles (like Lord or Lady for high families) may be appended, especially for those with immense shadow or sound affinity. Those who are not part of prestigious bloodlines might be referred to simply by their first name without the family name, showing that they are of lesser significance in society.

Magical Affinity and Status:

• The family name reflects the Varkani's magical lineage and social role:
• Shadow Affinity (e.g., Nightrunner, Moonfall) are at the top, the noble class, often the ruling class of their society. They are powerful, authoritative, and revered.
• Sound Affinity (e.g., Duskweaver, Ebonflame) may not be as prestigious as shadow families but are still considered influential and vital, often seen as advisors or scholars.
• Wind and Storm Affinity (e.g., Stormchaser, Skyflame) are often seen as lower-ranking, but still respected for their speed, agility, and control over the storms. They are practical and necessary but are considered the common folk.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

• Strength of Mind: The Varkani view their calm demeanor and composure not as an expression of inner peace but as a sign of strength of mind. The ability to remain unshaken, no matter the chaos around them, reflects their mental fortitude. It is a sign of control—the ability to reign in one’s emotions, even when provoked. This control over emotions is central to their identity, and they view it as a necessary survival trait, especially in their society, where outbursts of emotion could be seen as a sign of weakness or vulnerability.
• Silence and Restraint: Silence among the Varkani is not just a social norm—it is a sign of respect. When in the presence of another, Varkani prefer to remain silent, allowing others to speak freely. They believe in listening to the world, the whispers of Father Night, and the secrets that can be learned when one is still. Their speech, when it does come, is measured and deliberate. Small talk and idle chatter are seen as wasteful distractions, and therefore avoided.
• Reserved and Unapproachable: Varkani can come across as distant, often appearing aloof to outsiders. They do not actively seek out social interaction but prefer solitude or close-knit circles of those they trust. The quieter and more reserved a Varkani is, the more likely they are to be respected, as it reflects a high level of self-discipline. While their demeanor may seem cold or unfriendly, it is more about protecting the sanctity of their private thoughts and maintaining their inner strength. They are generally not hostile, but they do not go out of their way to be sociable either.
• Class Structure Based on Affinity: Varkani society is divided along lines of magical affinity. Those born with powers connected to shadow and sound are the nobility of Varkani society, viewed as being the closest to Father Night. Their influence is vast, and they often hold positions of power. Those born with wind and storm magic are seen as more distanced from Father Night’s favor, occupying a lower status within the hierarchy. The more Primal Varkani—those with affinities tied to earth or fire—are seen as more volatile and impulsive, lacking the mental control of their shadow-bound counterparts. They often fill more pragmatic roles in society.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Attitudes Toward Non-Varkani:

• Unapproachable, but Not Hostile: Though the Varkani may appear uninviting or cold to those of other races, they are not naturally aggressive or confrontational. They are simply uninterested in seeking connections with those they deem outside their community. Their interactions with other races tend to be transactional or practical, though they are not openly unfriendly. Varkani view emotions, relationships, and interactions with outsiders as potential risks to their mental stability, and so they tend to guard themselves with a strict boundary between their private lives and the outside world.
• Outsiders Seeking Counsel: Non-Varkani who seek advice from the Varkani, particularly from the elders, may find it difficult to gain their trust. While the Varkani will not outright refuse counsel, they will carefully evaluate the intent and worthiness of those asking for guidance. This scrutiny is rooted in the belief that wisdom is sacred and that it should not be shared lightly with those outside of their race or community. For outsiders, the opportunity to receive personal counsel from a Varkani elder is extremely rare and seen as an honor—if it is granted at all.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Faunari

Lifespan

200-300 years

Average Physique

The Varkani are generally slightly shorter than the average Faunari, typically standing between 4' to 5’6”. They possess a slender, lithe build, well-suited to flight and swift movements. Their musculature is compact and wiry, giving them agility and flexibility rather than bulk.

Their arms and legs are long and slender, with clawed hands and feet that make them adept at both climbing and gripping. Their feet are particularly adapted to hanging upside down, as their claws lock tightly around branches or ledges, aiding them in their perching behavior. Their hands are similarly dexterous, able to manipulate tools and objects, although their fingers are slightly more elongated and narrower than those of other Faunari.

Some Varkani also possess a small tail or tail stub, usually around 2-3 feet long, with a tuft of fur at the end. The tail is not functional for flight but can be used for balance, and in some Varkani, it serves as an expression of emotion or agitation.

Diversity within the Varkani People:

• The Varkani exhibit significant diversity due to the varied species of bats they descend from. For instance:
• Some Varkani may have the sleek, black fur and large, triangular ears typical of vampire bats, with darker eyes.
• Others may have lighter-colored fur and smaller ears, resembling the fruit bats or flying foxes, which have broader wingspans and a calmer demeanor.
• Some Varkani may have mottled fur or stripes and resemble the more agile species of bat, such as the hoary bats, with thinner wings for greater speed and maneuverability.

Overall, the physical diversity among the Varkani is dictated by both their specific bat lineage and their environment, meaning a Varkani born in a cold, high-altitude region may have denser fur, while one raised in warmer climates may have thinner, more breathable skin.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

The Varkani’s skin ranges from pale, almost translucent hues to dark, grayish or brown tones, and they often have a fuzzy, soft layer of fur on parts of their body, particularly along their necks, arms, and backs. Their fur color can vary greatly depending on their specific bat ancestry, ranging from pale white to deep browns, purples, or even mottled patterns with golden, orange, or yellow. Their hands and feet are equipped with sharp claws at the fingertips and toes, ideal for gripping surfaces or hanging upside down.

Many Varkani also have distinctive markings on their skin, such as darker patches around their eyes or along their spines, which are often associated with their family line or tribe. These markings may resemble bat wing shapes or other natural patterns.

The wings of the Varkani are perhaps the most iconic feature. These wings are thin, leathery, and typically span about 6 to 8 feet, far surpassing their body length. The wings are attached to their back near their shoulder blades, with thin, flexible membranes stretching between elongated bones. The structure of the wings allows them to glide and soar with ease, although they are not strong enough for sustained flight in all Varkani. Most of the Varkani, especially those from more agile bat species, can hover or engage in quick, rapid flight midcombat.