Thériants

Children of Beasts and Guardians of the Borders

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"We are more than human, but also more than animal. In our duality lies a strength that no one can understand, except those who live beneath the moon and breathe the freedom of the wild wind."

— Kaelor, Thériant Shaman.

Thériants are a unique people of Andoris, bearing a hybrid appearance between humans and animals. Their origins are shrouded in mystery, with some claiming they are the children of animal deities, while others see them as the result of ancient magic or a curse. Regardless of their origins, they embody a rare harmony between nature and civilization, often living on the fringes of human realms and avoiding direct conflict.

Appearance and Physical Traits

The Theriants are distinguished by their animalistic physical traits, which vary considerably depending on their totem lineage. These traits are not merely superficial: they influence their strength, agility, senses, and sometimes even their behavior.

• Felines: Feline Theriants possess remarkable agility and vertical pupils that allow them to see in the dark. Their silent stride and natural grace make them exceptional hunters and scouts.
• Lupines: Equipped with sharp senses and a robust constitution, lupine Theriants are often leaders or protectors within their clans. Their sense of pack is deeply embedded in their nature.
• Ursines: Majestic and imposing, bear-related Theriants possess unmatched brute strength. Their exceptional endurance makes them formidable on the battlefield.
• Raptors: These Theriants are known for their keen vision, quick reflexes, and sometimes feathered arms. They are often scouts or strategists.

Origins and Myths

The origin of the Theriants is shrouded in mystery and legend, with each story adding a mystical dimension to their history. However, no matter the tale, these myths emphasize the idea of a sacred union between the human and animal worlds, a harmonious coexistence now threatened by greed and ignorance.

The Pact of the Moon

According to Theriant shamans, their ancestors were ordinary humans who, faced with a devastating threat to nature, made a pact with animal spirits. Under the light of a crimson moon, these men received the blessing of the beasts, merging their forms to become the guardians of forests and plains. This pact required an eternal promise: to protect the natural balance in exchange for their newfound powers.

Divine Experiments

Other tales suggest that the Theriants were created by Sylvana, the Goddess of Nature, as a bridge between humans and animal creatures. These hybrid beings are the guardians of life, capable of communicating both with beasts and mortals.

The Curse of the Dark Stars

Certain cultures, particularly human ones, view the Theriants as victims of a curse inflicted by Nyssara, the Goddess of Destruction. According to this version, their hybrid form is a punishment for defying the gods, condemning them to live between two worlds without ever fully belonging to either.

Society and Culture

The Theriants live in tribes or clans, each closely linked to a totem animal. This communal structure is based on values of freedom, solidarity, and respect for nature.

Tribal Structure

Each Theriant tribe is governed by a council of elders and a shaman, who acts as a spiritual guide. The shaman communicates with animal spirits and interprets signs from nature to guide the tribe’s decisions. Roles within the tribe are fluid and based on individual talents. Hunters, artisans, healers, and warriors collaborate to ensure the survival and balance of the clan.

Rituals and Traditions

The Thériants are deeply spiritual and their culture is rich in rituals that celebrate their bond with nature and their totem animals. These rituals are integral to their way of life, providing a means of connection to the spiritual realm and reinforcing the tribe’s values.

The Moon Dance

This nocturnal ritual is held during the full moon and is a celebration of the Thériants’ connection to the lunar cycles. The dance is accompanied by singing, drumming, and offerings to the spirits, honoring both the ancestors and the animal spirits that guide their people.

The Rite of Initiation

Young Thériants undergo a rite of passage in which they must prove their worthiness. This might involve hunting a mythical creature or protecting a sacred site from intruders. It is during this trial that a young Thériant solidifies their connection to their totem animal and gains their adult status in the tribe.

Sacred Hunts

These hunts are more than mere survival—they are seen as a way to honor the natural world. Every animal killed during the hunt is given a blessing and offered in thanks to the spirits of the forest. The Thériants believe that in death, the hunted animal becomes a part of the cycle of life, ensuring that the balance of nature is maintained.

Art and Expression

The Theriants express their creativity through wood carvings, masks representing their totems, and ritual tattoos. These works, often imbued with magic, tell ancient stories or protect their wearer from harmful influences.

Capabilities and Way of Life

The Theriants possess enhanced physical and sensory abilities, directly inherited from their animal affinities. Their sharp senses allow them to track prey, detect enemies, or sense imminent dangers with uncanny precision. Their strength and agility vary depending on their animal lineage, but all share a physical resilience that withstands even the harshest conditions.

Nomadic Lifestyle

While some Theriants settle in forest villages, many adopt a nomadic lifestyle, following animal migrations or seasonal cycles. They avoid large human cities, preferring the wild lands where they can live in harmony with their environment. However, their independence does not exclude trade: the Theriants exchange rare medicinal plants, furs, or magical artifacts for tools or food supplies.

Spirituality and Relations with Other Peoples

Deeply spiritual, Thériants honor the cycles of nature and animal spirits through songs, dances, and offerings. Their veneration of nature brings them closer to the Elves, with whom they often maintain friendly relations. However, they are more reserved toward Humans, whom they view as disconnected from nature, and openly hostile toward Dark Elves, seen as corrupters of the natural balance.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Humans

Lifespan

80 years

Average Height

1,70 - 2,20 meters

Average Weight

70 - 150 kg

Related Organizations

• Ochokito
• The Insurrection