Kerial (KEER-EE-ahl)

This article is NOT Canon!

This article was written during a time when my vision for this world was vastly different. The magical system was completely different and I planned to have many more sapient races than I do now.

I really like the concept of the Kerial, though they do fall into a few tropes and stereotypes. I would've liked for them to still be possible in the world as it is now, but unfortunately that's not the case.

And no, they're not furries.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Bulky humanoid with wolf-like heads and short tails.

Genetics and Reproduction

Typically have three children at a time (called "sets") and raise all three together before having any more children.

Growth Rate & Stages

Grows very quickly for the first 15 or so years, then slows to a much steadier rate.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Omnivorous

Additional Information

Facial characteristics

Wolf-like face, large, intelligent eyes

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Virtually entirely limited to Sanovich

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Hearing and smell is exceptional compared to humans, but sight is about the same. Have fewer nerve endings and thus have a lessened sense of touch but a higher pain tolerance.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Childhood Names

Children are given their childhood name according to their parents names and birth order. The first born daughter of a set is named with pieces of both the mother and the father's name, with no mention of her birth order. The remaining children are named with just a piece of their mother's name and a mention of their birth order.

For example, a mother who's name is Patient Victory and a father who's name is Rising Fog will name their first born daughter Patient Fog and their other two children Second of Victory and Third of Victory.

If the first born is a son, he will be named with a piece of the mother's name and a mention of his birth order, i.e. First of Victory. If the set consists of two sons born first and one daughter born third, the daughter will still get the two-part name, as she is still the first born daughter even if she is the only daughter.

Adult Names

After the Rite of passage, kerial recieve their permanent, adult name. Females are named after their persona upon victory and/or during the Rite battle, while males are named after the state of nature around them at the point of victory.

Females

First born daughters are given three part names after their Rite victory. For example, after Patient Fog (the first born daughter of Patient Victory) achieves her Rite of passage, her mother may name her Singing Shadow Racer, after how her daughter hummed to herself throughout the battle and achieved victory after ambushing her mother from under a shadow. Sometimes mothers will include a piece of their own name when naming their first born, to carry on their legacy. These names can be rather creative and it is not always obvious where the inspiration for them came.

Daughters that are not the first born receive two part names. Examples include Grinning Victory or Swift Pin.

Males

Sons are given their Rite names based on the persona of nature around them at the point of victory and/or during the battle. These can be just as creative as female names, but are typically more evident in their meaning. Examples include Odd Wind or Lark Call.

Typically the mother will name the child, but if the mother is dead, the child will name itself. If the mother dies before participating in the Rites for all of her children, then all of those children are effectively unable to receive their proper Rite unless some exception is made. Sometimes motherless children will battle their father for the Rite, sometimes they will have to live with their childhood name forever.

Gender Ideals

Females are the strongest and most important in the species. Women are more likely to be in leadership positions, especially in the military. Raising children is considered a noble and important task, and women who become mothers are allowed ample time away from their responsibilities to raise them. It is the husband's responsibility to take the mother's place when she is away raising his children. Men are typically expected to pursue less "intense" career choices, such as the arts. In both genders, a profession in the military is highly revered.

Courtship Ideals

Women are expected to have the last say in who they decide to marry. Some cultures even let the women choose who to marry without any regard for how the man feels about it.

Common Etiquette Rules

When first introducing oneself, kerial will use their full, Rited name. Once they are familiar with each other, shortened versions of the name are used. For example, Patient Victory could be referred to as Patience by her friends.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Humans and lilthians tend to have a negative opinion on the kerial. A mix of bad history and rumors have lead many to believe that the kerial are animalistic, barbaric, and not to be trusted. This inherent bias makes it difficult for kerial to pursue lives and careers outside of kerial establishments. The resulting isolation only perpetrates rumors, making the problem worse.

Lifespan

80 years

Average Height

7 feet

Average Weight

200 lbs

Average Physique

Muscular

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Fur colors range from gray to black to reddish, and skin colors are just as diverse. Skin color is usually lighter than fur color.