Wildlings

Wildlings have been described as “humans if evolution followed a different path, improving on a species solely instead of forming new ones.” Wildlings are intelligent humanoid beast-like creatures. They can be bipedal or quadrupedal depending on their ancestry. There are two groups of Wildlings. The Upright Wildlings live very similarly to Native American tribes on Gaia. They live in small villages or collectives with their own customs and traditions. Downtrodder Wildlings follow their beast instincts more closely: either living solitary lives or in herds/packs/flocks. They live according to the call of nature. They still have high intelligence. Wildlings butt heads as signs of affection or appreciation. Mates, close friends, and families will often butt heads as a greeting and a good bye. Formal relationships do not involve head butting. Wildlings come in three forms: Upwalkers, Downtrodden, and Savages. Downtrodden are Wildlings that resemble their ancestors but still have the same intelligence as Upwalkers. Downtrodden have not developed vocal cords so they cannot communicate with those who speak languages besides Wild speak but they can understand other languages like any average sentient. Typically they are given the same respect as other races though they live separate from the rest of society and it is often difficult for people to tell the different between them and non-sentient animals. In Murk City, given the relative lack of beasts, Downtrodden are often captured, held, and bred for food and or mounts. The ones that look like Gaian horses, moose, and other mounts are enslaved to pull carts and do other work around Murk City. Others are killed for meat and sold across Murk city, often to the unknowing denizens who are desperate for food. Each gang uses the Downtrodden for their own uses: Wrath for war, Greed for meat and skins, Gluttony also for food, and Lust for breeding to appease the other gangs. Downtrodden are forced to breed with others of their species that have desirable qualities. There are rumors that this breeding has actually resulted in Downtrodden becoming Savages again but many of these rumors have been discounted. Instead, the Downtrodden suffer from heightened rates of depression from their confinement and do not experience the same vitality as their free brethren. Many older Wildlings abhor the idea and try to object but the gangs control the use of Downtrodden Mounts and are too powerful to be dissuaded. Bands of Wildlings try to free Downtrodden but they have very few places where they can go. Many Downtrodden that are able to escape often try to survive in the wilds outside Murk City. Downtrodden that are otherwise free typically have few other prospects rather than to sell themselves into service.