Faun (FAWN)
Solely terrestrial relatives to the klatuut, with slightly longer lifespans than humans. A male is referred to as a tosn (tosna), and a female as a ness (nessa). Young males and females are referred to as tosnling(s) and nessling(s), respectively.
Key Steads: Raille, Salba
Historic Steads: Anteg, Coku
Historic Steads: Anteg, Coku
Basic Information
Anatomy
Bipedal, appearing as a goat-like creature from the waist down and a human upper half, with a mix of human and goat facial features; horned, coarse fur over most of body in a variety of natural colors, lengths, and tones.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Predominantly vegetarian largely owing to legend rather than preference.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Matriarchal, strong kinship bonds within a stead but remarkably weak to those called to leave.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Widespread
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Capable of Ega-channeling.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Typically introduce themselves as [Surname]-[First name], e.g., "My name is Danig-Aramastus."
Relationship Ideals
Monogamy is seen as preferable and optimal due to stead lifestyle.
Major Language Groups and Dialects
Culture and Cultural Heritage
Their society is largely matriarchal. Although not nomadic by nature, historically they have resided in small 'steads'-- equivalent to a town or hamlet -- of no more than three families, and regard larger communities as 'enabling'/'soft' and gateways to dependency (though in recent times this is beginning to change with the growth of cities and post-war necessity). This supports their overall values of self-dependency, steadfastness, and resourcefulness; the origin of these values and the concept of a stead generally can be seen in the myth "Wrath of the Mother".
As such, an important cultural feature is a coming-of-age practice known as the Ascent of the Haaros, the Haaros being a tall, unforgiving solitary mountain where the corners of Kiva, Ustraria, and Unenshuut meet and considered ancestral land in the same way the Katuut regard the Creqira. When a faun reaches late pubescence (though sometimes earlier, or later), the female elders of the stead send the young adult to climb the Haaros "so as to get the greatest vantage as they seek a new home"; on their return they announce whether they have been 'instructed' to stay or travel elsewhere to other steads, or form steads of their own, either of which occurs exactly a year later. They are given a protective amulet known as an eyestone for their journey, which is a polished and carved stone with a central hole (ideally natural; see adder stones).
Common Taboos
Touching a faun's horns without permission is seen as extremely disrespectful.
Common Myths and Legends
Another interesting cultural feature linked to their close ties with the Haaros is shown by their belief in the origin of their horn types -- that each distinct form is linked to a particular ancestor family -- forming a sort of personality pseudoscience:
"Meadow breeze" Form -- straight backward, gentle wave (elongated 'S'), typically in shades of ivory -- the first ancestors to descend, having been tempted by the warmth and pleasant living below (i.e., both adventurous/bold but too easily led by promises of comfort).
"Stormswept tree" Form -- backward and out, dramatic curve down and forward to shoulders, typically in shades of gray or taupe -- the third to descend, concerned about protecting the ones below (i.e., protective and tenacious but at risk of martyrdom).
"Drifting cloud" Form -- out to either side, gentle curve down in loose spirals, typically in shades of gray -- the fourth to descend, acknowledging the need for community below (i.e., loving and the heart of a home but sometimes at the expense of their own wants).
"Cave carver" Form -- short and straight up, with or without a curve, typically in dark shades -- among the last to descend, fearing their lack of purpose below (i.e., stubborn/hardheaded and cautious, industrious).
"Driven snow" Form -- slightly backward and up, straight and long, typically in shades of gray or white -- among the last to descend, viewing the journey as pointless or anything below as lesser (i.e., elitist/vain, but fierce guardians of tradition and honor).
"Distant horizon" Form -- straight out to either side, gentle curve downward at tips, typically in shades of ivory or brown -- the second to descend after seeing the success of the first (i.e., pragmatic but occasionally easily led, the dreamers).
Lifespan
100 Years
Average Height
Males 5'11 to 6'7; females 5'8 to 6'3.
Average Physique
Strong, even when spry as opposed to stocky
Geographic Distribution
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