Beastkin

Beastkin are a highly diverse species group with over a hundred distinct denominations. They are bipedal with humanoid physiques, distinguished by varying animal-like features that range from subtle mirroring, mostly humanoid features, to highly pronounced, resembling sapient anthropomorphic animals. As the largest subset of animal folk, beastkin exhibit traits inspired mostly by terrestrial mammals, such as the elephant-like Loxodons, the feline Catfolk of Astana, the five khiravi tribes of Eiri, and the capybara-like An'sei of Yorn. Some subspecies, like the snow Owlkin of Eiri and the crane-like inhabitants of Suna's central islands, deviate from the mammalian norm but are often grouped with beastkin rather than other animals.

History

Beastkin are a diverse race found throughout the realm, known for their wide range of appearances. Some subspecies have existed since antiquity, while others are fairly young. Their overall long history on the planet has shaped their diversity. Originally, most beastkin fell into the category of being more animalistic. Over time, their appearances shifted. Some retain this heavily primal form like the lizardfolk, whilst others might be so close to humankind that they might be mistaken for dragonkin or defleo or other races. Regional variations further emphasize their diversity. The owlkin tribes of Eiri ally with other beastfolk to guard the Shards in snowy regions. Suna’s seafolk live harmoniously beneath island harbors. Tengu, raven-like Beastkin, stand watch in Linden and Astana's mountains. Even among Lizardfolk and Insectkin, regional differences create distinct physical traits. These divisions have led to tension. More human-like Beastkin, such as kitsune, face prejudice from humans who struggle to relate to them, while those with stronger animal traits are sometimes dismissed as barbaric or alien by other communities.

Geography

Beastfolk dwell all over the world in both rural and urban settings. The specific subspecies found in certain areas can vary, and many are at home in only certain regions, but others can be found traversing to other regions and integrated into communities of other races.

Relations & Society

Beastfolk live in several places worldwide, and their place within society varies just as greatly. Beastfolk commonly integrates into communities with other races. Some communities are entirely isolated from others, though this can be due to where they live simply being inhospitable to some more than a social factor. Beings like the deep sea merrow and seafolk living in the ocean's dregs or the insectoids living in hives. Other communities voluntarily stay only amongst themselves, like the Tengu. Across the board, though, it is much more common to find clutches of beastfolk in communities that are a part of other societies established with other races. Beastfolk, given its large swath of diversity, has a just as varied breadth of relations.

Related Articles

Khiravi Alliance

The An'sei Path

The Path of Obsidian

Ancestry: Animal Folk
Lifespan: Varies by subspecies (60-150 years)
Adulthood: Varies by subspecies (16-18 years)
Average Height (m.): Varies by subspecies
Average Weight (kg.): Varies by subspecies
Diet: Varies (Carnivorous/Omnivorous/herbivorous)
Type: (Mammal/Bird/Other)
Blood: Varies (Red)
Contributor: Kashii, Taylorzilla, Yuii

Passive Ideas

Amphibian - beastkin like merfolk, grippli (frog people), and lizardfolk might be able to reside underwater for prolonged periods of time on a single breath hold or perhaps indefinitely thanks to a set of gills.

Heightened Sense - A keen sense of smell allows this beastfolk to spend time to examine lingering scents or samples and potentially identify them with ones they are familiar with in their own experience.

Claws - The nails, talons, or other protrusions this beast folk has are strong and sharp enough to act as tools and potentially even improvised weapons.