Beast-Folk

"The young couple had, unfortunately, earned the ire of a local druid after the husband had slain the eldest stag of the forest for food. The druid arrived at the couple's cabin late at night, attempting to bring retribution. However, he noticed that the young wife was with child, and so cursed her seed. Their child would not bear the visage of the god-blessed human, but that of the slain stag. Concerned, the young family called for my aid - which I gave - on the condition that they would allow me to witness the child's development.
The child, a healthy boy, was carried and birthed with minimal difficulty and from all appearances seemed normal. Though I tried my greatest magics and cast a great many counter-curse spells on the poor boy, the magic of nature had become one with him. To destroy the curse meant to destroy the boy. However, ignoring my warning, the couple was relieved as their son developed no abnormalities. For all appearances he was a robust, healthy child. However, eight years later I was awoken from my slumber in the night. The boy's mother had gone to kiss her son goodnight, when she noticed a soft brown fur covering her child's body. I was again summoned and again I could do nothing but watch. Over the period of a week I was able to observe as the child developed the soft brown coat of a stag. Eight days after the initial incident the boy had grown velvety antler stubs. Ten days later I noticed the child's father keeping suspicious company, so fearing for the child's safety, I spirited him away just as the mob arrived with torches in hand.
The boy is doing well now, though recovering from the trauma. He seems to be skilled in magic... it would appear the druid's curse left the boy a gift as well. He will be a promising mage, and I have taken him on as my apprentice. A pity that he will not be accepted at any of the prestigious Ostothar universities..." ~

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Beast-Folk often retain their human names, or take on another name after their transformation that varies on the individual's choice.
Beast-Folk who enter Wild Path camps will often take on Fey or nature themed names.

Major Organizations

Due to their varied abilities and the wide disenfranchisement of the race, Beast-folk tend to bolster the ranks of many illegal or rebel organizations. However, the only group that is exclusive to Beast-Folk is The Wild Path.

History

Humans, being the youngest and purest race, are subject to all manner of curses, evolutions, and modifications. The Beast-Folk curse is one that is magical in origin, but genetic in nature. It's exact origins are unknown, but current studies have shown that it may be the result of multiple sources. Prolonged contact with mana pools or fey portals, a curse from a powerful caster or creature, or having a Beast-Folk parent appear to be the main methods of obtaining the curse. The curse is permanent, with a Wish Spell proving to be the only known way to obtain a pure human form.
Though members of the Beast-folk share human ancestors, the manifestation of the curse varies from person to person. Though all retain a bipedal humanoid form they take on traits of varying and ofttimes random animals, though the extent of the mutation varies. Some might only grow patches of fur or feathers where hair might be, while others develop into fully anthropomorphic beasts in appearance. The type of animal seems limited to common beasts, such as rodents, birds, common mammals, common reptiles, ect.
As those with the Beast-Folk curse may attest, their reception in much of the world is less than pleasant. In Ostothar, Skana, and some parts of southern Edresh, society is outright hostile. Motivated by a range of fear, ignorance, and desire for ethnic cleansing, Beast-Folk are persecuted and experience various levels of prejudice and ostracism. Many are forced to become the dregs of society, while others are forced into slavery, indentured servitude, or worse, as humanity's darker side is considerably more forthright with those it considers beneath it.
Some have elected to leave civilization behind, following The Wild Path. "The Path", as many call it, is a mysterious group that has erected multiple camps in the outskirts and wilds of all populated regions. These "Wild Camps" vary in their doctrine, but are united in their reclusive and exclusive nature. Some promote peace, cooperation, and balance, teaching a lifestyle of harmony with nature and nearby settlements, while remaining vigilant against outsiders. Other Camps teach primal values that center on accepting the beast that has manifested in their form, and utilizing their natural strength and abilities to seize what is theirs by nature's law of the strong surviving. Regardless, these camps are wary of outsiders, and outright hostile to humans. Nevertheless, this race has proven to be almost identical to their human counterparts in their resilience, ingenuity, and ability to adapt. They share a common background, culture, lifespan, and language. Some even consider Beast-folk as an superior form of humanity, and there are many groups beginning to advocate for fair laws and equal treatment. As Verden continues to grow, so do the numbers of Beast-Folk, and it is only a matter of time before they can no longer tolerate the ill treatment they have received.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Human

Scientific Name

Créatúr Rugadh

Origin/Ancestry

Cursed/Modified Human