[✗] [CA Race Lore] - Kharajyr

[EnderMaiashiro 663]

[CA Race Lore] - Kharajyr

 

Kharajyr Origin
 

The creation story of the Kharajyr is one not bound to the tomes and tales of old, nor found on any shelves known to the world. It is held within the minds of those scholars who are considered madmen, those who are denounced and forbidden to speak. These men are the wisest and yet they suffer the worst fates.

 

It is one of these scholars who bravely defied his peers and came forth to impart the story of the Kharajyr to the Aelkos, and it has since then been passed down generation-by-generation.

 

The legend tells that in the dark times of old, during the world’s infancy -- a time few people believe existed where powerful Aenguls & Daemons roamed freely -- a time before Iblees’ War, there was an old wives’ tale whispered from the tongues of ancient storytellers. They spoke of a Daemon, one who kidnapped elven babies in the shadows of nightfall from their very homes.

 

 

Metztli in her humanoid form

However, it wasn't an isolated tale and was commonly known to many in their afflicted areas. Despite this, few knew the truth of these tall tales -- a reality unheard in this world: under the cover of silver starlight, the Daemon Metztli would visit lonely farmsteads and hovels in the forests. Called by the cries of infant elves, she would arrive with an intent to steal the children away, even before their parents, brothers, and sisters.

 

Legend has it that Metztli’s form was so beautiful those adults who looked upon her were driven mad. Manic, their parents would tear free their eyes to blind themselves from such an enchanting appearance. Fearing and denying the truth, elders would attribute this phenomenon to the intense grief the parents experienced from their child’s kidnapping rather than an otherworldly being’s influence. 

 

However, the reality behind the disappearances unfortunately does not end with the vanishment of children. What followed is the birth of the Kharajyr race -- a race of elves, and a race of feral cats mixed as one. A magical science experiment, one carefully conducted to produce the ultimate result Metztli could manufacture.

 

 

These elven children were taken far away to a paradise within the blue expanse of ocean waters. Amidst the waves stood an island of extraordinary beauty, giving life to an incredible variety of fauna and flora that stood as a bastion to Metztli’s incredible power, beauty, and control in this world. All that was missing was sentience; Metztli needed a master race.
Feral felines that called the island their home were collected by Metztli, and in a series of horrifying magic-ridden experiments, they were crossed with the infants. It took centuries of perfection and genetic tweaking, hundreds of hideous failures discarded into the ocean as vile homunculi, monsters and disgusting atrocities incapable of being considered sentient. Metztli at last created a single white, humanoid feline. This was the first of the Kharajyr, the father; he of the Purest blood.

 

Overwhelmed with joy, Metztli immediately adopted a maternal desire to protect this child of her’s, to nurture him, and to bring forth from him a new race of his kind to this world. After all, she had created what she deemed to be perfection. Desperation overtook her desires to recreate her perfect design, and in spite of countless more failures, Metztli managed to create a hand full of Kharajyr. Just enough for them to spawn an entire race.

 

When her children had matured, she knew that it was time to depart the island paradise and leave her children to thrive alone, to exist and advance as any race in this world would.

 

Although the Daemon’s true intentions for the creation of these people were never revealed, it has been speculated that she wished to recreate a long-lost lover who was stolen away from her in times past. Others say she wished to grant the world a race of beings in her own ultimate image, and still, others suggest Metztli wished only to play the vain game of God and nurture over beings beneath her. Time may tell her true intentions, but for now, the Kharajyr grows.

 

The origin story has been tweaked in order to fit this lore rewrite.

 

 

 

 

Physical Description

Kharajyr, often referred to as Metztli’s children are a race created by the Daemon Metztli. Their form is that of a humanoid feline, with their subraces taking on the appearance of different types commonly seen. Their heights vary according to the subrace they belong to.

 

They retain their feline appearance with their tail, pointed and jointed ears, an elongated snout or maw, retractable claws in the toes and hands, and palms in the shape of paws. However, they retained the trait of opposable thumbs from the elves, allowing them the ability to manipulate objects articulately like other humanoids. The feet more closely resemble their feline counterparts and at the ankle, the Kharajyr retain their feline predecessor’s dewclaw, which can become an issue when fitting shoes or socks. Kharajyr receive another boon from their unnatural origin -- the ability to eat nigh anything, including flesh to slight carrion from the bone. Kha’ possess some degree of heightened senses regarding their big cat counterparts, including moderately enhanced hearing, along with more capable photoreceptors within their eyes, enabling a Kharajyr to take a somewhat significant advantage in a darkened environment over any other race.

 

Pelts, Hair, & Eyes: 

The Kha race retains their feline appearance with their fur coat, appearing with the texture of a real-world cheetah, tiger, panther or leopard, depending on the sub-race they belong to and that of their parents. Head fur as it is called, is a unique thing for kharajyr. While women can grow hair as normal Descendants, males typically can’t and instead grow manes. Kharajyr can braid their manes and hair in order to personalize it, with the addition of non-permanent colorations such as war paint being allowed. Eye color ranges in the colors of normal human eyes along with the coppery yellow, green or orange of cats. 

 

 

Kha’Tigrasi

The largest of Metztli’s children and often the strongest. These tend to be the hard workforce of the kharajyr or the common warrior; though they are not limited to such. Tigrasi are adorned with an orange coat accented with black stripes. The Tigrasi, being one of the largest sub-races, reaches between 6.4ft - 7.5ft in height.

 

 

Kha’Pantera

The most cunning of Metztli’s offspring. Almost always, the pelt of a pantera is jet-black, though can be dark grey or might ascend to a dusty grey, either with age or just by an anomaly. Often, due to the coloring of a Pantera’s fur, it can be rather difficult to read their emotions through the subtle movement of their eyebrows or the shaping of their mouths. Following the Tigrasi closely the Pantera reach between 4.5ft - 7ft in height.

 

 

Kha’Cheetrah

The fastest and in turn historically the shortest of Metztli’s children. Those of this sub-race are commonly found to hold jobs such as merchants or the production of daily goods for the Kharajyr. Typically, their fur is a bright to dusted yellow along with brown patches or spots. Being one of the smallest sub-races of Kha’, the Cheetrah reach between 3.6ft - 5.2ft in height.

 

 

Kha’Leparda

The fourth child of the Goddess stands as Her creation for balance, standing near the middle of the four in height and build. While they originally were known for being priests they now branch out to many professions. Their pelts normally are a light tan to darker and medium yellows. The Leparda reaches between 3ft - 6.2ft in height.

 

Red Lines:

- A Kharajyr’s coat is thick, allowing them to stay warm; however, this is also a detriment in the war-torn world of LoTC. Armor is difficult to wear, and may cause overheating.

- Additionally, a Kharajyr’s dewclaw and digitigrade leg anatomy prevents the wear of common footwear. Any footwear must be specifically created for the Kharajyr.

- A Kha’ with a removed or ‘docked’ tail retain minimal ability to balance. All agility is lost should this occur, and the Kharajyr will commonly fall even while standing still without their tail.

- A non-Kha’Tigrasi submerged in water retains an incredible water weight given their fur coat. This slows them, and causes great loss of agility after drenched unless dried.

- All Kharajyr regardless of age or knowledge will speak with an accent. This is required due to their anatomy of a maw/snout and small incisor teeth alongside large canines.

- Kharajyr do not possess manipulable lips like other humanoids and can not easily articulate words regardless of age or knowledge.

- A Kha’Cheetrah will never run as fast as their real-life counterpart. It is better comparable to an Olympic sprinter.

- Kha’ are incapable of reproduction with other races. No mixed-race offspring are permissible.

- Armor, particularly heavy armor, is impossible to come by in Kharajyr culture. Lamellar is an option although it is highly uncommon and, despite its purpose to reduce overheating and maintain agility, it still induces heat stroke with ease.

 

 

 

 

Life Cycle                                              

0-1 years old – Kitten 1'2" - 1'8" 

In this age range, the Kha’ cannot talk and can only walk on all fours.

 

1-5 years old -- Kitten 1’8" - 3'0" 

This is the progression of minor physical maturity. Walking and talking will be very hard, but they still vaguely capable of doing so with some effort. Their teeth will be grown in.

 

5-16 years old -- Cub 3ft+

During this time they are fully maturing (full maturity reached at 18).

 

16-450 years old -- Adult 

At this age, the Kharajyr would continue to grow and are now able to speak fluently, most commonly with a thick Kha’ accent. It is not possible for a Kha’ to speak without one given their anatomy.

 

451-600 years old -- Old Age 

After passing the age of 450 they will now begin to age considerably and their movements would begin to slow. They grow physically weak. Once 500 is reached, the kharajyr would now either by very frail or weak, primarily due to the fact the Kharajyr is now entering the last years of its life. Age affects the subraces slightly different depending on the features of the particular individual. For example, larger kha are susceptible to heart and back issues while smaller tend to be joint-related. It is common to see that the members of a pride that have reached this age are taken care of and fed by the younger members of said pride, often living in cots decorated according to their status in their pride. 600 y/o is the natural capacity that the Kha’ can live unless magically assisted.

 

Red Lines:

- FTB is only permissible for 20+ Kha’.

- Kha’ may not age beyond 600 y/o. This is their biological limit.

- Kha’ aged 0-5 must walk on all fours as a typical cat. They may not speak and do not progress the same as elven counterparts would as a child. Progression begins at the age of 10.

 

 

Crossbreeding

Crossbreeding in the Kharajyr race happens only amongst the sub-races of Kharajyr. It, in general, does not change much Kharajyr anatomy other than their fur and the range at which their healthy height and weight can maximize or minimize it. (IE: A half-Tigrasi/half-Cheetrah would be taller and larger built, though typically they will maintain lesser agility to a typical Cheetrah). Crossbreeding does not signal impurity in the race.

 

Mental Description

Fanatically religious tribalists, the Kharajyr have a great affinity for the Muun and the greater advancement of their people -- despite the technological plateauing of their entire society at a basic level. This is to the extent of all kharajyr performing a faith trial where they nearly kill themselves in faith that Muuna will allow them to live, by putting their lives in her hands. They also have a great desire to learn about their position in the world, though use little of their knowledge to impact their work. Despite their fanatic point of view, the Kharajyr have minimal interest in indoctrinating other races. The only exception to this has to be approved by a priest to allow a non-kha to be considered a soul kha. The soul kha are honorary kha that observe all Kharajyr beliefs within reason considering their physical race. The reasoning for this allowance is that the kharajyr believes that it is possible that their siblings may have been born in the wrong body, and as such, they wish to have their soul-kin as close to Metztli as possible by allowing them into their society. To receive this recognition is of the highest honor and should this honor be sullied by the actions of this individual, a mercy killing may be performed by a priest.

 

Kharajyr are sometimes innately precarious, similar to their feline counterparts -- however, this is not required and differs between individuals. Precarious Kha’ are careful in all they do, often causing overthinking and the complexification of rather ordinary situations. However, this allows the Kharajyr to prepare for the best and worst of any situation. This sense of caution has also been the effect of the constant persecution made by other races in order to acquire their pelts.   

 

Red Lines:

- Kharajyr hate loud noises. Their acute sense of hearing causes your typical shout to be almost painfully loud if in close proximity, and are sometimes brought to anger in these instances.

- Wealth is not desirable by the Kharajyr, especially their priests. Kharajyr have no purpose in holding material wealth other than for cosmetic appearance, and it is frowned upon by the Kharajyr to hoard massive amounts of riches for little purpose other than to gloat.

- Any knowledge obtained by the curious Kharajyr is rarely utilized to advance any methods in Kharajyr culture. Abiding by tradition is law, and it is heavily frowned upon to tinker and attempt to abandon the old ways.

- Kharajyr must be taught to enjoy the water. It is a learned concept, bathing with water instead of by the tongue; it is considered rude to clean themselves with their tongue in the company of others, as well.

 

Abilities

Despite their divine origin, the Kharajyr have not been granted any unnatural abilities or magical ones. All abilities stem from their natural anatomy.

 

Nightsight

A Kharajyr is equipped with the advanced photoreceptors of a feline and therefore have the natural ability to maintain visibility in low light. Total darkness in an enclosed space does not allow vision, however, under the cover of starlight alone, a Kharajyr can see clearly in the dark.

 

- A Kharajyr, if presented with intense light whilst the eyes are focused for nightsight, will be temporarily blinded.

- Nightsight incredibly reduces the range of vision. Only nearby light reflected from surfaces will be easily visible unless a higher level light source is distanced. Mechanically, a 16 block distance is visible.

- This is a passive ability.

 

Acute Hearing

A Kharajyr is equipped with acute hearing and jointed ears, allowing them to turn towards the direction of the desired focus. When rotated in the proper direction, a Kharajyr is capable of superior hearing and can hear #quite chat more easily, including #whispers.

 

- A Kharajyr can be temporarily deafened if a loud noise, such as a firework explosion, occurs within 10 blocks of their person. A shout within 5 blocks will cause pain, but not deafness.

- A Kharajyr may only hear #quiet within 12 blocks distance.

- A Kharajyr may only hear #whisper within 4 blocks distance.

- This is a passive ability.

 

General Red lines/ Restrictions

- CA application is required to rp as a Kharajyr of any subrace
- Do not actually run as fast as their real-life counterparts. A Kha’Cheetrah is not going to run 60 mph.

- Their strength would not surpass that of an olog

- The Kharajyr can’t reproduce with other races

- Between the ages of 0-29, kha can’t walk or talk properly.

- A kha can’t walk properly if its tail has been cut off, thus serving the purpose of allowing them to keep their balance.

 

Spoiler

 

Original Pieces:

https://wikia.lordofthecraft.net/index.php?title=Kha

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/178219-kha-guide/

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/134235-official-the-kharajyr-guide/?tab=comments#comment-1277988

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/81523-kharajyr-lore-and-role-play-guide/?do=findComment&comment=699765

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/81516-kharajyr-social-class-lore/?do=findComment&comment=699716

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/81515-history-of-the-kharajyr/?do=findComment&comment=699715

 

Lore Credits:

- Ryloth

- EnderMaiashiro

- SoulReapingWolf

- DrinkPesticide

- Chaos

 

Purpose:

    The purpose of this revision is to re-establish the kharajyr lore to have clearer guidelines as well as better defined lore.

 

 

Edited November 1, 2019 by EnderMaiashiro
Removal of Culture section and alcohol redlines

[Ryloth 4312]

Super happy to finally have some updates for the Kharajyr coming. ❤️❤️❤️

[manicfairy 178]

what a lovely reformat, big +1 from mei have a suggestion tho, remove descendant hair from both genders and only allow manes for males

Edited November 1, 2019 by dojamarijuana

[SoulReapingWolf 2258]

Wohooo finally up!
Thanks Ender for your help in this project!

[Luciloo 2651]

Why are you enforcing cultural laws like the pursuit of wealth and such via ooc redlines?

Build and maintain culture in roleplay, not through ooc barriers.

[Ryloth 4312]

1 minute ago, Aethling said:

Why are you enforcing cultural laws like the pursuit of wealth and such via ooc redlines?

Build the and maintain culture in roleplay, not through ooc barriers.

“Wealth is not desirable by the Kharajyr, especially their priests. Kharajyr have no purpose in holding material wealth other than for cosmetic appearance, and it is frowned upon by the Kharajyr to hoard massive amounts of riches for little purpose other than to gloat.”

 

It is simply undesirable, nothing more. The large majority of Kharajyr as a people do not seek out hoarding money. Perhaps it is best left not a redline, but is still something big to consider. Kha’ typically will barter instead of utilize currency.

[ScreamingDingo 16990]

Literally why

 

 

[EnderMaiashiro 663]

@Aethling An edit was made with this in mind. Our intention was not to enforce culture via ooc. Please let me know if you have any other concerns about the piece though!

@ScreamingDingo Why not? There were grey areas that needed to be re-addressed and the community came to a consensus that a rewrite was needed.

[ScreamingDingo 16990]

6 minutes ago, EnderMaiashiro said:

@Aethling An edit was made with this in mind. Our intention was not to enforce culture via ooc. Please let me know if you have any other concerns about the piece though!

@ScreamingDingo Why not? There were grey areas that needed to be re-addressed and the community came to a consensus that a rewrite was needed.

 

It's an insanely weird few additions to redlines which could be easily done by a revised guide instead of enforcing it in lore. What's the issue with current lore, the biggest thing is just giving them better abilities and then forcing them to do baby speak until 30.

 

 

[EnderMaiashiro 663]

@ScreamingDingo Part of the issue is that lore was not being followed as well as confusion. By reforming the lore with clear redlines the players can be held accountable for improper representation of the race. Thus rendering “I didn’t know,” as an invalid response to reprimand with regards to improper rp that has been observed within the community.

[SoulReapingWolf 2258]

As a player with a Kha that was raised by the Dwarves, I felt this a bit constricting as well but this is why I added the following paragraph.

1 hour ago, EnderMaiashiro said:

However, due to the perpetual hunt for their pelts some Kha’ have been raised in varying cultures and among different races, which has, in turn, lead to their culture losing certain traditions practiced in the past and unavoidable collection of new ideologies or practices from those cultures. Some of these cultural influences include: the Dwarves, the High Elves and the Trade Federation of Sutica. The Kha’ that have been affected by said influences often create prides of their own with unique cultures and beliefs. 

The main culture and behavior of the Kha as a race is mainly the one posted here and is not as much as a barrier but more of a “guide” towards what it’s mostly like, however, different players can develop their characters in a way that strays away from this and fits more with their upbringing and their current character development. 
We are always open however to suggestions and would like to hear more from you. 

BTW I’ll be working soon on posting some of the different cultures Kha have acquired throughout the years living with different nations. If you are interested in this feel free to contact me.

[NightcastorKitty 1205]

I just wouldn't have any restricting cultural things as it seems like it's forcing kha to RP a certain way or they face death.  People have been playing kha for years and most of this wasn't what they followed or did cultural wise. I prefer the mention of cultural there, but the redlines regarding it removed.  

[Ryloth 4312]

1 minute ago, NightcastorKitty said:

I just wouldn't have any restricting cultural things as it seems like it's forcing kha to RP a certain way or they face death.  People have been playing kha for years and most of this wasn't what they followed or did cultural wise. I prefer the mention of cultural there, but the redlines regarding it removed.  

 

Well, a lot of the culture rewrite we are working on is simply an expansion of the original lore located in guides here on the forums. The death penalty is only permissible in those specifically regarding alcohol consumption, owning cats or for kinslaying.

[Demotheus 649]

Wasn't it humans with cats? Not elves? 

[SoulReapingWolf 2258]

1 minute ago, Demotheus said:

Wasn't it humans with cats? Not elves? 

In the Original Lore it’s unclear with which descendands Metztli did the experiments that lead to the creation of the Kharajyr, with this rewrite we aim to fix this problem and make it clear, as she was looking to create a “perfect” race we’ve chosen the elves which usually are seen as “superior” in fantasy worlds.