Penumbris [Fallen] « Thread Started on Feb 26, 2009, 1:55am »
In a time so far past that few (if any) remember such a time, there was a fifth race that existed in Zathryn from the beginning, only to have disappeared for reasons unknown to the books of history - their very existence is dubious, held as some mystical mythos as similarly distant as the prophecy in potential authenticity. These were the Penumbris, a race of nomads that resided in the mountains far north of what the Drithi now call home, where the volcanic belts were and still are most common. Even in the times where they were present and widely known in Zathryn, little was understood of their people and their strange customs, as they were held to be the veritable black sheep of the five races - however, some of them were observed to venture from their lands and emerge in Haven and other locations, and so their appearance, nature, and some of their customs were still somewhat widely known.
The Penumbris are only cosmetically similar to Taidrans, but they bare not only differing visual qualities, but highly different anatomy and racial qualities. Penumbris skin pigments tend to lean towards the extreme, either highly pale like their ashen, volcanic landscapes or highly tan like their dark atmosphere and climate, where the sun or the moon are blotted out by the smoke-and-ashed filled skies above. Penumbris most commonly have raven black hair, and variations from black are extremely unusual and held as rare cases, perhaps even genetic defects rather than variations. Their joints (kneecaps, tips of the elbows, ankles) tend to be covered in a fine layer of fur that varies much more than their hair between various tones like black, brown, and gray, and their skin is distinctly tougher than their Taidran cousins, one of many aspects of their anatomy that gave them a reputation for being much more durable than them. Their most distinguishing trait, however, is their horns - Penumbris possess large horns made of black and brown bone based on their forehead that can grow in a variety of ways, from curling to sticking straight. They vary in size, pattern, texture, and many other ways, causing them to be one of the primary things that, in Penumbrian society, make each person unique.
Penumbris were a tribal people, deeply devoted to their religions and families and known for their ability to survive in harsh environments such as their volcanic homes. Outsiders were regarded by the Penumbris with great skepticism and doubt, and the feeling was most likely mutual. They were known for their immense tempers, as no matter how calm and disciplined a Penumbris was, they still often found themselves short-fused and receptive to taunts and insults to a degree that often inspired murderous inclinations.
Penumbris Stats
High Strength Moderate Speed Great Endurance Moderate Reflexes Not naturally adept with Arcana Naturally adept with most weaponry melee and ranged, and hand-to-hand. Tied for second highest lifespan with Alyvarans (300 years on average) Exceptional athleticism and endurance, high threshold for pain.
Weaknesses
Most degrees and levels of Arcana Highly receptive to Taunts Penumbris Arcanists are limited to low-basic to mid-basic proficiency, in almost all cases.
Re: Penumbris [Fallen] « Reply #1 on Feb 26, 2009, 2:02am »
Penumbrian Customs
Penumbris view men and women with equality, and view elders with great respect. Opinions are most commonly based on what a person has done in their lifetime, and what they have brought to their clan or tribe whether it is resources or commitment of time and effort.
Marriage is a mutual transaction - when one wishes to wed, he/she presents a tribute to their intended, and the intended presents a tribute in return - whether it be a fine garment of pelts, an exquisite meal, or a precious gemstone. Once the exchange is made, they arrange and perform a ceremony before disappearing into the female's yurt to make it official. Ceremonies vary by clan, generally conducted by the wise woman of each clan, and attending parties could be as broad as the whole tribe or as narrow as to the two to be wed, depending on preference and their standing in the clan.
Penumbris generally have no steep traditions for coming of age - they mature very quickly and then age slowly, but the clans are very efficient, even their youth are put to work early and tend to find their role in the tribe quickly. It is recognized when a boy becomes a man or a girl becomes a woman, a transition based solely on whether or not they've earned respect via contribution to their clan, and this transition is briefly celebrated during feasts.
Family traditions must be passed down generations. A family that loses knowledge or respect for its roots is cast out with great disdain.
Penumbrian Government and Religion
The patron deity of the Penumbris is ______.1 The Penumbris are highly religious people, constantly offering sacrifices, tributes, and prayers to their patron deity. Every seven days they devote a feast to their patron deity.
Government is a highly loose term for Penumbris, especially since there is no uniform city encompassing them all like with other races. They are nomadic and live in differing tribes, some warring and others coexisting. The most widely recognized clans due to their size and power are the Ash Clans, which are known for their pale, wealthy people and the Ebon Clans, known for being dark-skinned and savage, brutal warriors. Typically, a Clan is lead by a Chieftain who lives in the second largest yurt. Generally the chieftain is a male, but sometimes a female, and is regarded as the top hunter and gatherer of the clan. The Chieftain makes all decisions and protects the clan, leading its warriors into battle and keeping a watchful eye over its members. Everyone in a clan knows its Chieftain.
While society is directed and protected by the Chieftain, from the background the most crucial decisions are made by the wise woman. It is a tradition not understood by outsiders that each clan possesses a wise woman or perhaps sometimes two, in charge of making impromptu decisions based on prophecy and tradition, using the Chieftain as her means of carrying out this decision. The Chieftain is called a wise woman's champion, although they're not always committed to one another, and therefore serves as her protector and he who enforces her word. Wise women are called wise because they know all traditions and all customs of their respective clan and some of others. Their wisdom is what keeps their traditions alive.
When the Chieftain grows too old to perform his duties, two things may happen: Either a new Chieftain will be picked based on what male (or female) is most respected and working most diligently, generally one of the warriors or hunters, or the oldest offspring of the wise woman and Chieftain will become the new Chieftain. Not all clans condone the method of choosing the descendant, as some clans don't force the Chieftain and wise woman to wed, such as the Ash Clan, where the Ebon Clan does and blood dictates who shall lead.
... and then, a wicked wind shall blow; the shade shall become a vessel of destruction. Four hatreds beat in undying tandem - but only in alliance can redemption be granted. Five shall be chosen, four shall prevail; Amid enmity their differences shall be their strengths...
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