Re'har Gallery

THE RE'HAR

An ancient and enigmatic race, the Re'har's origin is a mystery to not only themselves, but the rest of the world as well. Tales of catmen who live deep in the forests have been passed down in different cultures since times past, but only in the past few centuries has the existence of the Re'har become common knowledge. The Re'har appear as humanoids with feline attributes. All Re'har share common traits with some type of great cat. These differing appearances have split the race up into different castes, or tribes in some circumstances. The Re'har have developed names for these different ancestries. Shwana for those that resemble lions, Ghata for tigers, Tau'jiri for leopards, Kawana for pumas, and Mehi for cheetah. Most Re'har live between 80 and 100 years, before succumbing to old age. The two subraces of Re'har share some characteristics, yet there are many glaring physical and social differences between the two subraces. Spiritual fulfillment is a characteristic that both subraces share fully.

The Re'har are always searching for answers, for fulfillment. Common household worship in the Re'har constitutes of paying homage to their ancestors. Not only is direct family regarded, but also the Eld'Ama, an even more ancient race of Re'har from which the current subraces believe they are descended. Aside from this more personal worship, the Re'har also take to devoting themselves to various deities in search of fulfillment and understanding. The Re'har have little trouble with adopting another's religion and feeling at home in its teachings and traditions. Many of the world's common religions have caught on recently within the Re'har culture, especially Jakob, whose leonine facet is looked upon as a patron god by many.

The Re'har inhabit much of the known world, yet are still not often seen as they remain hidden away in the unexplored valleys, deep forests, wet jungles, and dried wastelands tucked away conveniently right under the noses of Daun civilization. Those Re'har that have come to live in other cultures usually adapt quite well and are accepted, but others remain unable to do so and become regarded as monsters, or outcasts. Many Re'har, especially those not exposed to other cultures are wary, or even frightened of being found by outsiders as rumors abound of them being a preferred slave race in some cultures. This uneasiness keeps the majority of Re'har from exposing themselves to the outside world.

The Inda'sim:

The Inda'sim are the more animal-like of the two Re'har subraces. Though they come from the same stock as the Re'hari, they have developed into a more reclusive and hardy people than the Re'hari, whom the Inda'sim think of as 'little cousins'. Inda'sim life is a rustic one, and most of their time revolves around collecting food for the group, protecting their territory, strengthening their bonds with one another, and quiet worship. Inda'sim settlements generally consists of a population of up to a few dozen, never numbering over maybe 100 at the very most. Practices and behaviors vary from settlement to settlement, and depend greatly on the settlement derivation. Generally, a settlement will run like clockwork, as all the working members will complete tasks that their instincts tell them to do. However, when guidance or organization is needed, the eldest female in the settlement is looked up to for advice. This matriarch is considered to be the mother of the settlement.

Inda'sim appearance differs greatly from the Re'hari. The Inda'sim have nearly fully animal-like faces, with strong jaws and stubby fingers to support retractable claws. Their manual dexterity suffers because of this, and its hard for them to manipulate small or complex objects; however, they have a great deal of strength in their grips and can easily pin down their prey, or climb difficult surfaces with the aid of their claws. Because of their jaws and vocal structures, it is extremely difficult for the Inda'sim to speak common, although they can easily learn to understand the language. Their legs bend backwards and up where a normal humanoid's heel would be. These digitigrade legs allow them a great deal of maneuverability and quick bursts of speed, however it prevents them from wearing any kinds of traditional footwear: protective or otherwise. Their fur grows thick and not only protects them from the elements, but along with their tough skin, protects them from the numerous bruises, cuts, and scrapes that would plague any other race attempting to adapt to their lifestyle and living conditions. A wildly different physiology makes it extremely difficult for the Inda'sim to wear traditional armors. It hinders them from achieving their full range of movement, and cuts down their maneuverability greatly.

The Shwana tend to live in the largest groups. Their settlements are found in plains and grasslands, and they are the most sociable of all Inda'sim. Most Inda'sim usually prefer only the company of other Inda'sim of the same ancestry, but the Shwana are used to outsiders in their territory. Although they don't appreciate it completely, they are open to receiving guests of other races, and Inda'sim of other ancestries.

Physically, the Shwana are the second largest of Inda'sim, behind the Ghata. Male Shwana have thick manes and tufts at the end of their tails which range in color from very dark brown, to a golden tawny color. The male Shwana is the only Inda'sim with this type of 'hair'. All other genders and breeds of Inda'sim have no such manes. Shwana fur is usually a tawny or wheat colored shade, with lighter fur on their chests and abdomen.

The Ghata make settlements deep in forests and jungles, sharing some of their territories with the Tau'jiri. The Ghata are known as the strongest and fiercest of the Inda'sim. Much of their time is taken up by the protection of their territory, and they are quite reluctant to accept outsiders. Its highly unlikely you would ever find a traveler or guest in a Ghata settlement. Those Ghata that leave their settlements tend to become soldiers, or bodyguards, to fulfill their protective instincts.

The Ghata are the largest of all Inda'sim. They are marked by intricate patterns of stripes that cover their entire body. Base fur colors range anywhere from a dark buff color, to a light orange or golden yellow. Their chests and abdomens are often a much lighter, white or ivory color. Stripe colors range from dark brown to black. Possible rare markings that occur in the Ghata are due to a loss of pigment for either their stripes, or their base fur color. These Ghata appear as either white with black stripes, or white (stripeless) with base fur color stripes.

Tau'jiri settlements are often found along the outskirts of forests, or near wooded streams and rivers. The Tau'jiri tend to be the most religious of the Inda'sim. More of their time is devoted to meditation and worship than the other breeds. Religion aside, they tend to be deep thinkers and often form complex opinions regarding what is good, or 'right', and what is wrong. Although the Tau'jiri prefer to be left alone, they often accept other Inda'sim, or more rarely, other races as guests in their settlements. One must be careful with the Tau'jiri however, because if they feel as if they have been betrayed or if your intentions are impure or 'evil', they reveal themselves to be a fierce enemy.

The Tau'jiri are average height and slender, and are excellent climbers. Their coats are covered in dark brown or black rosettes: small circular markings that resemble roses in shape. Base fur colors range from dark gold to a light orange or golden brown. In colder climates, Tau'jiri coats are white or ivory with black or brown rosettes, and blue eyes. Another possible marking is the melanistic Tau'jiri, or one where the base fur color is a glossy black. Incidentally, the rosettes on these melanistic Tau'jiri blend in with the base fur color, and are not visible.

Kawana settlements can be found in various locales, including plains and grasslands, dryer climates, and in rockier terrain. Like the Tau'jiri, the Kawana are deep thinkers and philosophers. Religious activities are common in the Kawana lifestyle. However, the Kawana tend not to be so critical regarding what is good and evil. The Kawana are more inclined to accept unknown ideas and methodology, and are curious to a fault. Additionally, even though the Inda'sim don't keep written records, it is widely accepted that the Kawana have the most numerous, detailed, and accurate oral records that are passed down from generation to generation.

Kawana builds tend to be of average height and proportions for Inda'sim. Their fur covers a wide spectrum of colors, including everything from a rusty, reddish brown, to a lighter tawny, to shades of gray. Kawana have lighter fur on their chest and abdomen, and often have a lighter color on the tip of their tail.

The Mehi make opens fields and plains as their homes. Some of their territories are often close to the Shwana, though this has never been much of a problem. The Mehi are largely, the most carefree and outgoing of the Inda'sim. Their non-confrontational attitude has left them mostly at peace with most of their neighbors, and they enjoy the company of guests. Mehi from other settlements can often be found as guests in different Mehi settlements. Other races have been accepted as guests in Mehi settlements with a great deal of interest shown towards them, as well as Inda'sim of other ancestries.

Tall and slim, the Mehi appear to be the most athletic of the Inda'sim. Their fur ranges in color from light brown to goldenrod, and is covered in spots or speckles that are black or dark brown. Mehi often have coloration at the tip of their tail that is usually either black, or a lighter white or ivory. They have lighter fur on their chests and abdomens.

The Re'hari:

Unlike the Inda'sim, the Re'hari are more Daunlike in appearance. However, the Re'hari do maintain several distinctly feline features such as a covering of fur over their entire body, long tails, feline-like teeth, and sharp, bony 'nails' on their fingers and toes. Their faces are mostly Daunlike, aside from the obvious marking of fur, and feline traits in the ears and eyes. Their physical builds tend to be uniform throughout all ancestries, and proportions are similar to that of Daun. They don't have the stubby fingers of their Inda'sim cousins, but instead have traditional limbs that can manipulate small and delicate objects. They also do not have the digitigrade feet of their Inda'sim cousins. The Re'hari are better suited for footwear. Overall, their fur and skin is not as tough either, and they do get the bruises and scrapes from everyday life, like most races. Hair is a trait that appears in the Re'hari as well. Not just the Shwana, but those Re'hari of all ancestries: both male and female have a full head of hair.

Re'hari society has developed along a different path than the Inda'sim. Re'hari settlements are generally large. The Re'hari build towns and cities, mostly along riverbeds, and coastlines. Any terrain that can provide water and support livestock is suitable for a Re'hari settlement. The need to eat meat is another trait that has stayed with the Re'hari. This physiological difference has lead to them raising primarily livestock and engaging in fishing to feed the population. Fruits and vegetables are eaten rarely, if at all.

The residents of Re'hari towns and cities are made up of all ancestries. While the Re'hari don't separate into different cities by breed, they do have what can be considered a caste system, based on ancestry. Although this caste system is not enforced, and there are often exceptions, you will often see prominent positions filled by those Re'hari of an ancestry that is connected with that position. Many Shwana are found in positions of power, in Re'hari society. Important religious positions are often filled by Kawana or Tau'jiri, and Mehi are notoriously famous for providing many different forms of entertainment. Although these roles are not set in stone, a quick glance as Re'hari society will in fact leave the impression that for the most part, this is the way it is.

Re'hari cities are modern, and have a distinct feel to them. Most technologies seen in buildings and tools in Re'hari cities are on par with human towns and cities of similar sizes.