Post by Lady Whimsy on Jun 18, 2011 12:43:12 GMT -5
It's been a while since we've posted here, so, I'm going to get us warmed up again. This time, we'll be discussing the Dar'Keeli, a new race who will be joining us for RP3. Since I *hope* to have us moving shortly in that direction, I figure, now's a good a time as any to start sizing them up. Should offer some new venues for character development (my character Ethon is of this species, but I need to fine tune him still, once the bare essentials of the Dar'Keeli people have been finalized).
So here we go, here's what I've been musing, and feel free to ADD MORE! Anything that seems to fit the Dar'Keeli persona will be added into the official fact file, which at this point is still very flexible - so don't be afraid to offer a different view then one I've posted here. Have fun!
Fact File: The Dar’Keeli
Homeworld: Kylindreal, southern continent of ***
Magic Type: Celestial – singular animalia transformation
Alignment: Sympathetic to the Dragons/Uthoreon, but with self-interest at heart
Origin Story: They are the descendants of a displaced metropolis, escaping earth during the Great War, and granted safe harbour by the dragons. Their gift of metamorphosis is even attributed to Thaedor himself, and because of the similar transformation abilities of dragons they may speak of a shared blood; this is actually untrue, as Dar’Keeli are more genetically similar to humans then even elves!
Appearance:
Like humans, there is a wide range of body type and skin tones and all human shades are present, however, since their climate is warm and arid, expect the majority of the population to appear more olive-complexioned. They are also predominantly brown-eyed, and of ambiguous race origin, though more distinct features can be found within certain family groups.
It is notable that most Dar’Keeli do sport mottled/patterned skin, ranging from subtle symmetrical splotching to quite intricate animal-esque patterns. These patterns are generally inheritable, and it is uncommon for a spontaneously new pattern to emerge (though when it does, imagine an impromptu “whose your daddy?!” from a few surprised spouses!).
Occasionally, more unusual coloration do occur, though these tend to stick to mammalian hues; so while it is possible to come across a Dar’Keeli with, say, naturally skunk-striped hair or vivid flame-coloured eyes, true other pallets – those green/blue or metallic/iridescent skin & hair tones – are exceedingly rare (and should not to be confused with those out-of-the-bottle shades, either!)
There is also a distinct tendency for the human form to mimic the animal persona, and a trained eye may be able to determine what animal transformation is present by sizing the person up.
Animal Transformation:
The Dar’Keeli possess the ability to shape-shift into a single animal persona, and hone the skills of that other creature they become. Outside of this, Dar’Keeli do not posses any magical ability; whether this would change upon the possibility of unicorn bonding remains to be seen.
The transformation involves the human-self’s ability to metamorphosis completely into another animal. This animal fixed - they can only transform into one specific animal (and, while there are stories of multi-shifters, these are more akin to fable then any true happenance). There is a great range in the type of animal a particular Dar’Keeli may transform into, but there do appear to be certain limitations :
• They are all earth-based animals (though range from prehistoric to modern day type) and are warm-blooded air breathers.
• Form follows function: animal size & build is influence by the human physicality (and vice versa). I suppose it is no coincidence then that a strapping bear of a man may indeed turn into an actual bear, or a lithe dancer into a graceful gazelle; just keep in mind that if the person is a bit on the plump side – so will the animal, too! As well, the bottom transformation for an average sized adult will not be less then about 25lbs (or the size of a medium-small dog), and largest not exceeding 2000lb (the size of a large bull). Occasional, “extreme” metamorphoses do pop up – and elements of both gigantism and dwarfism appear in the Dar’Keeli genetic condition.
• Mammals are the most common animal type; reptiles (warm-blooded) and avian species are quite rare, and true aquatic species (dolphins/air-breathing fish/etc) are exceedingly uncommon. True flight, in whatever form, is the most coveted of attributes.
The ability to transform is a skill that first emerges during early puberty, but true mastery of it might is not expected until their twenties. That said, while Dar’Keeli truly embrace their animalia self, they are just as quick to criticize more “beastly” behaviour; the unspoken motto seems to be, “to be animal is awesome, but man is best”. The most applauded are those great men and woman who can fully master their animal transformations while retaining their human gifts of reason, restraint, and good table manners. There are firm expectations of when – and when it is not – appropriate to take on one’s animal form, and public outburst of emotion are frowned upon because they are potential gateways to “animal outbursts”. Therefore, there is naturally a strong counter-culture of (mostly!) youth who revolt against this perceived strict decorum…. but most generally pitter out and conform by adulthood.
Another interesting note is that there does persist an element of “typism” in Dar’Keeli society, but it’s a bit of a chicken-and-egg conundrum; do people of different animal types fall into certain positions because that type of animal persona best suits that job, or does the animal type they become cause them to be funneled into that kind of profession? Among the highest regarded, soaring birds, and among the lowest, sea life – if only because the dry climate of **** makes large water bodies few and far between, and such a transformation somewhat limiting!
Culture & Politics:
The Dar’Keeli are a passionate and opinionated people, but because of their recalled common origin there is not a tremendous amount of variety among Dar’Keeli core beliefs, although you will find satellite communities with variations on this theme.
The continent is divided into four provinces; ** to the north with its mines and mineral riches, the vast, dry wastelands of **, the southern ** farmlands, and ***. with its large sea delta and waterways. At their core is the central city-state of *** which rules them all, and this mega-city hosts easily half the population of the entire continent.
It is important to remember that this was a civilization built out of war and hardship, and that Kylindreal, though a haven, was no paradise. While considered a democracy, the same party has ruled the parliament for the past 75 years. There's a distinction between upper and lower classes, all civilians are required to give two year’s service as youths, and while education is universal, there’s a distinct difference in what’s available to the privileged class as opposed to the children of the worker’s quadrant. However, the people of this civilization are fairly content, and while life is hard work, there is a perceived sharing of wealth and feeling of security in the strength and might of the Dar’Keeli nation.
There relationship with the Dragons of that world is unique. While generally ignored by the Dragons themselves, they feel a loyalty towards them and respect Uthor; if asked, it is no doubt they would do his bidding willing, with precision and efficiency. They would expect to be well rewarded in the end (more magical gifts perhaps?) and are definitely not above seizing their own opportunities when they find them. Were the war to start spilling again to other planets, the Dar’Keeli would be a force to be reckoned with.
Technology:
Heralding from earth during a technological golden era long lost to history, the Dar’Keeli arrived on Kylindreal in a fleet of giant starships. However, the electromagnetic storms surrounding the planet (a side-effect of shattered Gates, perhaps?) rendered the ships useless, and were disassembled for material parts. Technology was then reborn from the ground up, mechanical rather then electronic, I pause at saying “steampunk” but something vaguely along those lines.....
..... and, more to come?
So here we go, here's what I've been musing, and feel free to ADD MORE! Anything that seems to fit the Dar'Keeli persona will be added into the official fact file, which at this point is still very flexible - so don't be afraid to offer a different view then one I've posted here. Have fun!
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *~ * ~
Fact File: The Dar’Keeli
Homeworld: Kylindreal, southern continent of ***
Magic Type: Celestial – singular animalia transformation
Alignment: Sympathetic to the Dragons/Uthoreon, but with self-interest at heart
Origin Story: They are the descendants of a displaced metropolis, escaping earth during the Great War, and granted safe harbour by the dragons. Their gift of metamorphosis is even attributed to Thaedor himself, and because of the similar transformation abilities of dragons they may speak of a shared blood; this is actually untrue, as Dar’Keeli are more genetically similar to humans then even elves!
Appearance:
Like humans, there is a wide range of body type and skin tones and all human shades are present, however, since their climate is warm and arid, expect the majority of the population to appear more olive-complexioned. They are also predominantly brown-eyed, and of ambiguous race origin, though more distinct features can be found within certain family groups.
It is notable that most Dar’Keeli do sport mottled/patterned skin, ranging from subtle symmetrical splotching to quite intricate animal-esque patterns. These patterns are generally inheritable, and it is uncommon for a spontaneously new pattern to emerge (though when it does, imagine an impromptu “whose your daddy?!” from a few surprised spouses!).
Occasionally, more unusual coloration do occur, though these tend to stick to mammalian hues; so while it is possible to come across a Dar’Keeli with, say, naturally skunk-striped hair or vivid flame-coloured eyes, true other pallets – those green/blue or metallic/iridescent skin & hair tones – are exceedingly rare (and should not to be confused with those out-of-the-bottle shades, either!)
There is also a distinct tendency for the human form to mimic the animal persona, and a trained eye may be able to determine what animal transformation is present by sizing the person up.
Animal Transformation:
The Dar’Keeli possess the ability to shape-shift into a single animal persona, and hone the skills of that other creature they become. Outside of this, Dar’Keeli do not posses any magical ability; whether this would change upon the possibility of unicorn bonding remains to be seen.
The transformation involves the human-self’s ability to metamorphosis completely into another animal. This animal fixed - they can only transform into one specific animal (and, while there are stories of multi-shifters, these are more akin to fable then any true happenance). There is a great range in the type of animal a particular Dar’Keeli may transform into, but there do appear to be certain limitations :
• They are all earth-based animals (though range from prehistoric to modern day type) and are warm-blooded air breathers.
• Form follows function: animal size & build is influence by the human physicality (and vice versa). I suppose it is no coincidence then that a strapping bear of a man may indeed turn into an actual bear, or a lithe dancer into a graceful gazelle; just keep in mind that if the person is a bit on the plump side – so will the animal, too! As well, the bottom transformation for an average sized adult will not be less then about 25lbs (or the size of a medium-small dog), and largest not exceeding 2000lb (the size of a large bull). Occasional, “extreme” metamorphoses do pop up – and elements of both gigantism and dwarfism appear in the Dar’Keeli genetic condition.
• Mammals are the most common animal type; reptiles (warm-blooded) and avian species are quite rare, and true aquatic species (dolphins/air-breathing fish/etc) are exceedingly uncommon. True flight, in whatever form, is the most coveted of attributes.
The ability to transform is a skill that first emerges during early puberty, but true mastery of it might is not expected until their twenties. That said, while Dar’Keeli truly embrace their animalia self, they are just as quick to criticize more “beastly” behaviour; the unspoken motto seems to be, “to be animal is awesome, but man is best”. The most applauded are those great men and woman who can fully master their animal transformations while retaining their human gifts of reason, restraint, and good table manners. There are firm expectations of when – and when it is not – appropriate to take on one’s animal form, and public outburst of emotion are frowned upon because they are potential gateways to “animal outbursts”. Therefore, there is naturally a strong counter-culture of (mostly!) youth who revolt against this perceived strict decorum…. but most generally pitter out and conform by adulthood.
Another interesting note is that there does persist an element of “typism” in Dar’Keeli society, but it’s a bit of a chicken-and-egg conundrum; do people of different animal types fall into certain positions because that type of animal persona best suits that job, or does the animal type they become cause them to be funneled into that kind of profession? Among the highest regarded, soaring birds, and among the lowest, sea life – if only because the dry climate of **** makes large water bodies few and far between, and such a transformation somewhat limiting!
Culture & Politics:
The Dar’Keeli are a passionate and opinionated people, but because of their recalled common origin there is not a tremendous amount of variety among Dar’Keeli core beliefs, although you will find satellite communities with variations on this theme.
The continent is divided into four provinces; ** to the north with its mines and mineral riches, the vast, dry wastelands of **, the southern ** farmlands, and ***. with its large sea delta and waterways. At their core is the central city-state of *** which rules them all, and this mega-city hosts easily half the population of the entire continent.
It is important to remember that this was a civilization built out of war and hardship, and that Kylindreal, though a haven, was no paradise. While considered a democracy, the same party has ruled the parliament for the past 75 years. There's a distinction between upper and lower classes, all civilians are required to give two year’s service as youths, and while education is universal, there’s a distinct difference in what’s available to the privileged class as opposed to the children of the worker’s quadrant. However, the people of this civilization are fairly content, and while life is hard work, there is a perceived sharing of wealth and feeling of security in the strength and might of the Dar’Keeli nation.
There relationship with the Dragons of that world is unique. While generally ignored by the Dragons themselves, they feel a loyalty towards them and respect Uthor; if asked, it is no doubt they would do his bidding willing, with precision and efficiency. They would expect to be well rewarded in the end (more magical gifts perhaps?) and are definitely not above seizing their own opportunities when they find them. Were the war to start spilling again to other planets, the Dar’Keeli would be a force to be reckoned with.
Technology:
Heralding from earth during a technological golden era long lost to history, the Dar’Keeli arrived on Kylindreal in a fleet of giant starships. However, the electromagnetic storms surrounding the planet (a side-effect of shattered Gates, perhaps?) rendered the ships useless, and were disassembled for material parts. Technology was then reborn from the ground up, mechanical rather then electronic, I pause at saying “steampunk” but something vaguely along those lines.....
..... and, more to come?
