Beast/Beastlands Guide

[Toyoll]

Since I'm leaving for a week or so and because this was a long time in the making, I decided to post this.

Well, part of this, the rest will come shortly!

So, enjoy

Toyoll's Great Big Illustrated Guide to Beasts!

And feel free to post any comments or questions!

[Toyoll]

(Beast sign unused vs. Active Beast sign)

Beast sign:

Unlike the other signs, whose powers are active, the Beast's power is passive. Instead of a jet of flame or healing waters, the Beast sign ties the bearer to a particular animal and enhances their strength and endurance. How long the bearer can maintain this heightened strength depends on how well they have mastered their sign. Also, while the sign is active, the bearer's animal-like qualities become more apparent.

The Beast sign also allows the bearer to communicate with animals, especially so with their affiliated creature and can even call upon their 'brethren' for help.


(From L to R: Seere One-sign, Poldora two-sign, Beleg two-sign and Faolan the three-sign. All wolves.)

Volunteers from the three main clans and Faolan line up to show the various appearances between a one-sign, two-signs and a three-sign. Please note the important anatomical differences between the two-signs and the three-sign. Faolan looks more like an upright canine, whereas the Beleg two-sign still has human legs, arms and even hair.



(Talen'sul Beast vs. Native Beastlander Seereling. Both cats.)

Diversity:

Not all Beasts originate from the Beastlands, in fact, many are born beyond the borders. The two are easily distinguishable from one another.

What can sometimes lead to confusion, however, are the similarities between winged Winds and avian Beasts. But if you were to look at the two carefully, they are actually quite different.


(A winged Wind vs. an avian Beast, owl affinity.)

Companions and affinities:

Without a doubt, the most striking things about the Beasts is their intimate relationship with animals and nature. It is simply what makes them Beasts!

But many wonder about how it all happens, how is an affinity determined? How do they find their companions? Or even, how does a deer affinity give birth to a bird affinity?

To answer these questions, one must first understand that a Beast's affinity isn't hereditary. The affinity is determined by the individual's personality, and to a lesser extent their environment, they become the animal that best represents them.

Remarkably, within days or (if he is a two-sign) hours of a child's birth, his affinity starts to make itself known, though it doesn't become fully apparent until some weeks later. For example: A young two-sign is born. Immediately, we know he is a canine, but we only learn that he is a coyote after three weeks.

And then there is the matter of companions.

Companions, who are always the animal their Beast is affiliated with, are like littermates, siblings, to the Beasts. It is they who have the deepest connection to their human friends and often act as their tutors. Essentially, they are comparable to the animal totems of Native Americans.

When and how a Beast meets their companion is random. Some Beasts couldn't live without their 'brothers' while others are content to live out their entire lives without one.

The Clans:

The Beastlands are shared by the three main clans, Seere, Poldora and Beleg, with another clan outside of the borders, Aluvar.

Aside from the Pack Leader, each clan has its own leader.

Seere:


(A one-sign mink affinity and a two-sign shire affinity.)


Overview:

Seere is the only fully sedentary settlement in the Beastlands and they rely heavily upon their crops and livestock, though many still hunt and gather their foods.

Unlike their neighbors, Seerelings do not believe in Beast supremacy and are very open to what other elementals can teach them. As a result, Seerelings are considered the most well educated of the native Beastlanders.

This openness, however, should NEVER be confused with weakness, because, although generally non-confrontational, Seerelings will defend themselves and their beliefs viciously.

Fashion:

Seerelings are easily distinguishable from other clans due to their preference for colorful clothing and jewelry. They are especially partial to geometrical patterns, have a tendency to wear more fabrics than leathers and generally do not use feathers, teeth, claws, etc. to adorn themselves. They find this to be disrespectful to the animals they've hunted.

Economy:

Seere is currently enjoying a booming economic relationship with neighboring provinces (with the notable exception of Ekaitz).

These shrewd merchants export a great variety of goods, ranging from herbs, to fresh produce, to fabrics and jewelry, as well as potent medicinal ingredients, tobacco, spices, wood work and a great many more things.

Government:

Seere isn't ruled over by any single person, it is governed by a council of elders. It is they who hold the highest command (after the Pack Leader, of course).

Leader: Beorg Ryles

Though Seere doesn't have a single Leader, the Council does have a single representative, Beorg Ryles.

Beorg Ryles is a single-sign badger affinity. She has a stocky build and a powerful, maternal presence. Many consider her the mother of the Clan.

Too old to have any children, but still a spitfire of a woman, Beorg would gladly chew up and shred any who would disturb her clan. But for all her ferocity, Ryles still has the patience of a saint, she can easily deal with the petty squabbles among her clanmates and even her fellow Council members.

Beorg also has a very close relationship with the former Pack Leader himself. For many years, the badger has acted as Faolan's mother figure and he often went to her when he needed to get away from his role as the ruler of the Beasts.


Military:

The Seere Guard. (see "Military" below)

Military leader: Guard Captain Tain Reiken

Captain Reiken is a two-sign red deer affinity and is the current Captain of the Seere Guard. He is a noble man with years of border experience under his belt and he takes the safety of Seere and his troops to heart.

An ex-Poldoran, Tain had come from a long line of Warriors and brought up in an environment full of pomp and arrogance. Feeling like his family had forgotten the Warrior's first duties, to protect the Beastlands and defend Poldora, Tain left to join Seere in the East, where he enlisted with the Guard. Finally feeling at home, he quickly climbed the ranks and today, he holds an honorary place on the Council as the Guard Captain.

Ideology: Worg as the Earth Mother

Poldora:


(A one-sign desert hare affinity and a two-sign panda affinity.)

Overview:

Poldora is a semi-sedentary village who’s clan members will actively seek a challenge from other Beasts, but who will generally ignore any other elemental, deeming them unworthy of fighting. (“What’s the point? Anyone can beat a non-Beast, right?”) They are a hunter-gatherer society where the strongest are considered nobles and Warrior is synonymous with prestige.

Since birth, children are encouraged to fight one another and prove to other parents that they are more powerful than their offspring. Eventually, when they are old enough, they will move out and build their own huts, usually on the more dangerous outskirts of the village. From there, most will go their own way, some even attempting to enter the ranks of the Warriors.

Though there is more to Poldora than the endless power struggles, Poldorans are also accomplished musicians and avid party goers. They have a love of celebrations and a taste for alcohol, so during the monthly community feasts, Poldorans like to let loose and have a good time (though it doesn’t take long for such events to turn into an all-out brawl...).


Fashion:

Poldorans tend to favor soft leathers over regular fabrics due to its ruggedness, though it does not provide much color, so they will try to adorn themselves with jewelry (such as colorful arm bands) and feathers. They aren’t above wearing trophy pieces, yet such decoration is considered arrogant.

((NOTE: Colored feathers only carry meaning if the individual is a Warrior.))


Economy:

Although Poldora does have a few economic ties with neighboring provinces, Poldorans are not merchants. They prefer to simply trade among themselves for the things they need, usually offering pelts, crafts, meat, wild fruit or other raw materials or favors.

Government:

Poldorans are a proud and very military-oriented people, and their social structure reflects this perfectly.

The Warriors are the noble class in Poldora and have power over it, with the General as its ruler, the Warriors as its bourgeoisie and its civilian population at its bottom.

All must obey, without question, to their superiors. Insubordination is intolerable and is swiftly and brutally dealt with. Though there are a few who will challenge their superiors, those who win take over their rank and so climb the ladder of authority.

There is also a second sort of unofficial social structure hiding just below the first: a structure based on allies and enemies. To survive in Poldora, Beasts will strike up friendships and allegiances and spin complicated social networks within the clan to better establish themselves and to face those who would harbor grudges against them.

Within a circle of allies, all are under an obligation to help each other out in times of need.

Leader: Aitra

Aitra is a former officer of Poldora who was appointed to the position of General by Packleader Thavan after the death of Sloan Irontines during the Beastlands' war with the fey. It was an unusual move, as normally, Poldorans aspiring to the position would challenge each other for the spot. However, with it being wartime and with the Beastlanders already having taken heavy losses, the Packleader declared that any challenges could wait until after the war.

The two-sign deathstalker scorpion type is a lean-muscled Beast with chitinous plates going down her back, leading to a long, segmented, yellow scorpion tail that terminates in a wicked-looking stinger. She has a preference for leather for its durability and, unlike Sloan, wears the feathers that declare her rank.

Aitra, though a quiet observer by nature, is an aggressive opponent. She prefers to use speed and agility over brute force, but if penned in, she goes battle-drunk, using her tail indiscriminately.


Military: Warriors of Poldora (see Military below)


Military leader: Aitra

The General is both the head of the military and the head of the village.

Ideology: Worg as the Force of physical and spiritual growth. (i.e. strength and bravery)


Beleg:


(A two-sign tiger affinity and a two-sign egyptian cobra affinity.)


Overview:

Beleg is the most nomadic clan of the Beastlands. They tend to follow large herds of prey animal across their territory, like the desirable bison and elk.They are a powerful and rugged clan, notorious for their ruthlessness in combat, insatiable blood lust and extremist ways.

Belegites believe that Beasts are the highest of all the elementals and will actively seek and eliminate all non-Beasts within their territory. They also believe that only the strongest deserve to live on earth, so they will gladly maim and even kill those who are weaker than themselves.

These ferocious Beasts are also the only clan who still routinely consume the flesh of its fellow Beasts. Predatory Beasts will often stalk and kill weaker Belegites, wayward travelers and even the occasional Poldora or Seere native. This activity is a perfectly natural compulsion for this people, Poldorans and indeed even Seerelings have also been known to eat human flesh.

Despite being groomed for combat since birth, violence and bloodshed aren't the sole things in the life of a Belegite. Love is present here, especially between a parent and offspring. In fact, a Belegite will rarely, if ever, engage their parents in a fight.

This has a lot to do with how Belegites are raised, males are reared by the sire and females are reared by the dame. Parents lavish their children with affection and they form life-lasting bonds with them. And if the sire and dame live in the same home, they will often help their mate with their child. If they do not, however, one of the parents will often check up on their offspring. Children are the main focus of the clan. To raise powerful offspring is a great and noble feat, however, should their child fail to meet their parents' expectations, they are likely to be neglected, chased out of the home or, in more serious cases, killed by their sire or dame.

Fashion:

Belegite are obsessed with power and status and favor clothing that not only showcases their powerful bodies, but reflects just how rich they are. So silks, linens, precious jewelry and trophies are very popular. Beleg clan members are also very distinguishable from other clans due to the large and extremely heavy wooden beads they wear.
The heavy beads are worn as a sign of strength and vitality, because they act as weights. Belegites go through their everyday activities and indeed even fight with these beads weighing down their arm or leg, when a Beast is sick or unable to lift these weights, they become the target of other hungry clan mates.

Economy:

Beleg is an incredibly rich clan, boasting more gold and other precious materials than any other Beast clan. They also make a good living as mercenaries and assassins outside of the Beastlands and routinely raid the other clans for their precious items.

Government:

Beleg society is run more like a life tournament, the strong overpower the weak and become more powerful within the clan. The winner of this tournament becomes the Beleg Champion, leader of the Beleg clan. They remain so, so long as they can defend their title, as a result, the clan leader changes often.
The Beleg Champion has control over their entire clan, including all the sub-clans in the territory. These sub-clans function just like any other clan, but, in general, would rather not have anything to do with the larger main clan. They keep to themselves, unless specifically summoned by the Champion for a yearly homage or a call to arms.
The sub-clans are spread out over the Beleg territory and act as a sort of built-in protection system. These are the Belegites the traveler is most likely to run into.

Leader: Vacant

The most recent Champion, Bael, challenged Packleader Thavan and lost. His life was spared, but he was stripped of his rank and left the Beastlands with his mate.


Military:

Beleg does not uphold a standing military force, simply because they do not need one. Each and every one of the Beleg clan mates are brutal and powerful militia soldiers, able to rally and move out in a day's notice.

Belegites are also surprisingly able sailors. Several sub-clans in the far south of the territory run and keep a busy sea port. From this port, Belegites are able to raid places like the far-off Seere territory, without having to cross the Poldoran lines.


Military leader:

The loud and rowdy Belegites almost literally work themselves up into a frenzy with the coming of war, so while the Champion is the head of the entire legion of ravenous Belegites, they will personally chose powerful and level-headed individuals to help keep the clan in check.

Ideology: Worg as the Force of physical and spiritual growth. (Strength and bravery) and Taed as the Force of War.

Aluvar:


(A two-sign lionfish affinity and a two-sign orca affinity.)


Overview:

Nestled away on a hidden island off the coast of Ronduin, lies Aluvar, a tiny, unique and isolated clan of Aquatic Beasts.

This village was founded many years ago by a two people who decided to find a home for the dual Water-Beast elementals, as they were virtually killed off in the Beastlands and shunned by Water types (thankfully, this is no longer the case). Thus Aluvar was born, a place where marine Beasts can live in a comfortable and accepting environment, yet, for many reasons, they have hidden themselves away for many years.

As a result, many didn't even learn of it's existence until just recently, when the former Pack Leader Faolan Wolfspike re-established contact with the clan. Soon afterward, the reclusive Aluvarian fishers began traveling to far-off provinces to sell their quality catches. It is still extremely difficult, however, to find Aluvar itself as the clanners still prefer to be left to their own devices.

Life in Aluvar is a peaceful and spiritual one, where daily life isn't so much about survival, but learning about the nature around them and how to connect with it. Many Aluvarians spent their entire days in the water, playing, hunting, relaxing. Should they become restless, the adults will organize sporting events to spend the high energy characteristic of Beast elementals.

Aluvarians are also the huge fans of music and the arts and just about every clan mate can play an instrument or display a fantastic talent for craftsmanship. And though generally highly suspicious of strangers, these Beasts make fine hosts and entertainers.

This aquatic clan also has an ocean outpost at the far end of Mentis, where Aluvarians of salt water affinities can go be with their companions and other fauna as well as hunt for the larger, ocean-going fish.

Fashion:

Aluvarians may arguably have some of the most beautiful garments of all the Beast clans. Theirs is a wonderful mix of traditional Beastlands fashion with a heavy Ronduin influence. Plenty of intricately decorated silks and soft fabrics, as well as strings of pink shells and polished beads. Females will often wear elegantly flowing skirts and saris, whereas males will done noble-looking cloths and proud, brightly coloured sashes.

Due to their closeness with water, Aluvarian Beasts have also developed some of the most resilient dyes and water-shedding materials.

These Beasts also greatly dislike cottons or wool, because of their high water retention.

Economy:

Fishing and shell diving are central to Aluvar's economy. They have a great reputation for catching some of the finest fresh and salt water fish in Naruta and regularly sell their catch at markets all along the shores of the Great River (with the notable exception of Ekaitz and some regions of New Morilanta).

Government:

Aluvar's government is an unusual one in that it functions apart from the Beastlands. While still officially under the rule of the Pack Leader, this clan enjoys a relative independence. Their Leader, the Chief of Aluvar, as well as all the members of the elders' council are, by tradition, females.

Leader: Chief Okena

Chief Okena, a leafy water-dragon affinity, is a woman with a powerful, yet soothing presence, much like the Great River she calls home. Like many of her clan mates, she was born here and is currently enjoying the peace and privacy of her domain.

She is one of a long line of Aluvarian elders chosen to be the Chief by her peers.

Together with her mate, Jokull, a leopard seal affinity, she has two sons, Neron, a sea horse, and Calder, a sea lion, both of whom she worries greatly for. Neron is too timid, yet Calder is much too wild and they are both on the cusp of adulthood.


Military:

While officially Aluvar has no military, every one of their sailors are as rugged as any of their mainland cousins, they have to be, they face threats like turbulent seas and even other hostile ships every day. These men and women will defend their home should it ever be endangered.


Military leader:

As stated before, there is no official military faction, but the elder responsible of fisheries and fishing vessels, Elder Koleyna, will act as a powerful captain, should the need arise.



Ideology:

Efil as the Force of healing waters and Worg, to a lesser extent, as the patron Force of Beasts

Military:

The Beast military is one of the most fearsome in Naruta. It already boasts two standing military regiments, with specialized divisions such as the archers' division, the intelligence division as well as a naval division (based in the south of the province). The military is also capable of doubling, even tripling their numbers thanks to an ever-ready militia and scores of powerful animal companions.

The two corps are known as the Warriors of Poldora and the Seere Guard.

The Warriors of Poldora:

The Warriors are the first regiment to be called upon if war is declared as they are the main fighting force of the Beastlands. They are an effective and organized group, capable of moving out at a moment's notice and march for days without rest.

The Warriors are a hardened people who pride themselves in their military prowess (as they would gladly demonstrate to anyone unwise enough to ask), though aren't known for their high moral standards. During times of peace, they act as the police around the village and defend their territory from intruders (especially from the Belegites), they are known to use excessive force, though most of the time, they could not be bothered by the non-Warriors of the Clan.

Essentially, the Warriors are the noble class of Poldora. If you can't put up a fight, then you're worth less than the dirt they walk on and are better off not getting in their way.

The Seere Guard:

The Seere Guard was a regiment born out of desperate necessity. The Poldorans often raided Seere for their livestock and food stores, leaving the Clan with nothing to eat during the winter months and essentially killing them off.

Soon, a primitive defense system was implemented that consisted of a few volunteers who would take shifts to watch over the village at night. Eventually, with more and more Poldoran and Belegite converts coming to Seere, bringing their military knowledge with them, the Seere Guard evolved into what we know today.

The Seere Guard is still a volunteer-based operation who specializes in border defense and they are experts at siege and anti-siege warfare, they are charged with the protection of the Beastlands while the main army is out.

Yet even in these times, they are desperately needed. With the new threat of Ekaitz's slave drivers to the East, the Guard has to pull more and more troops from the Poldoran and Ilyamen borders to better defend themselves from the poachers, but this also leaves them open to raids from their old enemy...

Ranks:

Instead of stripes or badges, the Warriors of Poldora use colored feathers to discern their ranks and divisions, much like the colored berets of real soldiers.

Brown feathers = Warrior

Red feathers = Officer

Black feathers = Intelligence division

Orange feathers = Archer's division

Yellow feathers = Field Medics

Teal feathers = Naval division

Purple feathers = Long-arms

Green feathers = General of Poldora

Blue feathers = Pack Leader of the Beastlands

NOTE: The red Officers' feathers can be worn in combination with the black, orange, yellow, teal and purple feathers to mark an Officer of a particular division. Officers of the regular force (brown feathers) generally only wear the red.


(pics coming soon!)

Views on Cannibalism:

This may be the most controversial aspect of Beast culture, but to understand it, you must see things from their perspective.

True, many Beasts--mostly native Beastlanders--hunt and even consume other Beasts, but this habit stems from something much more complex. The Beasts can only see themselves (and others) as complete equals to all living creatures, so everyone's fair game.

This should not, however, lead you to believe that Beasts are wild killing machines who would eat their own children. There are a certain set of unwritten rules that apply to hunting other humans, the first being that you NEVER hunt down children or mothers with young, the second, that you ONLY hunt down members of other clans. Then there are the rules of instinct, for example, lion affinities will naturally select antelope affinities as prey, a wolf affinity to deer, a hawk affinity to doves, etc, etc...

But recently, cannibalism is becoming less and less popular, as it's a practice mostly associated to Belegites (who are the only Beasts that still routinely eat human flesh).

"We are all the same and all fair game."
(Popular Beast saying)


(A map of Beastlands and its territories)

[Darastrix]

DUDE. Toyoll, this is awesome! And I'd just been thinking of PMing you for some Beast info. What timing!

The only thing I'm wondering about, though, is would Aluvar have any affinities of saltwater fish when the Great River is a freshwater body of water? *looks to Kender*

[Toyoll]

lol same reason there can be polar bear affinities in the Beastlands. This will all be explained soon enough, but the animal Beasts are affiliated to are the animals that best represent their personalities. So I guess the lionfish girl's personality is....spikey?

[Darastrix]

Hehe. I think the lionfish affinity looks adorable.

[Kender Bard]

Yes they can. But being small enough in number, they still stay in Aluvar and just go visit the coast if they want to be with their animals.

Also: OMFG this is awesome! Thank you Toyoll!!

[Toyoll]

XD she's free if you want to RP her! So are all the others. (with the notable exeption of the leaders, Faolan and Nyala.)

[Toyoll]

np kender!^^

[Deleted]

OMIGOSH!

Awesume!!!! Toyoll, this is amazing. ~saves info and pictures~

[hisdivineshadow]

Way to go, Toyoll, this is great. *gryn* The pictures are all excellently done (as usual), and the content is very informative. I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of it. ^_^

[Darastrix]

I notice that the fashion of Beleg is similar to ancient Egyptian style and Seere has a Native American flavour, but I can't quite put my finger on Poldora's style. South American, maybe?

[Toyoll]

Nyaha! We have a keen one! :3

Yep yep yep, you got it all right! Though, to be fair, I deliberately tried making Poldora a sort of grey area, it's just a mix of the two others, but I was aiming for the Aztec look. This will be more apparent when I get my Warriors pic up.

lol I'm glad you can see my influences!

[Toyoll]

UPDATE! Companions and Affinities is now available, images coming soon!

[Darastrix]

Since personality affects what affinity a character is, this might be a fun way to pick an animal:

www.animalinyou.com/survey.asp

[Deleted]

Toyoll, you are a wonder. You have such flair and an eye for detail, and the styles are indeed very stylish.