Artwork by  Adalore

The first of the player-possible races for my tabletop RPG idea that I am unveiling: the Terramans.

The game features standard races such as Nords (humans), Dwarves, and Elves, but also contains more beast-like races. These races are the Terramans, Li'thari Lizardmen, Cumulonians, and Kitsune. Over time I'll be divulging more info about these races.

Starting things off is the Terramans!


Languages: Common, Beastspeak
Capital: None.
Ruler: Varies per village.

About:
A beastmen-type race, Terramans are one of the races players have access to.

Terramans have existed since even before Nords. In ancient times, Nords feared the appearance of the beastmen and would attack them. Terramans, however, have always viewed Nords as an infantile race in need of their protection and, unbeknownst to Nords, helped keep them safe from predators. Although most won’t admit it, Terramans are jealous of the ability of the Nords to quickly adapt to their environment. In present times, Nords and Terramans get along well with each other and have each other’s backs.

Terramans prize their strength above all else and nearly all are born fighters. Families often fight together. They are not adept at the Arcana arts, but their physical strength is matched by no other. They possess the ability of Beastspeak, and may therefore communicate with the more intelligent animals of the land.

Terramans love to fight, but rarely do so out of anger. If a drunken brawl breaks out, expect to find a Terraman joining in just to experience the fun.

Terramans are one of the only races capable of adapting the "Tracker" class. Forgoing weapons, Trackers user their claws and teeth and weapon, relying on their more primal traits. Trackers always score critical hits to make up for their lack of weapons, and simply having on in your group increases the entire party's chance to land critical blows.

For historical reasons, Terramans do not get along well with Elves. Long ago, when Terramans were still evolving into their more modern selves, the Elves attempted to "domesticate" them. Realizing the Elves viewed them as pets, the Terramans snubbed them. While relations have thawed a little thanks to the Nords, Terramans and Elves do not get along.

Terramans get along well with Nords and Kitsune. In fact, they are the ones responsible for introducing the Kitsune to the other races.


Culture & Religion:
These days Terramans can be found living in towns alongside Nords, but their territory is still teeming with countless smaller villages consisting of anywhere from 20 to 200 Terramans. While some have more modern appearances thanks to the help of the Nords, the majority still have small dens made of mud and wood. Those with access to caves reside in them. The leader of these villages tends to be the strongest.

Females are seen as equals to the males. If they are not carrying or caring for young, they will be found right alongside the males. Females will bind their chests, making it difficult to tell between a male and female at first glance.

Terramans love to fight and hunt. They are fully grown by age 10 and expected to participate in hunting parties. There are seasonal events held where Terramans can challenge each other to see how strong they’ve gotten. However, those living alongside Nords tend to adapt their customs.

Terramans love an excuse to party and have adopted nearly every Nordic holiday into their calendar, even if the meaning of the holiday is lost to them. Those in smaller villages will travel to Nordic towns to participate.

Those children who live in Nord settlements will often attend schools with the other Nord children. Terraman children are expected to behave and act like Nords while around them.

The Terramans treat unions much differently from Nords. Terramans tend not to mate except during a female's “cycle”. This cycle begins when a female is about 10 and occurs anywhere from 1 to 3 times a year. During this time, the female is fertile and may select a male of their choice to mate with. If the male accepts, the mating happens. In the event multiple females want the same male, the male may choose one. Females are not required to choose a male to mate with until they reach 20, at which point they must select a male at least once every 10 years. If the mating produces at least one child, the two are considered compatible and will be joined as mates for life. If no child is produced, the female is free to select another mate time.

Terramans treat a “joined” pair as sacred. The male and female may not choose another Terraman to lie with, which is hardly a problem because they will more often than not refuse to. Should another male or female attempt to move in on one who is already “joined”, they will be severely punished based on what the pair desires. If one's “joined” partner passes away, the remaining Terrman will refuse to mate with another. Even should they not refuse, they will not be eligible as a bachelor until their youngest child reaches 10, even if the child passes away before 10 years have passed since their birth.

Terramans worship multiple gods, but Synerius is the deity who rules over the others. It was Synerius who taught the beasts to speak and introduced them to methods of survival that allowed them to adapt and evolve to what they are now.

Other gods vary between the different villages and tribes, each having their own names. Some villages even worship the same god with the same appearance, but under a different name. Terramans believe that their strength will return to the land in death.


Biology:
The internal biology of a Terraman is nearly identical to that of a human's, though they tend to have larger, stronger stomachs, and smaller hearts that are more difficult to reach. Physically they are the strongest of races, second to none. The strongest Nord could be taken down by an average Terraman in a 1-on-1 fist fight. Standard punches and kicks are used when a Terraman has no intention of causing fatal injuries, using their claws when they need to mortally wound a foe. They have 5 fingers on their hands. Most walk upright, but in rare instances when hunting they may give in to more primal urges and stalk around on all fours.

Their tails are short, but thick, whereas their fur-length varies with the season. In the summer months, their fur is thin to the point that it’s not any thicker than a Nord in light clothing. In the winter months, their fur is a bit more thick and heavy. Color wise their fur tends to be earthly colors of black, brown, and grey, with the occasional faded white.

Male Terramans have shorter, but thicker tails, whereas females will have tails that are thinner, but longer. Females are only a bit shorter than males on average. The average Terraman male will grow almost as large as a Nord, with variances possible, but anything taller than 5'10'' (~182 cm) is exceedingly rare.

Terraman females experience a “cycle” 1-3 times a year where they are fertile. This is the only time it is possible for them to become pregnant. The pregnancy will last about 100 days. Terramans give birth to only 1 or 2 children at a time. When born, a child will gradually grow to their full size, which they will hit at around 10 years old.

Terramans are capable of breeding with Nords, producing a "Faulson" (a faulty person) or "Fauxson" (a fake person) depending on who you ask. These half-breeds tend to look rather sickly in appearance during their early years. More info on half-breeds will be provided later.


Naming Conventions:
Terramans have a given first name and a title. Their title is self-given, but one they feel they must earn. They do not have surnames. Their first names tend to sound strange, but are usually something their parents think sounds strong.

Examples:
Kivu the Shadow
Hezan the Dragon's Fall