Portrait of two characters from our Aerun world.


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“Jak and Mal, Kuningas of the Blackpaw tribe, and our most gracious hosts throughout the months of winter.

Like the kings of the more civilised south, the Kun of a barbarian tribe acts as the leader and protector of their people; a duty shared with their mates, the Kunin.

Unlike kings, their station is not determined by blood, but granted by the trust of their people alone, to be earned – and maintained – through wise and brave deeds.

When not leading the hunt or defending the tribe in war, they settle matters of justice between their people, and will listen to their concerns. No important decision is made before having given every adult their say, and never have they ignored the advise of the wisest among them, the council of the Aldari, their elders.”

~ Phyra of Mersona

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"When first commissioned to join the expedition to capture the different looks of the peoples of these lands through my sketches, I had remained hesitant. I had rarely travelled far before, and by the time we had reached the feran tribe-lands, I was close to giving up.

Making matters worse, it was expected of me to complete an actual portrait during our stay at the feran village. However, convincing the leaders of the Blackpaw tribe to sit still and pose for a portrait turned out to be the turning point of my career.

In the time it took me to sketch out the initial image, the Kuningas opened up about their daily life and became eager to share stories. Even though our mutual attempts at humour proved challenging due to the initial language barrier, I like to imagine that our hosts' patience in teaching us the beastfolk speech had paid off. By the time we continued on our journey, we were even able to hold simple conversations with our Tieran mounts.

Looking back, the time spent among the Blackpaw, living and learning their ways and history, remains as one of my most treasured memories while working for the young lady Phyra."

~ Artist Mina