KRETH A’RELL
A race that knows only instinctual fighting and the thrill of hunting. The males spend their entire lives fighting anything and everything to earn the right to live amongst the trees with the females. They must be the strongest to be chosen by the matriarchs and propagate their species.
Homeland
The deep green forests of Alegladae are the home of the Kreth, and this is where they prove their dominance. These forests are unlike the thick jungles of Firat and more akin to the deep forests the north. The Kreth take advantage of the tall thick trunks of the trees there and build their canopy fortresses where none can attack. They seldom leave this forest unless tempted with the reward of dangerous quarry or intense combat.
Why we fight
We the Kreth are brave and ferocious, longing to fight for no other reason than to prove our worth amongst our kind. We have little need to this Feyalis and only use it as a lure or factor in determining where combat can be found. We may appropriate deposits to lure our quarries to their death, but hold no value in the sparkling stone. If we prove our worth in combat and are chosen by the Matriarchs, our legacy is assured.
Allies
Many of the others don’t care for our “savage” ways. They stay clear of us and we are fine with that. We enjoy the company of the stone men of the mountains. They are strong and many of them enjoy the thrills of combat. They can be respected, and luckily they are our neighbors. It is good to know that the strong are at our backs.
Enemies
We do not hate the others for it is not their fault that they are weak. We only wish to prove ourselves, and they are not strong enough to entertain us. Of all the others we do not care for the plant monsters. They are like pitiful insects that use misdirection and trickery to fight. Their wily tricks of transmutation and secrecy are the ways of cowards. They need to announce themselves and fight us like warriors, but instead they hide among us and try to steal our very homes. These evil magics and devious trickeries deserve only death.
Culture
From the day we are hatched it is the beginning of an epic contest of strength. I eat my brothers and push his face away from my food, for fear he may grow stronger than I. Those who are next to me may die from starvation, but if you are not strong enough it is not meant to be. As I grow older I will have to fight my way to the top, taking risks to secure the kill that will have me recognized by the matriarchs. Once I am of age and can no longer glide I must survive the forest floor without the protection of the canopy. Even so I am strong and will kill all in my way. I respect my brothers, but they are food for the abominations that get in the way of my spot amongst the matriarchs.
Anatomy
The Kreth stand tall at 6” for adult males. The are muscular and have physical strength that reflects that of somebody twice their size. They are covered in dense reptilian scales that change color on command. This allows for them to blend into their surroundings and stalk prey that much better. Their head being catlike in structure allow them to bite with bone crushing power. The ears lay flat back and stay flat to avoid being ripped or torn in a conflict. The most prominent feature they have are the 2 large sails that rest on the shoulder blades. These lay flat like a cloak when relaxed but deploys as large semi-circle sails that run parallel to their spine and extend far above their head. These sails are made from a series of long peacock like feathers and are used to make them appear larger than they are. It is said that a man can be hypnotized by these feathers at the Kreths will, but this remains to be substantiated, and is largely an urban legend spread by those who fear the Kreth.