Kelvic
From Mizahar Lore
 The Beast People of Mizahar | |
| Height | 5'8"-6'8" (males), 5'4"-6'4" (females) |
|---|---|
| Weight | Varies |
| Lifespan | Relatively short - 20-40 years |
| Major features | Animalistic Eyes, Elongated Teeth |
| Abilities | Shapeshifting, Heightened senses. |
| Population | 1,000 |
| Most common in | Taldera & Kalea |
| Reputation | Exotic and Unpredictable |
| Racial gods | The Kelvic do not worship any particular God |
| Racial bonus | +10 Hunting |
The Kelvic people are a mage-crafted race born from the loneliness of an incredibly powerful pre-Valterrian mage called Marcus Kelvic who transformed animals into sentient people to keep him company and protect him in his high mountain fortress. Having two forms, these shapeshifters move freely between their animalistic natures and human forms. They breed true though the Kelvic-factor seems to skip multiple generations since it was infected with the Divine Djed Storms of The Valterrian. The Kelvic are bestial, and often reflect the natures of their 'animal' side. Since Marcus Kelvic crafted his companions from all sorts of animals for all sorts of reasons (Horses for mounts, mice for spies, birds for scouts, wolves for protection, etc) a Kelvic's beast side can be almost any sort of mammal, bird, or exotic (with permission). They retain certain features prominent in their beast form while in their human form (cat-shaped eyes, prominent canine teeth), and have the same senses in either forms.
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History
The Kelvic were crafted as servants of one of the most powerful morphing mages of his era. Marcus Kelvic, noted recluse, resided in a very large remote mountain fortress called Ironrock in the remote regions of Alahea in what is now the boarder of Taldera and Kalea. Marcus trusted no one, and in his pursuit of his magical studies, found himself not wishing to bother with either hiring servants or carrying out the mundane tasks that existed in his daily life. And thus it was he took animals that were particularly good at specific tasks - rats for cleaning, wolves for guardsman, birds for scouting, horses for mounts - and crafted them through a combination of mostly Morphing and a smidgen of Familiarity. There was no species he left untampered with as he fulfilled every one of his needs. Weaver birds produced cloth and linens for his home, while squirrels forged for food for the denizens of Ironrock. Cats graced his lap and provided for his pleasure while stout horses carried him on his various errands. He crafted into these creations the need to bond to a human (in this case himself) and serve them faithfully. He demanded extreme loyalty and protectiveness of his creations, and eventually when he perfected them to his liking allowed them to breed. The Kelvic did not always breed true. Sometimes they'd produce normal humans that carried the secret in their blood for generations before it would abruptly erupt in the birth of a feral child. Since Marcus Kelvic sold off or gifted the 'throwbacks' that were fully human as slaves, this bloodline dispersed into Alahea a single individual at a time before the Valterrian. During the Valterrian, Ironrock and Marcus Kelvic were both assumed destroyed. No one has ever found Ironrock's true location since. And while the vast majority of the Kelvic were considered lost as well, a small population of these faithful servants survived to disperse out into the world.
Biology
Physical Appearance
The Kelvic people look like normal humans. Upon a brief cursory examination, one would simply think they are absolutely normal. But upon closer inspection, depending upon the Kelvic's parent species, there would be subtle notable differences. An eagle version of a Kelvic might have enormous golden eyes with large pupils and a fierce expression. A wolf might have brindled hair coloring and unusual golden eyes. A feline Kelvic might have pupils that are split vertically and elongated canines. However, one notable difference is that they appear to move more gracefully or take on physical habits that resemble their true nature... a mouse Kelvic might appear extremely nervous while a cougar might enjoy stalking in all its various forms.
Common Traits
The Kelvic people have no common physical traits. There is no single uniform physical or emotional or mental trait that can be singled out since they are all from such diverse backgrounds and experiences. All Kelvics, however, can shapeshift from a human form to a singular animal form at will. The animal form a kelvic assumes is absolutely indistinguishable from a non-kelvic animal. For example, a Kelvic shapeshifted into a bear would be unrecognizable as a morph-created race. A kelvic deer would be able to approach and graze with normal deer unchallenged. They can shapeshift as often as they like during a single day, and are as comfortable in one form as they are in another. The changes, however, are taxing and can cause fatigue and extreme hunger. So for example, if a canine Kelvic changes often, it will need to fuel its body frequently, so one might note a Kelvic in human form wolfing down a plate of extremely rare beef to maintain its energy levels or it will not bel able to shapeshift. Kelvics have no middle form and cannot stop their shapeshift (once its started) halfway between one form or another. They cannot, for example, grow extremely long claws on their human form. To have claws, they need to shift completely into their beast for (if it indeed has claws).
If a kelvics animal form has extremely good vision, a sense of smell, or any other special ability, that ability transfers with their shape shifting over to their human form as well. Special Permission might need to be acquired to outline very clearly the strengths and weaknesses of these abilities.
Psychology
These creatures are extremely complicated psychologically. Their entire existence was crafted with a powerful deep-seated need to serve loyally and faithfully. The Kelvics tend to spend most of their lives looking for leadership. They often pair up with normal humans or other races and take a submissive yet highly protective and obedient role. Kelvics are completely uninhibited emotionally and physically, which is why a great deal of them don't live very long. Predator-based Kelvics tend to be prone to fighting and have no ability to follow the rules of society, unless those rules are reinforced by someone they serve. They are often demonstrative of their affection, if their animal side has that sort of nature, and highly protective of their friends and family. Social animals, such as wolves or ravens, have been known to form loose groups outside of a normal bonding where more than one Kelvic can reside without too much conflict so long as one among them assumes the dominant role and leads the group. Other individuals, particularly felines, are miserable without a 'normal' individual to bond to and serve. Servitude comes in many forms. The act of sewing a shirt for one's Master might bring a Kelvic a great deal of pleasure. Killing the enemy of one's master might be even more gratifying. Kelvics are often lovers, confidants and keepers of secrets. Most Kelvics would rather slit their own throats (and would) than reveal their Master's secrets or endanger their bonded normals in any way.
Kelvics find advanced scholarly topics particularly difficult to learn. For example, it would be uncommon to find a Kelvic that could actually write, do basic math, or discuss logic. They are overwhelmingly simple creatures with simple needs. That's not to say they are lacking in intelligence. It is quite clear that Marcus Kelvic bred intelligence into them. They simply find studying and formal learning very difficult. Kelvics can learn magic, especially magic that fits into their interests.
Reproduction & Aging
Kelvics reproduce much in the same way as humans do. Kelvics will produce normal humans from matings with normal humans (not some weird half-breeds) or half-breeds from matings with other species (Kelvic plus an Isur for example would produce a Mixed blooded). Kelvics rarely produce Kelvics when coupled with humans, and almost never twice in a single generation. Because Kelvics were originally produced via familiarity, morphing, and other sorts of experimentation, they do not always play by the rules of genetics. When a Kelvic mates with a Kelvic though, there is almost a full guarantee they will produce kelvic offspring. It does not matter which sort of animal base is combined with another animal base, any sort of Kelvic can be produced. Wolves might produce mice, while rabbits might produce an owl. Kelvic women tend to raise their offpsring to maturity, at which point the young will wander in search of a Master or other sort of leader. It is said that Morwen, the Queen of Avanthal, knows the secret to picking and choosing what animal forms are produced via kelvics crossing with kelvics. The polar bear Kelvics that make up her Icewatch almost certainly verify this claim.
Kelvics can reproduce one or two offspring each year and are sexually mature at a year of age. They grow extremely quickly and are short-lived to reflect the animals that lurk inside them. Pregnant females can shapeshift between various forms, but must always give birth as a human, or else the birth will be extremely risky if the offspring is born while the Kelvic is in animal form. There is some concern that frequent shifts can cause female Kelvics to lose their babies via miscarriage, especially in the third trimester, so those Kelvics kept in captivity for breeding purposes are often collared or otherwise prevented from shifting when they reach that stage of pregnancy. Some Kelvics, even those who are on their own or have bondmates that are concerned, will voluntarily do things to prevent their shifting during the latter part of their pregnancy, such as take on a collar or bracelet that will prevent them from shifting.
Shifting
Kelvics do not magically 'store' their items or have their things otherwise shift with them when when they change shape. While their shapeshifting appears magical when it happens, due to the fact their forms dissolve in a swirl of lights and reform all in the same instant, they do not shift their items with them. A kelvic must be nude to shift fully or run the risk of destroying their clothing (if human shifting to beast) or harming themselves if they are wearing something too tight or restraining which might cause choking or disfigurement when they reform into something larger or smaller. Often, those that keep kelvics captive will use this fact as an advantage to control them. Kelvics with large animal forms (wolves, great cats, horses, etc) are often collared to prevent shifting while kelvics with smaller animal forms (such as birds) are often left in their animal form and made to wear jesses or hoods or other restraining devices to prevent their shift back to humans. Kelvics can shift unlimited times a day if unhindered. And as a result of their need to shed clothing before shifting, they often have no modesty and find nothing wrong or unusual about nudity. They are often forgiven, in civilized areas, where nudity is considered taboo, due to their nature if they are indeed caught breaking clothing laws.
Society
Social Structure
There is no formal social structure. The Kelvic tend to live solo lives bonded to just one master or mistress which they serve. Kelvics adopt the social structure of their master or mistress with the sole exception of pack animals. Wolves, which are prominent forms in the Kelvic race, tend to form packs and can often group up to satisfy their needs to serve rather than find a singular Master or Mistress. Kelvic 'Packs' often form powerful mercenary groups that hire themselves out for large sums for such things as guarding travelers, fighting in small wars, or providing protection for private wealthy individuals.
Language
Kelvics can speak Common and often the local tongue as well. In addition, these people can openly communicate with any animal that is remotely related to their 'bestial' form. For example, canine kelvics can speak the language of almost any canines they come across, openly communicating with them. This is one of the reason mice and rat Kelvics are so popular as information gatherers in populated areas. Mice can speak to other mice (or rats to rats) and gain important information on locations, converstations, etc.
Names
There are no special names that Kevlics tend to take. They aren't partial to names and will often switch names as their bonds switch between maser to master. Someone might purchase a Kelvic slave for protection for a young child and then allow that child to rename that Kelvic whatever they want. The kelvic normally has no problem with this and will answer to whatever it is called.
Family Life
Kelvics often have no family other than that which their Masters or Mistresses have. They fit into the family dynamics much like a favorite pet would. They are often spoiled, indulged or treated as some sort of second class citizen or even slave. Kelvics rarely live with other Kelvics, and when this does happen its an unusual situation with unique characteristics.
Everyday Life
Everyday life is dictated by what is considered 'normal' for those that the kelvic bonds with. They normally spend the night with their masters or mistresses, either in their beds with them, at the foot of their beds much like a pet dog, or guarding the sleep of those they are bonded with. Some Kelvic patrol the property of a master while that master sleeps. They then follow their owners or bonded throughout their day, adding support, company, protection, and comfort.
Religion
The Kelvics find the concept of religion a particularly hard (or possibly boring) to grasp, though there have been isolated cases of a Kelvic bonding with or serving a god or a child of the gods willingly. A particularly faithful servant of one of the Deities might be gifted with a Kelvic by that deity to ensure their faithful servant is well protected and cared for. Just because Kelvics rarely pay much attention to religion, doesn't mean they can't have religious persuasions or serve multiple deities faithfully. Sometimes they are even singled out by Gods to perform certain tasks or be trusted with things best suited for a Kelvic with their nature. Kelvics are inclined to take an interest in faith if their bondmates have such interests, as they tend to share the hopes, dreams and fears of those they pair up with.
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Out of character note: Kelivcs can only be mammals or birds. They cannot be insects, fish, or other forms of creatures unless special permission is given via the Help Desk. A kelvic that has died and became a ghost does not retain its shifting or any of its kelvic traits. |