Litorian
From Praemal
Once masters of the Plains of Panish, these golden-maned felines were scattered in the Wars of Fire thousands of years ago. Small prides hunt here and there in the wilderness, and occasionally a litorian attempts to fit into a human culture.
Litorians are bestial, honor-bound hunters. Usually found roaming open grasslands far from civilization, litorians only rarely separate from their tribe. Unlike members of more common races, only the unique individual litorian interacts with other species.
Litorians are thoughtful and quiet until provoked past their limit. Once angered, they become savage and brutal, almost incapable of showing mercy.
Litorians love the outdoors, good food, and long, well-considered stories (not boastful or exaggerated ones). They have a very deep sense of personal honor -- personal in that it's not about "saving face" but in being true to oneself. A litorian will not compromise her morals for fear of losing her own self-value, even if this makes her appear strange or foolish to others, and even if it means making a choice others might not consider the best one. All litorians develop their own set of morals and ethics, although some principles remain true across most members of the race. Because they highly value both honor and life, for example, their need to repay those who save their lives -- a lifedebt -- is very strong.
Litorians are taller and more muscular than humans. A litorian's body is covered in light brown hair, and their faces are clearly feline in appearance with a pronounced snout, a flat, catlike nose, and sharp teeth. They have dark eyes with narrow pupils. Manes of brown hair surround the heads of males. Most people notice a thick, almost musky scent around litorians, but few think it unpleasant.
Litorians mature much faster than humans, but have a life span of similar length.
Litorians have little history with most other races, except elves, whom they respect but do not understand.
Litorians lean toward chaos rather than law simply because of their tribal upbringing. Litorian tribes are organized by strength and respect, not law. Litorians find the concept of preconceived, deliniated parameters of right and wrong difficult to understand; they are much more likely to judge situations on a case-by-case basis. Bound by their sense of honor and respect for others, far more litorians are good or neutral than evil.
Litorians lean toward chaos rather than law simply because of their tribal upbringing. Litorian tribes are organized by strength and respect, not law. Litorians find the concept of preconceived, deliniated parameters of right and wrong difficult to understand; they are much more likely to judge situations on a case-by-case basis. Bound by their sense of honor and respect for others, far more litorians are good or neutral than evil.
While not atheists, litorians have no concept of worship. They simply do not understand or crave the need to trust in a higher power. When confronted with proof of a deity's might, a litorian will grant respect, but not reverence. There are no litorian clerics, although deityless druids are not uncommon.
Litorians away from their tribe are usually hunters, mercenaries, or members of another profession that allows them to use both their outdoor instincts and their natural strength and agility. Frequently shunned by other races (because they find the "lion-men" intimidating or even terrifying), litorians often find acceptance and friendship among adventurers, many of whom are loners or wanderers themselves.
One of the races of Praemal.
Abilities: +2 STR, +2 CON, +2 DEX
Size: Medium
Speed: Litorian base speed is 30 feet
Special abilities: Low-light vision, scent
Languages: Automatic - Common, Litorian; Bonus - Gnoll, Goblin, Orcish
Racial skills: +2 racial bonus on Intimidate, Search, Spot, Listen and Survival
Favored Class: Ranger
Level adjustment: +1
