Table of Contents

Introduction

Welcome back to the second in the series of posts about the Mortal Lineages of Galaeffa. In this post we’ll be focusing on the Beastfolk. Beastfolk are another broad assemblage of disparate lineages but share the common trait of looking like anthropomorphized animals. Beastfolk occur in a handful of ways, some are created as servants to gods, demons, or particularly powerful wizards. Some are the result of awakening magic, which tends to give animals bipedal traits along with their newfound intelligence, some are the result of the breaking of curses such as lycanthropy having unexpected outcomes, regardless of how they occur we’ll go over some details about them in this post.

Beastfolk

The term ‘Beastfolk’ broadly refers to any non-scaled, anthropomorphic mortals. Those with scales fall into the category of Draconics, which will be discussed in their own post. Given this divide, mortals with avian characteristics (excluding Fledglings and their crown of feathers) are considered Beastfolk. This category also includes those with traits resembling rabbits, canids, felines, and so forth. The most common Beastfolk are the Canids, as there have been several bouts of Lycanthropy across Galaeffa over the centuries, with canid characteristics tending to persist. Beastfolk are slightly rarer than Æthertouched, comprising roughly 1/30th of the population of Galaeffa. Unlike Æthertouched, they tend to form broader communities and social circles, resulting from their unique clothing and cultural needs due to their particular traits and characteristics.

Diversity and Appearance

As Beastfolk come from many different walks of life (after all, anyone can be cursed), they tend to distribute broadly across class lines in mixed societies. This means they perform jobs across all strata of society. You might find a rabbitfolk courier, a felifolk tracker, or a canidfolk hunter. At the upper levels of society, they may act as tailors, spies, courtiers, bards, or pursue a variety of other careers. It’s worth noting that in some places, Beastfolk gather together and form societies comprised solely of one particular sub-lineage, such as a warren of rabbitfolk or a pack of canidfolk. In these instances, they typically elect a leader and take on jobs and build homes to support the structure of their society, often attracting the attention and migration of others who fit into their lineage.

In addition to the differences in their sublineage representations, Beastfolk showcase a wide array of cultural expression through their fashion and artistry, each uniquely molded by their distinct animalistic heritage. The rabbitfolk, for instance, weave the essence of their burrowed lifestyles into their clothing, favoring earthy tones and soft, resilient fabrics that harken to the snug, warm interiors of their warrens. Intricate stitching and patterns reflect the labyrinthine design of their warrens, blending functionality with a deep-rooted sense of communal identity. Similarly, felifolk tend towards a flair for elegance in their outfits, often adorning themselves with sleek, flowing outfits accentuating their inherent grace. Their jewelry, often features aspects of their natural environments, often being made of bone or other organic materials. In the realm of art, canidfolk express their pack bonds through communal works. Their carvings garments are often themed around symbols of social unity or strength, and may tell stories of great hunts or shared cultural successes. The artistic expressions of the Beastfolk are not only adornments; they are entwined with their identities, serving as a canvas upon which their rich, diverse cultures are painted.

Cultural Perception and Impact

The cultural perception of Beastfolk among other non-beast lineages in Galaeffa is predominantly one of acceptance and fascination, largely due to the intertwined histories and shared heritage they possess. Many Beastfolk have direct ties to other lineages, either through ancestry or shared experiences, allowing for kinship and understanding. This bond is particularly strong with the Æthertouched, who, like many Beastfolk, often find their origins in the transformation of “normal” lineages.

Among the Beastfolk, distinctions arise based on their origins – divine creation, magical awakening, overcoming curses, or lineage descent – each carrying its own nuances in appearance, behavior, and societal roles. Those created or transformed by gods often bear distinct divine marks or exhibit traits symbolizing their patron deity’s domain. They may carry themselves with a sense of destiny, or have other traits similar to those of the Æthertouched, because in essence, they are also Æthertouched. These divine attributes are frequently recognized and sometimes revered by other society members, leading to roles of spiritual or symbolic significance within mixed communities.

Beastfolk transformed through awakening magic display a stark blend of their original animal characteristics and newfound humanoid traits. These Beastfolk often retain ingrained survival mechanisms and habits from their previous animal forms. These instincts can manifest in tiks or acts that would seem odd to the average person. Their appearance varies wildly depending on the nature of the magic that awakened them.

Those who have overcome curses, such as lycanthropy, might exhibit remnants of their cursed form. These Beastfolk often have a more rugged, untamed appearance and may struggle with the duality of their nature. Their demeanor might fluctuate between their original lineage and the characteristics imposed by the curse.

Finally, Beastfolk descended from a long line of other beastkin usually display a more homogenized appearance, with traits that have been refined and stabilized over generations. These individuals often hold themselves with an ingrained sense of belonging to both the Beastfolk community and the broader societies of Yoreth. Their heritage and success is a waving banner drawing in other beastfolk of all kinds.

These differences in origin do not only impact the Beastfolk communities themselves but can also be picked up on instinctively by other mortals, who will often recognize the different physical traits, behavioral cues, or the roles these Beastfolk assume within their communities. This recognition can lead to reactions ranging from reverence and respect for those with divine or magical origins, to curiosity, wariness, or outright hostility towards those with more tumultuous transformations or family heritage.

Building a Beastfolk

1d6: Origin of your Beastfolk

1. Created as a servant to a god
2. Transformed by awakening magic
3. Product of a broken curse
4. Descended from a long line of other Beastfolk
5. Blessing from a nature spirit
6. Exposed to wild magics

1d6: Sublineage of your Beastfolk

🍃 - Brian Anders