Chapter 3: RACES & REALMS

Chapter 3:

T

RACES & REALMS

he following entries organize the many sapient
races, realms, and cultures of Khitus today in alphabetical order. Each race encompasses numerous cultures, and many cultures transcend race as the
sole prerequisite for inclusion.

Attites
The human tribes that emerged from the south and
spread north and east brought with them the hardy
ruggedness of the original Attite peoples. Divergent
from the other human groups, the Attites are the farreaching wanderers of Khitus, spanning the widest territory. They are lean and muscled, keen-eyed and vigilant, dimly aware that these changing times have room
for one victorious people.
Attites are standard humans of average build. They
tend to have lean faces and olive or darker skin, with
long noses and green or hazel eyes. They are often
called the most beautiful of the human tribes. Brown,
curly hair is most common, though the tribe prizes the
rarer births of blonde and black-haired Attites; woven
hair and braids are a pervasive style, and almost all Attites wear their hair short. They rarely wear tattoos.
Attites favor functional robes and dresses, made from
the finest fabrics the individual can afford. Brighter colors and additional layers made from thinner materials
mark one as wealthy. Most carry tablets and paper in
leather satchels. Ornate walking sticks are also fashionable, carved with important symbols of allegiance and
personal or family history.
Attite warriors employ all sorts of weapons and armor, but traditionally favor the short spear (hyatchal)

and short sword (groto). The former are often carried
crossed in an “x” across the back, strapped in place by
a sturdy harness; hyatchal-bearing soldiers are trained
to march and maneuver in tight formations with their
spears protruding so. Beaded sheathes strapped to the
thigh hold their grotos. Attites are not animal riders or
mounted warriors, for the most part, though some few
master the thakal.

Race & tribe Summary

While there are many unique details and facts about
each race, here are the common stereotypes associated with each race or tribe.
Attites: Human negotiators and peacemakers
Chindi: Human matriarchal traders and warriors on
the fringes of the known world
Cold Skins/Oritahl: Lizard men of the swamps with
growing awareness
Krikis: Bug men that hoard bright lode
Makadan: Human warrior culture and source of
many Khitan mercenaries
Nordor: Human barbarian stone carvers from the
frigid north
Pachyaur: Elephantaurs of the equator
Penmai: Daring acrobatic humanoids with prehensile tails
Prajalu: Short, stocky humans feared as poison makers and child stealers
Watu: Slaver elephantaurs

History
Outsiders sometimes think of Attites as manipulative

tricksters who soothe with calming but confusing words
before robbing you blind or cutting your throat. In fact,
their love of peacemaking means Attites are highly
skilled negotiators. It can be laborious to talk through
a difficult situation, seeking the best bargain or leastconfrontational outcome. An Attite spends the time
necessary to do so. This peaceful attitude of consensus comes in part from their history of oppression and
struggle against overwhelming odds.
The oldest Attite tribal territories near the equator led
them to be among the first humans to encounter the
pachyaura. This also saw them bear the brunt of the
Watu slave trade for centuries. Most human slaves have
Attite roots, whether owned by Watu or Makadan human masters. This history of enslavement makes them
33