Nalkarn (NAHL-karn)
The only self-aware race hailing from the Lower Realm, the Nalkarns' bodies are infused with powerful magic, allowing them to survive the unnaturally brutal environments of their home plane.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Individuals of this bipedal race have lithe tails that can be used as an extra limb. Their hands (and feet to a lesser degree) are extraordinary dexterous, covered in skin that is tough enough to allow for extensive protection against the elements, while still remaining highly sensitive and nimble. All have defensive features like horns, sharp teeth, and claws. Most are very quick to use these against one another on the rare occasions when they meet in the vast wilderness of their home plane.
Biological Traits
Nalkarn possess the unique ability to physically adapt to Lower Realm environments after relocating to a new climate. Not only do they gain new physical features and lose others that no longer benefit them over a period of several months, their coloration will begin to shift as well.
Genetics and Reproduction
The Nalkarn gestation period lasts for the equivalent of 270 days in the Middle Realm. Single births are most common, with twins being rare.
Growth Rate & Stages
Until maturity, the Nalkarn are somewhat dependent on their caregivers for protection and food, but not nearly as helpless as other intelligent peoples. They mature completely at the approximate age of eighteen years.
Ecology and Habitats
They are able to make a home in any habitat within the Lower Realm given their ability to change their physical characteristics and survive in the most extreme environments.
Dietary Needs and Habits
They are used to eating on a sporadic basis and can go without food for up to two weeks without major consequences. When food is available, the Nalkarn don't show much discrimination, consuming plants and meat with equal vigor, as well as materials of much lower quality (such as carrion) than other races could safely digest.
Biological Cycle
Due to the fact that there are no seasons in the Lower Realm and day never turns to night, each member of this race develops individualized physiological cycles of alternating wandering and sleep.
Behaviour
The Nalkarn grow irritable when they stay in groups larger than two for longer than a few days. They also become restless when they settle in one area for too long. Because of these traits, they tend to roam within a sector of land a few miles across, often along with a closely-bonded lover, child, or sibling, constantly patrolling their territory and making sure no one else has encroached on their space. If they do happen to discover another Nalkarn during their prowlings, they will usually attack with little hesitation.
Additional Information
Average Intelligence
As one of the Realms' intelligent races, the Nalkarn are capable of demanding intellectual pursuits like advanced mathematics, architecture, and sciences, though they rarely care to collaborate on projects.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
They're able to see in bright light that would blind other races, but are almost incapacitated in low light and darkness. Their sense of smell is good and their hearing is decent.
Civilization and Culture
Gender Ideals
The Nalkarn possess few physical differences between the sexes and don't typically care much about gender expression.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
They aren't fully trusted by most who know of their existence due to their toughness and combative natures.
Genetic Descendants
Lifespan
65 to 85 years
Average Height
5 feet to 5 feet 6 inches
Average Physique
Lanky and long-limbed with a narrow build.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Their skin colors vary, but are always warm-tinted. Their hair includes shades of warm slate grey, cream, or white.
Geographic Distribution
Related Technologies
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