Beast Men

The Beast Men are also known as Animal Folk or Animal People.
The animal folk are a mysterious and enigmatic race, known for their bestial appearances and their connection to the wilderness. With bodies that bear the traits of various animals, such as cloven hooves, paws, and animal heads, they are a formidable presence in the forests, mountains, moorlands, and swamps that they call home. Despite their primitive intelligence, the animal folk are not to be underestimated. They are a semi-nomadic, isolationist race, driven by a fierce desire to survive in their harsh and unforgiving habitats. They are fiercely territorial and will defend their territory with all their might, attacking any who dare to invade their land.
To the organized races that live in the various settlements of Aurasong, the animal folk are mostly remembered as nuisances and obstacles, encountered in the course of their travels. However, the citizens of these settlements would be wise to remember that the Animal Folk are not to be underestimated. Though they may not be able to field armies that can threaten the more advanced civilizations, they are more than capable of violence and conflict, and will fight with all their might if they feel threatened.
The animal folk are a fiercely independent and unruly people, with a strong sense of tribal pride. They build crude, temporary campsites from which they forage, hunt, and scout the surrounding areas, always on the lookout for a new place to call home. They are constantly on the move, never staying in one place for too long, and are known to choose caves that offer a good view of the surrounding area and access to running water.
Despite their isolationist tendencies, the Animal Folk do come into contact with other tribes, and battles between their clans are not uncommon. Though they may use primitive tools, they are more than capable of hunting and defending themselves thanks to their raw strength and cunning. The more haughty and defiant their foe, the more the Animal Folk will be driven to prove their superiority in combat.
The animal folk are a fascinating and formidable race, deeply connected to the wilds that they call home. Though they may be seen as primitive and barbaric by some, they are a proud and honourable people, with a deep connection to the land and a fierce determination to survive in their harsh and unforgiving world.
Most of the organized races simply let these animal folk be when encountered in the wild, as it is much less trouble to simply let them hunt and forage for a few weeks and then let them move on, rather than try to chase them off using soldiers which would result in bloodshed more often than not.

Basic Information

Anatomy

They are humanoid in shape, walking upright with an animal head depending on their ethnicity. Some have wolf heads, while others have hawk heads, most mundane animals seem to have an animal folk version.

Additional Information

Social Structure

The animal folk are almost always lead by a circle of elders.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Some of their parts can be used in magic scroll and potion recipes.
There have been reports of some kingdoms capturing animal folk and forcing them to perform hard labour.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

The animal folk can be found in most forests, swamps and mountainous regions.

Average Intelligence

While being primitive in both life style and technologically, these people are not stupid. They can be rather cunning when the need arises and have mastered surviving in the harsh wilderness. Most of the beast men are known to use stone weapons and tools, though there have been unverified reports of some animal folk having made pit kilns and forged basic copper tools from surface deposits.

Lifespan

60 years