Sharr

"Our ancestors’ bones lie beneath the trees of Iotia, but their spirits walk with us still. They tell us not to mourn, for the jungle is not a place. It is a part of us, in our blood, in the way we move, in the way we hunt. The jungle lives on in every step we take."
From "The Lost Homeland", a Sharr mourning song
The Sharr are a race of feline humanoids, known for their agility, fierce independence, and deep connection to the wilds. Originally hailing from the Iotian Rainforest, they have adapted to life within the Tahosian Dynasty while preserving their nomadic traditions. Their migration was not by choice; the Saurask forced them to abandon their homeland, but their resilience saw them find new homes in the northern K'banni Steppes and the jungles of the Tamori Wilds. Even after centuries of being absorbed into the Dynasty, the Sharr remain distinct, a people bound to their ancestors and the wild spirits that guide them.   Despite being part of the Tahosian Dynasty, the Sharr continue to follow their own customs and are known for their isolationism. They engage with the Dynasty in trade, military, and religious roles, but they resist assimilation into its rigid caste system. This cultural divide fuels their reputation as mysterious wanderers who roam the wilds for reasons that remain incomprehensible to outsiders.

Physicality

Sharr are sleek and dextrous beings, with feline features that reflect their jungle origins. Their bodies are covered in fur that varies in color and pattern, ranging from tawny golds and browns to silver and black. Stripes, rosettes, and spots are common, giving them natural camouflage in dense forests or mountainous terrains. Their eyes vary in colour and glow in shadow, allowing them to see in near darkness, a trait that aids in their legendary stealth.   Physically, Sharr are agile and graceful, with long, powerful limbs and retractable claws that allow them to scale trees and cliffs. Their ears are tufted and sensitive, attuned to the faintest of sounds. Though they are typically of average Human height, their bodies are lean and muscular, built for speed and precision. Their long tails help maintain balance during combat or while moving through the treetops.

Culture & Society

The Sharr are deeply nomadic, viewing movement and experience as central to life. Their tribes, or prides, are highly organized, with every member contributing to the community’s survival and success. Sharr caravans travel across the vast lands of Tansia, acting as mobile homes and trade hubs. For the Sharr, motion is not just a way of life—it is a spiritual belief that stagnation leads to death, both physical and spiritual. They say, "A Sharr who stands still fades into the dust of the land."   Sharr prides operate under a meritocratic system. Leaders, known as Khir’zars (Pride Leaders), are chosen based on wisdom, tactical skill, and spiritual insight. These leaders, alongside a council of elders, decide when and where to move, how to trade, and how to handle conflicts. Every Sharr has a role—whether as a hunter, warrior, scout, artisan, or spiritual guide—and is expected to earn their place through skill and dedication.

Growing up in Sharr Socety

Sharr society places a strong emphasis on community and the shared responsibility of raising the next generation. From birth, a Sharr child, known as a Kitrin, is shaped by the traditions, rituals, and survival skills that define their people. Unlike many other societies in the Tahosian Dynasty, where lineage and caste determine one’s place, Sharr culture revolves around merit. Every Kitrin is expected to earn their place within the pride through skill, perseverance, and a deep connection to their ancestors and the wild spirits.   Sharr children are raised communally, with the entire pride playing a role in their upbringing. While parents remain central figures, elders, mentors, and other pride members also contribute, ensuring the young are well-rounded and skilled in the ways of their people. From the moment they can walk, Kitrin are introduced to the wilderness. Play is intertwined with training, as they are encouraged to explore, move silently, and understand the behavior of animals. Games focus on developing agility, stealth, and tracking, often through hunting trips where they observe seasoned hunters and scouts.   Mentorship and Skill Development. As Kitrin grow, they are paired with a mentor—typically a respected elder or skilled pride member who recognizes potential in the child. This mentor-apprentice relationship is central to Sharr culture, symbolizing the passing of knowledge and continuation of tradition. Mentors are chosen based on the child’s natural affinities, whether in stealth, combat, spiritualism, or crafting.   The mentor’s role is not just to teach practical skills but to guide the apprentice in understanding the spiritual connection the Sharr have with the land, the wild spirits, and their ancestors. Patience and stealth are key tenets passed down during this period. Training can last many years, with Kitrin gradually taking on more responsibilities within the pride, from simple gathering or message-running to participating in scouting, hunts, and crafting.   The Jhar'Fareesh: Rite of Shadows. The most pivotal moment in a Kitrin’s life comes during adolescence with the Jhar'Fareesh (Rite of Shadows). This coming-of-age ritual tests both physical prowess and spiritual connection. Each Kitrin embarks on a solitary journey into the wilderness, tasked with surviving alone for several days. This trial is a test of their ability to hunt, navigate, and fend for themselves, while also offering a chance to connect with the wild spirits, particularly Leovyr, the Snow Leopard spirit.   The K'eshj. The trial varies by region and pride, with some requiring a successful hunt or the retrieval of an artifact from the wilderness, while others focus on spiritual visions. Upon returning, the Kitrin is welcomed back into the pride as an adult, marked with a K'eshj (Wild Mark)—a tattoo or scarification symbolizing their connection to the wilds and their chosen path. It represents a Sharr’s place in society, their role, and their personal journey. Designed by spiritual leaders or artisans, these marks incorporate symbols of the wild spirits, moons, or elements of nature. They serve as lifelong reminders of the challenges the individual overcame and the lessons they learned during their Jhar'Fareesh. Displaying a K'eshj openly is a source of great pride, signaling one's accomplishments and standing within the pride.   Integration into the Pride. After completing the Jhar'Fareesh, young Sharr are fully integrated into the pride’s operations, taking on significant roles such as hunter, scout, spiritual leader, or artisan, depending on the skills developed during mentorship. Despite this newfound status, every Sharr is expected to continue learning and growing, as the pride thrives on mutual support and the belief that the collective is only as strong as its individuals.   The pride functions as a close-knit community, with loyalty being paramount. Success is seen as collective, and individuals’ achievements reflect on the entire pride. Outsiders, however, are viewed with caution. Sharr children are taught early on to be wary of outsiders, especially those from the Tahosian Dynasty, fearing that assimilation could erode their traditions and independence.   While cautious, the Sharr are not xenophobic. They understand that survival sometimes requires alliances and strategic partnerships, and they balance their traditions with the need to navigate the complexities of the world.   Eldership and Legacy. As Sharr grow older, they may take on the role of Elder, a highly respected position earned through service to the pride. Elders serve as advisors to the Khir’zar (Pride Leader), offering guidance based on years of experience. They are the keepers of oral traditions, ensuring that the stories of ancestors, heroes, and wild spirits are passed down to the next generation.   Elders also act as mentors to younger Sharr, helping them prepare for the Jhar'Fareesh and guiding them through their training. Their wisdom and life experience are invaluable to the pride, making them revered figures who help maintain the cultural and spiritual continuity of the Sharr.

Religion and Spirituality

Central to Sharr spirituality is their veneration of Leovyr, a powerful wild spirit often depicted as a snow leopard. Leovyr embodies the qualities the Sharr hold dear: stealth, solitude, cunning, and opportunism. She does not demand worship or offerings but instead values mastery of one’s craft and the ability to survive in an unforgiving world. To live in Leovyr’s image is to rely on one's instincts and strike only when the time is right.   Leovyr is part of the Pantheon of the Wild, revered by the Sharr and other beast-like races. Their realm, the Eternal Hunting Grounds, is where the spirits of great hunters roam after death, continuing their endless pursuit of perfection. Sharr moon-priests and spiritwalkers interpret the movements of the moons as messages from Leovyr, believing she walks among them in the shadows of night, unseen but ever-present.   Superstitions, Rituals & Celebrations. The Sharr are deeply superstitious, attributing much of their success to signs from the moons and stars. They believe that a moonless night is a time when Leovyr’s gaze is elsewhere, and no important decisions are made during this time. Seeing a snow leopard in dreams is a blessing, but encountering one in reality is often seen as a warning.   The Night of Leovyr is the Sharr’s most significant celebration, held during the winter solstice when the moons are brightest. It is believed to be the time when Leovyr walks among them, guiding their spirits for another year. The night is filled with rituals, shadow dances, and storytelling by the Vhari (Sharr storytellers) to honor Leovyr’s teachings of stealth and patience.   Personal milestones, such as births and deaths, are marked by sacred rituals. Newborns are blessed under the moonlight, while the dead are left in the wilderness to return to the earth, symbolizing the Sharr’s belief in the natural cycle of life.

Integration within the Dynasty

Despite their integration into the Tahosian Dynasty, the Sharr remain culturally distinct, often operating on the fringes of society. Rejecting the Dynasty’s rigid caste system, they prefer to uphold their independence and meritocratic traditions. This refusal to fully assimilate has caused friction between the Sharr and the more traditional elements of the Dynasty, who view them as unpredictable outsiders. While the Sharr lack formal representation at the Golden Table, the Dynasty’s ruling council, leaders like the Khir’zars still wield influence, particularly in military and frontier affairs. Their intimate knowledge of the wilds and expertise in guerrilla tactics make them valuable assets, especially when the Dynasty faces the threat of powerful saurask clans. However, their reluctance to conform to the Dynasty’s hierarchy often keeps them at a distance from true political power.  
The Sharr’s spiritual practices have quietly but significantly impacted the broader religious landscape of the Dynasty. Sharr spiritwalkers and moon-priests are often sought for their ability to commune with wild spirits, but their unstructured, independent approach to spirituality sometimes clashes with the more organized worship of the Living Gods. The Sharr’s refusal to venerate the Living Gods is seen as heretical by some, leading to suspicion around their spiritual practices. Despite this, their mystical insights and use of shadow Magic have intrigued many Tahosian shamans and druids, fostering a subtle exchange of ideas between the two traditions.   In military matters, the Sharr are indispensable, particularly for frontier defense and unconventional warfare. Their mastery of stealth, agility, and mounted combat on raptors and theropods makes them exceptional scouts, assassins, and raiders. Sharr warriors are frequently deployed in elite units, specializing in hit-and-run tactics and sabotage. However, their insistence on maintaining autonomy from the Dynasty’s formal military structure often frustrates Tahosian generals, who must negotiate with Sharr leaders for cooperation. In times of peace, Sharr mercenaries are highly sought after by noble houses for protection or intelligence gathering.   Sharr caravans are common on trade routes, though their opportunistic reputation elicits mixed reactions from Tahosian merchants. Their ancient enmity with the saurask, who drove them from their homeland, remains a core part of their identity, while goblins are sometimes integrated into Sharr prides, particularly within criminal organizations where survival outweighs racial divides.   The Sharr’s nomadic and isolated nature has also led to significant involvement in criminal organizations. Their skills in stealth, sabotage, and navigating the wilderness make them valuable assets to groups like the Reavers and the Obsidian Brotherhood. Within these factions, Sharr serve as scouts, thieves, and assassins, leveraging their knowledge of hidden routes and shadow magic to smuggle goods or execute raids. While lucrative, this involvement in the underworld reinforces their reputation as unpredictable outsiders, fueling distrust among Dynasty officials. Efforts to curb Sharr influence in these criminal networks are ongoing, but their ability to operate on the fringes of society allows them to evade capture and maintain their autonomy.

Sharr Names

Sharr names hold profound cultural and spiritual importance, deeply intertwined with their connection to nature, ancestors, and the wild spirits that guide them. A Sharr’s full name consists of a personal name, given at birth, and a tribal or family name inherited from their ancestors. Personal names are carefully chosen to reflect natural elements such as wind, fire, animals, and celestial bodies, symbolizing the individual's traits, omens, or spiritual visions. Tribal names tie each Sharr to their pride’s history and legacy, often referencing their ancestral homeland or legendary figures from their lineage. The act of naming is a sacred ritual in Sharr culture, overseen by spiritual leaders who seek guidance from the wild spirits, particularly Leovyr, the revered snow leopard spirit.   The personal name reflects the child's potential and destiny, while the tribal name connects them to the broader story of their people. As a Sharr grows, their name may evolve with new titles or honors earned through significant achievements, rites of passage, or spiritual revelations. This dynamic process allows a Sharr’s name to serve as a lifelong reflection of their personal journey, deepening their connection to their ancestors, the wilds, and their people.   Sharr names are known for their fluid, melodic sounds, often incorporating soft phonemes like "Shj," "Zh," "J," and "Ss" to echo their affinity for stealth and silence in the wilds. These names are more than mere identifiers; they represent personal growth, spiritual alignment, and the Sharr’s unique cultural identity. For example, a name like "Shjaarn" (meaning Silent Fang) might embody a Sharr’s skill in stealth, while "Zheshira" (Spirit of the Twilight) conveys a more mystical and elusive nature. Tribal names like "Shzharrath" (Blood of the Leopard) or "Jashrah" (Echo of the Moon) further anchor individuals within their pride's legacy.   Male Names: Shjaarn (Silent Fang), Zheshan (Moon Hunter), Jairath (Stalking Leopard), Zharokh (Night Claw), Sshiran (Whispering Shadow)
Female Names: Shjerin (Silver Mist), Zheshira (Spirit of Twilight), Shjanah (Frosted Breeze), Zhyala (Soft Breeze), Sshanath (Moonlit Path)
Tribal/Family Names: Shzharrath (Blood of the Leopard), Jashrah (Echo of the Moon), Zhassir (Claw of the Stars), Shraan (Spirit of the Wilds), Sshivaar (Shadowed Plains)

Sharr Traits

Sharr Traits

As a sharr, you have the following properties.
  Ability Score Increase. Increase one ability score by 2, and increase a different one by 1, or increase three different scores by 1.
Age. Sharr mature at the same rate as humans but tend to live up to 75 years.
Alignment. Sharr tend toward chaotic alignments, valuing personal freedom, adaptability, and independence. They rarely align with lawful systems but have a strong sense of loyalty to their pride and the wilds.
Size. Sharr are lithe and agile, standing between 5'7" and 6'2" on average, with a slender but muscular build. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your walking speed is 30 feet, and you have a climbing speed of 30 feet.
Cat's Claws. You can use your claws to make unarmed strikes. When you hit with them, the strike deals 1d6 + your Strength modifier slashing damage, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.
Cat's Talent. You have proficiency in the Perception and Stealth skills.
Darkvision. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light and in darkness as if it were dim light. You discern colors in that darkness only as shades of gray.
Feline Agility. Your reflexes and agility allow you to move with a burst of speed. When you move on your turn in combat, you can double your speed until the end of the turn. Once you use this trait, you can't use it again until you move 0 feet on one of your turns.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Trade-tongue, Tahosian, and Sharran. Sharran is a fluid, melodic language, rich in sounds that mimic wild cats.

Lifespan
75
Average Height
6'
Average Weight
150 lb.
Geographic Distribution

Loss of the Homeland

The Neshjir Hashj, or Great Exodus in the Sharr tongue, is one of the most pivotal events in Sharr history, marking the tragic flight from their ancestral homeland in the Iotian Rainforest. According to the legends passed down through generations, the saurask launched a devastating assault on the Sharr's hidden jungle settlements, overwhelming them with sheer numbers and brute force. Unable to match the might of the saurask, the Sharr were forced to abandon their sacred lands and flee north, crossing the treacherous Ak'tuin's Back Mountains to seek refuge.   The Exodus was a time of profound loss for the Sharr. Their ancestral cities, once vibrant and hidden within the protective canopy of the rainforest, were left to decay, and sacred sites now lie in the hands of their enemies. The Sharr believe that the spirits of their ancestors still linger in the ruins, their voices whispering through the overgrown jungles, waiting for their descendants to return. This belief has given rise to the Homeland Tribes—warrior clans dedicated to reclaiming their lost cities. These Sharr train with relentless zeal, driven by the dream of one day reclaiming the Iotian Rainforest and avenging their people. Though some see them as romantics or zealots, their unwavering determination commands deep respect, particularly among the younger generations.

The Moonless Night

A deep superstition among the Sharr involves the Moonless Night, a rare event when both moons, the Mother and the Matron, are hidden from the sky. According to legend, the Moonless Night is a time when Leovyr herself withdraws from the world, leaving her children vulnerable to the predations of dark spirits. It is believed that on these nights, Soulhunters—malevolent spirits that crave the essence of the living—prowl the wilderness in search of wandering souls to consume.   On Moonless Nights, Sharr prides cease all movement and activity, huddling together in their caravans, surrounded by protective wards and offerings to Leovyr. Elders tell stories of entire prides vanishing during Moonless Nights, taken by the Soulhunters into the Eternal Night, never to return. To this day, no Sharr will dare leave their shelter during a Moonless Night, and even the bravest warriors believe that to do so is to invite certain doom.

Bloodstalking

Bloodstalking is a dark and forbidden practice among the Sharr, an ancient art that involves drawing power from the lifeblood of prey to enhance one’s abilities in stealth, strength, and combat. Those who practice Bloodstalking, known as Bloodstalkers, use intricate tattoos and blood rituals to heighten their senses and channel their animal instincts, transforming them into fierce and relentless hunters.   However, Bloodstalking is seen as an affront to the natural balance, and practitioners are often shunned or hunted by their own kind. The power granted by the practice comes at a terrible cost: Bloodstalkers are prone to losing control of their primal urges, often turning into violent predators that cannot distinguish friend from foe. Scarred Ones, Bloodstalkers who have fully succumbed to their bloodlust, are dangerous outcasts who are hunted by the Sharr’s elite warriors and spiritwalkers.


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