Anurai

Legend

“Only the Divine Races can jump like the Anurai, making them easily defeat cavalry and palisades.”

Skjald El Mary

Description

Anurai have moist glandular, brown, green, and grey skins with dapples, often non-toxic; however, bright red, yellow, and black skins with patterns are generally poisonous. Their frog-like features include large, bulging eyes, stocky bodies, short spines, long legs, lengthened ankles, lengthy feet, and webbed feet with three to five toes. Their arms are slender but muscular, and their hands have three fingers and one thumb, concealing pointy bones that can dart out like claw-like endings.

Some of the Anurai are either exceptionally large or strong; a few have beards; and some have hair down their sides and thighs. Most often, these extraordinary Anurai fill the roles of unit leaders or as regiment-inspiring champions, being followed and obeyed regardless of Anurai’s clan origin.

Also, among the Anurai live some rather bloated ones, reminding more of toads, with dry, warty skin, called Bufoi. Being less agile but physically stronger and closer to the deities, these possess both of the Anurai’s coveted characteristics and are adept at mana manipulation. Which distinguishes them as blessed by their creator deity and naturally lifts them to positions of power.

They are all as good as ever, clad in fabric robes dyed in varied hues of a single colour or with elaborate coloured patterns. They typically wield polearm weapons and, at times, carry daggers, pouches, flasks, and tools. They are highly aggressive and rash, and they are known for taking prisoners and using them as slaves for hard tasks.

Skjald Vinotis

History

Dark Ages

According to Anurai tales, they were made by an ancient deity who shaped them from the swampy edges of the void gardens. This deity bestowed upon them agility, strength, and the ability to mentally traverse the astral world, empowering them to protect the mysteries and magical legacy of what would later become the Outlands‘.

We know very little about their origins; thus, Anurai is a mystery to us. We also know very little about their homes in the Outlands, other than what the skjald Yell'a'Beard told us and what we learned from those we captured as prisoners of war.

Skjald Valgrif

First Age

Outlands were established from marshy borders and swampy centres of void gardens. Thus, they were mysterious, dense swamps or marshlands, teeming with magical plants and wildlife. These areas were full of old, powerful ley lines, which the Anurai and Bufoi tapped for their mana manipulating, engaging in spiritual journeys, and astral travel. The outlands quickly became littered with sacred sites and monastery structures erected along these ley lines.

These were the locations where the Anurai and Bufoi performed their trance rituals, manipulated mana, and received visions. These places are often concealed or protected by powerful enchantments, making it difficult for outsiders to find or enter. Sometimes, however, we know they met with Archaic and N-Erectus, especially if astral locations collided with Anurai temples.

Skjald El Mary

Second Age

The 1st Cataclysm, had an odd impact on their race, as every egg, unhatched during the tilt, produced infants with four toes. No other difference, Anurai and Bufoi continued to live relatively secluded in the Outlands. Their monastic society was focused on spiritual growth, the study of ancient magic, and the maintenance of balance within their homeland. They occasionally conducted raids or engaged in conflicts with neighbouring tribes and races, but those were minor and aimed at protecting their territory, resources, and knowledge. As well as their delicious food recipes—the only good thing about them.

Skjald Yell'a'Beard

Third Age

Seemingly around the beginning, or early in the third age, a hidden Anurai temple was uncovered. It had an old prophecy inscribed on its walls that told of a day when the balance of power would be disturbed. Mentioning a future with a large migration and a decisive struggle, it introduced a new age headed by individuals who had hitherto been consigned to the spiritual and home realms. And then they felt the world tilt and ley lines exhaust.

From various prisoners of war, we have learned some about why they came. Long ago, a bull-headed man, an ancient enemy, returned and stirred their lands. But the results of the Vular War—the Ljostaris sinking, the Mt. Vulas eruption, and the Deep Blue Tsunami—seemingly also affected the Outlands, although they don’t, like us, count it as the beginning of an age.

Skjald Sigurd

Fourth Age

The significant ecological disaster resulted in a shift in the ley lines’ power, disrupting astral travel, magic paths, and their spirit-walking on the astral. The tainted waters also created some Arisen Romasai, making the Outlands less hospitable. This triggered their ancient prophecy and a series of visions of great changes in their destiny, awaiting them beyond their traditional borders.

Once more, a world tilting once more had an odd impact on their race. As with the 1st Cataclysm, every egg, unhatched during the disaster, produced infants with five toes. As they knew, the three and four toed, was different in no other way. They had just shrugged and lived on, seeing all three branches thrive and multiply.

Skjald Vinotis

As the prophecy began to unfold, anurai females, long involved in spiritual practices and their society’s maintenance, sensed the impending changes. Female seers and shamans like Lira Mistgaze received powerful visions. A charismatic and visionary Bufoi leader also emerged, High Priestess Zharah’la, who used the situation as a call for the females to seize power.

The female Anurai started organising secret gatherings, discussing the need for change and the interpretation of the prophecy. Although held in their sacred sites, these meetings were kept away from the eyes of the male-dominated warrior class. But males, led by figures like War Chief Zaarook 'Swiftfoot' Krullan and General Thurhog, saw them as a threat to their traditional roles and power structures.

This led to internal strife and a power struggle within their society, resulting in a significant shift in Anurai culture. The females took on more prominent roles in decision-making and governance. The males, while initially resistant, gradually accepted this new structure, especially as the females were backed by some powerful Bufoi males.

Amidst this turmoil, the old prophecy was interpreted to mean that the Anurai must expand beyond the Outlands. Such a migration was seen both as a way to seek new lands and as an escape from internal conflicts. And in 1277, many of the males embarked on what became the great invasion. While the females stayed behind, consolidating their power and continuing the spiritual guardianship of their homeland,.

Skjald Ulrich

High Priestess Zharah’la, Leader of the Uprising

Zara’la has black skin with intricate golden patterns and eyes that burn with determination. Her presence is commanding and serene, embodying the prophecy’s power.
Zharah’la rallied the females by interpreting the ancient prophecy, leading them to demand a greater role in their society. Her spiritual insight and leadership skills make her a pivotal figure in the uprising.

Liharah Mistgaze Hyisno, Seer and Spiritual Advisor
Liharah, with her smooth blue-green skin and large, dark eyes, continues to guide her people with visions. She becomes a close advisor to Zharah’la and helps navigate the spiritual aspects of the uprising.
Liharah’s visions confirmed the need for change, and she used her influence to support the uprising, helping to unify the Anurai and Bufoi females in their quest for equality.

Mihroaah Sunleap Aburi, Alchemist for the Uprising
Mihroaah’s light green skin and agile build make her ideal for her role. She is swift and resourceful, using her skills to gather intelligence and support the uprising’s coordination.
Mihroaah’s quick movements and ability to stay unseen were crucial in delivering messages and organising secret meetings, making her an invaluable asset to the cause.

Skjald Valgrif

However, in 1277, they surprisingly attacked The Realm, naturally choosing to bring their well-organised monastic life from the Outlands to here. Their first targets were big castles and monasteries, and despite the fact that the Great Invasion and the Cleansing Crusade are over, a couple of these locations remain under siege; in any case, they will not jump anywhere now.

As prisoners of war, we have heard that the internal conflict didn’t end entirely with the migration. Those left behind, both males and females, continue to struggle for dominance. However, the prophecy suggested a long-term transformation, leading to a society where spiritual and physical strengths were equally valued.

Skjald Sejrik