The Jrel are a feral humanoid race that is primarily found throughout the mountainous regions of Averia and Ildoria, being the coldest climates, which suits their furry skin better. The people of Ildoria have a longstanding respect for the Jrel, and even have a city, Jrelovna, named after them. The Jrel are rumored to also be living in the Atlica Mountains, though this is completely unsubstantiated. They speak varied dialects of Jrelic. They are avoided by humans for the most part, as they are unfriendly towards outsiders. Jrel that lived in other places have been long since exterminated. Even for their quickness to temper, they are very charismatic when they want to be. Any any moment one can go from a roaring rampage to showing off the tricks she can do with her tail.
Origins
It is said that both the jrel and the dwarfs originated in the mountainous region of Torminal on Greater Galwyndor. Both races were ultimately forced out by Ganennite invaders. One group moved south and set up new lands in what would come to be known as Irbia while another went north and formed Gell.
Appearance
They are slightly smaller than humans, yet more muscular, covered in fur that ranges from white to black, varying shades of browns and greys, and a rare few with darker shades of blue or purple. They have razor sharp teeth as well, which give them an advantage in unarmed combat. They can weigh anywere between 200 and 380 pounds on average. Despite having sharp teeth, they are primarily herbivores. Their teeth are not designed for eating meat, but for defense, however, they consume fish, which they catch with traps.
Disposition
They have a longstanding distrust of humans, and prefer to be left alone. This is for several reasons: humans hunt jrel for their fur, capture them for slave labor, or kill them out of fear (places where jrel aren't usually seen). In fact, they are very territorial, and do not like outsiders of any kind. Because of this, a Jrel with companions will likely assert his dominance as often as possible, even if he is on friendly terms with the group. Jrel will defend you to the death and then challenge you in unarmed combat the next. They enjoy fighting with each other in such a way, and it rarely ends in actual death.
The Jrel use stone primarily for buildings, and in colder climates they use ice in place of mortar to freeze the stones in place. They are known to use intricate networks of caverns in addition to their stone architecure, and will also dwell in tree huts.
Spirituality
They practice a more ritualistic form of spirituality, which doesn’t actually revolved around any deities. Most of their spirituality has to do with strength and the afterlife, however, their culture views death as something to be looked forward to, yet something one must earn. According to their culture, to seek death means that you will arrive too soon and miss Milock, the Navigator, who is the only one who can lead you to your rewards in the afterlife, which would mean you end up with nothing.
Motivations
As adventurers they are likely in search of deeds that need to be done and fame, which increase their status in the afterlife.
Notable Jrel
See Also
In the time of the Befores there also lived another race of humanoid creature called the Cauthrians, but they were killed off during the Great Purge because they had magic in their blood.