Bestiary

[kharma]

KINYA

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("KEEN-yuh")

The Kinya are a unique race of sprite that closely resemble fungi. On average, their growth spurt ends at around 2 feet in height, and thereafter they continue to grow at a decreased rate. Though the features of their upper bodies are humanoid, they are a plant species with the ability to move, provided they remain rooted. An uprooted Kinya will die within minutes, but is capable of both impressively fast movement and incredible feats of strength. Once uprooted, they consume all of their vital force at once in an uncontrollable rage. Kinya reproduce as seedlings housing a tiny embryo that grows where it falls, as long as it rests on a tree's root system. Kinya can only reproduce on fruit-bearing trees, as they enter a symbiotic relationship with the tree that converts its natural fruit into Kinya seedlings--therefore, this species is not gender-specialized. Anyone foolish or careless enough to harm such a tree or pluck its fruit will immediately be greeted with one or more Kinya that voluntarily uproot themselves with the sole purpose of brutally killing the offender(s).

Kinya speak only their own language, a trilling, high-pitched series of squeals and chitters, when they do speak--which is not often. Kinya do not have a culture or faith; they are ingrained with nature. An individual Kinya's features are relative to the tree they sprout on--taking their bark pattern and leaf and eye color directly from the tree's own DNA. Most travelers overlook this species because of their superb camouflage, but occasionally--if you can spot them--they will interact with you, provided that you haven't threatened their tree. From very limited experience, it has been gathered that the Kinya not only posess impressive vision, hearing, and smell, but are also capable of communicating with eachother and with other species through the root network in their area. They are not considered dangerous unless provoked.

[kharma]

JAKKA

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("JAH-kah")

The Jakka is a marsh-dwelling lizard that resembles an alligator. Unlike their larger cousins, however, they are relatively slow-moving and unimpressive in appearance, with scales ranging from brown to green tones and lacking distinct patterns. The advantage to such a plain appearance is sheer stealth. Jakka are scavengers, and spend the majority of their time camouflaged as gnarled branches or knots on logs while basking. Given the opportunity, Jakka catch and eat small birds, fish, and rodents. In large groups, they assume a more aggressive demeanor and are even known to overturn small boats for an easy meal.

Jakka rely on smell as their primary sense, though they have three pairs of eyes along their broad skull to detect any nearby movement. Their sense of smell can be enhanced by lapping the air with their tongue, like a snake, but this behavior is generally exhibited only when scavenging. Sometimes hunted for their skin, they are mostly docile and only considered dangerous when in large groups.