Khell

Khell
Plural:	khellin
Scientific Name:	draco sapiens terra gelatum
Homeworld:	Ramath-lehi
Characteristics
Height:	1.8 – 2.4 m (5.9 – 7.9 ft)
Weight:	150 – 250 kg (33 0– 550 lb)
Colouration:	Khell are most commonly found in earth tones (resembling dirt, moss, trees and rocks), but may be any colour.
Creation Notes

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Description

Khellin are the oldest subspecies of Pendragon. This ancient and mystical race, known for their exemplary prowess in Machina Technology, Enchanting, Dream Weaving, Jewellery, Smithing, Technical Engineering, Sculpting, Architecture, and Alchemy, are native to the frigid Trilok continent. Originally Khellin were thought to have been born from the frozen mountain earth, as they would often spring forth from their subterranean labyrinthine mega-cities to surprise foes.

Unlike their lithe northern Yki cousins, Khellin have very stocky and muscular builds with small ears and short tails. They are generally larger and weigh more than the average Pendragon due to their bone structure. Khellin have evolved to fit a very specific ecological niche, with many body characteristics adapted for extremely cold temperatures. They are insulated by several inches of blubber and have superbly dense underfur. Longer guard-hairs (up to 15 cm long for females and 40 cm for males) adorn their arms, legs, and ears, for extra warmth. It is not uncommon for Khellin to shave their fur when visiting or living in warmer climates, as they are prone to overheating in temperatures above 15 °C (59 °F). When exposed to extremely cold temperatures, Khellin secrete special oils which makes their fur even less susceptible to frost. It is these oils that make their fur very soft and luxurious to the touch.

Khellin are highly carnivorous and are unable to survive on a vegetarian diet. They possess large scooped claws which are amazing for digging through earth and ice, and have special molars that allow them to rip apart meat or carrion that has been frozen solid.

Reproduction and Social Life

• For reproduction specifics, please refer to Pendragons.

Social Structure

Traditionally, Khellin had a caste-based society which consisted of rulers, priests, soldiers, workers, and slaves. The Khellin, unlike the Anubi, completely abolished slavery and sacrificed many of their traditions in order to conform to the more contemporary Ramathian world-view where everyone is entitled to basic rights.

Alpaj: The Alpaj are masters in the trades that they function in and are patient enough to pass their information to younger generations.

Oldho/a: Reference of a Khell to their parents. Oldho to fathers, Oldha to mothers.

Noble Khell Families

• Adamaint: Perhaps the most politically and technologically influential of all the noble Khell families, and one of the members of the Council of Twelve. Based in the Adamaint Empire, located near Adamann.
• Dulaphar
• Goerduan
• Jarkorli: Not technically a full-blooded Khell family, but a hybrid bloodline of Khell and normal pendragon. Regardless, they are the current ruling family of Trilok, having taken control through political maneuvering and carefully-chosen marriages. Based in Cronvint.
• Koldrak
• Nithoros
• Sulramn
• Volithin: Once one of the mightiest of noble Khell families, but have long since fallen on hard times. Based in Volithin.

Habitat

The vast majority of Khellin are found within the Trilok continent. However, many have migrated to southern continents such as Bhim, or Notios Sudesha.

While the Khell can easily spend much of their lives above ground, they are known for digging and building vast underground cities. It is speculated that these began as little better than warrens, but over time began to grow larger, more complex and less burrow-like - the largest of Khell cities easily rival the largest of above-ground cities seen on other continents. Even cities with a more above-ground presence, such as Cronvint, still have complex series of subways and tunnels in the earth below.

Religion

Although considered barbaric by many Ramathians, when a Khell dies, it is traditional for the family of that individual to skin them and use their pelt. It is not uncommon for a Khell to be found wearing the pelt that once kept their ancestors warm, or to be using a pelt of a family member as a bed spread or rug. The remaining body and bones are then given funeral pyres and cremated. The cremated remains are brought to one of the many underground tombs and laid to rest with the rest of the family. Many Khell tombs have elaborate sculptures and are filled with enchanted treasures, which make them highly sought after by thieves (if they can manage to get past the incredible security).

History

Evolution and Early History

Prehistory to c. 8000

First Contact

c. 8000 to c. 10,000

The Rise of the Nobles

c. 10,000 to c. 41,000

The Ten Millennia of Wars

c. 41,000 to c. 51,000

Rebuilding into the "Golden Age"

c. 51,000 to c. 64,000

Civil War

64,597 to 64,643

Rise of the Jarkorli

64,643 to 67,203

• Cronvintok Castle

A View to Science

67,203 to 77,136

Nobles in Decline

77,136 to 81,191

The Khell Today

81,191 to present-day