Canisians

Saturio Wolyn, current member of the Montiac High Council.

The **Canisians** are a species of Wolf-folk residing in eastern Calast. Once residing in dense communities stretching across the eastern coast of Frigida Maris, which they called their sacred hunting ground, modern Canisians reside in either the Montiac Empire or Canisia, a small state formed on the shores of Sinus Album. Their former home was rendered nearly uninhabitable due to centuries of occupation by the Ursidae, who enslaved and subjugated the Canisians during their lengthy occupation of the area. Canisians are usually culturally sorted into Montiac-Canisians and traditional Canisians. Traditional Canisian culture is heavily based around their god, Kamen, and hunting. While the former has largely died off in Montiac-Canisians, hunting still plays a vital part in their culture and is a major factor in the Empire's lack of eastward expansion.

## History

### Origin

Canisians were released across their ancestral home during the first awakening. Though not spreading far, the Wolf-folk would develop dense and sophisticated communities around the region during the awakening era. Canisians became experts of their territory, and their deep understanding of the land and wildlife has carried over to their modern folk.

### Montiac Era

Until their contact with the Ursidae, the Canisians remained isolated. Records of traders passing through Eastern Calast only noted a few encounters with them, all of which ended without hostilities. Canisians were friendly to outsiders, and merely requested they leave their land. Canisian villages were said to be bustling and active, and would be home to thousands, if not more.

#### Contact with Grimsey (ME 112)

First contact with the Ursidae, specifically Clan Grimsey, came sometime during ME 112. Very few records of the two species' contact exist, but its assumed that Grimsey was immediately hostile. Over the following decades, numerous massacres were carried out by the Ursidae, which soon bred a deep hatred between the two species. Canisian communities were often forced to concede their crops and hunts to their occupiers or face massacre. Many villages were simply burned to the ground and lost to time, and by the second decade of occupation only a handful of major settlements would remain. Ursidae occupation ultimately forced many Canisians to flee eastwards, where they would form Canisia. However, not all chose to leave. Many Canisians refused to leave their home behind, and instead would either fight occupation or attempt to live a peaceful life under it. Canisians possess similar strength to the Ursidae, and also have a natural understanding of guerilla tactics thanks to their hunting nature. This meant that the Canisian rebellion, as it is now known, saw some actual success against their occupiers and were able to fight both from afar and up close. This mass rebellion proved to be a thorn in the side of Grimsey, and may have been a reason for their delayed expansion into mainland Calast. As the rebellion grew in momentum, Grimsey issued an ultimatum to either cease the fighting or lose their sacred hunting ground. Though many rebels stopped, enough continued to see Grimsey follow through on their threat. The exact date of the burning is unclear, but is thought to have occurred around ME 135, based off Nibayr tales of a great smoke blocking the sky for days. This loss was seen as a major tragedy to Canisians, and many ceased their support for the rebels. Grimsey would soon choose to enslave Canisians who continued to reside in the region, but still, the rebel's fight continued.

The next 2 centuries of Canisian history is mostly undocumented. Ursidae attempts to colonize the Canisian homeland continued to fail for sometime, with outposts attacked by the Wolf-folk soon after set-up. Enslaved Canisians would be kept in guarded settlements and small communities. Ursidae would live on the outskirts, keeping the Canisians in check and taking a large portion of their crops and hunts. Canisian slaves would often starve because of this, becoming frail and weak, unable to fight. This back-and-forth between the two species continued like this until the 4th century.

#### Northern War and contact with the Montiac Empire (ME 329)

*See also: The Northern War*

Clan Grimsey invaded mainland Calast in ME 329, with hostilities between it and the Empire immediately beginning. Though Grimsey made deep advances into the Montiac heartland, the heat of central Calast put them at a huge disadvantage. The Empire held out and ultimately pushed Grimsey back to their home islands. The Empire, with the assistance of other Ursidae clans, then launched an invasion of Grimsey's holdings in eastern Calast. First contact between the Empire and Canisian rebels occurred on the 18th of Decimus, ME 329. By sheer coincidence, a small force of Ursidae had been flanked by both the Empire and the rebels. The Canisians were at first wary of the Montiac soldiers due to their working with other Ursidae clans, but trust would be earned over the following days of fighting together. Six representatives of the Canisians, including future Montiac Councilor Saturio Wolyn, agreed to meet with the Montiac Empire and its new allies in the city of Verona on the 27th, forming the Verona Pact.

The formation of the Verona Pact began what modern Canisians call the "Great Revolution". While the Canisian's guerilla tactics made it difficult for them to work directly with their allies, the equipment and technological support from the Empire was enough for the Canisians to inflict major losses on Grimsey. Entire enslaved villages would be freed and soon join the fight, and the eastern Calast front of the Northern War was the only one which did not fall into stalemate during ME 330. By the end of the year, the Canisians had finally freed their people from centuries of servitude. For the remainder of the war Canisian involvement mainly saw them hunting Ursidae stragglers on mainland Calast and the Ursa Islands. A few hundred did join the Montiac army, and saw heavy fighting in the Ursidae's homeland.

Following the war, the Canisians migrated to either the Empire's Monua province or Canisia. Though they were free, their homeland had been left desecrated by the occupation, burning, and war.

#### Present-day

Presently, the Canisians have become a major species in the Montiac Empire despite only being apart of it for a few decades. While most reside in Monua, a sizeable amount have also made other areas of the Empire their home, and many even serve in government positions. A large help in the Canisians successful integration into the Empire was Novago. Then segregated by species, Canisian teams would soon rival those of the highly skilled Lepus, and a Canisian team led by Bogdek Kocuk won the Calast Novago Championship in ME 338. This win was the first time a non-Lepus team won the championship, and led to the end of the dividing rule in Novago the following year.

The nation of Canisia is seldom heard from, and the Empire has never had any official contact. The small amount of information comes from travelers, mostly Canisians, going to and from the nation.

## Description

Canisians are a physically imposing species. On average they will stand between 7'3 and 8'6, but typically hunch over and lose about half a foot. They have relatively lean figures for their size, but are generally very strong. They are also quite fast on two feet for a species their size. They are canine in appearance, and have a wide variety of fur colors. They posses sharp claws on both hands and feet as well as sharp teeth, all of which act as natural weapons. Canisians live to be around 48 years old, and will reach an adult level of maturity around 18.

While many other large species tend to be quite mentally dense, Canisians posses a high intelligence and are typically well spoken.

### Anatomy and physiology

Canisians have an incredible sense of smell, something that has aided greatly in their hunting nature. They breathe through two nostrils on the end of their snout. They possess pawed feet and pentadactyly hands and, like most species, evolved a thumb sometime between the storing of embryos in Habitats and the start of the Awakening Era. Canisians have five fingers on each hand. Their legs are digitigrade, and their feet have four toes each. A "dewclaw" sits slightly higher up their leg but is not used and has no known benefit. A similar digit also exists in their arms, also with no use. Their feet have pads on their bottoms, which helps with grip. Both their feet and hands possess sharp claws, with both sets being used heavily throughout their lifespans. Canisians have decently large ears protruding from the top of their head, usually in a triangle shape. These ears give them a superb sense of hearing. Canisian tails are long and bushy, growing between 2 and 3 feet on average. Canisians have great control of their tales, and they are often used to communicate without words.

Canisians have thick fur coats which help in keeping them warm. Their fur can vary in color and will have an effect on an individual's duty in their community. This coat of fur is shed during the summer, and Canisians will look much slimmer during this time. Sexual dimorphism is slim. with females being smaller than males.

## Society and culture

Following the end of the Northern War and their subjugation by the Ursidae, Canisian culture has been split between those living in the Montiac Empire and those living in Canisia, though some norms are shared.

Canisians have a heavy belief in fate, and refuse to intervene in an ongoing death whether it be saving family or an ally, or finishing off an enemy. During the Northern War, Canisians were never reported to kill injured Ursidae even with their intense hatred towards the Bear-folk. They will not kill injured animals either, and will leave injured prey for days before returning. Directly killing is acceptable, as ones right to fight and hunt is seen as their individual fate. Although this belief is an annoyance for other species working alongside them, as long as a Canisian is backed up by another species or directly kills its enemy, it's typically not an issue. This belief also means that Canisians are adept at knowing how to kill their enemy fast, especially while hunting.

Hunting is culturally important, and is a large part of Canisian history. Even today, social status is largely earned through it. They have a highly efficient and systematic approach to hunting, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and strategy. Hunting is done by a pack of 6 or 7. Packs are assigned at birth, and will work together for their entire life. When formed, packs pour a fraction of each's blood into a bowl, which is said to give them a spiritual bond. Death does not effect a packs composition. For example if only a single member is living, they must hunt alone. While hunting with a different pack or a mix is allowed, it's required to pray to Kamen for approval first. Packs are led by their leader assigned at their formation, but will usually change hands through challenging numerous times. Any member of a pack may challenger for the lead role. The challenger and current leader will fight in a small circle, and the first to be pushed out loses. Hunting is done through both traps and weapons, with both being seen as equally impressive.

Canisians have a strict code of conduct for hunters. This code emphasizes respect for the hunted, sustainable hunting practices, and sharing of the kill with the community. Failure to comply with this code is leads to social ostracism and loss of status within the pack.

Upon death, a Canisians body is laid to rest without a burial in their sacred hunting grounds. It's believed that when a body is broken down following death, the soul escapes and spends eternity hunting. For Montiac-Canisians their sacred ground are the forests of the province of Monua. Canisia uses a number of islands in Sinus Album. Canisian communities have a deep understanding of their ground and will usually know its layout by memory. They are also expert trackers, and can track prey for days if necessary. They have unique techniques for tracking, stalking, and ambushing their prey, which are passed down through generations. Their ancestral hunting grounds were of great importance to them, and its loss continues to be of great sadness to the Canisians.

### Traditional Canisians

#### Appearance

Traditional Canisians wear little clothing, preferring to keep as much of their fur exposed as possible both for warmth and camouflage. The little clothing worn consists of only leather pants and a strap worn across ones chest, used for easier carrying of weapons. Both of these items will be dyed or painted the same color of the wearers fur.

Fur color is vital to ones societal role, and each color has a different duty in their community. Black furred Canisians will lead hunting packs, while grey and white make up other hunters. One brown or blonde furred Canisian will be in the pack to carry a hunt home, and help with actual hunting if required. While the social status of these two colors is lower due to their lack of hunting they can often be physically stronger than even pack leaders, and will sometimes serve as a sort of 2nd in command. Those with reddish/orange fur are rare, and will usually be ostracized from their community. If not, they are barred from hunting and will only serve in upkeep of their village. Black and grey furred Canisians are the only ones allowed to hold positions of power. Should an individual have a mixed coat, the dominant color is chosen.

#### Architecture

Canisian communities will mostly be made up of small wooden huts. As they are fairly comfortable outside without shelter, these huts tend to be small and simple. Sometimes, communities can be built in caves. These have no huts or structures of any kind, and instead use the natural makeup of the cave to house themselves.

#### Food

Canisians are purely carnivorous. Carabs, Gyrox, and Chion are most commonly hunted due to their year-round prevalence in cold environments. Oryces are sometimes hunted as well but can be difficult to take down due to their size.

#### Language

Velkyt is the only spoken language of traditional Canisians. Velkyt is extremely difficult to understand for non-native speakers. Native speakers learning other languages usually carry over a heavy accent and are hard to understand themselves. It's very difficult for Canisians to learn other languages past a certain age due to their mouth settling into the form needed to speak Velkyt

Velkyt has 15 letters in its alphabet, making it vastly different from other widely spoken languages like Miatan or Monti. While they struggle with many bilabial letters, Canisians are able to emit hums and growls. They will often use these to substitute their inability to make other sounds. Traditional Canisians have the ability to communicate amongst themselves with growls, barks, howls, and other vocal noises. These are almost indecipherable to other species.

#### Religion

Canisian religion is known as Kamenism, and is centered around the god Kamen and the act of hunting. Kamen is seen as the patron of hunters. They believe that it guides their hunts and provides for them in times of need. Rituals and prayers to Kamen are performed before and after every hunt to seek favor and give thanks, and take place at various sites across their sacred grounds. During times of hardship, Canisians will gather at these sacred sites and offer sacrifices in the form of prey, as well as perform ritual dances dramatizing legendary hunts and moments in Canisian history.

Kamen itself has no true form. Some stories say Kamen was a Canisian who first discovered their sacred hunting ground. Others say it's nothing more than the moon that guides hunting packs at night. No matter the story though, Kamen is worshipped all the same. Kamen is said to be largely indifferent to the Canisians' individual actions so long as each member contributes to the hunt.

### Montiac-Canisians

Canisians residing in the Montiac Empire are culturally distant from their traditional relatives. While hunting is still central to their culture, it's carried out due to tradition rather than necessity. Social structure is also not as dependent on it, and Canisians will often adopt professions that are not directly related to hunting. They make excellent blacksmiths, and can often be found in major Montiac cities doing so. In the army, Canisians will also be appointed as teachers for scouts and ranged infantry, and many will be employed by cities in "urban hunting", such as pest control or scavenging for lost items.

Due to them only recently being incorporated into the Empire, Canisians in some regions will face discrimination. Their heavy accent combined with their wild nature and appearance has led many to label them as barbaric. With the appointment of Saturio Wolyn to the High Council and the heavy usage of Canisians in Novago, this has slowly started to cease.

#### Appearance

Along with pants and footwear, Canisians in the Montiac Empire will tend to wear a shirt or other piece of clothing to cover their torso. Most Montiac-made clothes are not designed to fit the substantially larger Canisians, and most clothing will be Canisian made.

Fur color is non-important in everyday life, but still apply to hunting. Reddish/orange furred individuals are not ostracized, and are allowed to partake in hunts.

#### Architecture

Canisians in the Empire have adapted to its indoor style of living, residing in stone and brick homes. Many still have a call to the wild, and will have long stays in the outdoors.

Canisians prefer not to use chairs due to their size, tails, and leg shape. Instead, Canisians sit on floor pillows.

#### Food

While still eating a carnivorous diet, Montiac-Canisians have incorporated small amounts of plants and herbs into their meals. These mainly come in the form of spices or side dishes.

#### Language

While Velkyt is still largely spoken, most Canisians will be fluent in Monti, learning it practically from birth. This is due to the large number of Lepus settlers in Monua. Their heavy accent, however, still makes Canisians difficult to understand.

#### Religion

Traditional Kamenism is practically dead. The Lepus Rabium religion is instead followed. The small number of followers will combine Kamenism with Rabium, usually placing Kamen in the 6th plane of existence. Rhemarus, the Rabium god of nature, is most commonly prayed to, even by those why still hold a small belief in Kamen.

The death of Kamenism in Montiac-Canisians is attributed to the loss of their sacred hunting grounds. Despite numerous prayers for help, Kamen allowed it to be destroyed. Many now believe Kamen either does not care about his folowers, or does not exist at all.

#### Sports

Although no sports existed in traditional Canisian society, Canisians in the Montiac Empire have taken heavily to Novago. The Wolf-folk are highly sought after by Novago teams for their size and strength, and are second only to the Lepus in number of players.

## Relationship with other species

Most species hold the Canisians in high regard. The Wolf-folk are traditionally quite friendly, and eager to learn about other cultures after centuries of isolation. Canisia is off-limits to other species, and those that travel will be turned away.

Canisians have a particularly strong relationship with the Nibayr due to their relative proximity in the Empire.

Canisians have a deep hatred for the Ursidae. It's extremely difficult to get a member of each to cooperate, even during the Northern War when both species were members of the Verona Pact. Clan Thorvin currently holds the Canisian's ancestral territory, and packs from Canisia will occasionally launch raids into the area.