Arai

in: Races

## Introduction

The Arai are the most widespread of the bestial humanoids. They possess decidedly feline traits, most notably cat-like ears and a tail. Some are known to have sharp, lengthy claws and pronounced canines, whereas others have filed them down. Arai are known to have originated in Khemet, where a majority still reside. Others have migrated over the years and adopted foreign cultures or made up more tribal-like groups away from the influence of non-Arai. Those whose tendency for curiosity and outright theft and raider-mentality are often found beyond the walls of most cities, instead making their own camps and groupings. In Khemet, the Arai are treated like kings and queens. Seen as blessed by the cat god Bast, they live lives of luxury and ease.

## The Basics

* **Other Names:** Miut
* **Slang:** Animal references are often offensive to beastkin. “Cat Girl” “Dog Boy” and so on are often seen as an insult.
* **Appearance**: Arai are feline-type humanoids with long tails and small, pointed ears of various colors and patterns. They’re known to have the eyes of a cat, sharpened canines, and lithe figures and forms.
* **Lifespan:** Upwards of 75 Years
* **Height:** 160 cm (5’3”) to 180 cm (5’11”)
* **Culture:** The only culture Arai are strongly tied to is that of Khemet, and in particular, the Goddess Bast. They are viewed with reverence in Khemet by the populace and are often labeled as Bast’s Children in some cases, or incarnations of Bast in others.
* **Common Character Roles:** Priests, Artisans, Craftsmen, Merchants, Warriors, Hunters
* **Common Allies:** Humans of Khemet, primarily, and other similar culture types.
* **Common Enemies:** Cult of Sopeth, Orudei, Long-Qin, Centari, Nihon
* **Religion:** Arai follows the Goddess Bast primarily, and often Pra as a secondary deity. They’re avidly opposed to any semblance or association to Sopeth, the Cult, and other gods found in differing pantheons due to their strong ties and historical significance given towards Bast.
* **Views on Magic:** Very few Arai are comfortable with magic that is displayed beyond the sanctity of Khemet’s territories, though the ones capable of magic in their own right are far more relaxed in their apprehensions. It’s perceived as a boon from Bast herself for an Arai to wield magic, and is a measure of responsibility for others who possess the ability to cast spells. Reckless usage of magic is frowned upon, as is the usage of dark and vile spheres of magic.

# Appearances

The Arai have feline tails and ears, though the shapes and colors of these can vary quite a bit compared to the more set forms of other bestial humanoids. They vary in appearance perhaps more widely than any other of the bestial-like species, able to look somewhat similar in appearance to a domesticated cat or even beginning to resemble such powerful felines as a lion or a panther. They are known for their immense adaptability and survival instincts, and are often found in at least small numbers in a wide variety of other cultures and climates. Their hair can range nearly any color a human’s hair can be, and sometimes even more exotic colorations and patterns can be found such asan Arai who might resemble a tiger or other unique feline. Their eyes are most often yellow, though they can be different along the same lines that a cat’s can, including, on rare occasion, having a set of heterochromatic eyes. A male Arai tends to be larger in overall stature and size, meaning they trend towards being taller and heavier. Their female counterparts tend to be a little bit smaller in both stature and size, though not by much.

## History & Culture

Arai are known in Khemet to be the Children of Bast, considered direct descendants of the Goddess herself. They’re treated like royalty within Khemet. As such, the Arai who choose to remain amongst the place of their origins are often discovered living a life of ease and luxury. Some take residence in the Temples of Bast, even the smaller scale shrines, found throughout Khemet while others have taken to living amongst the upper echelon of Khemet society. They’re renown for favoring fine silks, elaborate jewelry and demonstrate a rather aloof regard for common things and struggles. Lounging about, low effort activities are relatively common for the Arai, but some have shown an affinity towards servicing the temples of Bast, some Pra, and even more have demonstrated a knack for fine crafts and have explored life as a merchant.

Some have left the life of Khemet behind, creating their own various ways of life abroad or acclimating to new cultures. Their ability to intermingle throughout the world has been a boon to the Arai, displaying a cunning and intelligence that allows them to adapt to new environments with minimal struggle. Generally speaking, while there’s a subtle dimorphism in size between the male and female Arai, there are no real gender roles within their overall community. Being more likely to adapt to the environments they call home, they are often performing roles that match the norm of the culture they have immersed themselves in. In the groups that separate and band together, forming their own groups beyond the human cities, the Arai adopt a tribalistic practice and perceive the other Arai who are not committed to their different ways of life with little more than a passing kinship. Leadership in these groups is handled through the age old practice of Might is Right with the strongest of the bunch leading their kin. In even rarer cases, the most cunning of the outcasts have been known to take charge.

The Arai are often seen as fickle when choosing mates, as some may choose never to settle with a single mate. This isn’t always the case though and sometimes deep and lasting bonds can evolve between a mutually adoring pair, with practices surrounding this varying largely by the culture the Arai in question have adopted, and the traditions they practice. This often involves somehow marking one another as belonging to another and violating such a union except by mutual agreement is seen as a terrible stain by their peers.

## Views on Magic

Very few Arai are comfortable with magic that is displayed beyond the sanctity of Khemet’s territories, though the ones capable of magic in their own right are far more relaxed in their apprehensions. It’s perceived as a boon from Bast herself for an Arai to wield magic, and is a measure of responsibility for others who possess the ability to cast spells. Reckless usage of magic is frowned upon, as is the usage of dark and vile spheres of magic.

## Racial Abilities & Weaknesses

### Nightvision

All beastkin are capable of seeing in the dark.

### Aspect of the Cat

Due to their nimbleness, beastkin with this aspect are functionally immune to abilities that would ensnare, trip, or otherwise root them in place. This does not include abilities or effects that cause paralysis and the beastkin must be able to move to make use of this ability. Examples include the Bolas ability of bounty hunters and the Rooting Vines ability of nature magic.

### Aversion to Water

Due to their feline-nature, all Arai have an aversion to magical conjuration of water and therefore a weakness to hydromancy and cannot take this sphere as a choice for magic.

## Attachment & Kit Items:

The items listed in the kits below are made with the Season 6 modlist. They have been updated as of **14th December 2023**.

*Expand for Arai Racial Kit*

## Lore Contribution

> **Credit for Lore Contribution:**
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