Homunculus

*"We are Falcon's Children, born to the flame. Saved by the flame. Doomed to the Flame."*

## Introduction

The Homunculus were a race never to be. They were created long ago by mistake, a accident done by a wizard. They were doomed to die, and death would have taken them. However Flamma, or as everyone else knows him Falcon, came to their aid. Blessed by the Lord of Flames they were able to survive, then trive, and eventually gain a footing in the world. The religion of the Homunculus people is Flamma, The Flame. When a child is born they burn a candle in celebration. When they see another spring they burn the first of the thaw. When they die they burn their dead. Fire, marks and guides the Homunculus.

## Physical Features

Homunculus, or The Little People, to some, are a race of small men. Well men is not a proper description. They are not humans, but they look human like. Humans and homunculus can not reproduce, and thus they are scientifically a diffrence spicies. This diffrence can also be noted in their physical traits. Where Humans can range from four feet to seven feet and above, Homunculus only grow between two to three feet. They also have much larger heads than humans and denser bones. They are known for their large eye.

Physical Traits

* Large Heads
* Large Eyes
* Extremly Short - 2 to 3 feet tall
* Bipedal
* Large Brains
* No Fur
* Dense Skeletons
* Extremely Tasty

Homunculus small size, and large heads make them easy to spot and easy to kill. As a result they were easy prey for many natural predators. Their close resemblance to humans made them targets for other races that resented humans, and this also make them targets as pets for humans. The species itself was on the verge of going extinct when Falcon came to them, and granted them the ability to create fire at will. This changed their lives drastically giving them the ability to fight back against larger and stronger enemies. It also allowed them to craft greater tools by smelting the earth, and working with heated metals. Because of this Falcon is embedded in their culture.

## Culture

Homunculus Culture is varied and different depending on where one is located. Homunculus have a tendency to try to blend in to the cultures of the people around them. They eat the same things they eat, and wear the same things they wear. They are a pragmatic people who fully beleive in the statement when in Rome do as the romans do. However that belief halts when it comes to religion.

Most of the Homunculus population are Falcon Worshipers, or what they call Flamma, the flame. They devote themselves to this religion wholeheartedly. Everyday they will burn something. No exceptions. When they celebrate they create a bond fire. When die they burn their bodies. When they prey they stare into a candle, and when they work they sing praises to Falcon. Pyromania is common, practices, and planned for. In Homunculus communites there are fire pits already made for such events. Putting out flames with water is seen as blasphemy to them. If a flame breaks out in a Homunculus community they will not call for buckets, but call for a priest. The priest preys to Falcon, and Falcon will suppress the flames. If Falcon chooses not to then it is seen as the will of their god and they allow the structures to burn till the flame goes out itself, for Falcon deems the sacrifice enough.

## Relationship with Other Races

The Homunculus are seen with mix light with other races. On one hand they bring in many skilled artisans who can forge and mold metal to a high degree. Thus they bring richest and prosperity. On the other they also bring their crazy fire loved religion, and the inevitable fact that there will be a wild fire eventually. Worst being they won't put it out, and will take offense to you putting it out. As a result they are seen as pesk. Generally they are received with a mix welcome, but they are usually not allowed to live within the general area of cities. They usually have a walled off section for them, A gedo, or a small hamlet outside of the city.

## Racial Abilities

All Homunculus are born with Pyrokensis. They have a inborn ability to create flames. This comes from their connection to Falcon. Those born without this connection are called Homu, and they are born with nothing. Homu don't usually live long, and are seen as traitors by Homunculus kind. As a result they are often assassinated.