Kahr

> "*Within a life time, we will unite. We must.*"
> ― Draeveck Marivak
>
>

The Kahr (also referred to as Kahr'un for males or Kahr'yu for females) are one of the oldest races in the known Verse.

## General

### Naming

Kahr generally have soft names with some sort of -ae, -ar, or -ah sound. Harsher sounds such as -s or -x sounds are avoided. There are small differences between male, female, and androgynous names.

#### Female

Female names tend to have smoother, softer sounds and tend to end in -an, -ae, or -ee. Examples include:

* Naajan, Avrileen, Ardellae, Jaylan, Rehnan, Maeleen

#### Male

Male names are still soft, but contain more hard consonants. They tend to have -v sounds and end in -ek, -ar, or -in. Examples include:

* Varek, Mayvin, Nayvar, Draeveck, Kahvar, Nahvylek

#### Unisex

Unisex and androgynous names are soft with a heavy usage of -in or -iv sounds and soft consonants such as g, j, and d. Examples include:

* Gaelyn, Dyvrae, Yvelar, Jayvrin, Gylaen, Dynlaer

## Biology

### Overview

The Kahr are a mammalian race with dense bone structure and immense strength. They tend to be nocturnal.

### Lifespan

The lifespan of a Kahr is typically 180 Terran Years, or double the usual Terran life span.

### Skin Tones

Skin tones vary between sexes and are determined by the level of androgonacoids present within the body. These hormones also regulate sexual behavior and characteristics. At lower levels, skin pigmentation tends to be blue. At higher levels, this turns to red.

The skin tends to be more red or purple on joints such as the elbows and knees as well as their shoulders, horns, and lower abdomens. This varies with each individual. Albinism in Kahr is nonexistent, but there are other mutations which have caused female Kahr to have reddish skin typical of a male.

Females generally sport light blue, dark blue, or lavender/violet skin. Males tend to have mauve, pale crimson, or reddish-purple skin. Dark blues are seen as extremely attractive for females, while reds are seen as extremely attractive to males. Androgynous Kahr tend to have purple-ish skin in the range that overlaps between sexes.

While skin color is linked closely to the sexual characteristics of the race, it is not an end-all factor in sex. Some Kahr take hormones to change the color of their skin, either to be perceived as a different gender or simply to make themselves seem more attractive.

### Horns/Crests

All Kahr have large fleshy horns protruding from their foreheads, though the shape and size are determined by sex and by genetics.

They are a major factor in species attraction and are considered a sexual characteristic; the grander the horns, the typically more attractive they are. In Kahr society, it is considered extremely rude to look or stare at the horns. The equivalent in human society would be to stare at one's breasts or crotch.

Evolutionary-wise, these horns were also used to sense electrical signals, usually from incoming storms. However, centuries of being around technology has dulled these senses; the areas themselves are more sensitive to the touch, regardless.

Females tend to have longer, thinner, more horn-like crests, while males tend to have broader, shorter, more crest-like protrusions.

### Brow Horns

As with the facial horns, the smaller horns on the brow vary by sex. All Kahr have three to six small cartilage-based horns lining the brow of each eye. The only difference between female and males is the size and color of the horns. Females have smaller, lighter horns, while males have darker and longer/wider horns. All horns tend to be about 1-3 cm in length and 0.5 cm wide.

### Reproductive Organs

The reproductive organs of the Kahr are surprisingly similar to human anatomy, and as a result are compatible between the two species. However, the chance of cross-impregnation is about 0.001%. Any offspring would also be sterile.

Females have a vaginal cavity similar to humans, although the muscles of it are surprisingly strong and tend to grip onto things that penetrate it. The walls of the vaginal cavity are lined with rounded, flagella like protrusions that brush against objects that penetrate.

Males have a phallus-like, semi-prehensile organ with ridges along its length and narrowed at the tip. It averages 6" (15.2 cm) long when aroused and 4" (10.2 cm) when flaccid. The base is about 2" (5.0 cm) in width and 1" (2.5 cm) at the tip. Like terrans, they have testicles located in a tight scrotum behind the phallus. They reside much closer to the body than terrans as a response to the immense gravity of the planet.

### Hair

The hair of Kahr generally tends to be the color of their skin, but near-black, unless it is dyed. Their hair varies in texture and is much thicker than human hair. Males have the ability to grow facial hair, though this isn't a particularly popular style on Karthracia.

### Eyes

Kahr have reflective eyes with green eye shine. They have excellent low-light vision and are sensitive to bright lights. Such bright lighting is often painful to be exposed to.

Eye colors tend to be light green, brown, beige, or mustard yellow. Some abnormalities have caused Kahr to have blue or forest green eyes, although such occurrences are rare.

### Bioluminescence

All Kahr have bioluminescent pigments in the skin that react to pain or sensual pleasure and are triggered by impulse signals from the brain. The light they emit is dim and as a result are only visible in low light. These lights can also be used to communicate with other Kahr as a silent signal, though this is more of a leftover evolutionary trait from their hunter/gatherer days.

### Diet/Mouth

Kahr are omnivorous and have a very high tolerance for spicy foods due to the planet's vegetation. They have one more pair of canines than humans. Their teeth are incredibly strong, with a bite force of 250-300 lbs (113.4-136.1 kg).

## Society

### Religion

Deities:

* Kaemis, god of knowledge
* Garrek, god of war
* Arveleenae, goddess of life

### Economy

The Kahr have a credit-based currency similar to most places in the Local Group. Their system is similar to capitalism.

### Traditions

Marriage: The Kahr have very elaborate marriage ceremonies that celebrate the joining of two Kahr; ceremonies typically start with a long march of sorts along an ancient path by a major river (Faymertik) to an even more ancient tree the Kahr regard with immense respect. It is under here that they join together– each partner places a heavily decorated large skull (marked with paint, feathers, and various other decor) on the other's head in the manner of a mask. They then bump foreheads, and the Overseer of the ceremony wraps a red ribbon about the two partners' hands, symbolically joining them together. The rest of the ceremony is spent with traditional dancing and celebration of the newly wed. The two must keep the masks on the entire night; if they do not, it is considered a bad omen.

Garb for these ceremonies consist of a very tight undersuit, with incredibly detailed shawls worn on top. Heavy use of jewelry (for any gender) is common– big, flashy stone necklaces that wrap dozens of times around the neck and chest are one such accessory. The horns of the couple are often decorated in a special paint.

### Greetings

Head nod, flatten ears: Used as a [submissive] gesture of respect towards those of a higher class than you.

Wave hand, smile: Same as a terran friendly greeting.

"Pahmira!" : Good to see you!

### Language

Kartish (Car-TEESH) is the primary language of their world, though most Kahr also speak common. There are several dialects of Kartish throughout the world.

#### Common Phrases

Filha'reean: Enough and end this discussion for good. - Generally used when exasperated at end of arguments when one party is well, just kinda freaking out for no good reason and just needs to stop.

Kalsh'kalan: Good luck (essentially)

Najhin: Slight variation of Naajan, perhaps more of a different accent. Geological difference.

Pahmira: Good to see you

Vir'ar: Partner

Vir'mar: Wife, fem partner

Vir'par: Husband, male partner

### Attitude to Outsiders

While not hostile towards outsiders, visitors to their world are rare, so they consider them with cautious curiosity more than anything. Someone visiting their world would be subject to alot of stares and questions. Terrans especially would be regarded as a curiosity. Sometimes these stares can turn into guarded suspicion.

### Factions

Primary: The Kahr are a unified species, so most of the planet will fall under this category.

Splinter: Smaller communities dot Karthracia that do not recognize the authority of the councils. These include small black markets, military outposts, and some farmer communities. Isolated communities also fall under this category.

### Customs

Staring at a Kahr's horns is as offensive as it would be for a terran to stare at another terran's breasts or butt. Touching them is also a no-go, unless one is styling their hair. It is an incredibly intimate gesture to run one's hands along a Kahr's horns, especially considering the increased sensitivity in these areas. Ironically, Kahr do not care as much about looks at their breasts, seeing as they are typically a non-sexual characteristic.

### Fashion

Kahr fashion consists of high-necked shirts and form-fitting clothing. Heavy use of geometric patterns is common. Some Kahr enjoy fashion common elsewhere in the local group. Colors of typical Kahr clothing are pretty bright, with heavy use of complementary and adjacent coloring.

Eye makeup is extremely popular on Karthracia; Kahr of any gender can be seen with elaborate eyeliner and patterns near their eyes. However, this is typically a more feminine/androgynous means of expression.

Accessories for horns can also be seen, though not as common– some Kahr tattoo their horns, but these is seen as a more sexual thing. Horn rings are more common than tattoos.

The ideal Kahr'yu has deep blue skin and long, graceful horns and horn-brows. Almond eye-shape, green eye-color, a thin nose, and full lips are considered attractive. Long faces are also ideal. Ideal Kahr'yu are of medium-height, a full figure, and have long, dark, styled hair.

The ideal Kahr'un has near-red skin, broad, thick horns, thick horn-brows, and a squared face. Almond eye shapes are still ideal. Ideal Kahr'un are of medium stature and have a rectangular body shape. Dark, wavy hair is seen as attractive.

### Authority

The cities are generally run by a small council that oversees law-making and peace-keeping, with one main council that unites the planet. They're a global "kingdom" in a sense; it is not like earth with all their territories. There are some smaller factions independant of these councils though.

The leaders of these councils are elected from a pool of elite who have been trained for years in the workings of the planet. They stay in their positions for a long time (about 20 or so Terran years) before they are reelected, unless they do something warranting their release from their position.

### Technology

Kahr are far more ancient than Terrans, and as a result their technology is much more advanced. They have a very positive attitude towards science and space travel; their world is also home to one of the pioneers of intergalactic space travel.

### Social Standards/Equality

Karthracia has fantastic gender equality, with everyone seen pretty much as equal to each other, barring social classes. However, females do tend to be a bit more dominant and aggressive than males.

Kahr are lax about gender preference in romantic relationships, and gender as a concept itself is loose; a neutral gender is fairly common in their society. Kahr do occasionally also enter polyamorous relationships and can enter polygamous marriages, though these aren't as common as monogamous ones.

### Military

Kahr do favor academics over military, but Karthracia has a decent military force. There is an elite Kahr force that are part of an Aurora-based authority; because of the fact Aurora is aligned with Jayruta, they are in a sense an extension of them. Kahr are pretty ideal for military operations because they are immensely strong from the gravity; their bones are really hard to break, and they're incredibly strong; they have to be in order to survive their planet.