Kerra

## Kerras - Felines of the Quiet Storm

### **Background**

Kerra are a feline race with extreme grace and agility. Their bodies are slightly taller than Humans, though they tend to hunch slightly. Female Kerra are a bit larger than males, which has contributed to their development as a matriarchal culture. Kerra architecture is limited to thatched huts and simple stone buildings. Kerra trace their ancestry back to their first great leader, Kejaan, and his son, Vah Kerrath.

Kejaan traveled the continent of Odus, uniting the various tribes into one kingdom. This ushered in an era of peace and prosperity for the Kerra, and their culture began to thrive. Unfortunately, Erud and his High Men arrived to settle the continent, taking over much of the land that until now had belonged to the Kerra. Even worse, a great plague infected many Kerra, causing massive deaths. The Kerra blamed the Heretics, whose study of necromancy had brought a new darkness to the land. During the civil war between the Erudites and the Heretics, a huge explosion of mystical forces blasted a giant hole into the ground and teleported an entire Kerra village to Luclin.

Vah Kerrath was among those to survive this journey; he renamed this new tribe the Vah Shir and they went on to develop their own culture on the dark side of the moon. Most of the surviving Kerra on Norrath left Odus, fleeing westward to settle Kerra Isle. When the veil preventing travel to and from Luclin was breached, a few Vah Shir interested in a simpler lifestyle travelled to Kerra Isle and adopted Kerra customs and beliefs. These Vah Shir infused the race with some of their greater natural strength. It was one of these Kerra, a monk named Evora, who received the Word of the Tranquil and took her followers to Antonica to watch for the prophecy to be fulfilled.

### **Faith**

Kerra are shamanistic in nature, worshiping no specific deity but honoring the spirits of the land and those of their ancestors. Kerra society is matriarchal, so females are most often the priests and leaders while males provide food and protect the tribe. Their appreciation and respect for nature has led some Kerra to become Druids.

### **Effects of the Shattering**

Above all else, the Kerra seek isolation from the other races. Mingling with others has caused only sorrow, so while they accept the need to take shelter in the Human cities, they avoid contact with outsiders. This is especially true in the case of Erudites, who engender even more distrust from the Kerra. Though they are generally in direct conflict with no one, the Freeport Kerra are likely to have clashes with Erudites.

### **Pros and Cons**

#### **Pros:**

* Kerra have fairly stable stats, with Intelligence (15) being the only one lower then 20.
* Agility is the Kerra's highest attribute, making them great Scouts. They avoid damage better than other races.
* High Strength means that a Kerra will be a good Fighter. This Strength also means that they are able to carry lots of loot without being overburdened.

#### **Cons:**

* Sonic Vision is terrible. When moving, everything becomes a blur and you can't readily identify anything. If you're in a dungeon and need more light, it's better to light a torch than to try to use Sonic Vision.
* If you want to be a Mage the Kerra isn't the best of choices; their low Intelligence makes for a lower Power pool and more fizzles.