Faratae

*"Speaking without bias I must say the Faratae are survivors. Despite thousands of years of isolation, they have adapted through the ages of aer, man and now demons and undead. I predict The Faratae will roam Vel for many, many years.*

**- *Fernando Barboza*, *Denizens of a Desolate Vel.***

The **Faratae**are a humanoid race from Vel and currently reside in Faragale. Members of the Faratae race are generally thought to be serious and stern. They are skilled explorers, sailors, marksmen and chefs.

## Statistics

* ***Ability Scores***+2 Dexterity, -2 Charisma. Faratae are naturally agile but their stoicism and loner personalities can make them seem offputting to others.
* ***Age***Faratae live just under a century.
* ***Speed***Your base speed is 40 feet.
* ***Size*** Medium
* ***Starlight Vision***Faratae can see 60 feet in low-light conditions.
* ***Languages*** You can speak, read, and write Farageese and Velli.
* **Alert Slumber:** While sleeping Faratae are considered alert and may make listen checks without penalty. This may be done a maximum of one plus your wisdom modifier per night.
* **Cartography:** The masters of maps gain a +2 to knowledge (geography) and survival checks.
* **Faratae Stalking:** Faratae are quiet on their feet. They always consider Move Silently a class skill and gain a +2 misc bonus.
	+ When tailing or stalking a specific target a Faratae doubles their misc bonus.
* **Gunslinger:** The Faratae are proficient in matchlock rifles.
	+ Additionally, instead of their matchlock acting as a d6 club it is a d8 when wielded by a faratae.
* **Perfectionist:** Faratae strive to never make mistakes. Once per day you can reroll any failed check. If you decide to do so, you may also add another standard or move action to your turn but will remain flat-footed until the start of your next turn.

## Faragale

*Main article: Faragale*

Faragale is in a south-western peninsula south of the Renwood forest. Faragale is the most humid region in Vel having hot summers and wet winters, and being much less snowy compared to other regions. The north is rugged and craggy while the south is filled with rolling plains, both being separated by a great river.

## Physiology

The Faratae have a feline appearance though notably they had never seen cats until they noticed the Aerdori kept them as companions (which makes them incredibly uncomfortable to be near.) They often have darker coats of black or grey with some slight patterns however those hailing from the north or spend a lot of time traveling may have unique variations. They are slender weighing roughly 150 pounds and stand a little under six feet tall.

## History

The Faratae claim to have been in Vel longer than the Aer peoples through there truly isn't any evidence of this. Faratae mythos claims that there were many tribes of Faratae long ago, a tribe that represented each element and each aspect of the cosmos. Ultimately the only two tribes that remained were the tribe of water and the tribe of the Seeking Star. The two merge together and are the earliest ancestors of modern Faratae.

The Faratae spend years avoiding the races of aer until the meet the Graete, which causes a brief war between the two. Ultimately the two become trade partners though Faragale still wishes to be left in isolation. It isn't until The Faratae makes note of strange beings, which we now know as humans, that they contact the other races of aer. The Faratae are relatively uninvolved in most conflicts in Vel besides eradicating Vadoma for building too close to their kingdom and defending themselves in a brief war against Nordath.

During the Age of Vanquish the Faratae instantly begin constructed defenses as opposed to helping the Kingdom of the Shadow Sun. They managed to defend themselves and are currently allied with the Kingdom of the New Dawn.

## Culture

The faratae are very serious and stoic. While some may be influenced by the ways of man they mostly take every aspect of their culture seriously. While it is obvious that aspects of the military, clergy and nobility should be taken seriously it applies to their art, schooling, and theaters as well. This leads to lighthearted songs, poems and comedies being a rarity and niche among faratae as most prefer logical and realistic approaches to the arts.

Food is also immensely important to Faratae. Just like other aspects of their life the creation of a dish is a serious matter. No one is every served something they dislike and often if company is invited over no one else will eat said dish out of respect. Gin crafting is a precise craft just like any food production and is the biggest export of the faratae. A faratae's first meal of the day is the most lighthearted and breakfast is when you will hear faratae making the most jokes compared to any other aspect of their life.

## Religion

The Faratae believe in a monotheistic goddess named Estrellia; the belief being called Estra. The belief focuses on the Seeking Star and the tides of the waves. This belief has directly influenced Faratae culture and is usually thought to be why they are masters of sailing and navigation. Shrines are built throughout Faragale near water edges or in fields below starlight. While they are often used as places of quick worship they are practical as they often act as navigation beacons or water purifiers.

## Military

The Faratae military has never been truly defeated in war and barely loses battles. This comes from careful planning and observation of the rest of Vel. Their army consists of breastplate wearing warriors usually carrying thin blades. Modern Faratae knights usually carry a matchlock rifle as Faragale uniquely has gunpowder at their disposal.

Faratae are also the undisputed kings of the seas. Their navy is a force to be reckoned with and they are notable for being able to navigate the stormy Draywick Ocean. They also utilize their gunpowder to make cannons on their boats.