Chasa

Vaeril Shanorin, third Emperor of the Shanorin Dynasty

The **Chasa** are a species of Cat-folk residing in northwestern Meridian and formerly Calor. The Chasa are the founders of the Shanorin Dynasty, which is home to the majority of their species. Extremely small numbers live in frontier provinces of the Montiac Empire, and its assumed many also reside in the deeper south of Meridian. Prior to the founding of the Dynasty, Chasans lived in various Royal Houses. Present-day, these houses have effectively become nothing more than states of the Dynasty, with little cultural divide between each. Chasan society is heavily dependent on the idea that each member of their race must be perfect in every way and, while the Dynasty is a highly advanced nation, it has ironically been unable to achieve its full potential because of its society.

## History

### Origin

Chasans were released across northern Meridian during the first awakening, and the species would migrate to the northeast of the continent over the next 600 or so years. A number were also present in modern-day Habitus, where they slayed the Cherub Eliakim, which was responsible for safeguarding Habitat 000.

### Montiac Era

For the majority of the Montiac Era, the history of the Chasa is poorly documented and largely based off of assumptions. What is known, however, is that they began forming Royal Houses around the Flumine RIver around ME 110. These houses would be ruled by a single family, and were largely composed of tribes outside of their capital city. One house, Ansalin, is said to have waged a massive albeit unsuccessful conquest over the other houses. As Ansalin was the name of the underworld in ancient Chasan religions, it's unknown if this is a real historical event or simply just a tale.

Anurians charting the northern coast of Meridian are said to have encountered early Chasan fisherman, who merely looked on at the vastly superior Anur technology.

#### Third Century

In ME 263, a group of Chasan nomads of House Esenrius encountered the Seraph Hosanna, who taught them about Humanity. Though most of the group saw the Seraph as a demonic being, Tanyth Shanorin took an immediate belief in the Seraph's tales. The two travelled to the capital of Esenrius where Hosanna taught the House's ruler, Erlan Esenrius, of Humanity. Though at first wary of the Seraph Erlan eventually agreed to bring the two into his government. Months of further talks between Erlan and Hosanna would eventually lead to House Esenrius being controlled by Tanyth, who created the Shanorin Dynasty. The exact nature of this handover is still highly debated. In conversation with Montiac Emperor Tedus Narses, Tanyth explained that Erlan had "seen the prospect" of his house under influence of Precursorism, and allowed Tanyth to lead it into that future. However, because of Chasan nature this is seen as highly unlikely. Instead, many believe that Erlan was threatened by the pair to give up his house or face death. No matter the true cause, the Shanorin Dynasty was formed on the 17th of Agorix, ME 264, with Precursorism being adopted as its official religion not long after. Surprisingly the majority of the populace welcomed this new leadership, fed up with the old ways of Esenrius.

With further help from Hosanna Tanyth would expand the Dynasty down the Flumine, absorbing a number of other houses as he did. As the Dynasty grew, so did word of it, and the prospect of a rapidly expanding, advanced state attracted settlers from around the continent, and by ME 270 numerous other species had settled in the Dynasty. These included the Nilotici, Leosians, Nibayr, Pardali, and Lepus. Diplomatic channels opened between the Empire and Dynasty in ME 277, prompted by the number of Lepus who had been migrating southward. By the time of Tanyth's death in ME 287 the Dynasty had effectively controlled the entirety of the Chasa,

Tanyth was succeeded by his son, Tarron. Like his father, Tarron was a devoted follower of Precursorism and based much of his 39-year rule on cementing its importance in Chasan society. These included bringing in mandatory prayer hours, introducing a societal ranking system for different species, and controversially sowering the Dynasty's relations the Empire. These reforms also meant that expansion effectively halted, leading to Tarron unknowingly giving the Empire control of Habitat 000, now Habitus. Central to Precursorism, Habitat 000 remains a boiling point of tension between the Empire and the Dynasty to this day. Tarron's wife, Syvis, gave birth to twins Vaeril and Aywin in ME 306, and Tarron spent the last decade or so of his rule tending to his children and teaching them the ways of their religion.

#### Fourth Century

Tarron died in ME 326 and selected Vaeril to be his successor. Angered, Aywin departed the Dynasty just days after this, settling on the island of Simao where he studied Radka under the Capran and changed his name to Abdiel. Vaeril's rule proved to be divisive among his people. While still keeping the importance of Precursorism, he pushed for numerous societal and governmental reforms which angered many aging Chasa. He also reopened diplomatic channels with the Empire, which led to a brief period of open trade between the two states and vastly improved the life of the average Chasan. Vaeril also completed the Dynasty's expansion around the Flumine, absorbing the final few Royal Houses.

Abdiel returned to the Dynasty the 11th of Arrunus, ME 339. Though at first claiming he had returned to assist in his brother's rule, Abdiel killed Vaeril and usurped his throne the following night. Thus began what is now called the Night of a Thousand Daggers. Immediately following the murder of Vaeril Abdiel proceeded to use Radka and guards loyal to him to force his rule upon the Dynasty's councillors, and those that refused were killed. By dawn, all those who stated their objection to Abdiel were disposed of and replaced. Following Abdiel's morning address to his people, opposition gathered outside the Dynastic Palace. Using Radka, Abdiel killed them instantly, and used this as proof that he had been given the power of the gods, and thus, became a god himself. The months following that night saw Abdiel oversee the Shanorin Purge. Thousands of civilians, soldiers, and officials disloyal to Abdiel were killed as he consolidated his rule over the Dynasty. Once a beacon of progress on the continent, under Abdiel the Dynasty was rapidly converted into an isolationist, totalitarian state which it continues to be to this day.

A number of Chasan opposition, along with members of other species, Vaeril's daughter, and a few royal guards, fled the Dynasty in ME 339. They would form Firmosia which, while largely underdeveloped, is the last bastion of freedom for the Chasa. Though distance and Montiac support has kept it safe from the Dynasty, those fleeing to Firmosia are often killed en route by military patrols

Presently, with the Second Emergence of the Lyrac and the limited communication with the Empire, it's unknown how Chasan society has managed with the onslaught of the bats.

## Description

On average, Chasans stand between 5'9 and 6'5. Chasans have lean, frail figures and are generally very weak. Despite this however, they are quick runners and can reach around 25km/h. They are feline in appearance, and have a wide variety of possible fur colours ranging in rarity. They possess sharp claws and teeth, which act as a natural weapon when unarmed. Chasans live to be around 60 years old, one of the longer lifespans on Narus. They are nocturnal by nature and, while they have largely overcame this, will often take long naps during the day.

While weak, Chasans are an intelligent species. They are incredibly cunning, and will usually attempt to talk their way out rather than fight. Their high intelligence has also led to many having a superiority complex towards other species, and a sense of racial superiority is common among the Cat-folk.

### Anatomy and Physiology

Chasans have an extraordinary sense of smell, which is done through the use of two nostrils in front and below their eye sockets, as well as a vomeronasal organ on the roof of their mouth. They often open their mouth when are smelling things. They have pawed feet and tetradactylous hands and, like most species, evolved a thumb sometime between the storing of embryos in Habitats and the start of the Awakening Era. Their lack of a fifth finger, which the majority of other species have, has led to them favoring lighter and shorter weaponry like daggers and sabres. Their legs are digitigrade, and their paws have 5 pads which assist them in grip and balance. Their feet also have 5 claws, though these usually become duller then their hand counterparts due to a lack of use. Chasans have small ears protruding from the top of their head. They have a decent sense of hearing, being able to hear at much higher frequencies than other species. Their night sight is far better than the majority of other species. Chasan tails are long and slender, growing about two feet on average. Chasans have limited control of their tails, only properly able to move the tip. Chasans will emit a purring sound, both when pleased and nervous. They have poor control of their eyes and will often fully move their head when looking at something.

Chasans have leathery skin which is covered in a coat of hair. These can take on a wide variety of colours and patterns. Solid colours are typically grey, white, black, or beige. The range of fur patterns is much larger, and there is no single one commonly seen. Sexual dimorphism is slim, with the only noticeable difference between the two being the slimmer bodies of females.

## Society and Culture

Chasan society is heavily based around the concept of perfection. Each individual is pushed to reach perfection by both their state and society, and those that fail to do so are outcasted. This has lead to toxic forced perfectionism and a culture of stressed Chasa which aim to be perfect at every possible moment. This can sometimes result in emotional and even violent stress induced outbursts. While some are able to keep these outbursts down until convenient, like on the battlefield, many will break in public, either hurting others or destroying their reputation.

Although there have been attempts to remedy their perfectionism culture, the stubbornness of the Cat-folk means this is difficult. Most are stuck in their ways, and their 60-year lifespan makes even the most simple societal change a chore. Thus, inefficient and toxic ideals and methods are kept for much longer than in other societies.

Prior to the establishment of a proper navy under the Dynasty, the majority of Chasa had a severe fear of water. Thus, open water fisherman were highly valued in ancient Chasan society. As sea travel became more common under the Dynasty, this fear was largely stamped out. The fear of water largely came from the high expectations of ones appearance. Chasan fur will stay wet for days and produces a fowl odor, and could lead to an individual being ostracized from society for days. Because sailors are now seen as valuable members of society, wet fur is far less taboo than before.

A common practice saw elder Chasans take their own life upon the birth of their grandchildren. The exact reason behind this is unclear but is thought to have been a sort of right-of-passage, that if one is ready to have children they must first rid themselves of being ones child themselves. Whatever the reason, it has largely stopped present-day, and is only known to occur in rural areas.

Unsurprisingly, Chasans will often keep slaves. These are solely other races, as it is forbidden to keep Chasans as slaves. They do not see slavery as immoral, but rather believe the purpose of other races is solely to serve them.

### Appearance

Appearance is vital to the Cat-folk. Along with the upkeep of ones hygiene, it's generally expected that Chasans constantly look their best when in public. Clothing is tight to ones body, and is composed of multiple items. Usually, they are: footwear, shinwear, pants, bodywear, gauntlets, neckwear, and sunblockers. Hats were common prior to the Dynasty, but were pushed out of fashion by Tanyth Shanorin's distaste for them. Lower-body clothing is usually made of fabric, while upper-body will be a mix of fabric and metal. Soldiers' and guards' uniforms are looser fitting to allow for easy movement in combat, and are typically made of fabric and metal, with gold plating.

Tails are allowed to flow free, but are expected to be finely kept and groomed. Rarely, when a Chasan's tail drags on the ground, they will cut off the lower half to avoid it constantly dirtying. Claws are also important to Chasans. Both feet and hand claws are kept clean, but those on their feet are usually allowed to go dull due to their lack of use.

The near-constant sun of northern Meridian led to the creation of sunblockers, which are worn on ones face and protect their eyes from glare. Originally simply made of wood, sunblockers have become a vital part of everyday Chasan life and present-day are often made of expensive metals.

### Architecture

Most Chasan buildings are large and tall, composed of sharp edges and pointed roofs with a focus on vertical rather than horizontal expansion. Marble or other white stone is almost solely used in construction, with gold topping the roofs. Keeping these buildings clean is vital to their society, and each home has dedicated cleaners who work daily to keep dust and sand off the white material.

### Food

Because of their historical residence around the Flumine River, Chasans mainly eat fish, as well as locally grown produce. Because of their weak taste buds but strong senses of smell, their food is pungent in smell but very weak in actual flavor. Chasans are well known picky eaters, and will often refuse to eat a meal if it is not to their exact taste. Wealthy Chasans will hire personal chefs, who usually serve for a lifetime.

### Language

Miatan, commonly called Chasan, is the language of the Cat-folk. Miatan consists of 26 letters. The first letter of every word is preceded by 2 "Lexons (O)". The point of these lexons is debated, but the most popular theory is that Miatan originally contained numerous other characters, which would've taken the 2 spots taken by the Lexons. Prior to roughly the last century, every letter was attached to 2 lexons, but this was changed around the time of the Dynasty's formation. In the Miatan alphabet, there are a handful of secondary characters. Though likely having a meaning at some point in time, they currently serve no special purpose.

Miatan has no word for you. Instead, when addressing someone a speaker of Miatan must use "this one" or "highness". The former is used when addressing an individual considered lesser, for example a politician speaking to common folk. "Highness" is used in the opposite way, for example a non-native species of the Dynasty addressing a Chasan. Failure to properly follow these is considered highly offensive. As well, Chasans are notoriously short in conversations and prefer to be direct. While not as taboo as proper addresses, a long conversation will usually result in them losing interest.

To show a number count during a conversation, the indents on the fingers of ones right hand is used, starting from the top of the leftmost finger. For example, asking for 5 of something would see the lifting of the left most finger, and 2/3 of the next.

Because of the Chasan influence across Meridian, Miatan has become the de facto co language of the continent, along with the Rek-Thalari Irukan.

### Religion

*Main article: Precursorism*

Precursorism is the largest, and possibly only, religion practiced by the Chasa. The central beliefs of the religion revolve around Humanity, and its followers believe their ultimate purpose is to act as caretakers for the planet until the eventual return of Humans. Angels, Habitats, and other Human creations are considered holy relics, and may only be handled by a select few.

Precursorism demands the use of a caste-system in its society. As the creators of the religion, Chasans sit second highest, second only to Humanity. Other species serve mostly as manual labourers and warriors. It's said that, should Humanity return, those atop the caste will be allowed to live alongside them as gods. Other followers will be allowed to remain, but only as labourers and the like. Though divided primarily by species, the caste system does allow non-Chasans to ascend. However, this is rare and done only to instill belief in lesser species that ascension is possible.

Ancient Chasan religions, possibly many, existed prior to Precursorism and the Dynasty, but have been largely lost to time. Although many ancient beliefs have vanished in the wake of Precursorism, one that remains is that ones dying words are a right. No matter the species, Chasans will allow even their greatest enemies to speak their final words before sending them into the void. This is thought to stem from an ancient Chasan religion that believed in the afterlife one would be judged based on their final moments, not their life. This belief typically only extends to direct combat and not that of naval or ranged, for example.

### Sports

Though many different games and competitions exist across Chasan society, none are as popular as Ssriaf. A simple game, Ssriaf sees a single competitor ball up a 200ft line of fabric as fast as they can. The game is played in an area called a range. The line is randomly spread out across the range, often curving around it.

Ssriaf is incredibly popular with Chasans. The yearly Royal Ssriaf Crown is held in the Dynasty, seeing a single competitor from each House compete. The ME 346 Crown final saw 34,000 spectators. Almar Enstina is widely considered to be the greatest Ssriaf player of all time.

## Relationship with other species

Although not inherently xenophobic, the majority of Chasans do see themselves as above the other species of Narus. This comes from their uniquely perfectionist culture. They are capable of co-existing with other species, but it is seen as an inconvenience and thus most of their cities are segregated.

Numerous other species reside in the Dynasty alongside the Cat-folk, and generally have little issue so long as they follow the cultural and societal standards expected of them by Chasans. Nilotici, Marib, and Nibayr make up the majority of foreign species in the Dynasty. Small numbers of other species exist as well, including Lepus and Rek-Thalar.

Leosians and Pardali were once extremely close with Chasans, and many saw each others as brothers and sisters. Following Abdiel's rule, Leosians and Pardali assisted those unloyal to him out of the city. In response, the two species were rounded up and killed en masse. The Leoseans fled to Calast and founded their own empire, while the few remaining Pardali fled to Firmosia.

Due to their resemblance to Humanity as well as being the only species that can naturally use their technology, many Chasans fear that Primate species may be selected for godhood when Humanity returns, rather than Chasans. Because of this the Cat-folk have a deep hatred for them, and see them as demons working against their religion.