Lin

The Lin are the most populous of the Terans, making their home in the vast open landscapes of central Malgruus. They are broken into three primary clans, named for the territory they preside over: Plains, Steppe, and Jungle Lin. Each clan differs slightly in appearance and traditions, but share core features of their culture and lifestyle. The Lin are a migratory people, and travel around their corresponding territory in response to changing seasons and the movement of animal herds, their primary food source. They are well known for their love of combat, and superficial clashes between Lin clans are common. Their love of strength is matched only by their open-minded hospitality. While they welcome outsiders into their lands, recent incursions by Farflow expeditions have left them wary of human motives.

## Appearance

The Lin are by far the most physically imposing of the Terans, the largest among them confidently reaching 10’ tall. They are large anthropomorphic felines, sporting thick fur, snouts, paws, tails, claws, and fangs. Their proportions and coloration differ between clans. Plains Lin resemble lions, Steppe Lin resemble leopards, and Jungle Lin resemble both tigers and panthers. Female Lin are slightly larger than male Lin, but both remain sufficiently intimidating in stature and natural musculature compared to the average human.

The Lin's tough hide provides ample protection from most physical danger, while their dense fur provides protection from the harsh daylight sun, and insulates them against the cold when night falls. As a result, Lin only wear light, practical clothing. Upper body wear is usually limited to straps or harnesses to store weapons, or slings used for transporting resources. They have a similar approach to lower body garments, favoring belts, skirts and loincloths for their ease of movement. Lin traditionally forgo decorative clothing, but jewelry and peircings have become more common amongst the Lin in the last few decades, following interactions with human travelers.

## Abilities

The Lin possess incredible physical strength and heightened combat prowess. They prefer to face their foes head on, using brutal techniques to end engagements quickly. They are trained from a young age to make skilled use of javelins, slings, and blunt weapons. However, most Lin prefer to fight barehanded. Wrestling and grappling are prominent forms of training and entertainment amongst the Lin, and they utilise these skills to topple even the largest opponents. Should all else fail, the Lin possess claws and fangs sharp enough to pierce through carapace, and reflexes fast enough to counter most foes. Their hide is extremely durable, allowing Lin to sustain blows that would incapacitate other mortal races. Young Lin are known to fight entirely on instinct, a violent but effective approach for all but the most fearsome enemies.

Like all Terans, the Lin have a strong affinity for elemental magic. However, they do not utilise this as frequently as their Avarosi or Rezan brethren. Their primary connection is to fire, but they make use of fire magic only in certain contexts. The Lin use fire magic most often in the burning of their plainland, either to regulate and encourage plant growth, or to corral their pray into vulnerable situations. If a Lin is pushed to desperation, they are capable of giving in to their 'inner flame' enhancing their physical strength in exchange for greatly reduced stamina and clouded judgement.

## Behaviour

Strength is a very significant aspect of Lin culture. Training, wrestling, and sparring are the most common activities for socialising within Lin clans. Lin also host regular sports festivals, gathering across clan borders to participate in demonstrations of power and skill. While the Lin have little interest in organised warfare, skirmishes between neighboring clans are quite common. These conflicts arise due to mundane disagreements, whether that be territory disputes, or access to resources. This is considered a normal aspect of inter-clan communication, and the Lin very rarely hold a grudge once a conflict has concluded. The most frequent engagements occur at the centre of Malgruus, where the territories of all three Lin clans meet. This location houses an important religious site, dedicated to the Lin god of the Sun. Being the protector of this sacred site is a source of great pride for the Lin, and clans fight for control of this region near-constantly. Hunting is the primary source of food for the Lin, and serves as another avenue to demonstrate strength and courage. Due to the harsh environment and powerful beasts found in central Malgruus, even the simplest hunt can be extremely dangerous.

The Lin have an extensive culture and value system beyond their love of combat. Kinship, respect, and physical affection are incredibly important to the Lin. Hugging, licking, kissing, and resting against each other is the primary way for the Lin to express love, friendship and trust. It is common for Lin to maintain physical contact when communicating, even with strangers. They live a very communal life, and their nomadic camps are a constant hub of activity. When the Lin are not hunting or exercising, they are engaging in crafts, practicing music and dance, or assisting in the care or education of their young. Friend and family groups can be identified within a Lin clan, but their boundaries are often so blurred as to be unnoticeable to outsiders. To most Lin, all members of the clan are considered kin. Lin couples are generally non-monogamous, but it is not uncommon for Lin to have a favoured partner. The daily schedule of a Lin clan revolves around the evening feast. Cooking is an important part of the day, and is done collaboratively for several hours in the evening. Festivals are hosted throughout the year, and are well known for their joyful revelry. The Lin possess a great love of dance, merging combat and spellcasting form with creative expression. While the Lin do not wear many clothes in daily life, they enjoy adorning themselves with decorative sashes or belts for celebratory events. Making these decorations is a common hobby.

As their strong bodies allow them to easily withstand the elements, Lin settlements are usually made up of open air tents and pavilions. Each tent is dedicated to a specific activity, whether that be meetings, leisure, crafts, eating, etc. The Lin sleep in a large pile under the main pavilion. There are also private tents available to those who need it (eg. the sick, couples, families with newborn children, etc.). These structures are easily collapsed for transport and reassembly. This allows the Lin to move to more suitable environments as the seasons change, and to follow migratory animal herds that serve as their primary food source.

Lin clans are matriarchal. Most decisions are made by the 3 strongest, wisest, and most experience women of the clan. The whole clan is generally consulted for more important matters. This leadership structure has been known to shift across clans, time periods and locations, as inexperienced female leaders, or even male leaders, are not unheard of. All other tribal activities are unbound by gender.

## Subspecies

### Plains Lin

The Lin that reside on the central plains of Malgruus are the most populous of the clans, and the most well known to humans. They openly invite humans to their camps, and show great interest in their customs and physical appearance. They are extremely loud, and do not hesitate to express their emotions. They most resemble lions, and take great pride in growing out grand flowing manes. Both male and female Lin of this clan are capable of growing manes, leading to frequent confusion amongst human visitors. Males and females are primarily distinguished by their proportions. Female Plains Lin are larger, with longer limbs and more evenly distributed muscle mass. Male Plains Lin are typically broader and stockier. Plains Lin are the clan with most frequent control over the Temple of the Sun, and tend to be more prideful as a result.

### Steppe Lin

The steppe of North-Western Malgruus is home to the Steppe Lin, a clan of leopard-like Lin. They are taller and more lithe than their Plains counterparts, favouring quick reflexes over brute strength. Most Lin dances originate from the Steppe Lin, which is reflected in their more refined fighting style. Steppe Lin keep in regular contact with the Avarosi to the West, influencing their softer style of dress and their use of wooden huts. Steppe Lin tend to be quieter than the other clans, but are no less friendly. They express affection more intimately, and even amongst Lin place particular emphasis on physical touch.

### Jungle Lin

Despite what their name implies, Jungle Lin do not live exclusively in wooded areas. Instead, they make their home along the edge of the rainforest. They make camp by rivers, and venture in and out of the rainforest to suit their needs. They are the only Lin clan to ambush their prey, guiding enemies into the undergrowth where they can be trapped and eliminated. Bathing and hygiene is incredibly important to Jungle Lin, who take impeccable care of their fur. There are frequent squabbles between this clan as to whether the bold patterns of the tiger Lin, or the sleek black fur of the panther Lin, are more pleasing to the eye. They are often entirely nude, forgoing even the modest garments of their brethren. They are curious and perceptive, but can be somewhat judgmental of others. The neighbouring Rezans view the Jungle Lin as intruders in their forest. While they would never admit it, the Jungle Lin avoid venturing too deep into the rainforest swamps, in fear of Rezan retribution.