The Silvestrian Race

## Origin Story

Long ago around 330BC (Around when the Romans were around) in ancient Siberia, a kingdom coexisted with giants whom of which possessed unimaginable powers and magic. This empire was ruled by a mad king by the name of Dimetrius. King Dimetrius would send his men to scour the land to hunt and kill these giants to obtain their blood and siphon their power for himself. Their hunts eventually grew into an all-out war that lasted for years. In order to stop the war, the leader of the giants approached the king in terms of a deal. She would weigh his soul against the 7 sins of man, and should his soul be deemed worthy he shall receive infinite power in return for the safety of her people. Otherwise, the weight of a great curse would fall upon him. The king agreed to her terms and thus his soul was weighed. His soul, greedy, envious, wrathful, lustful, gluttonous, lazy, and prideful was deemed wretched and evil. The giantess's power turned the king's soul into manifest shadow which engulfed and transformed the king into the first vessel of the Shadow Devil and its infinite wrath. His wife, Queen Agathia was pregnant at the time the king was made into a monster. Her most loyal knights escorted her out of the kingdom while the maddened king ravaged his own lands. The men, women, and children whom he ruled were culled and his empire devoured by darkness. The giantess had one final trick up her sleeve though, a gift.

In a great sacrifice, the giantess sealed the Shadow Devil away in its own alternate dimension within itself, the Black Abyss. As for Queen Agathia, the giant queen gifted her child with a blessing of giants. Prince Alextrios would be born the first of his kind. A boy born with fangs, silver shimmering hair, glowing silver eyes, and silver blood. He would be known as the first Silvestrian. Thus, the creation of his kind began with him and the magic of life the giant queen bestowed upon him. An empire raised and built deep in the mountains of northern Siberia where no human dare travel was to remain hidden from the world with the purpose of their new race being to guide humanity towards peace and virtue.

## Ancient Life (Post-Dimetrian Era)

### **Where did they live?**

During the Post-Dimetrian Era, they lived in a place where no human could live. The hostile and freezing lands of the Siberian mountains within modern day Russia. They lived amongst these lands adapting to the cold over time and using their Silvestrian traits to aid them in survival. As they adapted, they began to move underground within the mountains themselves. In a place where food was scarce and everyday was a challenge, they overcame the odds and lived in isolation. For thousands of years, their kind remained hidden and undiscovered, living in a place where nobody dared.

### **How did they eat or hunt?**

In the cold mountains, food was scarce to begin with. Adapting to their environment and adapting to the food chain was crucial. Luckily, many Siberian animal species lived here as well. A main part of their diet however, consisted of hunting polar bears for food and clothing. They would also scavenge berries or nuts as well. Some would travel in hunting packs using their long saber-tooth like fangs, primitive weapons, and their height and muscularity to take down much larger animals and prey. The adaptation of their shiny silver hair, as well as their pale skin and silver glowing eyes made blending into their environment especially easy.

Another interesting fact, however, was the presence of wolves and lynxes within their ranks. Often, they would domesticate or befriend wolves and lynxes similar to modern day cats and dogs even in such an era to hunt beside them and as house pets.

When times are tough however, polar bear and berries were not always an option. However, fishing could have been. Siberian salmon for example was a delicacy amongst these ancient people.

When winter came around however, they needed to stock up food reserves through the fall to last them through the cold. Using ice and a form of salt was common in preserving their supplies during these times when the hunting was scarce.

### **What did they wear?**

Polar bears are known for having a thick fur with hollow hairs to protect them from the cold. Silvestrian's used this for the same thing. When hunting an animal such as a polar bear, they will use every part of the animal. This included the pelts for clothing. Living underground in a practical fortress also helped to provide warmth for them. Another common article of clothing was called a "Vashjir" (*Vah-sh-eir)* which serves as a thick leather "bra" that all Silvestrians wear regardless of sexual orientation due in part to their beliefs that their bodies are "Temples" and must be protected.

## Biology

### **Physical Traits**

#### Skeletal

Both Silvestrian's and humans share a similar skeletal structure with the main differences being the size of their bones and their skull's. Silvestrian’s bare large fangs similar to that of a saber-toothed tiger with different varieties, and to adapt to this trait their mandible’s having to be indented along the sides to allow them to close their mouths. The upper half of their skull is also slightly different to accommodate for this one trait.

Human vs. Silvestrian Skulls at an angleHuman vs. Silvestrian Skulls sideviewSilvestrian Fang Reference ChartAnother thing to add is unlike a normal orc, their fangs are actually hidden in an internal skin pocket along their jawline similar to a cat.

#### Hair + Eyes

All silvestrian’s genetically have the same kind and color of hair from birth. Their hair has a fur-like consistency and it’s naturally shiny like metal. Additionally, when a silvestrian is born their hair is always dark and looks a shiny blackish silver, but as they age their hair becomes lighter in color. For elders instead of their hair turning white and grey like a normal human, it’s a shiny light silver considered "pure silver" colored!

Similar to their hair, Silvestrians are all born with the same-colored eyes (For the exception of human-silvestrian hybrids). They all have various shades of silver eyes that glow in the dark. Because of this faint glow their night vision is slightly heightened and it notably slightly better than a human's night sight. They are also more sensitive to extremely bright lights and as a species have a higher chance of losing their vision as they age.

### **Internal Traits**

#### Intoxication and Alcohol effects

Due to their size and body mass, it takes much longer for a silvestrian to be able to become intoxicated by alcohol. It is documented that some particular people can also genetically never get drunk, but the effects of alcohol poisoning and liver damage can still occur. In fact, the chances of alcohol poisoning from drinking to much is higher in Silvestrian's than in humans because of how much more they can tolerate.

#### Metabolism

Metabolism in a both a human and a silvestrian promotes growth, weight loss, and more. For silvestrian's it’s vital for them to have a higher metabolism to process their fat and regulate body temperature higher than the normal 98.6 degrees.

Silvestrian's in turn have much higher stamina than most but have a severe drawback where they cannot withstand extreme heat. As an example, it would be no different from having a constant insulated blanket. If you wore it in the cold you would be comfortable, but if you wore it in the African desert you would overheat extremely quickly. For them it’s the same effect. Additionally, their high stamina is also limited and is part of the main reason they absolutely must sleep 12-15 hours to replenish their energy.

*\*Additional note, the older any human gets, the slower the metabolism. This rule still applies to Silvestrian's as they age.*

## Common Silvestrian Sounds

### **The “Purr”**

Purring is a very common sound performed typically by young Silvestrian’s and betrothed couples. It’s the most often used way to show affection and love towards another person. A spouse may do this around their soulmate as a general way of simply saying “I love you” or “I deeply appreciate your presence”. It also symbolizes self-safety and submission as a Silvestrian will never purr if they feel vulnerable or threatened in any way.

Additionally, a Silvestrian just entering adulthood may do the same to attract a person they like. It can be closely related to that of “cat-calling” is typically done by males first, but not always. Generally, if the person they’re trying to show their affection towards purr’s back then it means their feelings towards one another are mutual.

This sound created by a vibration in the back of the throat without the use of the tongue and can be done about a few days after a Silvestrian baby is born. It is made by a special muscle in their vocal cords that cats have but humans don't. As stated before, because purring symbolizes safety and affection, it is very common for a baby to purr when their parents purr either with them or when they’re nearby.

Silvestrian purrs can range from high and playful to low and calm pitches depending on the general mood of the person. Though this is one of the most common sounds a Silvestrian makes, it’s extremely rare to hear one in public. This sound in particular can also be made without interrupting speech!

### **The “Roar”**

Silvestrian’s never “hiss” as it’s a degrading and unneeded sound to them (not to mention they physically can’t), but if they are threatened and the person they are communicating to doesn’t understand them, don’t be too alarmed when they bare their massive fangs and roar defensively in retaliation. Instinctively, most Silvestrian’s struggle to communicate with humans due to their vast array of languages very different from their own. Especially following the “Battle of the Silver Crossroads”, many see humans as a threat to their lives and don’t trust them. Consequently, they’ve learned to become defensive and roar to scare human’s off to protect themselves.

Silvestrian’s are typically peaceful people with little to no intent of causing harm to anyone. For this reason a Silvestrian will never roar unless they feel threatened or unless they are beginning a fierce duel among themselves. Additionally, Silvestrian parents will roar protectively if they feel they or they their child is threatened. For them, a roar is a battle cry and a call to arms. It’s one sound you never want to hear if you’re trying to befriend one of them, so be warned.

When it comes to the sound itself, it’s caused by a mix of a low purr and a yell. The low purr emanating from the chest is more similar to a deep snarl from their vocal cords, and combined with a loud shout makes for a terrifying and bone-chilling roar.

### **The “Bellow”**

Silvestrian males specifically are the typical culprit of such a noise. It comes from deep within the abdomen and is quite literally as it’s called… a bellow. It’s a noise typically heard at night and (without going into too much detail) is mainly heard under the light of a full moon. In short, it’s more or less a mating call that is very rarely heard and usually mistaken for another animal. This sound is also **never** made in public.

### **The “Howl”**

This evidently is one of the most important sounds a Silvestrian makes. It has multiple meanings and can be heard at different tones depending on the mood. Generally, it’s heard as a cry of sorrow and pain after a loved one has passed away. This is the most common use for the noise and is associated with mourning and loss. It's also common to hear a choir of howls during a funeral.

However, this sound has another purpose as well. As Silvestrian‘s live in cold tall mountains, it’s easy to get lost. Therefore, a lost Silvestrian may make a sharp high pitched howl to find other’s and make their way back home. Additionally, small Silvestrian babies will make a similar tiny high pitched howl if they can’t feel or sense a parent nearby. Similar to how a dog will whine if left alone, Silvestrian babies will howl if they are scared or need help. Consequently, it’s extremely effective in both situations to gain attention.

The last purpose for this sound is a rare one. It can be performed ceremonially as a symbol of harmony and joy between a couple. Howling together under the light of the moon is a common act performed by couples as it symbolizes the strength of their bond. This version of the sound is more similar to harmonizing with one another through a form of song.

## Common Silvestrian Instinctual Habits

This section describes some of the many instinctual habits of the Silvestrian people and their race as a whole. Though similar to humans, they have many practices that are unique mostly to them and are considered part of their culture. For most there is a scientific explanation and reasoning behind each practice as well as a brief history!

### **Sleeping Habits**

Many human children are given some form of plush or doll because it comforts them and helps them sleep. This very same thing is true for Silvestrian children as well, however there is a slight difference. Throughout their history, Silvestrian's are known to live in the coldest place on earth, Siberia. As a method of adapting to their harsh environment they've developed a mental response to the cold: snuggling. In fact, it's quite common for Silvestrian couples to sleep with their arms and legs quite literally wrapped around each other for a few reasons:

1. Warmth
2. Protection
3. Comfort
4. Reassurance

Additionally, when a Silvestrian baby is born, they aren't given a crib or bassinet of any kind! Instead, they sleep in a woven egg-shaped basket that is set directly between the couple so the parents can provide warmth and comfort to the child as they sleep. This sleeping pattern is especially important for babies as well because of another reason, for when Silvestrians sleep they have a common tendency to "purr" as an additional means of reassuring the baby they are safe.

### **Marriage**

Most human marriages are a formal ceremony with lots of flowers, a beautiful dress and suit, some wedding cake, and food. This is not exactly the case for Silvestrians. First off, their word for *"marriage"* directly correlates to the word ***"Betroth",*** so in reference to a marriage, a couple is not "wed", but rather "Betrothed". Second, there is only one priest whose only job is to deliver their certificate of betrothal, and in place of rings there are specialized dancing swords.

To become "betrothed" a Silvestrian must first find the person they connect with and love. After some time together, they must declare their eternal love with one another, and thus begins the process towards becoming "betrothed". Once declared, they must learn each other's dance using a specialized blade typically custom made for each person. All Silvestrians are taught a basic dance with a blade when they are young, but to be betrothed they must be perfectly in sync with one another.

All betrothals are held under the light of a full moon as per their culture. This is because they believe their goddess "Agathia" has the most power during the height of a full moon and she is the goddess of love, fertility, and peace.

Upon beginning the dance, the couple must perform near-perfectly to demonstrate the power and strength of their love. Should a couple fail to perform the dance correctly, a partner could be seriously injured or killed, and the dance will be called off, for the couple's bond is weak and imbalanced. If a dance cannot be performed by the couple to be "betrothed", then it is believed that their love is not meant to be.

Completing this dance is the ultimate goal of any Silvestrian seeking love, and upon the completion of this dance the couple will be "betrothed" and given a special mount for their dancing blades to rest upon for as long as they live.

**However, there is a catch to this as well.** If a couple's declaration of eternal love is broken for any reason (aside from death), then the blades are to be shattered. If one of the partner's dies though, then the swords are to be mounted with the tip of the blades pointed towards the ground as a symbol of mourning for the widowed. Their swords are treated in the same manner as the rings used in human marriage and are never used for real combat. Additionally, the swords are only hand-crafted by a blacksmith who specializes in the particular blade, and no two blades are ever the same.