Ikati

**Ikati** (pronounced ih-KAH-tee) are a race of large, bipedal felines. They hail from two major species; the Sol Ikati, which are located throughout Vitaria, and the Lunar Ikati, which are mostly found in Cor Anara. Most Ikati are tribal wanderers, and are never in one place for too long. Ikati are known for being incredibly secretive and untrusting of humans. They are a strong, proud, and honest people, yet one marked by great tragedy. Ikati value familial ties and unity, and many of them worship Ishtan and the Grey Mother, their interpretation of Trestae.

## The Sol Ikati

Sol Ikati are tall, with many of them standing over seven feet, broad shouldered and muscular. They are incredibly strong, yet a bit slow. Depending on their tribal origin, Sol Ikati possess features reminiscent of lions or tigers. They possess intelligence often greater than humans, and can master language, mathematical formulae, and magic. Sol Ikati mages are treated no differently than those that cannot use magic by their peers.

Sol Ikati speak with deep, gruff voices, and will often leave out certain letters in many of their words. Their native tongue is known as Ron'jarr, and is rarely studied or known by humans, but has been observed to sound like growls.

Despite being slower due to their size, Sol Ikati possess incredibly dexterous fingers. Combined with their inquisitive nature, they have a natural skill with tinkering and craftsmanship. Many Sol Ikati are inventors, and their race is well known for having invented gunpowder and firearms.

## Origins and History

The Ikati are said to have been created by Ishtan, Himself, and are seen by most Vitarans as His children. In reality, this is only half true. Ishtan did indeed create the Sol Ikati, many eons ago, and placed the first of them in the wilds of then-green Cor Anara.

Centuries ago, human mages were intrigued by the biological aspects of the Sol Ikati, and how they differed from humans. Slowly, they started abducting the Ikati population, in order for them to be used in experiments. The Ikati were subjected to unspeakable horrors daily, and many of them died in the process. Life for the Ikati was seen as never-ending torture, a hopeless life with no way out. Despite this, they held onto Ishtan's beliefs of endurance and finding strength where many would not. The Ikati persevered, and stood fast against their captors, waiting for a time when they would be free.

Finally, an opportunity presented itself. One brave Ikati male, Ikvaen Vadrus, managed to overpower the guard watching him, and starting freeing his kin. One by one, the Ikati were freed, and together, they fought their way out of the facility that imprisoned them. They lost many of their numbers, until finally, they arrived in a large courtyard, just before the exit.

A beautiful statue of a human woman was in the middle of a gorgeous fountain surrounded by all kinds of flowers. Ikvaen and his kin were mesmerized by the sight; a woman carved of greyish stone, smiling in such a way that she calmed everyone that laid eyes upon her. Ikvaen looked around, seeing how many of his kin had survived. They had all survived. Together. Surely, this was an omen, the Ikati thought to themselves. From this moment on, they chose to refer to her as the Grey Mother, and many Ikati, to this day, worship her, alongside Ishtan, the Creator.

The Ikati tribes have always supported each, but their life is a harsh one. Some of the most powerful leaders of the Cor Anaran Houses have never stopped looking for them, so the Ikati are constantly reminded that they may suffer the same fate again if they don't evade their captors. As a result, their tribes relocate constantly, never staying in the same place for too long. Despite this, every few months, they occasionally find one or two of their members missing, never to be seen again.

Some Ikati say that they should storm the Cor Anaran cities, and destroy all that oppose them. They crave vengeance for the horrors committed upon them so many years ago. Others say that the humans are being punished already, since the southern deserts have already lost their life, and are still decaying at an alarming rate.

## The Lunar Ikati

House Karivas is the Cor Anaran House known almost exclusively for their experimentation on all manner of creatures, including the Ikati. Mages of House Karivas used their research to create the Lunar Ikati by fusing Sol Ikati genes with that of panthers, in an attempt to make them faster, less bulky, and more agile. This proved successful, and the Lunar Ikati became one of their greatest triumphs. Despite all attempts, however, no Lunar Ikati created so far has been able to use magic. House Karivas has kept most knowledge of the Lunar Ikati secret, and the general public believes that they and the Sol Ikati are one and the same.

House Karivas continues to breed Lunar Ikati, and uses them to serve as slaves and bodyguards. While several Lunar Ikati have been conditioned to live alongside Cor Anarans, hundreds have escaped to their freedom, and have formed their own nomadic tribes like their Sol Ikati kin.

Lunar Ikati that live in free tribes have easier lives, but they believe that they are from Eth'leen. In reality, this is another lie told to them by house Karivas, the purpose of which is not clear, and most likely part of another experiment.

## A Hopeful Future

Many Ikati of both tribes are slowly finding their way to the various cities across the continent, where they hope to find solace, peace, and safety. While the Ikati still have many trials ahead of them, they take comfort in the presence of their families. They have been through much, but like Ishtan and Trestae preach, they have remained strong and found strength with their families. Many Ikati have started new lives, and are happily free. They truly have much to live for.