Au Ra

The **Au Ra** are a race native to Othard. In The First, they are known as Drahn.

## Background

The curved horns and beautifully patterned scales that characterize the Au Ra oft give rise to speculation that members of this Hyur-like race native to the Far Eastern continent of Othard are, in fact, the progeny of dragons. This, however, has long been disputed, with scholars citing several distinct differences in the two races as evidence of decidedly dissimilar roots - the first and foremost being the enhanced hearing and spatial recognition granted by an Au Ra's cranial projections (traits not attributed to draconian horns), and the second being the gross disproportion in body mass between Auri males and females (again, trait widely unseen in dragons).

## Identity

Though the methods used by the two clans to defend their tribe and families vary widely, the Au Ra have a strong instinct for self-preservation. While the strongly tribal Xaela reject connections with other races and even see outsiders of their own kind as possible foes, the Raen coexist peacefully with other races to protect the safety of their own kind. As a result, the former are often viewed with mistrust and hostility while the latter are considered favorably by the outside world.

## Language and Culture

The Xaela still use the ancient Auri language in the steppes where they live. The Raen, however, have adapted the Hyur language after assimilating to Far Eastern civilization. Many people consider their spoken language to be an unusual dialect as it differs slightly from that of Eorzea.

The belts worn by the Au Ra, which prominently display scale-shaped designs, are the most distinctive and striking part of their traditional attire. They represent health and vitality and are modeled after the Au Ra's own tough skin. Even though it looks like the sleeves have been carelessly torn off, this is a long-standing custom meant to convey a sense of untamed might.

## Clans

### Raen

Auri creating myth tells of a Dawn Father and a Dusk Mother from whom all Au Ra are descended. The Raen believe their veins to run thick with the blood of the former - their brilliant white scales and iron wills serving as proof of this divine lineage.

Unlike their sister clan, the Xaela, who bloody the land with endless tribal conflict, the Raen have embraced a life of tranquility and solitude, long abandoning the nomadic lifestyle of their ancestors to settle the deep valleys of Othar's mountainous eastern reaches. Only on rare occasions will one merge from the valley mists to seek adventure in realms afar.

### Xaela

Auri creating myth tells of a Dawn Father and a Dusk Mother from whom all Au Ra are descended. The Xaela believe their veins to run thick with the blood of the latter - their lustrous black scales and fiery wills serving as proof of this divine lineage.

Unlike their sister clan, the Raen, who lead solitary lives hidden behind the savage peaks of Othard's eastern reaches, the Xaela are free spirits who roam the vast western steppe in close-knit tribes hunting, gathering, and warring as their ancestors have for countless generations.

## Gallery

* A Raen female.
* A Raen male.
* A Xaela female.
* A Xaela male.

1. ↑ *Encyclopædia Eorzea*, p.90