Božidar (Race)

## Božidar Info

### Background Info

Known for their beauty, illusiveness, and human-like features, the božidar are a near-human and ancient race wrapped in speculation as to how they came to be. While considered “native” to Domovina, their varied human-like similarities have caused many to believe that they’re a human off-branch who were isolated for far too long. Others believe they were punished by god for heresy, forced to abdicate for their sins. For their true origin though, records date between the 3rd and 4th century, beginning as a humble and isolated civilization.

Unlike the bribón or humans at the time, their passive nature differed from that of nomads, instinctively settled and feudal by nature. Industrious from the beginning, cities and villages dotted along the Domovinan Highlands, many holding temples carved from stone for burial or sacrificial uses. Around the turn of the century - particularly the 6th, expeditions of božidar scouts began searching near the Khanate’s borders, discovering furry neighbors to the south. While relations were cordial and almost exclusively hostile, the discovery of outside life attracted many from the kingdom, flooding božidar immigrants into the Granica Khanate and Borwnian Empire.

Unlike Riqueza which had to be conquered and beaten into submission, Domovina was a willing vassal, accepting their place through a bloodless agreement with the Emperor, ensuring protection and ethnic isolation for loyalty. This loyalty was put to the test however, as only decades later the Grand Duchy would undergo an invasion by the Granicans, left helpless as the Empire refused to interfere. Ten long years of fighting passed before the war ended, and by then the Borwnians had suffered their fate by civil war, splitting amongst city-states until their Imperial legacy was promptly buried.

While their isolation failed to uphold in later years, the majority of božidars kept to their Grand Duchy; with a low minority migrating to Ferres to settle. Although many božidars can be found in regions such as Ferres, Domovina and Druzmor, it’s unheard of any božidar immigrants in the Wesslands. Presently, their talents are renowned for making them excellent rangers, warriors and artisans, especially among the Domovinan Forests.

### Biology & Appearance

Much like the Humans or Asche, Božidar’s are always humanoid and bipedal in appearance, with relative features that could be shared. In contrast to Humans though, Božidar possess defining features that set them apart, such as exceptionally short heights (Dwarves), pale and ghostly features, or evolutionary advantages such as enhanced hearing, vision and smell. They cannot possess albinism or red pupils as Asche do, and most oftentimes share similar facial structures with humans. Naturally, they’re able to cross-breed with humans, although breeding with Peltz or Sabiti will not yield.

The minority found in Ferres oftentimes exhibit more human-like features while more distant humanoids may exhibit stronger and more defining traits. Generally, their skin shade palette ranges from ghostly pale to brown, green and red even. They are never covered with fur. Very large portions of the species are considered herbivores although all possess the stomach to consume meat similar to humans.