Lion Men of the Steppes

In Shayakand’s stratified society, many races find their place either inside or outside the system. Two notable sentient species place themselves in conflict with society; the Purvaga and the Atrasuli. The Purvaga rebel against the constraints; forming tight-knit communities of their own kind as a haven from a place they both loathe and fail to understand. In contrast to the Purvaga are the Atrasuli see themselves as defenders of the weak. They do not actively seek to overturn Shayakand society, but often find themselves acting on behalf of the poor and disadvantaged.

The Atrasuli, or lion men, are known only in stories told by those that live in rural areas of Shayakand. Most stories describe a half man-half lion beast coming to the aid of travelers. Usually, the travelers are families taking produce to their lord in payment for the protection the Bashaa provides. The stories say that the Bashaa’s meager escort is quickly overcome by a band of marauding gnolls. When gnolls are about to plunder and kill the family a huge beast with the vague appearance of a lion appears from nowhere to attack the gnolls. Sometimes armed with an ax, other times with a sword, but always with its huge maw, the beast quickly dispatches the bandits. Before the family can get a good look at their rescuer, the beast disappears as quickly as it came.

The Bashaa insist that the Atrasuli are a myth. The rich landowners dismiss any claim that the protection they offer is inadequate. They point to their business interests in the cities as proof that they invest quite a bit of money in the protection they offer. Talking about the Atrasuli in a Bashaa’s presence is forbidden. Atrasuli are secretly revered by those living in rural areas. As part of the spring harvest festival they receive gifts of food collected by villages; most consider it a well-deserved reward.

Traveling Merchant Families

There are traveling merchant families that show up near major cities throughout the year. These merchants usually carry goods that are rare, out of season, or otherwise locally unavailable. They usually carry a fair amount of iron, silver, and copper along with small amounts of gold. They always have dried spices available regardless of the season. Although trade with them is heavily discouraged by the Bashe, many city residents will travel outside city walls to purchase goods from them.

Most people describe the merchants as quite friendly and outgoing. Unlike the shops in the city run by a wealthy Bashaa that often fix prices, the traveling merchants will make deals, haggle, and accept barter items. It’s not unusual for a poor family to discover a chicken or small amount of spiced lamb when they unpack their purchases. Although poor those receiving the gift can read – all Shayakand citizens are literate – the accompanying note that only says, “Compliments of the Atrasuli”.

The Real Atrasuli

The Atrasuli prefer to keep their identity hidden. They aren’t afraid of the Bashaa or the laws that prohibit any discussion about them. Many see themselves as noble protectors that are willing to do what the greedy Bashaa will not. They prefer to keep their bestial forms a secret as they can easily be mistaken as Rakshasas or other demons.

Most Atrasuli can appear in one of three forms: human, lion and a hybrid form that combines human and lion. Atrasuli prefer their human form and spend as much of their time in human form as they can. In human form they do not appear to have any obvious characteristics of a lion. Some secondary characteristics appear, but are not distinctive as compared to ordinary humans. For example, they may have large hands or have very thick hair. Atrasuli may have any skin tone or hair color normally found in humans. There eye color also varies, but not blue. Blue-eyed Atrasuli are Amra, a subspecies.

Socially, the Atrasuli organize themselves into prides with one male, one female and extended family. Above the pride are tribes made up of four to six prides. The highest level of organization is the clan. A clan represents many families and usually represents a geographical area. It is rare that a tribe or clan will set down any kind of set policy. Yet, if such a policy is set, the Atrasuli are very devoted to it.

Amra

Amra means blue-eyed. These rare blue-eyed lion men have two main differences from their brothers; the use of magic and the lack of a hybrid form. Amra have two forms, human and a larger then normal lion. The Amra are also the only Atrasuli that can use magic or shaping abilities.

Written by John Payne

Edited by Cassey Toi