Legends of Belariath
Wemics
The Wemic race is a combination of lion and human. They possess two torsos; one is that of a lion. The second, stemming from the shoulders of the feline torso, is that of a human.
Character Creation
Starter Classes: Entertainer, Artisan, Laymen, Druid, Shaman, Healer, Cleric, Warrior, Ranger
Advanced Classes: Hierophant, Warrior Mage, Priest/Priestess, Earth Mage, Fire Mage
Starting Stats:
| STR | INT | AGI | RES | STA | SPL | LFE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Stats |
Appearance
Almost all Wemics have faces that are entirely human, save for the rounded ears and horizontally slit pupils. Their hair grows full and wavy, like the mane of a lion and their eyes tend to be shades of green or gold. There are a few, however, whom fall in a range somewhere between the norm and having a full feline face, and fully feline faces are even rarer. They can vary in size, but for the most part rang between 5 feet to 6 feet in height and are built solidly. It is rare to see a fat Wemic, but even rarer still to see a thin one, for they possess large appetites. Their skin comes in various shades, from a light tawny-gold to black. While a Wemic is the combination of lion and man, there is the occasional genetic throwback that resembles one of the lion's large cousins. Wemic traditionally live in dry, arid grasslands.
Unlike a pride of lions, Wemics are balanced male to female and though they will mate casually, eventually, if they are one of the lucky few, they take a life-mate, one whom they will honor above all others. If a life-mate dies, the remaining partner will not take another, but will resume casual mating. Naming another as your life-mate is a serious undertaking and not to be taken lightly.
Society
To the Wemic race, honor is paramount. To be without honor is to be dead. They are extremely zealous in this and, when in a Wemic city, the greatest punishment is not death, but to be found without honor. If a person within a Wemic city is deemed to be without honor, they are shunned by all within the city. They will not be spoken to, sheltered, or be accorded even the most basic of interactions. This stigma will remain until they leave the city and will return when they do.
Wemic society only possesses five classes: the Honored (High Council members and King), Warriors, Priestesses, commoners and slaves.
The female High Council and a male King rule the city. Any Wemic can aspire to kingship, needing only to challenge the current King to combat. This does not prevent dynasties, only makes them less likely. Kings whom are well respected by all tend to have reign longer. The High Council is composed of five females, each with their own responsibilities. A High Priestess serves on the council, guiding them in matters of the occult and overseeing the Priestesses of the City. A warrior is chosen based on her leadership ability, as opposed to prowess, to advise the other council members and the King on matters of war. One member is placed in charge of the market and economics. She is in charge of visiting caravans and the general day to day affairs within the marketplace of the city. Another Wemic is in charge of diplomacy, in all of its forms. She sits on the council to advise them on dealings with other cities or tribes. The fifth member of the council is the Speaker. She is in charge of meeting out judgment when a criminal is brought before the council. She hears the arguments, then pronounces sentence, all before the eyes of the King. The king may not oppose the will of the council save in times of War. The King and Council are accorded high honor and looked to in all things.
Wemic society places warriors, veterans especially, second only to Nobles and equal to Priestesses. Battle scars are considered badges of honor and a male with many scars is more likely to find a mate than one whom is flawless and fresh out of training, the latter having yet to earn any honor. This holds true for female warriors as well, but to a lesser extent.
Wemic Priestesses are responsible for the spiritual guidance of those within their City. And, as such, they abstain from sex, finding that it clouds their judgment. Should a Wemic Priestess fall prey to temptation or coercion, she is shunned and expelled from the City as being completely without honor. If a Wemic Priestess is raped, she retains her position but is sentenced to a period of solitary confinement where she will meditate and make peace with the Goddess Shakmeth. This period of time varies on a case by case basis. Many who have been raped choose to end their life during this time of solitude. Only females of the race may embark on the path of religion.
The class of commoners includes artisans, entertainers, Rangers, merchants and farmers.
Slaves are quite common in Wemic cities. However, only Nobles and warriors may keep slaves. This includes the High Priestess of the Council who appoints slaves to serve at the Temple. These slaves attend to the Temple itself and to the Priestesses, for although they may not partake in intercourse, a Priestesses assigned slave may pleasure her to clear her mind of lascivious thoughts that might distract her from her duties. The King is reputed to have a harem of concubines.
Wemic cities are closed to other races, save for the marketplace. The marketplace is open to merchants and patrons of other races. However, should an individual of any other race be found in the closed portion of the City, they would be expelled and depending on the current Speaker, be brutally punished. The Wemic arrogance is such that they rarely bring themselves to interact with other races. The exception to this is Centaurs, and to some extent the Cat-people. The Orcs, Trolls, and Goblins in particular are despised for their lack of honor. Occasionally you will find a Wemic who is not so close- minded, but this is exceedingly rare and such a person is looked down upon by their fellows.