GEOGRAPHY: Ursa Etheria: Breath of the Mother, also known as Etherial Isle used to be a floating isle that hovered over the island of Pan's Isle below. It is 5 miles in diameter and some 500 feet thick, the total surface area is about 25 sq miles. The bottom of the isle is a 200 yard layer of rock that comes to a sharp point. The sides of the isle consist of mountainous rock and sheer cliffs. The climate is mild, the air seeming almost pure. Some of the Island is covered with dense forests, there are plains, meadows and mountain areas as well. The southernmost area of the Isle is a valley into which the Kanthrop have settled. There is a large saltwater lake taking up most of the western side of the isle, as well as a sulfur hot spring to the northest. A fresh water spring provides the Kanthrop with their drinking source to the south.
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Recently however, forces involved in the War of the One have sunk the island back down to sealevel, crashing it against the western coast of Pan's Isle, breaking away some of the surrounding mountainrange, which rocks now form a link to the Isle of Pan, making Ursa now into a makeshift peninsula.
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PEOPLE & CULTURE: Kanthrop's are a rare and unique species on Tazlure, and for many generations, have lived in complete secrecy and isolation. The recent generation however, has finally breached the barrier of the Etherial Isle and come out into the rest of Tazlure. Legend has it that the Kanthrop are the descendants of dragons, with their polymorphing abilities. Others say the race is left over from the days when the gods of Tazlure walked the world, and the animals spoke like men. No one is really sure, and the Kanthrop aren't saying. Wherever their special gift comes from, it's a rare and unusual one.
A Kanthrop can only be born of two Kanthrop parents, and there are few enough in the world to make them an event to celebrate. Kanthrop children are brought to the Etherial Isle to be raised and trained by mentors, therefore never knowing their parents. A Kanthrop child or "kit" is raised by the entire community, instead of just one set of parents. A Kanthrop can only leave the Isle once they've achieved their first shift, usually in their late teens, early adulthood. Kanthrop's come in all shapes & sizes, appearing, for the most part very like humans. The distinguishing difference is their eyes. A Kanthrop's eyes are those of their animal form, be it wolf, bird of prey, big cat or dolphin. A Master Kanthrop can also be distintigushed by some other animal characteristic that has manifested itself due to the mastery of their gift, as well as the ability to speak in their animal form.
LEXICON: Many of these terms would be considered "slang" by the older generations, but have been embraced by the younger Kanthrop.
Kanthan: mentor
Kit: young Kanthrop not yet considered an adult, having not achieved their first morph.
Warp: to shift/morph into one's other form. Also Warping. Somewhat of a "slang" term among the younger generations.
Sleepers: Non-Kanthrop, as they are stuck or static in one form, and initially were thought to have lost the ability to morph.
Dope/dopey: derogative term for sleepers.
Lost Ones: The Kanthrop ancestors, or creators, whom took the secret of the Kanthrop's origins with them.
Foxes: another slightly derogative term for the few envoys from the Citadel who have attempted to make political/diplomatic overtures to the Kanthrop community. More traditionally, for the inhabitants of Pan's Isle.
Silver Fox: nick name, not only for the Ceasar, but more traditionally, Pan as well.
Ursa: The Kanthrop name for Mother Earth.
Gents: The semi-respectful term for the Centaurs of Pan's Isle.
Council of Owls: The leading council of the Kanthrop community (members called Hooters,
by younger generation)
Magpies: The term the elders use in reference to some of the more rebellious of their youth.
Dreamweaver: A nickname given to the mystical 3, also known as The First, who are said to have led the Kanthrop to the island, yahren ago.
HISTORY & LEGENDS: How the Kanthrop came to be is anyone's guess; they sure aren't giving out any details. That could be because they don't really know themselves, but you'd never get one to confess to it. They speak loftily about the Lost Ones, the original four Kanthrop ancestors, and how they were the chosen companions of the Gods, a perfect blend of animal and humanoid, and far superior to every other creature the Gods had created thus far. It could explain why they were hidden for so long, or why their Isle is so magically protected. Rumors among the other races differ slightly, of course, some saying they were the playthings of dragons, or a mage's magical experiment gone wrong. It's not wise to repeat those theories within the excellent hearing of a Kanthrop, however.
POLITICS: Being relatively new to the political scene of Tazlure, they have little influence and seem uninterested in gaining any. While technically they've been grouped as a part of Pan's Isle, they've yet to acknowledge themselves as such, to the frustration of the Ceasar's diplomats and ambassadors. The fact that the Isle is impossible to get to without the Kanthrop's permission or cooperation doesn't make negotiations any easier. The Kanthrop just don't see the point in a truce, seeing as they aren't interested in trade, wars, or profit.
As for internal politics, the Kanthrop society is one that deals with political situations on a very direct level. It is a tribal community, with only two tribes known to exist on the continents of the Seven Isles and the Western Kingdom. Each tribe has an Akanthan, chosen by trial of combat and a shaman, who is usually the elder member of the tribe. The Akanthan runs the daily affairs of the tribe, while the shaman provides guidance and leads his people in worship. Usually he is also a healer to his people, although he may have apprentices to function in this capacity.
RELIGION & MAGIC: The Kanthrop population of Ursa Etheria is almost singularly devoted to the Earth Mother, also known as Ursa to them. Kanthrop tribes on the “mainlands†also follow this religion, although their methods of worship may differ from the secluded population of the Isle. Worship is conducted primarily in groups, led by a shaman or medicine man and doesn’t always follow the rituals as they are conducted in other societies, even though resembling features might be discovered. A strong belief also rests in the spiritworld or the Aether, where the ancestors of the Kanthrops are said to roam and watch over the tribes, guiding them through signs which only the shaman is asked to interpret.
Their magic is inherent to their being. All of them being shapeshifters as they come of age and in touch with their Inner Animal. Outside of that Kanthrops may choose to educate themselves in all forms of magic, although there are few in their own community who may teach them beyond the paved ways of their ancestors. Some of their kind are skilled healers and alchemists, creating from the world around them, in touch with nature and the Earth Mother. Since most manmade weapons are shunned their magic is usually attuned to improve on their own physical prowess, being gained by focus on their Inner Animal through almost monk-like mediation rituals and combat training.