Rafaite Empire
Fashion
The Rafaite people wear a similar fashion to a toga. Rafaite people wear long cloth wrapped around their bodies held by metal loops on shoulders. They wear a belt to keep the loose flowing cloth from being displaced when they move. It is common to see only one shoulder have cloth looped over it, leaving the other bare. This is seen in both male and female fashion.
During the warmer months, the cloth is lighter, which makes it more transparent yet breathable to help keep people cooler. Conversely, in the cooler months, people use thicker and warmer cloth, which also includes extra lengths of cloth as shawls, cloaks, and hoods.
Religion
The people of the Rafaite empire worship Sapo (Photon), the god of light, who they believe literally holds the world within its light. They believe god is underneath the world and its constant shining light keeps the world alive. It holds everything in its out-stretched arms. They have a temple on the underside that is a pilgrimage destination to prove their faith in the sun god's protection from darkness.
Along with their beliefs, they believe that all darkness is evil and needs to have their god’s light shine on it to save those who dwell in it. The darkness is Fureta (Midway) and all the inhabitants within it. Passing through the darkness from the surface side to the underside is a rite of passage for the true believers.
Society
A typical Rafaite city is centered on a central massive tower, that is the burial grounds for their elders and honored citizens. Rafaite cities can be massive as they formed the different districts around the central tower and branch outward based on how many people settle. The people of this culture thrive on the plains and love the feel of the open space which is reflected in their cities. Their streets are wide and designed for walking, not for carriages and other vehicles. They don’t believe in walled cities as it confines the people when their belief is that all people should be free to roam. The feeling of being free to roam or come and go as they please comes from their connection with the Nomadic culture and the Shishiza who dominate it.
The Shishiza train Rafaite companion lions for families who want to bond with a lion cub.
Honoring the Dead
Raf’Shat cities are made of clay and stone. They are built in the vast open plains, allowing attackers to be spotted miles away. At the center of the cities are large stone structures that resemble mountains. Within these mountains are home to what Raf’Shat consider royalty. The mountain-like structures are the crypts of their deceased, as royalty in their culture does not mean leaders but represent those who have passed on.
The lions of the deceased protect the structure and their lost companions. They are known as the lost lions and are cared for by the lost orcs, whose lions have passed on before them. The Raf’Shat considers taking on the responsibility of a lost orc or lost lion an honor and is highly respected.The Shishiza Bond
The Raf’Shat have a strong relationship with the Shishiza as they work together to create a bond between the lions and the Raf’Shat. The Shishiza specially breed the lions to live as long as their Raf’Shat companions. It is common practice for Shishiza to leave their nomad tribes and settle with more wealthy Raf’Shat to breed and train lions. The orcs' care and connection with lions show the Shishiza that they have honor in what they do.
Slavery
The Raf’Shat Empire does not have slavery, as it is a weakness. They believe forcing someone else to do the hard work makes the master look incompetent and weak. Taking on the hard tasks of life shows strength and accomplishment. Therefore, they do not have slaves and any slave who escapes to their land is given freedom regardless of their slave debt or who owned them.
The empire’s borders are constantly patrolled to keep slavers, bounty hunters, and other similar characters out of their lands. The only way for slaves to be brought into the Raf’Shat Empire without being given freedom is through trade. A merchant can bring their slaves into the empire with legal documentation and proof of ownership. While in the empire, any slaves who attempt to flee are considered fugitives and are hunted down and returned to their owners.
Traditions
Uruk Ritual
The Raf’Shat are a proud sub-species with a strong connection with lions and the Shishiza. They are given a lion cub to raise and bond with from birth. At first, the parents teach the cub to protect the child until the child has grown. On the child’s 16th year of birth, they must perform the Uruk ritual to be considered a true orc. They must venture out into the plains with their lions for one harvest (1 month). They are given no provisions for the journey and must learn to survive in the wild or parish. However, they are trained from the day they can walk to prepare them for the Uruk ritual. When they return, they are treated with respect and given the right to build their own house and find a mate to start their own family.
Discipline
Languages
Native
Raf’Shat
Secondary
Latlish or Umish
Suggested Masteries
Athletics and one character creation weapon mastery (i.e. Archery Weapons, Martial Weapons).
Lion Bond
A young lion becomes your companion, and you develop a special bond with the animal. You have grown up, side by side with your lion, which gives you a connection with them on a completely different level. You can communicate with them without needing to speak by using simple mannerisms. You carry on the bond and love with your lion even after death. Your lion will risk its life to save you, but you also would do anything to keep them safe.
When playing, your lion is a second character to be played out. They gain experience points similarly as you do. For every two talents, you gain they gain one.
Plain Knowledge
Lucky rolls on knowledge checks related to plains. Gain +1 critical range when hunting and gathering (max 6-10). This cannot be used in combat.
Gain:
- Enhanced Vision mastery and it is free to activate.
- Lucky rolls on animal empathy checks when communicating with animals
- Throwing Weapons mastery.
