Keralan

The Keralan are an ancient and mysterious race found all over Rathnir, though more often in legend than fact. What is known is that they mostly live underground, especially in Volcanic regions near the sea. In appearance they are humanoid in shape, however in daylight they appear midnight black, with dull diamond-like light emanating from within. It is said that only in their traditional habitat far below the surface can they be observe their full bioluminescence. They are now known to have built many ruined underground structures, and are therefore suspected to have at least average physical abilities, though they are typically depicted as being tall and thin. No Keralan child has ever been observed, nor have different genders, at least ones which are visible to the human eye. Finally, and most disconcertingly, the true death of a Keralan has never been observed, though in mythology, one Keralan maintained intermittent contact with a group of humans for over nine-hundred years.

Additionally, although they have been found scattered across Rathnir throughout history, it has been estimated that there are only around fifty alive in the world today.

Recent Emergence

Thought by many to have gone extinct or even to have been mythical, they have emerged in small numbers in areas such as Ańosphey, in Northern Yimmu-Audal, and have been rumored in Carvay, Ardat, and in the mountainous regions of central Nieden (though it is unclear if these are different groups). A number of theories attempt to explain their sudden re-emergence, from the mundane to the fantastic. It has been suggested that the recent catastrophic rains, which have so damaged Rathnir, caused a flooding of their subterranean homes, or that the extensive mining of Rathnir disturbed them. More optimistic observers have suggested that the recent prosperity seen in Rathnir has enticed the Keralan, while others preach that their coming is yet another sign that the end times, or at least great change, approaches.

Interaction with the Surface

By far the most well-known Keralan so far has been Ean Carroweather. While even those who have emerged to the surface have maintained a degree of reclusivity, Carroweather has attempted to throw himself into the politics of Rathnir. He has established himself as a prominent member of the UAC (Union of Ańosphey Commonwealths), and recently headed an attempted revolution against Yimmu-Audal.

Despite this flurry of interaction, he does prove some of the differences between the typical cultures of Rathnir and that of the Keralan. His general speech and name itself (a rough approximation) are extremely formal, which is attributed to the Keralan. It is known that the Keralan have a unified written and spoken language, however both are unintelligible as of now. It has, however, been noted that some Keralan runes bear a remarkable resemblance to the modern Ańosphey language. He has also shown a general abhorrence for and awkwardness with any mentions of sex, and at least in the beginning, a frustration with politics. From this it is speculated that the Keralans may not possess either of these functions, or at least a wildly different form of them.

As far as religion, it is speculated that the Keralans maintain a pluralistic faith. Burnt carcasses of animals were found in an ancient Karelan structure, with most scholars proposing this to be evidence of ritual sacrfice. With Carroweather's recent conversion to Sakrelism, and without apparent backlash from his people, it would seem that the Keralans allow for the existence of multiple gods.