The Vulnix

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➣ K E L ' A I ▪
The Kel'ai structure is a tribal one, based upon the concept of strength and protection. Those who are more skilled warriors are higher up in the ranks of the tribal system, and therefore have more power over decisions such as hunting parties, caravan routes, and hunting patterns. Each familial group has its own structure, and those structures in turn blend into the overlapping Kel'ai "rulership". Once a year, caravans comes together in a group to meet about various patterns, such as adjustments to rotations, as well as to select a Kel'ai leader. Often times this is selected from amongst the caravan leaders, but there are no rules other than this Kel'ai leader must be the strongest warrior amongst the people.

Kel'ai exist in sets of ever moving caravans, similar to Romani people. These caravans are often made up of familial groups with their own structure that falls under the basic structure of their people. There exists a "boundary" for each group, which all the other caravans are aware of, and stay outside of. This reduces overcrowding and over hunting, providing each family with enough food to sustain them. Caravans tend to move two or three times per year, usually following migrational patterns of prey, but will also create makeshift gardens for raising produce. There are few familial structures that remain in the same place all year round, and those that do tend to be further away from the wandering caravans.

Kel'Ai are unique amongst the vulnix as they are perhaps the only tribe with such lax differences between males and females. The lines may be blurred with the Kel'ai people, but there are still some roles that tend to adapt more to males and females.

MALES Male kel'ai are more often than not hunters and warriors among their people. Traditional roles have become mixed in more recent times, allowing many males to perform as scouts and warriors as well as hunters. It is not uncommon to see a weaker male, or perhaps an injured one, tending for children or caring for the animals amongst the carrivans.

FEMALES Following the untraditional structure, there are quite a few power females amongst the Kel'ai vulnix. From a young age, both males and females are raised to defend themselves and hunt, and it is up to them as they grow through life what paths they wish to take. Many females become skilled huntresses, while others choose to remain at the caravan to prepare the daily feasts, and care for the family present. Many are also skilled jewelry makers and will be responsible for creating clothing. Females also tend to be the only merchants amongst the Kel'ai, simply due to their proficiency for creating crafts. Merchants will often travel from caravan from caravan to sell their goods, and there are regional differences amongst the creations they carry and sell.

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In perhaps the most unique event of the vulnix species, the Kel'ai are known for undergoing a transformation as they gain strength. This transformation expresses itself most clearly in any available feathers on the Kel'ai, and can affect males and females alike. As these individuals begin to grow and assist in their life, their feathers begin to reflect their victories. Normally dull and earthen in colour, Kel'ai can become as bright as vibrant as the magic using Kun'ei, dependant upon their own strength.

This strength is often expressed from caravan to caravan, and within the caravan systems. It is not uncommon for caravan families to have personal competitions, akin to bare knuckle boxing matches, or gladiatorial battles, with each other. These are in good fun, or more often than not used to settle disputes amongst each other. These victories are also used to determine when the offspring of the Kel'ai are able to become fully functioning members of their caravan, or alternatively leave to form their own.

Further more, there are often tournaments arranged between various familial groups. These are often seen on holidays, when the caravans will meet up and create large groups in the middle of the plains of Syn'lai. These tournaments can increase the gained status of a Kel'ai, and often times caravan leaders will make decisions upon their chosen successors based on the results. It is also important to note that the Kel'ai maintain the colour of their wings through regenerations. Often times, regenerations can be tracked via how bright one's wings are, as older Kel'ai tend to have brighter wings through years of additional experience.

The addition of colour to a Kel'ai's feathers has been illustrated below, using the current King of the Kel'ai, Camulus, as an example.




Stage 1, the "baby feather stage". This is a Kel'ai's wings at their "weakest". Markings can be common, but feathers will often be dull and earthy in colour.


Stage 2, the warrior stage. When a Kel'ai becomes a member of their caravan, or leaves to join another, this is often the level of colouration their wings have begun to display. Colouration either starts from the tip of the wings or the base, as the feathers replace themselves. This is a common stage for hunters, wives, and young warriors


Stage 3, the fighter stage. At this point, a Kel'ai man or woman has becomes a functioning member of their caravan, and is most likely on the path to creating the next generation. They have quite a few wins in various brawls under their belts, and can be counted on in a scrap. Most warriors will never advance past this point.


Stage 4, the mentor stage. Those Kel'ai who continue to train and fight will find themselves with skills they can teach others, and will most likely be counted on by their caravan to teach the future generations. Their skills make them stand out in a crowd, or a fight, and they may have even begun to develop their own weapons and armors, knowing what they themselves prefer.


Stage 5, the leader stage. At this point, very little of the original colouration of the Kel'ai remains. Instead, their wings are exceptionally bright and beautiful. These bright colours will make them stand out as leaders, and most often only the leaders of the caravans will wear colours this bold.


Stage 6, the King. There is no official stage 6, as only one Kel'ai will ever have wings this bright. The King of the Kel'ai has the most bold and bright wings of all, rumored to be more flamboyant than even the Kun'ei.

History and Culture