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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Quickleaf" data-source="post: 1876672" data-attributes="member: 20323">Maa-kheru flavor textThanks for all your comments! I will first post the flavor text for the race, then reply.  <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /> New Race: The Maa-Kheru The Maa-Kheru are descendants of sanctified undead that were awakened by Neith and promised eternal life if they would lay siege to Antekh and punish the wicked king Othirsis for his tyranny and blasphemy. Those that survived the battle with the Kauathian Knights, though few in number, joined the people of Antekh in the aftermath. These undead were blessed by Neith with the ability to procreate, and their children were known as the Maa-Kheru, or “true of voice.” They were given this name after the myth of the weighing of the heart. It was said the heart of a worthy soul was weighed as the soul reported a negative confession, declaring its abstinence from evils. If the heart weighed less than a feather, the soul was called “true of voice” and given a place in heaven. They are extremely rare beings, numbering about 1200 in Antekh, and 900 in Nedj-Akhet. PersonalityOnce fiercely loyal to their living allies, the Maa-Kheru have become jaded after years of being treated as little more than unseen servants. Their personalities are intense and their memories long. A friend or a foe is never forgotten, and a Maa-Kheru will go to great lengths (often considered insane) to right a wrong, and especially to hunt down those who have violated them or the sanctity of death in some way. It is better to be thrown into the fireplace than be the target of a Maa-Kheru’s vendetta. Maa-Kheru are especially hateful of undead, and oppose them at all possible opportunities, even if it means putting aside another rivalry. Only those undead that are clearly good-aligned are granted mercy from the Maa-Kheru’s wrath. A Maa-Kheru straddles the boundary between life and death, and feels a constant conflict in their being, often expressing itself as a ferocious nature. Like the goddess that woke them, Maa-Kheru are known for their ferocity in opposing those who threaten civilization. Physical DescriptionThe average adult Maa-Kheru male stands between 5-1/2 and 6 feet tall, and weighs between 120 and 180 pounds. Females are about six inches shorter and 50 pounds lighter. The Maa-Kheru appears as a wrinkled and shriveled corpse with translucent white hair (if any at all).  Its skin is rough and bound tightly about the bone, adopting a dark brown color as if it had been preserved by natron and aged for decades in the desert. The Maa-Kheru’s eyes are milky as in the dead person’s complexion; both the iris and pupil are a pale, nearly white, hue. Most often, they adopt the clothing of the community in which they live, though some Maa-Kheru observe the practice of wrapping themselves as a mummy. A Maa-Kheru is considered an adult at the age of 15, and can “live” for a very long time indeed; the oldest known Maa-Kheru is said to be over 600 years old. Maa-Kheru that survive this long do not die, rather they enter a deep sleep from which they do not awaken. This sleep is referred to as the "Sleep of Ages." RelationsMaa-Kheru strive to be accepted by the other races who they would willingly serve, but so often receive rejection that most Maa-Kheru have a standoffish attitude. Used to being scorned, Maa-Kheru defend themselves, not letting any save their own kind get close to them. It has been said that winning the favor of a Maa-Kheru is harder than wrestling crocodiles; however, who wins a Maa-Kheru as his friend is guaranteed a devoted companion for life. Given their long lives, Maa-Kheru often serve as tomb guardians and caretakers for their closest friends. Maa-Kheru deeply appreciate those who take good care of the dead. In many ways, they see eye to eye with the Anpur (Gnolls). AlignmentThe Maa-Kheru tends towards leading a lawful life, typically lawful neutral or lawful good. However, those who do embrace evil are among the worst villains known. Chaotic Maa-Kheru are often those who felt down-trodden by society and seek personal freedom. Maa-Kheru LandsOver the ages, some of the Maa-Kheru migrated from Antekh to form small enclaves of their own. In truth, their numbers are too small to be anything more than a minority in even in Antekh, their birthplace. Some consider their true home to be the Underworld, as the Asari (Halflings) do, and seek a way to return. These Maa-Kheru are known as the “Ungrateful” by their fellows, for they believe they were deceived by Neith and that this life is actually punishment for failing judgment in the Underworld. The Ungrateful seek a way to sneak or force their way through the Underworld into the heaven they feel was denied them by being awakened. This minority is based in Nedj-Akhet, and they welcome any of their kind who espouse similar views; all others are turned away, by force if necessary. ReligionAs a race, the Maa-Kheru worship Neith. Some do turn their backs on her, typically the “Ungrateful” but such rejection is rare as the Maa-Kheru need the sacred linens of Neith to heal and renew themselves. Occasionally, other gods are worshipped in addition to Neith, particularly gods of death such as Osiris, Nephythys, and Selqet. As a group, the four sons of Horus (Amset, Duamatef, Hapi, and Qebsenuef) are often revered. Anubis is rarely worshipped, and is actually proscribed due to some ancient pact with the Anpur (Gnolls). A Maa-Kheru worshipping Anubis can only receive up to 3rd level spells and will be actively hunted by Anpur aware of the breach. LanguageIn addition to speaking Common, most Maa-Kheru learn a couple additional languages, often Halfling and Gnoll, to communicate with those who have a close bond to death. Maa-Kheru NamesWhen a Maa-Kheru is named, he or she often receives the name of one of original undead awoken by Neith or of a deceased member of their family. Given their subtle belief in reincarnation, Maa-Kheru treat their names with the utmost reverence; to speak badly of their names is to dishonor countless before them who bore the same name. There is little difference in naming males and females, though females are often receive the “nth” ending to their names, signifying their connection to Neith.Common Unliving Names: Hetep-mes (“Born of peace”), Mes-sep (“Gives birth to peace”), Utch-re (“Strong of voice”), Khesef-harash (“Great in speech”), Sere-sra (“Lifting up his/her face”), Besma-emker (“Flame seeing in the night”) AdventurersStemming from their deep sense of stewardship over the other races, Maa-Kheru living in the city typically take to the adventuring life if a beloved friend does. Often, Maa-Kheru will follow where the living fear to tread. Independent Maa-Kheru also tend to become adventurers if they’re outcasts, typically becoming wildwalkers. Many become ghaffir, swearing to protect the tombs of their allies once they have fallen. FeatsThe Maa-Kheru have access to four feats which are largely unavailable to other races. These feats are channel negative energy, commanding touch, feign death, and ungrateful one; they are described under in “Feats of the Oasis.” Favored Class: Cleric</blockquote>

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