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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Priest_Sidran" data-source="post: 3110827" data-attributes="member: 30857">Skyren" The jewels of Grale can not compare to her lips that grace my own"                    High Lord Michelen Vittorian C. 2600 LC writing about the                   Courtesan Arielle D'Fanon, a Skyren actress, and singer.Skyren live freely among the lands of the Elves, and Humans as musicians, and entertainers. They are well known for their ability to dance, their music, and great beauty. A select few of them have made their way into legend, working as escorts for the rich, and nobility alike. They are the Diva, and the Poetesses, they are in short the Dream of the poorer man, and the luxury of the wealthy. Skyren favor things exotic, and beautiful. Above all they love adventure, and tales told from the luxury of heroes satin sheets.  They love gifts, and romances, and sensuality. Most of all Skyren crave attention. Personality: Skyren are fun-loving, tempestuous, and free-spirited. They have a vibrancy that others find attractive, and they go out of their way to be loved, and typically return it with loyalty and affection. Some though have learned that the world is not so peaceful, and so fun-loving and have learned to emulate other races cunning, and scheming by using their natural defenses as weapons in which to manipulate others for their own desires.Appearance: Skyren are a Fey race that are near to humans in appearance. They have multicolored hair that at first glance appears to be of a more normal coloration but which shimmers, and shines when lit by the sun. They have a tendency for wearing their hair long and open and typically decorated with diverse bangles and beads. They have a second inner eyelid that protects them from sudden bursts of light, and flying debris. They are typically taller than the average humanoid standing between 5ft.6 inches and 6ft.7 inches in height and typically are lighter than others their height. They are extremely long lived, but do not share the long view of the Elves.   Skyren are one of the most charismatic of races, and are considered to be aesthetically pleasing by most of the other races with the notable exception of the Kishane who have a strong distrust for many of the other races in the Hearth.  For the Kishane thought the distrust is much more deeper than for other races. The Skyren can exude scent at will, and these chemicals are used to manipulate the attitude, or behavior of others. With their higher scent abilities the Kishane can smell these scent, and even though they still have affect on them, find them to be revolting. Skyren use their scent infrequently, however, and usually only as a method of defense. At a glance Skyren would seem to be a female exclusive race. And for the most part this would be correct. Only five percent of all Skyren born are male, and of these only one percent have the scent. Because of this shortage of males, Skyren women tend to mate with non Skyren in order to continue the race. Skyren born of this type of pairing are 95% genetically similar to their mothers, and can possibly retain memories, and that their mother might of had. Skyren become fertile only towards the end of their lives, and at other key phases. When a skyren reaches the age of 20 she goes through a brief period of fertility, and then again at forty, and so on. Female Skyren are outgoing, and open while their male counterparts are close-tongued, and pensive. Male Skyren find employment either as the protectors and companions of their female superiors or as bards, scholars, or wayfarers. In any case all Skyren have an irresistible calling for travel, and adventure, a calling that can be quite hard for her companions to deal with, a reason why most prefer to travel Alone. Alignment: Skyren have strong leanings towards both chaotic and neutral alignments though some have been known to have more dire leanings. They will almost always, however avoid lawful alignments as it is not in their nature to follow laws, or commandments. Above all Skyren crave attention and acceptance and will do almost anything to get them. Society and Culture:  Virtually independent from each other, younger Skyren place little value in family, preferring instead dalliances, and flirtation. Older more mature Skyren feel an interest in family and falling in love, but few if any act on these notions. Only in the last hundred years or so of their lives do Skyren begin taking an active part in the idea of starting true relationships. This isn't to say that Skyren don’t fall in love, or feel something for anyone, Indeed Skyren feel to much emotions, and can sometimes get caught up in chasing them. It is only when their biological clocks are active that the slow down and begin to think of stronger commitments. Marriage for Skyren is not a sacred thing, nor does it mean that the relationships are exclusive to one another. All of this said Skyren have three abiding faiths, that of the Maiden, whom they say is their creator, and greatest Goddess. With the precepts of Desire, and of Sayara their Mistress, and with the faith that all souls have a match. A Skyren who finds her soul mate, may choose to spend a single lifetime with her chosen.  Death among the Skyren is the most social of all skyren beliefs, they gather together and throw a wake for the departed before throwing a celebration of the departed life that ends up being more of a revelry, or orgy than a celebration. If the Skyren had a daughter and was married, the daughter names herself the consort to the widower, and holds to his side for one full cycle of a Skyren year, an act that attempts to prevent deaths by heartbreak, and loss for the shorter lived races. Skyren incorporate many of their culture from that of those around them, they love the Dances and the music of the Ekeba, and the foods of the Elves, and the sports, and games of men.   Skyren reserve certain dances, and music for their Merskas or celebrations and it is considered a privilege to witness such events, though most men rarely remember them afterwards. They meet once a year for the Solask or great meet where they take lovers from their kind and make new acquaintances among the Matriarchy. Males are not an official part of these gatherings though they are present. At the end of the Solask, Skyren go on the Skyrane, or great hunt where they chase down and "kill" their prey usually lucky men invited for this purpose. Some of their dances, the Kabuthi in particular, a dance learned from the Ekeba has been banned in Grale for its indecent habit of losing the dancers clothes slowly before the audience until she is naked. While many Skyren still dance the Kabuthi in the privacy of nobles manors, or in underground parties, the Matriarch has recently begun to agree with this ruling after the death of Agatha Erano after a mob became over zealous for her affections after such a performance. Skyren are welcomed and even honored in the Silver City and one in particular Vattara El'thaen serves as the Queens Chancellor, and they hold many other positions of honor in Drakesbrige, Ilian, Tullis, and Grale. The Church in Basilica officially has banned Skyren from their city, while unofficially enjoying their company at the Operas, and Ballets of the Holy See. Lands and Settlements:  Skyren have no lands of their own preferring to live in the cities and kingdoms of others. They tend to wander from place to place, or to make homes in the ghettos of such races as the Halflings, or the Elves. Skyren are amongst the most artistic of architects and have helped in such plans as the Drakesbrige, and the roof-top gardens of Rhys. Power Groups: Always changing from year to year, the leadership of the Skyren known as the Council of the Matriarchs, or as the Matriarchy is a semi nomadic council that moves about the Maidens hearth, coming together only at the Great Harvest, and at the Planting two of the Skyrens most religious holidays. Focus: Skyren as a race have a strong leaning towards the Elements of Flame, and of Wind, with the advent of the elemental focus of desire many have turned in this direction. Water, and earth both also have some qualities that Skyren find desirable, though flame and wind are the most common choices among them. Beliefs: Worship of the Maiden is common among both the female, and male Skyren, and more than a few have taken up the calling of the Aryandean Ordination. Dawar, has also become a large religious figure among the Skyren, and the Saviors Wife Valanna has inspired the Matriarchy to establish a holiday for its people known as Valansday, a day which they celebrate with love-making and revelry. A growing number of Skyren have taken with the Desire Cult of Sayara, others have taken up the worship of the Elemental Queen Flute, the lady of Wind, and still others worship Karesh, the Elemental Lord of Flame. The more Chaotic of the Skyren find the teachings of the Cult of Chaos to their liking, and a few have even taken to the worship of Thorne. Language: Skyren speak a language derived from the proto-elven language known as Skrit, they also have perfected a language based off of the subtle hand gestures, body posture, facial tics, and expressions. Of all other races they can learn Elven, and Halfling are the two most chosen by the Skyren as languages they learn to speak.  Skyren speak with precision, and with an utter lack of accent when talking in a different language.   Relations: Skyren get along with all races with the exception of most Kishane who find them distrustful, and unpleasant. While this isn't always the case Kishane tend to avoid Skyren, or if forced to work with them become gruff, or agitated. Character Names: Skyren prefer names that are musical, or that pertain to things beautiful in nature. As such the names of flowers, and jewels are popular, as well as names regarding music such as Aria, or Rhapsody. Males tend towards names that deal with trees, or animals such as Ash, Rowan, Willow, Wolf, or Raven. They also tend towards the names of elves, and men.Male Names: Aalin, Aarin, Aelin, Alaine, Ashe, Ashen, Balin, Belin, Bran, Brand, Brande, Branden, Bren, Brendaine, Cacian, Calan, Carathen, Dalin, Delin, Dran, Duirin, Dynan, Ethelen, Eule, Falen, Falcone, Garren, Gethien, Harn, Helegar, Inan, Iram, Jacen, Jade, Jaden, Jakel, Javan, Khane, Kharden, Lhane, Liadon, Manu, Maru, Nartan, Nazarne, Olcarin, Perrin, Quinn, Raven, Rowen, Rune, Salathan, Saran, Sparrow, Theln, Therne, Thorn, Thorne, Ulthan, Vharan, Vhayne, Walu, Weja, Willow, Xhane, Yewen, Zhane, Zharen. Female Names: Aria, Arietta, Ada, Adia, Adya, Agatha, Arielle, Amelia, Blossom, Breya, Clea, Cloe, Diana, Dreya, Epona, Fael, Faelana, Fiona, Flute, Freya, Frigga, Gaia, Geneveve, Hannah, Ilya, Iona, Iris, Jacynthe, Jael, Jaelana, Jaena, Kaela, Kailena, Kaile, Liana, Lina, Lyra, Lyre, Mana, Maeran, Miia, Miiriam, Myra, Naia, Nala, Nara, Naya, Nesa, Niana, Nina, Nyra, Orielle, Orme, Prana, Pyra, Rael, Raena, Raia, Ran, Rana, Raya, Rhaia, Rhapsody, Rhiana, Riana, Rose, Saelena, Sapphira, Sayara, Sephora Shalana, Sharaye, Tael, Taena, Taia, Tana, Taya, Thaia, Thaana, Thiana, Tiana, Tiara, Tera, Tira, Tolana, Tzana, Ulia, Vaelena, Vaia, Vana, Vattara, Vaya, Vhaia, Vhiana, Viana, Whaana, Xael, Xaelen, Xaelena, Xaia, Xan, Xanara, Xaya, Xayara, Xen, Xena, Xenala, Xenara Xhala, Xhalana, Xhara, Yael, Yaena, Yana, Yenara, Yhalana, Yhalara, Yhan, Yhanara, Yona, Yorana, Zaea, Zael, Zaelen, Zaelena, Zaia, Zana, Zanara, Zaya, Zayara, Zena, Zenala, Zenara, Zhala, Zhalana, Zhara, Zia, Zianna, Zienna, Ziia, Zija, Zikana, Zilara, Zinja, Ziona, Zipura, Zira, Ziza, Zya, Zyanna, Zyenna, Zyja, Zykala, Zykana, Zyona, Zyra, Zyza.Family Names: Aaris, Aija, Ainin, Aira, Airo, Caon, Dax, Eksu, Erano, kairin, Melenate, Nialo, Nyx, Orme, Ren, Rilelan, Sai, Sarin, Terven, Vardalay, Vesuri, Viritta, YnänaClan Names: D'Fanon (Summerwind), El'Thirala (Springflower), Wenala (Nightflower), Lan'Velas (Moonwhisper), Aran'eledhen (Evensong), Arel'thaen (Havenskiss), En'Velas (Starwhisper), Wenathaen (Nighkiss) D'thiren (Springwind), D'eledhen (Evenwind), Wenaran (Nightsong), Wenvelas (Nightwhisper), Wenflaras (Nightflame),  Arel'flaras (Havensflame), Lan'aran (Moonsong)  Famous Skyren:   Naia El'Thirala, Eleanna, and Mirriam Dax, Vattara El'thaen, Sephara Vardalay the RoseFavored Drink: Elven Silverroot Ale, Summerwine, Rose Petal Brandy Favored Food: Elven Sharp cheddar cheeses, Gralen Spiced Shalahari , and any other expensive meats. Favored Deserts: Rhyssian Sweetmeats, Dewdrops, and Elustrean Cranberry Cream cake. Favored Weapons: Bladed Tambourines Favored Prestige Classes: Courtesan of Desire, Shelzari Eroticist. Skyren Racial Traits:•+ 4 Charisma, +2 Dexterity, - 2 Strength, -2 Wisdom; Skyren are highly charismatic, and quick but are less physically strong than others, and have a tendency to be slightly naive. •Medium: As a medium creature Skyren have no special bonuses or penalties due to size.•Skyren base speed is 30 Feet •Charming Beauty (Ex): Skyren are so physically attractive that others must succeed at a will save DC 15 or be charmed. This works as a gaze attack, so others of her kind are immune to this effect. •Quickened healing (Su): Skyren regain one extra hit point per hour when resting in order to heal. Skyren heal quicker than many of the other races. •Alluring Scent (Ex): Skyren are able to release a scent at will that effects all characters within a 10 ft. radius. Foes must succeed at a Will Save DC 15 or become drowsy, as per the spell Lullaby in the Players Handbook. •+2 racial bonus to Listen, spot, survival checks. Also they gain a +2 to Bluff, Handle Animal, and Perform checks•+4 racial bonus to Diplomacy, Gather Information, and Sense Motive checks. Skyren are able to read others like an open book because of their familiarity with non verbal communication. Also they gain a +2 insight bonus to AC for this reason.•Immunities: Skyren are immune to intimidation effects, blinding spells, and effects, and from gaze attacks. They are also immunte to charm spells and effects, as well as the charming beauty of other Skyren. •Automatic languages:  Skrit, Body speach, and Common; Bonus Languages: Any, except secret languages such as druidic. •Favored Class: Rogue, A Multiclass skyren's rogue class does not count in determining whether he takes an experience point penalty for multiclassing (See XP for Multiclass Characters, Page 60 of the Players Handbook version 3.5)•Level Adjustment: +1</blockquote>

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