Background
Emerging as a relatively "new" race in the world, all Djekom trace their lineage back to a family of once-accursed, monstrous elves. While the curse has faded from existence over the generations, they are still left marked by its history, taking on exotic and often distinctly monstrous forms.
Culture
One Djekom's "culture" is entirely dependent on their ability to integrate within society; which is often not the case for most. A few lucky souls may have found a life within the confines of normal society, and for those that have, they tend to adapt the cultural "standards" of their home, though most remain loyal to their Tribe's spiritual and ritualistic believes. For those that fail to assimilate amongst others; they may find most societal norms as foreign, or alien.
With full-blooded Djekom being carnivores, their tribes are nomadic, having no reasons like agriculture to settle down. These tribes—often referred to as "Family" within their native tongue—are headed by one or two leaders. Gender roles within traditional tribes are flexible, with the head of families being decided solely on "purity." Purity is a concept within their culture that is paramount, guiding not only their hierarchy, but their ideals. A Djekom's "Purity of Body" is thought to be the literal concentration of the race's progenitive "curse" within their blood; measured by determining the darkness of their blood in a coming of age ritual. The "Purity of Self" is simply how well an individual abides by cultural standards, and spiritual believes.
An especially common believe among Families is the worship of their "curse." With the original Djekom thought to be a family of accursed, monstrous elves, most Djekom believe that this very-same curse still exists, and is what gives them not only life, but their unique power over their bodies. For many Families, the fundamental concept of this curse takes on the role of a "God" and they serve to spread its influence by surviving, and thriving. Appearance
Having not only an exotic, but especially varied appearance, Djekom are one of the more unusual looking races around. Possessing a mostly humanoid form, the Djekom have more than a few peculiarities. Chiefly amongst them are their vibrantly-hued skins, ranging across the visual spectrum, including nearly any mix of primary or secondary colour. Such vibrancy is similarly shared in their hair, and especially their eyes. The latter of which always lacks the typical white sclera found in humanoid races. Equally striking are the race's more monstrous traits, including horns, tails, claws, and even sharp, pointed teeth.
Strangely, Djekom seem to vary wildly in size as well, with common heights ranging anywhere from barely 4ft all the way to 8ft.
Lastly, their blood is much darker than that of other races, with the blood of "purer" Djekom appearing pitch-black.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Being natural predators, Djekom tend to be physically capable, proving just a bit faster and dexterously-gifted than their human counterparts, even despite some of their larger sizes.
Their true strengths, however, lie in that which their "curse" bestows upon them. All Djekom, full or half-blooded, possess an unparalleled control over a unique part of their body. Be it a limb, tail, hair, or even their claws, they are able to seemingly transform it at will, change its physical properties, and even regrow it... However, this supernatural "gift" seems to restrict and muddy the Djekom's aura, and with it, their affinity for new magic. They possess one less "Aura Point" than mages of an equivalent talent...
A Djekom's carnivorous diet may also prove inhibitive. While half-bloods may be able to enjoy different foods for the taste, Djekom require meat to live. In fact, some Djekom have even been observed growing ill after attempting to digest other foods...