Tapeti
Leporine-Like Folk
credit to the original artist
Background
Tapeti are creatures that have been known to strive in woodland areas, using the trees and other forms of obstacles to maneuver around and live in. They are a race that hunt for food for their villages much like humans, living peacefully after the wars in their secluded homes. Their culture is built around their origins of using the forests to their advantage, thus making sure they educate their future children about their culture and the surroundings of their villages. During the war, Tapeti solely relied on magic and Technology to aid in the protection of their villages, figuring sending the villagers out themselves to fight if an opposing side were to approach would be morally incorrect. So, they resorted to Golems, Crossbows, and many things alike, only acting in self-defense against those who tried to siege such villages. These villages maintained steady, large populations, only ever dipping in numbers if a siege befell them and lost a few members.
Appearance
A Tapeti's physical appearance is notably similar to that of Humans and Elves, save for their uniquely long ears, With Tall Stature and a slender, muscular and proportionate frame, Majority of Which find it hard to even gain weight, keeping their Masculine-Form. Each Tapeti is paired with leporine-like ears that range widely in size, matching their corresponding Leporine-like Features. Another Thing Special to the Tapeti Race is their Pointed Feet, making it Near-Impossible for them to wear Normal, Regular Footwear, and instead Wear Stilettos-like footing. The majority of the population’s eyes contain a wide-range of different hues of green, orange, brown, and blues, though also leaning towards darker, unique tones such as Red, Gold, etc. Their ear and tail color retain the same colour of their hair, all ranging from White, Auburn, Black, Brown, Blonde, and Grey. The skin-tone ranges from that of the regular human. This Race has Sharp, Claw-like Nails, able to scratch someone or something up easily. Tapeti Usually have a lifespan of 200-250 years, meaning they tend to look younger than some humans when they are in their 90’s-100’s, much like elves. Tapeti withhold an Alluringly Charming look to them, rarely ever having scars or ‘abnormalities’ amongst their smooth skin.
Culture
Tapeti are a small race among Cinderfell, One of the most uncommon races.
Due to a Tapeti’s Pointed feet, they have to wear stilettos-like footing, finding it unbearable to wear anything else. Majority are found within Villages inside of forests, or travelling in groups amongst the outskirts of some towns. These Tapeti tend to scavenge for Crops, Meats, etc. left behind from those who walked the lands before them, even hunting some of the wildlife there if they aren’t able to find anything else. Tapeti usually look down upon their male counterparts, or even other races of the male gender- this is due to their population being mostly females, Males being seen as things to be used and tossed away later for the safety of survival, or straight up killed, thus leading them to live in seperate villages, only meeting up when needs be. Due to their sharp Nails, some Tapeti have a tendency to trim their nails more often than most, as they find it hard to wield weapons with such. The Tapeti's light yet strong body make them best suited to jobs that involve speed and strength, such as assassins, smithing, etc. Tapeti are heavily indulged in their festivities within their villages, usually celebrating milestones that they have reached, such as a population increase, new allies, etc. These Festivities are celebrated with buffets of food, Dances, Gifts, and anything you would imagine at a Festival. Due to their Living Condition, Tapeti tend to be highly experienced in hunting, doing so to provide for their villages and their young, along with being experienced in medical expertise.
Strengths n' Weaknesses
The most obvious strength of Tapeti is their overall strong body. Tapeti tend to work out more than anything, Being born with a more stronger, and agile body than the average Human, whilst also being capable of running long distances without stopping, able to keep up with Lycans and Vampires. Another Strength they’re known for are their Improved Sensories, having Better overall Senses than most races, This including their sight, and being able to hear even the slightest of sound, which comes in handy when they, themselves, are being hunted, capable of hearing over great distances. Surprisingly, One strength of Tapeti is that they have a high defense against any forms of Mentalism- this is due to their culture, in an environment where most is do or die in the forests, they have a lot of mental strength; making it very easy for them to fight off against mentalism attempts. Whilst Living in a forest may have its weaknesses, some Tapeti are capable of conversing with wildlife, some using this to their advantage to have them scavenge nearby areas. They are also one of the most flexible Race, due to their Leporine-like Similarities, allowing them to easily squeeze into and through small places rather quickly, and jump very high.
Tapeti are a very, very clumsy race, having a chance to slip and fall every now and then if they’re not paying attention, sometimes- yet not often, capable of learning how to use that to their advantage. Due to how unnatural their body structure is, they are immune to certain afflictions such as Lycanthropy, But can still be affected by Vampirism- However do not gain any extra Speed from the affliction due to already being quite fast. Though, In terms of Odd Weaknesses, Tapeti hate the smell of blood, crushed red peppers, ammonia, vinegar, and garlic. Most Tapeti, oddly enough, have a fear of Lycans and other dog-like mammals, having a tendency to try and avoid them at all times.