Created as stewards of the newly created paradise Jarneyna, the Firstborn represent various aspects of the island: Nat’las, Nat’karn, Nat’vad and Nat’vin.
In part they were also entrusted with some divine magic to help in their quest. They act in complete secrecy from the Ironlanders, only taking drastic actions if the situation demands it and Jarneyna is threatened.
Nat’las
Nat’las (Those Born from the Forest) appear humanoid, ranging from 1.8m (5.9ft) to 2m (6.5ft). They have a slender figure and grey-greenish skin that resembles bark.
None have ever seen a face of a Nat’las. They cover their head in an elaborate masks, made from a single piece of bark. Only their dark green eyes can be seen piercing through its holes.
They have long hair, that resembles tangled vines and come in auburn and dark-brown colors.
Culture
Nat’las mostly live in small communes in forests. In some instances, lone Nat’las roam the lands to check and tend for other forests. When the need arises, the eldest of each commune come together to discuss events and decide on actions.
To loose or remove their masks is a disgrace.
Characteristic
- Longevity: As the trees and forests they represent, Nat’las have been gifted with a long lifespan, covering multiple centuries.
- Expert Fighter: Never underestimate a Nat’las. Owing to their stature they fight mostly with light weapons such as Swords, Daggers or Bows. But their precision and agility is to be feared.
- Lightfooted: Especially in forests, they almost seem to float above the ground and you will be more often surprised to see a Nat’las standing right next to you, when you least expect it.
- Expert Stealth: This also makes them formidable in sneaking up upon enemies and strike with precision.
Nat’karn
Nat’karn (Those Born from Stone) are elemental beings.
When they choose to make themselves known to others, they seem to appear vaguely humanoid, ranging from 3-4m in height (9.8ft - 13.1ft). Their body and limbs made up from boulders and stone that are in the vicinity of their appearance.
Culture
Nat’karn are recluses, keeping to themselves and rarely making themselves known to outsiders. They almost exclusively live in the mountains. Every pile of rock you see could be a Nat’karn.
They are pacifistic in nature, only defending themselves or that which they choose to protect. In most cases they react harshly against those that try to steal the metals from within the mountains and as such cause mine collapses or debris avalanches by slightly shifting the mountains.
Being elemental in nature, they do not posses a traditional way of communication, but rather communicate best when asked simple yes or no questions. The answer will come in forms of signs, such as a spring of water suddenly appearing (to say “yes”) or falling debris (to say “no”, or to disagree strongly).
If you behave respect- and mindful within a territory of a Nat’karn they will mean you no harm and sometimes are even known to help those in need and peril (such as creating shelter or easier means of travel).
As elemental being they live as long as their element is present in the world. As such they lived since the beginning of Jarneyna and know most of its history, although time takes its toll on the memory.
Characteristics
- Undying: As elemental beings they can’t die of natural causes. As long that there is earth and stone they will exist.
- Durable: By choosing stones and boulders to form a body, they tend to be quite durable. If parts of it would be destroyed it can reform that part with other material that is nearby.
- Pacifist: They do not tend to partake in direct conflict with other beings.