Kajinee

D&D 3e (3.0/3.5) Rules

by Meltdown

The Kajinee Creation Myth

R.L. Gligger writes: "...I had sailed the length of Krynn for so many years I had come to believe that I should have died out there. But no, the fates kept the ship intact and the fish in our nets, and oh, what strange catch indeed. With luminous bodies and a network of stripes the hues of all the spectrums. I know I shall never see my family at Ergoth, but then... perhaps it's not my place to turn back. I have landed on a stretch of beach I can only describe in a few words... desolate. The islands themselves ripped from a blast furnace, still dotted with volcanic runoff and heated vents. I lament ever arriving here, and I know, whatever creature that finds me, will surely be the end of me, and my disastrous voyage..."

- salvaged from flotsam discovered along the coast of Ergoth. Unknown date and origin, the R.L. Gligger Journals were sent to the Library of Astinus.

The Kajinee are thought by many scholars to have started their voyage from an opposite side of Icewall. However, many argue against this theory, and have some ability to. After all, not many creatures apart from wild things can exist on the plains of ice. But what is known is that some barbarous primate that lived in a winter land did one day become the race known as Kajinee.

The Kajinee are firm in the belief that Khorloas (Reorx) was a failed god and child of Ionthas. They believe that Ionthas (Chaos) commanded Khorloas to build a plaything for his brothers and sisters, and the world was built from the derelict toys of their youth. The Scales of the Universe, it is said, hung from the back of the High God. Ionthas was one such dish, and his brother of Law another. Khorloas was the counterweight, and was never allowed to finish any of his projects to completion. To do so would upset the balance. Upon crafting the world his brother yearned for, Khorloas used it to store his failed and broken toys. To help ensure the balance, he split the world in two halves, giving each to a brother. The Scales were off however, and an invention of Khorloas brought the end to the balance. Each side of the divinity plate broke, and soon the gods walked the earth itself.

For some time, the scattered children of Khorloas walked aimlessly through the trackless tundra of some lost place. One evening, however, the god gave them a sign. A bright burst of flame shot out across the sky. Where it touched, islands formed and jungles grew. The Kajinee were quick to explore this new land, finding it fearful and full of the bizarre creatures of Chaos. After many hundreds of years of adventure, the Kajinee soon came to be settled, and they were at peace. When Khorloas pulled the Magori, their most ancient of enemies, away however, his children lost all contact with the god. Still, the Kajinee watch the burning red star in the sky, watching and knowing someday the god will return to walk with them once more.

Astinus Writes: "I find it interesting that the Kajinee were aware of the higher echelon long before the majority of Krynn. I imagine this is due to their ancient lineage, of which an account not even I am party to. A most interesting paradox, to be sure, but a mystery to be solved at a later date."

Across the plains of the Outback, deep in the thick, verdant grasslands, is a tribe of wild bush warriors named the Kajinee. These people are a diverse and cultured group, with many habits and styles unseen by humanity.

Geographic Range

The Kajinee have settled across the grasslands and wilds of the Outback. This is on a southern tip of one continent or another, between a low mountain range and the southern seas. This rolling landscape is dotted with giant redwood trees, some ash and a lot of scrub brush. There are several valleys, hundreds of gullies of varying sizes, and a plethora of hollows riddling the countryside like corkboard. The fruit that grows here is found on either bush or vine, but is also known to be found underground. Some parts of the grasslands are thicker then the others, with some fifty miles of weeds rising up higher then any man's head. Some areas however, are deserts all the same. Wild antelope, bulls and cattle, and a lot of birds make this place home.

The beaches just before the sea are long and deep, an ocean of rocks and blue tinted sand. The sand on this side of the country is an odd shade of blue, because of the minerals interactions with the red dirt so common in the interior of the location. When heavy rain storms pull in from the coast, floods of red mud pour down through the beaches, leaving the sand to glow blue. The beaches eventually taper off into the sea. The beaches are home to many types of life, stretching from crab to sea gull. After a 30 mile decline, the land underwater plummets to the depths of the salty sea. The shelf acts almost as a barrier from the tsunamis that rage out in the deeper ends of the sea. However, once or twice a year, a few squalls tear across the beaches, and for a few months, seasonal rains turn the interior into a muddy mess. Rivers from the mountains trail down into the seas here, which helps account for the wasted fertility of the valley. Many crayfish live on the banks of the rivers, and every type of fish is found in the seas.

Astinus Writes: "The Kajinee believe themselves to be on a vast continent. While large, it is still only an island. Further, it is important to note that while they term their land the Outback, each race has a different name for the region."

Biogeographic Regions

The Kajinee are one of the oldest Inuit tribes of the Outback. Their long story begins further up north then they are now, in a time before recorded history. They had existed for many centuries hidden under fur and ice, in a blizzard landscape. They had made their homes from stone, and their clothes from the bear they preyed on. Eventually, the intense cold could no longer sustain life, so they began to migrate with their food supply. They followed the animals down into the jungles, where the mammoth beasts could no longer fight. Hunting them to extinction, the Kajinee looked for a new source of meat.

The jungles held many animals for them to feed upon, and they were happy. Of course, as their civilization grew, so did their curiosity. They began to construct small boats, which they used to fish with. Soon, they came upon islands, and those too were settled. As they sailed further away, the jungle empire died out, but new life was found on other land masses. After a long time, the Kajinee sailed deep into the south, settling in the wilds of their new home. It is believed they plan on remaining in this new place for some time now.

The Kajinee are an ethnic blend of several people, as they have assimilated a few dozen cultures in their several hundred years of exploration and migration. They have adapted and consumed many different types of people through peace and war, slavery and barbarism. It is often assumed by scholars that the term Kajinee is not the original name, but rather the name of a dominate group who took the original tribe over. However, what is known is that the Kajinee express many traits of their ancestors in appearance and attitudes. From the north they draw their thick red, brown and gold hair, which was braided, shaved and dreaded deep in the jungles. Their skin is pale and dead in the shade, but quickly browns after any length of time in the halo of sunlight. Their eyes are slanted and small, almond in shape and color. The bone structure of the Kajinee is small, yet strong and account for most their weight.

Habitat

The Kajinee live in a few places across the grasslands, ranging from the rock wall villages near the mountains and hovels built under the giant red woods.

Kavar (est. pop. 800): This town is installed into the side of the mountain crags, with entire thorps existing in caverns running for miles in the thick stone. These people feed off fungi, birds and the cattle that graze at the foot of their home. Deep in their caves, a river runs underground, which they use to for daily functions. This river also drains into the valleys and the sea. Wooden catwalks and causeways run along the walls, connecting each section of the village. The village is divided by cavern for functions, like an ant colony, with divisions for craft work, living and storage. These people often use spears and javelins in war, along with the standard bow and knife. They prefer to wear leathers and feathered fetishes. Each year, they hide in their caves to escape the deluge of rain.

Nam'r (est. pop. 600-700): Along the beaches, a clutch of Kajinee have made their claim for the sea, after building a chain of thatch huts and assorted dugouts. The people of Nam'r are spread across the sands and waterways, never really concentrated in one place. They prefer to hunt by spear and net in the waves, and often times live on the water in giant raft boats. They mostly consume fish, crustaceans and some bird and fruit. When the seasonal squalls hit, they lock themselves up in their dugouts. When the land slides come, they have been known to sail out to sea. After the rivers flood, they collect crayfish for soups, and comb the beaches for blue crystals to sell to travelers as good luck charms. These people wear shells, feathers, and giant crab plates.

Ogvl (est. pop. 200): The infamous red tree tribe. These people live in a very well known location, which happens to be a stand of gigantic redwoods. This location is so prolific because it stands out from the endless sway of grass and low brush. The Kajinee have dug out the hill under these majestic trees, and built their homes under them. In this way, they actually live under the trees themselves. They made their homes from the clay dirt they dug up, along with some wood for support. They have also dug out an elaborate set of tunnels to connect each home. At the center of this is a large communal warren, which also allows access to the outside commons. The commons is the center square of all Kajinee, and a gathering place of all the tribes. When the squalls come in land, they simply seal their gates or go under ground. When the mud flows come, they climb the trees. They eat the antelope of the plains, as well as the cattle and birds. They wear little more then mud, bone and shells from the giant ants that live in a few spots. They hunt them for sport. They often dip their spears in the collected venom from the ants before battle with various enemy tribes from across the plains. These specific Kajinee are master guerrilla fighters, and are often confused for living plants.

Terrestrial Biomes

For the most part, the plains are wet in places, dry in others, but generally hot anywhere you go. When the moons were seen in the sky, the Kajinee had many such festivals in their honor. After their most hated enemies were ejected from their lands, the moons vanished. They believed this was a sign, and began to worship the single moon as a collective reverence to the former globes. While the weather patterns changed little, the Kajinee took this all as more signs from the gods.

Weal/Woe Moon: For the past fifty years, the Fortune's Moon has always started the first of any given expanse of time. This is a time of either grief and remorse, or a time of festival. If the Kajinee have appeased the spirits within all things, this is a pleasant time. If not, then this is the time of floods and mudslides. This is a turbulent time at some points, but does some good in either light. In many places, this is considered Yule time, but snow never touches these grounds. During this time, the Kajinee celebrate festivals of the hunt, fortune and life, as well as pay homage to the bodies of water that give them life. After the downpour of rain, the heat rises, and the plains become sticky with moisture.

Devil's Moon: Following just behind the rain season is the boiling heat of the Devil's Moon. This is a time of heat and games at elevating this. Whether you jump in pools of water or cover yourself in mud, everyone is trying to beat this scorching heat. Every few years or so, the heat ignites the plains, and wildfire roars across the land. During this time, the redwoods drop seed, and then their life can begin anew. It is for this reason that this is the time of fertility. This is also a hunting time of the giant red ants which live in the gullies near the rivers. All who return home with a plate of red ant armor is a warrior. All who return without, return in shame.

Angel Moon: After the sweltering heat, this moon settles the temperature at an average of about 75 degrees. This is just a time period for hunting and foraging, and many travelers. Lots of people from around the islands come here for the various things they sell, such as charms and armors. As this month dies down, the crickets come out of hiding, and leave the time on a gentle note.

Song Moon: A time of song and dance, this is when the days are short and the nights are long. Firebugs play in the fields, and the children gather around for old war stories. This is simply the most pleasant time, with regards to weather and attitude. At the end of the month, however, they sharpen their weapons for war.

Blood Moon: Before they prepare to settle back into hiding for the torrent of weather, many tribes go to war during this period. The Kajinee gather at the council of red oak, and prepare for war. They move across the plains, pillage, plunder and steal. They then return home, with the enemy in pursuit. As the month winds down, the deluge comes in at random, and drowns their enemies away. However, a few times they have been forced to fight in their homes.

General Characteristics

• Mass - 100 to 180 lbs.
• Height - 4'6" to 5'11"

The Kajinee are an ethnic blend of several people, as they have assimilated a few dozen cultures in their several hundred years of exploration and migration. They have adapted and consumed many different types of people through peace and war, slavery and barbarism. It is often assumed by scholars that the term Kajinee is not the original name, but rather the name of a dominant group who took the original tribe over. However, what is known is that the Kajinee express many traits of their ancestors in appearance and attitudes. From the north they draw their thick red, brown and gold hair, which was braided, shaved and dreaded deep in the jungles. Their skin is pale and dead in the shade, but quickly browns after any length of time in the halo of sunlight. Their eyes are slanted and small, almond in shape and color. The bone structure of the Kajinee is small, yet strong and accounts for most their body mass.

From the far-flung frozen north of paleolithic times, the Kajinee draw their impressive strength and endurance, which has gained them some repute in the worlds of war. This ancient lineage has blessed them with the ability to absorb more damage then most humans, and they use this in battle to its full effect. However, these ancient peoples were boorish and lacked any amount of culture, and so, at times, the Kajinee are brutal and savage just as their legendary ancestors. There will always be a measure of their brain matter that would rather kill then talk, despite the cultures more recently adapted into their ranks.

Astinus Writes: "The cold lands they speak of are beyond Icewall. The great sunflare that delivered them to their island home was the Cataclysm."

Deep in the jungles of Saalenshi, the people that would become the Kajinee encountered a race of people alien to their own. After years of living with and inside the society, each half became one, until they were just one people. They shrunk and grew compact, yet retained their muscle mass and bone structure. Their immune systems strengthened and expanded, encompassing a new legion of germs that previously was unknown to the northern tribes. With these new people came new talents, including speed and camouflage. This also gave way to a new line of thought, about the world around them in general. They began to formulate a new tactic of living, with stable homes and something of an economy. This is considered by most their golden age, and the time when they developed a true identity. After a few wars, a lot of elephants and the defeat and collapse of the two neighboring civilizations, the Kajinee had god, gold and glory. Now they wanted more. They left their jungles for the seas, and began to sail across the oceans.

Astinus Writes: "The jungles of Saalenshi are home to a strange race of elves."

Arriving on the islands south of Wang Po, the Kajinee ancestors first attacked and pillaged the islands, taking many slaves. This is often attributed as the first true assimilation of the Eastern culture. From these slaves they gained advanced ideas on medicine, law and building. Eventually, they went to war against the Wang Po Empire, and were defeated. Emperor Chan Il Dang absorbed these people into his society, and they soon took on the characteristics of these people as well. Now strong, fast and hard willed, the Kajinee became the perfect weapons, and were used in the half-century blood feud between the eastern empires. Eventually the Wang Po dynasty went belly up, and the Kajinee escaped in stolen ships, taking their allies with them. Across the seas, these people merged again and again, creating the present day Kajinee race.

Astinus Writes: "Wang Po is East of Taladas."

Eventually they began to island hop, and after almost a hundred years of brutal warfare across thousands of islands, the Kajinee settled in their final home, and have lived there for as long as any can remember. Inside, they are a combination of intense, brooding anger, fierce jingoistic attitudes, and an almost conflicting sense of calm absorbed from the Wang Po religions. Yet, their amassed culture and individual etiquette kept all images checked behind a thick shell of grim resolution.

Astinus Writes: "It is possible the buildings discovered on the island of Storm's Keep once belonged to these people."

Some key physical features: endothermic; bilateral symmetry.

Ontogeny and Reproduction

Gestation Period: 7 months.

Young per Birth: 1 to 3.

Weaning: After about 6 months.

Sexual Maturity: 15 years.

Life Span: 45-70 years, though some have lived until 80 or even 90. The Kajinee do not age like most creatures do, and retain their youth until they die. This is often considered so because of a mix with magic, or perhaps a kiss of the fey. Born naked and pink, the young remains in the maternity burrow, cave or hut for about a month before accompanying its mother on her nightly excursions.

Copulation and reproduction is dependent on several factors, the most notable of which is the nature of origin of each section. While different villages have been known to mate and reproduce, it is more common for the Kajinee to reproduce within their own village, or with one of the nomadic tribes that pass through the plains. The most notable feature of their reproduction is that their genes follow no known code, thus the offspring can look like neither of the parents, or look exactly like them. However, the mother always retains a bond with her child, knowing perfectly which is hers.

Childhood (2-6 yrs.): This is a time of learning and attunement with the world around them. This is when individuals learn their place in society, and what they must do. A few ceremonies accompany each phase in the child's life, including Naming, Professions and passage into adolescence.

Adolescence (7-15 yrs): This is more a hazing time, as well as a rite of passage. This is the time the child prepares to engage in the Red Hunt for the giant ants in the middle of the plains. At the end of this period, the child begins looking for a mate, and after one is found, each child goes into the brush to find their ant.

Youth (14-15 yrs.): The telling moment of adulthood. This is the time they bring back the carapace of the ant, and display it to their betrothed, who should also have one. If their mate doesn't return, or doesn't bring back a hide, the wedding is off. From this point on, they are true adults in society, and are allowed to move about freely and express themselves as they wish, in accordance with the sociological norms.

Key reproductive features: dioecious; sexual.

Behavior

While the majority of their behavior stems from the amount of cultures obtained, yet the general motif of the Kajinee psyche is a melting pot of extremes. In everything they do, they do it to its fullest. When they are angered, they rage and destroy. When they are calm, they are passive and indifferent. However, in all things, they hide their true feelings. The Kajinee are brave people, yet also know the true value of retreat in times of desperation.

Every morning, the Kajinee wake with the sun, and practice for long hours in the fields with their weapons. This involves every weapon they know how to make, which is several swords, spears, javelins, bows and daggers. This pattern of exercise is assumed to have come from the Wang Po dynasty era, but it is unconfirmed. After this, they eat a meal of rice and roasted fish, which they have stored in caches around the village grounds. Then, if no events are planned for the day, all members head off to do their chores for the day.

Some spend long hours in the wild hunting game, or fishing at the lake. These are the true heroes of the village. Still others occupy themselves with washing and scrubbing, or preparing meat for storage. Everyone in the village has an assignment for each day, and they must fulfill on this or lose face among the others.

During midday, many youths, after their chores are finished, rough house, play games of skill or relax in the springs near the lakes. However, if needed, they come when called. Everyone simply knows their place in the society. As night falls, all the tribe members gather around the campfires and enjoy a communal meal. After this, they say a small prayer to their spirits, and prepare for bed. Those who slept during the day rise now, and take their places among the tree boughs. These are the watchers, and they make sure no one attacks them in their sleep.

The Kajinee language is spoken only by them, but can be learned by any that wish to spend the time learning it. They have many customs and beliefs, such as a primitive voodoo, a belief in self and the spirits within, as well as an after life of paradise. The Warrior is the highest rank in hierarchy, followed by the mother figure. Each season is embraced with a different custom, such as the digging for crayfish after the floods. All the villages stay in touch with the aide of the wandering Kajinee.

Key behaviors: motile.

Food Habits

The principal food items are meats, proteins, citrus-based fruits and water. They gather these products with a combination of weapons and skill. They hunt wild cattle, most types of birds, and herds of antelope. They also fish, forage and grow a few small plants. The Kajinee use several devices for the capture of prey, including spears, nets and blow guns. They often cure, dry, and smoke foods to make them last longer, and store them in cold places underground. However, as a whole, the village ethos is geared towards hunting, and not farming. They have negative views of agriculture. It is theorized that the citrus interacts with their bodies in some way, but it is unsure how or why at the date of this printing.

Relationships With Other Races

Economic Importance for other Humans: Negative
The Kajinee are a warlike people, and have been to known to level entire villages to fulfill their inner bloodlust. In this, economies are ruined, and entire fields of crops are lost. The Kajinee are also somewhat territorial at times, and if any one travels their lands, they keep a firm eye on them to be safe. Their strange practices also hinder the advancement of the west into the wild lands, and the mountain ranging Kajinee refuse to allow miners near their homes. Also, because they believe in the power of nature, they take no precautions to adverting natural catastrophes, allowing the mud slide and fires to ruin any civilized settlements on the plains. The Kajinee resist change at all costs. However, the biggest threat to other humans is the nomadic Kajinee. These people travel where their game takes them, and this is sometimes through countries. Not many can rally fast enough to stop their pillaging, and sometimes it is best just to hide. With no known base, the nomadic Kajinee wander off, and are sometimes never heard from again.

Economic Importance for Humans: Positive
The Kajinee are master basketweavers, trail guides and are master craftsmen concerning all materials found in nature. Many humans travel the world to arrive here, and to partake in some of their rare items. Most humans, however, only buy their material goods for decoration or further trade.

A lot of people also come for the blue sand and to see the giant redwood trees. The Kajinee also kill off hundreds of giant ants each year, which helps stem the creatures growing population. While the Kajinee people aren't known for vast knowledge, they do know of many practical methods of hunting, and what each plant means in the plains around them. They are masters of their home, and, as such, many come to them to learn more.

The Kajinee also buy and trade for some modern devices, such as tobacco, coffee and wools. They have also been known to buy foreign ores for their crafts, which they then turn into art pieces that other people buy back. On the frontier, they are often looked to for advice and guidance. They also use the surrounding clay to create pots, which also sell rather well. Nomadic Kajinee are sometimes conscripted as mercenaries for foreign governments, but also distribute their goods and such all the same. Solitary Kajinee also have made excellent bounty hunters and vigilantes.

Economic Importance for Korobokuru: Negative
The Kajinee are not always on perfect terms with these jungle dwellers, and thus, they have been known to war with them on several occasions. These wars are fought on almost every front, from gully to plain to ridge to jungle swamp. This leaves both sides with countless dead, yet they have made up several times to compensate. The other negative aspect of the Kajinee on the Korobokuru is that they are positioned at the highest traffic zone of commerce importance. Almost all who pass through either never hear of the Korobokuru, or never bother to visit. Even though some small delves of Korobokuru exist on the plains, many would rather barter with the Kajinee than face the heat, animals and giant ants for Korobokuru wares.

Economic Importance for Korobokuru: Positive
While the Korobokuru may seem a bit isolated, the Kajinee do perform several things that aid them, whether directly or not. The Kajinee trade with them regularly, and are often allies in wars against other humans and the Shikome. The Kajinee also act as guides and guards through the rough spots of the countryside, delivering to the Korobokuru rich foreigners interested in Korobokuru crafts. Also, as the Kajinee are situated at the front of the plains, it is less likely that any force will surprise the Korobokuru. For the most part, the Kajinee and the Korobokuru are estranged allies, yet they work together to keep their own economy in gear. A strange team, yes, but its how things are done.

Economic Importance for Shikome: Negative
Well, if we ignore the fact that the Shikome have no real economy for a moment, the Kajinee are more than likely one of their highest causes of death. The Kajinee slaughter them on sight, and have been known to burn their hovels to the ground. The Kajinee also like to desecrate their graves, and have even been known to go so far as tear the bodies apart. The Kajinee also have been known, on occasion, to send back a few victims a bloody mess, after stabbing out their eyes, ripping off their ears and breaking both their arms. To say this blood feud has gone a tad far is an understatement. Any and all who make friends with the Shikome also die. Fields of the dead have been uncovered, all of mixed race, but all with only one fletching of arrow.

Economic Importance for Shikome: Positive
In an odd sense, the Kajinee do provide a benefit to these wild monsters, in that they create a border from the rest of the Outback. Why, should their population have grown to large, then they would have surely attracted the ire of the Empire, who would simply have eradicated them to the last. The Kajinee also attract visitors, settlers and adventurers, providing excellent quarry for the savage Shikome. And, as an added bonus, everything the Kajinee make is often stolen (or attempted anyways) by the Shikome, thus fueling their economic drive.

Economic Importance for the Kapu Maoli: Positive
Staunch allies, the trolls of Kolohe trade freely with the Kajinee.

Economic Importance for Saalenshiti: Negative
Bitter enemies with the hive-minded elves, the Kajinee have warred with these people for centuries.

Economic Importance for Magori: Negative
The Kajinee never hesitate to kill these creatures.

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