The Kittine are the secret shadows that weave between the trees, a people of fox-like grace and sly wit. Born from the whispering pines and ancient spirits, they move with a quiet dignity, their eyes always alert, ears twitching to the songs of the wind. Nomads and hunters, they have a matriarchal bond that ties them to the earth, yet they always seem one step ahead of the world around them, as if they walk a path between reality and the unseen.
The Kittine are descendants of the ancient Kitsune spirits, who banded together in isolation for protection after their ancestors were hunted out of fear. Though the Kittine themselves have not been targeted, they live in secrecy, always fearing that one day their heritage may lead to danger.
As a remnant of their Kitsune lineage, Kittine can shape change into a full fox form once per day for one minute. In this form, they gain all the attributes of a fox, including its hit points, but if the fox form's health drops to zero, they immediately revert to their humanoid form. On average, Kittine stand 5 feet 6 inches tall, with a light build. They are naturally gifted, gaining a +1 bonus to both Wisdom and Dexterity. All Kittine speak Merchant and Fae, and they live up to 150 years, with a movement speed of 35 feet.
Nomad Group Veerta
The eldest group of Kittine, the Veerta are said to descend from the first union of Man and Kitsune. They wander along the eastern side of the Dracador Range within Gonolith, avoiding human settlements and the rare but still present Kitsune hunt parties.
They frequently travel into the mountains to trade with the dwarves, often bringing fresh food and woven clothing as their wares. They are well liked in the dwarven towns they visit and are always welcomed, traded with, and given fair prices.
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The Veerta are deeply spiritual and give offerings to the moon, believing it holds ties to the Kitsune that created them. They take great pride in their heritage and carry a touch of animosity toward human kingdoms for their long history of ignorance.
Nomad Group Celete
Unlike many other groups of Kittine, the Celete chose to fully migrate from the Gonolith Peninsula and make the multi-year trek across Dracador to the Golden Horn. Though they lost members along the way who chose to remain along the route and form their own groups, the Celete eventually reached the northern plains of the Golden Horn.
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There they found far greater respect and a pleasant life among the olive groves and brushlands. They are well known by the Orcs as fine hunters and skilled diplomats. Though not true citizens of the Golden Horn, they are respected and fare well within its borders.
Nomad Group Hearta
Hailing from the high slopes of the Dracador Range, the Hearta descend from a group of nomads that split off from Nomad Group Celete during their migration. After becoming separated by snow and avalanche, they sought refuge with the Undersullen during that winter, and once spring arrived they chose to remain in the region and make the best of the land.
During the warm months they venture across the slopes to gather fruits, nuts, grain, and meat. They then trade the finer and more exotic goods to the Undersullen during the colder months in exchange for refuge within the much warmer caves.
The Hearta have earned a reputation as mountain guides of great renown along the Dracador high slopes. If you need to cross them, only a fool travels without a Hearta.
Nomad Group Yote
Known as the Northern Tribe, a name the Yote find somewhat distasteful but still answer to, the Yote venture far into the Aether Peninsula and live among the pine forests of the elves. They are reliable merchants and postmen, often entrusted with goods and mail to deliver along their seasonal route.
This practice has become a strong tradition, and the Yote take it very seriously. In many regions they are trusted more than the governments own runners.
Nomad Group Okato
Wandering the unclaimed land between Thera and Heras, the Okato ride across the plains. They hunt, gather, and craft while remaining mostly unbothered by outsiders. The land they roam is dangerous and filled with beasts and monsters, yet the Kittine of Okato know how to handle these threats and often hunt them for sport.
The harsh nature of the region serves as their shield, keeping most intruders at a distance.