Kajin

The Kajin are a race of human-like beings from Colanexa. The Kajin race has existed on Colanexa for approximately 300 000 years. Despite the long existence, their population remains relatively concentrated. Most live in the north to the southwest, however small tribes exist in parts of the southeastern continent. There are various subraces of Kajin, believed to have evolved to adapt to their natural climate of living. Alezhja Malkin, Sylvie Kharkof, Peter and Reina Vankori, Chernova and Lilya Kamarova, Stefano Belinski, and the Mafiln twins Aleks and Alena are all Kajin.

Biology
Kajin are physically quite similar to various races of humans – they have an internal skeleton (containing roughly 230 bones, including their tail, by adulthood), similar vital organs and bodily systems. There are four main races of Kajin; Sovietese, Frãco (Frãci for plural), Skalvolk and Taejo-Ghel (similar to Slavic, Southern European/Caucasian, African/South Asian and East Asian respectively). In fact, with suitable covering of their heads and concealing their tails, they can pass quite easily for humans.

The average Kajin is thinner and slightly shorter than the average human. Additionally, they have fur-covered ears atop their heads, similar to those of a fox or cat, and fuzzy feline-like tails from their lower backs. Their eyes are slightly larger, and have brighter irises that can glow in the dark. They tend to have substantially less body hair than humans, instead with tougher skin and extra bodily secretions (such as sweat, mucus, and discharge) instead. Kajin also have retractable claws on their fingers and toes, and sharper teeth, notably their canines and molars. Their heads are longer, though not excessively so, to make room for larger brains. The typical lifespan of a Kajin is about a century, give or take.

Territory
Kajins of varying subraces occupy several areas across Colanexa. They were more technologically advanced than the nearby Kalu tribes, and thus rapidly took over their areas. Much of the northwest to the equator is occupied by various Kajin subraces. Records as to how each subrace of Kajin came to exist, or which one(s) came first are inconclusive at best.

Culture
With populations all around Colanexa, the Kajin have various diverse cultures. However, some elements have remained consistent among most of, if not all, of them. Kajin are well-known for their very high libido. Romantic and sexual relationships, as well as family, are focal points in their societies. They also tend to be quite festive, with varieties of song, dance, and culinary over their span.

In the northwest, there has been much interaction between the Frãco and Sovietese groups, creating a blend of cultural influences. This is especially visible in Kikikoa and neighbouring regions, such as Belastrana, Famaselle, and Jogor’oe. In these areas, there is a strong emphasis on preserving nature (not too unlike many Kalu societies) and biology. Many kin wear special “heritage scarves” in the colour of their clans, which are seldom removed. In recent times, there have been pushes to promote more independent lifestyles in favour of settling down with families, as well as for more personal expression in art instead of relying on tradition (see Kikikan Countercultural Shift). The Sovietese clans are generally more hierarchal, based on age, than the Frãci ones that treat familial bonds like close friendships.

The central-west A'qai-Lan desert up to southern Kikikoa is home to the Skalvolk Kajin. While the Frãci Kajin are the most influential in the north, the Skalvolk are in their territory. They have interacted with the northernmost Kajin for centuries, as well as the Goldblut colonists upon their arrival. The Skalvolk are very accustomed to being covered outdoors, but scantily clad if not naked in private settings. Most “indoor” clothing is of renowned quality and is a sign of prestige. They also frequently dye their hair and tails, and it is not uncommon to find those with tattoos; piercings are considered taboo for connections to wild tribes, and for the general idea of puncturing skin with ornaments.

Little is shown about the Taejo-Ghel Kajin. It is known that the Taejo-Ghel of Jalfxia are divided into houses they call “Dö-jȫmy.” They also arrived in the southeast long ago, occupying modern-day Chambawa and the aptly-named Taejo-Kirä. They also generally view the Goldblut unfavourably for receiving preferrential treatment from the Frãci and Skalvolk.

Subraces
There are four primary subraces of Kajin; the Sovietese to the north, the Frãci to the Central West, the Skalvolk of the western A’qai-Lan desert and the Taejo-Ghel in the South. Of important note is the racial tension between Frãco and Sovietese Kajin that has existed since the nation’s inception, even sooner in fact. This has notable effects on Kikikan social structure and relations. The Frãci are seen as the “superior” or “dominant” subrace, while the Sovietese are “inferiors” or “oppressed.” This has notable effects, such on Peter Vankori’s treachery in the Gamian War or the gang rivalry in Kikikoa, as well as the Amé LeBlanc controversy where a psychotic Frãci Kajin stalked medicinal herbologist Isabelle Vankori, daughter of Tukka Vankori (as seen in the “Prowler” arc).

The northern Kajin of Famaselle maintained a strong alliance with the Skalvolk Kajin to the southeast. This extended to the alliances made with Goldblut settlers in the 13th century GHC. Much of this is the cause for Taejo aggression and disfavour towards Goldbluts.