Kalu-bloods

Kalu-bloods are a race of humanoid animal-like aliens from Colanexa. They primarily occupy the eastern continents and areas of the southwest. They are believed to be the youngest intelligent race of Colanexa, with earliest paleontology findings dating them back around 192 000 years (for context, humans are estimated to have existed for roughly 200 000 years).

Biology
Kalu typically take the form of humanoid animals, typically woodland/wild/domestic mammals, or birds. Notable exceptions include worms, horses, cows, and goats. More common Kalu forms are cats, lions, various breeds of dog, monkeys, owls, rabbits, bears, deer, mouse, squirrels, leopards, wolves, foxes, tigers, zebras, and hedgehogs, though others exist. Which form they take is a subject among much debate for researchers, with seemingly little ties to genetic inheritance from parents.

Other than a skull, spine and some ribs, the majority of a Kalu-blood’s skeleton is formed from densely-packed cartilage with thick layers of muscle. This lightweight skeleton makes Kalu-bloods highly flexible and dexterous, as well as able to quickly recover from wounds that might cause broken bones. However, less protection is offered to vital organs, meaning blunt trauma in many areas can cause more internal damage. Their feet are almost flat stumps (except for many avian Kalu, who have hardened cartilage ending in talons), almost like paws. Their hands form mittens, with five strands of denser-packed internal cartilage for “fingers” and a sixth folding sideways for a thumb. Their bodies are covered in fur, varying in length and colour. There are slightly more steady trends in how their hair type can be determined, though still largely inconclusive.

Territory
The majority of Kalu live towards the north, especially in the northeast and central eastern continents. Many subspecies live across the eastern continents, and some along with Kajin and Goldblut throughout the coast on the northern and central western continent.

Kalu-bloods have a longstanding history in what is present-day Schremn, Kalubio, Jogor’oe, and Bathole, but have influence and communities in smaller amounts for regions all the way down to the deserts of Skabb and tropics of Čaɱbáwa. Sects have resided in Belastrana, Kh’önaa’čaw and Gacawy.

Racial History
According to legend, the Kajin and Dragonia were the true heirs to Colanexa’s wealth. The Kalu were merely unintelligent game, hunted for food and sport by the apex Kajin. Until one day, a wise proto-Kalu spied upon a Kajin using a simple tool. The Kalu began to mimic, and teach to its peers, and they also began to learn to use, to communicate, and to learn. While the Kajin dominated the central lands, the tundra became a place where the Kalu could hide and further develop.

Upon Kajin discovery of the new Kalu, a great hunt was ordered to exterminate them before the overtook the Kajin dominance of western Colanexa. Many slain, few surviving Kalu escaped and wandered as nomads until they escaped the frost on new land. Land untouched by the Kajin.

In short, the Kalu are believed to be “natural accidents” by many, and racial persecution of “genetic mishaps” like Kalu are not uncommon. Other than the military use of Kalubio, most regions avoid trading or dealing with Kalu-dominant regions. It is worth noting that the mixed Kalu-Goldblut Bathole has emerged as an exception to this trend.

The furthest-dated Kalu remains have been found near present-day Jogor’oe, Belastrana and north Kikikoa. It is widely hypothesized that they migrated over the north in through the Schremoqueil Unional towards Kalubio, Bathole, and Putoola. The Dragonia are believed to have already existed on the southeastern continent by the time they arrived.

What is known is that the “Kawu” were the ones who had “bridged the gap” by crossing the north polar continent before the Goldblut and Kajin. The Kajin never occupied land on the eastern continents, and the Goldblut (as well as other “Imperial” Kalu) from the Gacawy Empire arrived afterwards by sailing. They would make a more coordinated effort in this journey later. Steibov Luvvar and Reinder Klaus I would lead a famous expedition north from Gačawy to investigate the different trade routes being used by their allies of Kynomidwu, Kh’önaa’čaw and Belastrana.

Culture
The vast majority of traditional “Kawu” culture originates from the Northern continents. This includes the notorious käɱ from the northeastern warrior tribes. Much of their influence was likely felt due to them being used as escorts and Sherpas for the treacherous journey.

In Kalu culture, the number 8 is considered unlucky, much like our 13. Much of this comes from the idea that many northern predators of Colanexa have four eyes, while the Kalu have two. One on one, a Kalu could fight most aggressive wildlife. But to have two predators watching meant they were outnumbered in both individual strength, and body count.

“Fight me eye to eye” is a saying sometimes used, likely related to this origin story. It is similar to “pick on someone your own size,” but also “mono-e-mono” or “don’t be a coward.”

13 is also considered unlucky, as it reflects hubris. Where the Kalu numerical system is duodecimal (ɱsiñžy’y), striving for a perfect dozen and taking more is said to bring bad fortune, hence the association with the number. In contrast, 3, 7, 11 and 12 (and most of their multiples) are all often considered lucky numbers.

Traditionally, Kalu only hunt predators for food and resources, not herbivores (remember that it is common for northern predators to have four eyes). This is related to their strong ties to honour when facing opponents; either they get food and material, or become food themselves. Their opponent can retaliate, and will do so to survive the same way that their Kalu hunters would. Herbivores, especially non-aggressive ones, were seen as lower on the food chain, and thus considered less honourable to prey on (however, in times of famine these restrictions would often be loosened for the population to survive). That being said, seafood is often viewed as fair game regardless of predatory status.

A common Kalu reconnaissance tactic was to have separate squads on patrol with trained avian pets, who would fly in assigned directions to alert nearby squadrons of hostiles or other events (retreat, camp found, reinforcements, hold/advance). This was improved on with flares before the introduction of instant messaging (radio, digital text, voice comms). However, the tradition of using colour codes and audio cues is still utilized frequently. Accommodations can be made for soldiers who are tone-deaf or colour-blind, however they are generally assigned to positions that do not use such systems.