Julaniem

History of the Julaniem

The Julaniem (also known as Kerrat) first came into being between 6.000 to 5.000 years ago. They were originally ordinary humans who lived in the Sisgardian land of Tavaroth and were part of the kingdoms scattered throughout the predominantly desert land.

Most of the details of how the Julaniem came to be what they are now have been lost to history however it is certain that the Benodic were responsible as the 'Desert Spirits' have shown a history of altering creatures during the rare times they involve themselves with the world in some manner. Whatever the reason had been for their alteration; be it a lesson, punishment or reward of some kind, the Julaniem found themselves to be hunted down for decades as the kingdoms of Tavaroth believed them to be some form of demonic entities.

Eventually the humans stopped hunting them as they realised the Julaniem were as mortal as they themselves were and were in fact once humans themselves. For many centuries the Julaniem would try to make their own civilisation but close to 4.000 years ago they gave up on this idea permenantly and simply allowed themselves to become part of the human cultures of Tavaroth.

There have been no historical accounts of Julaniem originating anywhere else though there are other sentient, bipedal feline like races across Earth, such as Neko's and the Kzin. But neither are the same with the Kzin being an entirely alien race and Nekomimi generally being more human with a few feline traits.

Appearance of the Julaniem

Julaniem bear resemblences to Egyptian gods. For like those mythological figures they have the bodies of humans but the heads of animals. More specifically they carry the heads of panther's. Often the back of their hands are furred and rather then nails they have non retractable claws which are straighter then those of cats. Tails are common but not a neccesity and in some Julaniem communitys young Julaniem are actually encouraged to have their tails surgically removed to enhance their appearance.

The human parts of the Julaniem tend to vary from bronzed to a black skin tone. Julaniem tend to be fairly muscular with swimmers build's in general.

Biology of the Julaniem

1. Some biological points about the Julaniem.
2. The Julaniem are without exception a blend of human and panther forms.
3. Julaniem are physically about twice as strong as an basic human of equal physical condition.
4. Adult male Julaniem stand between 5,8 to 6,3 feet high. Adult females stand between 5,6 to 6 feet high.
5. Males are about 10 pounds heavier then their human counterparts. Females are about 20 poundes heavier then theirs.
6. Julaniem are capable of withstanding higher air temperatures then humans.
7. They are also capable of withstanding lower temperatures but are more quickly to become 'cold' and uncomfortable.
8. Julaniem have significantly superior sense of hearing and scent compared to humans.
9. Their vision during the night is also superior to that of humans. Day time vision is similar to humans.
10. Julaniem require optical assistance to be able to read.
11. Roughly 45% of all Julaniem are color blind.
12. Julaniem cannot purr. They can growl, they can roar. They cannot purr. Only housecats can purr.
13. Julaniem reach physical maturity at age 22. Sexual maturity at age 12.
14. The average natural life expectancy of Jelaniem is 75 years.
15. Julaniem require about twice as much food as a human of the same physical condition.
16. Julaniem are predominantly carnivoric but are able to digest plant food.
17. The Julaniem can make a unqiue 'growl' that can be heard over kilomoters in distance and they use this find others in the

vast expanse of the desert. This sound is what earns them the nick of 'Kerrat'.

Culture of the Julaniem

The Julaniem culture is steeped in the concepts of honor, pride, strength and pleasure. A Julaniet is expected to satisfy all these concepts in their life, preferably at the same time. Honor is generally aquired through hunting or arena fights, pride is simply a lifestyle and strength applies to both body and mind. Pleasure is generally of the carnal variant, however anything that satisfies a Julaniem is considered acceptable.

Male and female Julaniem are considered equal though in the more sparsely inhabited area's the females are expected to hunt fresh food while the males protect the children. In more densely populated area's the traditional roles are considered less important and the Julaniem handle things as they feel best.