Xirapan

The Xirapans are a lithe, agile people, their forms molded by a life within the dense jungle. They have warm, almost sun-kissed complexions that range between copper and mahogany tones, and many wear body paint or tattoos that represent certain animals. Their hair is typically darker shades of brown or black, and are often accessorized by feathers, beads, or jade pieces that signify their status within their culture. Their clothes are made from lightweight fabrics that are dyed with vibrant colors, accented with jewelry, ornaments, or armor made from and inspired by the jungle's flora and fauna. Their eyes are sharp and piercing, ever vigilant of a changing environment.

The Xirapans are incredibly familiar with their jungle home, able to climb obstacles, jump gaps, and pull off other acrobatic feats with ease. They are also well-versed in animals and their behavior, seemingly being able to communicate with them at times.

The Xirapans trace their lineage back to the earliest Human tribes to have ventured into the jungles of Q'Farrun, with the most notable being a group now known as the Akulkulan or 'First Conquerors.' Led by the great Ahuitl the Beastmaster, the tribe required ingenuity and an intimate knowledge of the region's inhabitants to survive. Over many generations, these tribes developed into the Xirapans of today by taming and harnessing the strength and abilities of many endemic creatures. While the Xirapans have never attempted to leave the confines of Q'Farrun's rainforest, they have continuously defended their homeland from any perceived threats.

Xirapan culture revolves entirely around their jungle home, and everything they do is done either in reverence to it or takes inspiration from it. The rainforest is both a nurturing cradle and a fierce adversary, which is deserving of their respect and fear. As such, their architecture and art often depict the creatures of the rainforest and the unending circle of life within it. In order to maintain this delicate cycle, their people often hold sacrificial rites to give back in exchange for what they've taken, ensuring that the rainforest continues to provide for their people. Their oral and written stories chronicle examples of the land's bounty given to them, but it also often warns of its potential wrath.

The most unique trait of the Xirapan perspective is how they view the jungle itself. Even with their reverence, they view everything within the rainforest as something to use, a tool or weapon to harness. They can and will find a method of controlling even the most unstoppable of forces to use to their advantage, but they take great care to avoid abusing or misusing the land's gifts.