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.

The Xirapans, as reclusive as they are, are known distinctly for the taming of Q'Farrun's wildlife. From the smallest prey to the largest predators, they befriend these animals for their use in hunting, transportation, war, and more. This practice, while practical, is a spiritual endeavor, reflecting humanity's ability to bring order to chaos and the Xirapans' perception of all natural things being a tool to harness. The process of taming and befriending animals is sacred to them, with every step of the process being carried out with an unwavering reverence. Sometimes, the process is done through ceremony, with key figures of Xirapan society befriending a lifelong companion at the Temple of Kinship. Success in the process earns one respect and a trusted ally, while failure leads to shame or even exile. The bond between Xirapans and their beast companions is a strong one, and the loss of an animal is mourned as deeply as a family member.

The Xirapan people are known for their secrecy, and their unwillingness to interact with those outside of Q'Farrun defines their reputation. Many other societies throughout Asobria view Q'Farrun as a dangerous land because of this, and only the bravest adventurers will choose to travel to these lands. The few that have visited Q'Farrun know less about Xirapan culture and more about their conflicts, however, with the region's political state being one of war. The landscape is defined by the violence between the Xirapans and the Lepdo'ami, which further pushes visitors away. Yet even with this chaos, those lucky few who have experienced Xirapan culture know how deeply rooted in their homeland they are.