Brandkin

Brandkin height and features vary depending on their specific heritage, retaining features of the original race that they or their ancestors once were. They do have features that make them stick out, however. Aside from the prominent horns that sprout from their heads, their ears are also elongated and sometimes even have more than one point at their tip. Additionally, Brandkin are branded by the Mark of Sin on their chest, symbolizing them or their ancestor's connection to darker forces. Brandkin skin can be a range of darker colors such as red, purple, or blue, oftentimes with darker, almost black parts of their bodies. Their hair can be virtually any color, depending on their original heritage. Hairstyles and other aspects of their outward appearance also varies based on the region they are in and their original race. Brandkin clothing is typically quite ragged and minimal, reflecting the lifestyle that many are forced into. Their eyes, which can be a range of solid colors with no apparent sclera or pupil, are sometimes said to hold a sadness to them.

Brandkins' connections to the Void grants them a multitude of gifts, one of which is incredible vision in the dark. Additionally, a little bit of the Void's Magic stirs within them, granting them basic spells and making them resistant to its dark power. If they desire, Brandkin can also utilize people's fear of them to their advantage in an interaction.

It is unclear when exactly they first came to be, but the first Brandkin were originally members of other races. Through a long series of sacrifices and rituals, these individuals sought to become Demons in servitude of dark Gods. Yet, for one reason or another, they never completed their transformation and were left in a halfway state. These early Brandkin then continued on with their lives, living among other races and passing on their Fiendish influence on their children. Now, in the modern day, new Brandkin arise both through those going down dark paths but also those whose ancestors committed that sin. Their people continue to live among others, often being forced to hide and struggle in the shadows.

Due to the Brandkin's origins and their lack of a true homeland, their people lack a distinct culture. Individuals will instead reflect the lifestyles and ideals of the place they live in or have ancestors from. Brandkin are mostly found as small minorities in much larger societies, often forced into the rougher areas of cities and into a struggling lifestyle. It is due to these circumstances that a good portion of their people have become charlatans or thieves, often believing that there is no good alternative for them to turn to. In the many cases that don't turn to crime, however, they often form their own enclaves within larger communities. These Brandkin communities, such as the one present in the Beggar's Bazaar in Vatepor, often have their own music and art that brings color and joy to the darkest corners of a city.

An interesting tidbit of Brandkin lives are how many approach their names. While many Brandkin have names that reflect them or their ancestor's origins and culture, many also have what is known as a 'virtue name:' A name that represents a certain trait or concept that an individual embodies. Most Brandkin have these virtue names as a sort of nickname, but plenty others only have their virtue name to go by. Additionally, as some Brandkin understand the Infernal tongue of the Demons, some will have names that originate from this language. The use of Infernal is much less common, however, and is usually only present in Brandkin that still serve evil forces.

The Brandkin's challenges in Asobria have reflected themselves in their own lives, making them as distrustful of others as others are of them. Since they know of the widespread hatred against their people, it makes many Brandkin quick to distrust members of other races, especially those that are of local majority. For as bleak as this outlook is, however, it leads to their people having a deep sense of individuality. As they are already disliked, they see no reason to appeal to the expectations of outsiders and are quick to forge their own path. A Brandkin must be confident in their own abilities and are slow to trust anyone who approaches them as a friend. When one's loyalty is eventually shown, however, they soon extend the same loyalty to them. And once that trust is earned, that Brandkin is an ally and friend for life.

It would be an understatement to say that the Brandkin are merely disliked by the other races of Asobria. Most Brandkin live in squalor within the ghettos of much larger cities, sometimes alongside other disliked peoples. A majority of these struggling populations are found within the Holy Empire of Acolytius, where some Brandkin still hold onto a fleeting dream for a better life there. Some others have chosen to give in to the assumptions against them, living as criminals to make ends meet. Their future still seems as bleak as ever, not helped by those who continue to be turned into Brandkin as part of their taboo practices. Yet their people persevere through it all. Those who live honest lives in light of their struggles continue to prove the prejudiced wrong. Even if it takes a mere one person at a time, they will ensure that people understand that the Brandkin, despite the sins of their ancestors, are more than the Demons they are made out to be.