Origin: Calamian
Magical maturity: 24
Maximum age: 250
The Fhumi are a humanoid race, described by many as resembling foxes. While more is currently known about their culture, the Fhumi were initially shrouded in mystery when explorers first entered Auraton. Some say the Fhumi would show up to guide travelers around Auraton, assuming they were some kind of God sent being to aid them during the Lost Years. However, the Fhumi insist that it was to direct humans away from their ancestral lands and holy sites. Native to the region, Fhumi live anywhere from cities to small settlements throughout Auraton. In the wild, they prefer to inhabit heavily forested and mountainous areas. They are both surface-dwelling and subterranean species, having homes in underground dens, elaborate tunnel complexes, or small villages.
A smaller race, the Fhumi stand on average around 4’, never growing taller than 4’5”, and no shorter than 3’. Males tend to be slightly thicker, larger, and heavier than females, with broader faces, but this is not always the case, and they can sometimes be indistinguishable by gender. They are a lithe and agile race, never obese or overly bulky. The only humanoid aspects of Fhumi are their arms, which are still slender or wiry muscled but end in hands much like a human's. Each digit ends in a thickened, clawed tip that’s either white, milky translucent, gray, or black. Their lower legs are long, and much like their animal kin, they walk on the toes of their dainty feet.
Their appearances can vary depending on region and clan. Northern Fhumi, who are more accustomed to colder climates, may have fur that changes color and thickness with the seasons. They can have long, fluffy tails or short, lightly furred tails. Some may have large ears while others have smaller ears. Fhumi doesn’t grow hair. Their entire body is covered in fur, which can range in shades of white, cream, gray, orange, red, brown, silver, and black. Their eyes are often dark-rimmed and can come in a variety of shades. Fhumi are meticulous about their fur’s state, and will groom themselves frequently. They enjoy bathing and won’t miss an opportunity to wash and groom their fur when given a chance.
Fhumi are typically monogamous once they find a partner, no matter the gender, though alternative relationships like polyamory or polygamy are not unheard of and certainly not frowned upon. Females don’t have breasts like typical humanoids; instead, they have two nipples on their abdomen that only enlarge when nursing. They can have up to two kits at a time, rarely three. Their eyes are blind at birth, closed for the first few weeks, but they slowly begin to develop and open. They are usually born with downy fur that they eventually shed over time.
Fhumi live twice as long as humans, with a lifespan of 250 years, and reach magical maturity at age 24. As they age, Fhumi may become grayer, silver, or white, and they can begin to lose muscle and agility, starting to look more frail. The only magic a Fhumi cannot access is Necrotic. Fhumi have a special ability to shift their bodies so that they look in all respects like a large fox. In this state, their clothing does not change with them. This form grants them full agility and speed, similar to their animal cousins. All Fhumi have dark vision, seeing shapes and outlines in gray/blue shades, up to twenty feet.
The Fhumi are a small population and appear reclusive to larger races. This does not mean that they are antisocial. Instead, it’s quite the opposite, as they love to converse with others, learn, and become wiser about the world in which they inhabit. They love to dance, play music, and enjoy simple parties. Fhumi can often be found in the company of Bakhyar, as they both enjoy good stories and company.
Their species are omnivores, and enjoy both fruits, vegetables, and meat. Many Fhumi do raise rabbits, pheasants, quail, ducks, and other fowl for eggs and meat. They also favor goat's milk and are producers of many types of cheeses. Fhumi love wine, which is often berry or honey-based.
Societies outside of other humanoid-controlled regions can be significant in size, but hidden with varying levels and depths to their villages and cities. This can give the illusion that their towns and cities are small, but that’s certainly not the case. While not comparable to the size of most humanoid cities, the Fhumi have multi-tiered towns and cities, with decks, winding walkways, and even tunnels and underground streets and markets. They are excellent stonemasons, woodworkers, and engineers. Their towns, much like their preferences, are an eclectic mix of available resources, from wood and stone to plaster, tile, thatching, and metal. Always functional, but also decorative - perhaps not as delicate as an elsyven’s, but aesthetically pleasing, with nature woven throughout their towns.
Fhumi are an odd race, often eclectic in appearance and personality. They are what many would call eclectic and eccentric in their lifestyles, favoring garments of usually bright or clashing colors, unusual designs, and trinkets of varying styles. They favor loose, flowing garments that don’t hamper their movement or cause them to overheat with their already generous coats. When entering a Fhumi home, you’ll find yourself immersed in a variety of things, for Fhumi loves to collect items, often glass baubles, beads, jewelry, figurines, pictures, books, and anything else that could tickle their fancy.
