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History
The Vah Shir are a tribal,
community orientated race. They rely on each others skills and protection and
possess a strong bond
with others of their kind. They were originally the descendants of the Kerrans,
a race of cat people that a small tribe of were magically transported to the moon of Luclin.
The exact circumstances of their teleportation are unknown to much of Norrath
but it is believed to be due to a magical experiment conducted by the Erudites.
It is thought the Kerrans original home was taken by the Erudites during this
uncertain time and for this reason it is believed Erudites will not find themselves
overly welcome in their descendants city.
Except to the Erudites the Vah Shir are a very
tolerant people and many races that are not normally accepted on Norrath are
allowed into their city of Shar Vahl. Even
Trolls, Ogres and Dark Elves will find a home there, if they are willing to prove
themselves as worthy of their care and respect. Despite their open attitude to
the 'evil' races, the Vah Shir are considered a people aligned with the good
races of Norrath, and are accepted into their homelands. Building strong
connections based on trust and mutual benefit are an important principle of Vah
Shir diplomacy, on the reopening of the portal to Luclin many became residents
of other cities and settlements. It is common for their companions to be very
varied in attitude and beliefs, with a Vah Shir able to calm the tension between
even a Dwarf and Dark Elf.
Proof of Honour and Strength are very
important within their society, in a similar way to the Barbarians their
powerful and noble Warriors are highly respected, and often granted significant
status and rewards within their own guild. The Vah Shir join their guilds
at a very early age, after taking a small test to be granted citizenship. They
often stay within the ranks of the guild even when they are more able and
experienced and than the trainers they accept tasks from. Vah Shir consider
serving their King and City a duty and great privilege, many of those seen on
Norrath are on a mission with the blessing of their guild. It is very rare for
them to abandon their teachings and venture out alone, without first going
through their basic training and achieved citizenship of Shar Vahl.
The Vah Shir commonly choose the
path of a Beastlord or Warrior, though they have guilds which teach a great
variety of abilities and skills. While it is true they have many choices open to
them for a Tribal society, through their dislike of research and writing they
have gained no knowledge of the Arcane, or the required Worship and Dedication
to a deity to become a Cleric or Paladin. All their experience and knowledge is
passed down verbally and through art and song, the Vah Shir only agree to keep
written records when it is necessary to aid a young Shir's memory or to ease
contact with another race.
Unusually for such a civilised
and advanced society, the Vah Shir are somewhat primitive and tribal in magic
and religion. They believe in spirits and unseen forces and their Beastlords and
Shamans are thought to call upon a kind of mystical power from their ancestors.
No Vah Shir are known to follow a Norrathian deity and in the eyes of the other
races are considered to be Agnostic. The Vah Shir also have an affinity for
nature similar to the Wood Elves and the bond between a Beastlord and Warder is
often greater than between any other. It is said that on a Beastlords death
their Warder will remain protectively by their side, until such time as they can
be resurrected or recovered by a companion or their own kind.
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