“Test out how many lives I’ve got.”
— Felvyrian
Felvyri, or Malkari as they say, are a resourceful race of the forests — seldom belonging to cities or kingdoms. The earliest reports of their presence originate from tribal tales in the northern regions of Neo Keleva, having since expanded to nearly every exotic locale. In their rising numbers, they have earned a reputation as sell-swords and mercenaries: loyalties often bought and sold with the drop of a few gold coins. Still, as is their nature, if the going gets rough, they always seem to manage a sly escape.
Life expectancy: 100 years
Height: 3'6"—6'2" ft. (max.) [1,06—1,88 m.]
Weight: ~50—185 lbs. [22—84 kg.]
Language: Sl'yran
Their origins lie with pantherine or felid* beasts to whom they greatly resemble, having learnt to stride bipedally to free newfound thumbs for tool usage. Whiskers, tails, and various fur coats remain common characteristics of these people, though they aren't always uniform across regional groups. Cooler climates tend to foster thicker fur, while warmer ones often result in hair loss or baldness.
Their physical advantages are no less varied for a changing landscape: all Felvyri have a sort of “sixth sense” as aided by their whiskers, allowing them to detect movement and vibration if they're grazed. One within a pitch-black environment could still know vaguely where objects were, as if they could see the sensations their whiskers feel. Similarly, they have an unmatched balance as nearly a precarious precipice is to surmount for them to cross. Regionally, they've taken on new forms as their ranges have expanded; Forvur Felvyri are smaller, whilst Panvur Felvyri are larger. They both excel at climbing, being agile, and using their claws** to help them traverse it.
* They may resemble all Patherines or Felids (e.g., Lions, Tigers, Lynxes, Cheetahs, Cats...).
**These claws aren't too sharp, only making superficial cuts on flesh.
Felvyri are a people of dual nature—both cunning survivalists and deeply spiritual. Their reputation for slyness and resourcefulness comes from their long history of mercenary work and where quick wits and sharp instincts ensured survival. Many lean into this opportunistic streak, using charm, guile, and creativity to carve out their place in the world and survive. Not always by choice, as their people have been targetted by others due to their way of life.
At the same time, Felvyri culture is rooted in the stories of Myrris, the “first of all Felvyri,” whose wisdom and long life instilled a strong sense of kinship and spiritual reverence. Those who follow these teachings are caring and protective of their community, often serving as guardians or teachers. They are observant by nature, quick to notice subtle changes in tone or behavior, and are valued allies for their intuition and empathy. Yet, in ironic contrast, their own emotions can be easily betrayed by their feline traits—ears twitching, tails flicking, fur bristling, though especially cunning individuals can train to stop this reflex.
These two sides—mercenary pragmatism and spiritual devotion—coexist. Some chase wealth and trinkets, collecting bright stones and rare gems as symbols of status, while others seek harmony and meaning in traditions passed down from Myrris. Most fall somewhere in between, balancing a sharp eye for opportunity with an enduring loyalty to those they hold close.