Hanu

“Come, it does not matter if you are faithful, as long as you are respectful. We will stand strong and hold back the tide of darkness outside this temple.”

- Ra’Vani, First Guardian of the Temple.

The Hanu have a near mythical status as much as the land they come from, Khaniha, a hidden land high in the mountains. It's a fantastical place with a dark history, as it was once ruled by Demon-King Mara, the first of Utroghu's twisted brood to return to the world. Subjugated by the demon, the Simian people of Khaniha suffered until the Path was opened to the Hanu, bringing them new hope as they overthrew the Demon-King. Their rage over their defiled temples was so great that it has left a lasting aspect of rage within them to this day.

Over time, the Hanu have come to different lands, taking up posts to protect temples as they search for their own path to Enlightenment and learn the ways of other religions. This has led to their presence across the world, and it is not uncommon to see Hanu not only working alongside Erisa and Alia Guardians but also even Seutai that have taken on a role of protector.

Few races are as peaceful as the Hanu, but while peace and fulfillment are the goals of every Hanu, they are formidable warriors, living and training as monks and masters of unarmed combat, preferring staves and fists over swords. This peaceful nature, however, may very rarely give way to anger. Under extreme stress, a Hanu’s patience may be broken, giving way to the rage and anger known to their ancestors. This rage is said to rival the wrath of a god, causing the Hanu to go on a rampage until the source of their displeasure has been felled or they themselves are taken down.

Appearance

The Hanu appear as human-like people with simian facial features as well as a tail. With skin tones ranging from pale to brown, they often have markings, and many still have fur across their bodies. Stand as tall or even taller than many men they make for impressive figures, even if peaceful. Their garb tends to consist of robes in the style of their homeland as well as loose clothing that lends itself to their martial arts.

180-210cm in Height.

Lifespan

Usually living from 90 to 130 years, the Hanu are longer lived than humans. This can be attributed to a clean lifestyle.

Religion & Beliefs

The Hanu believe in the harmony of life and aspire to find enlightenment to bring peace to their lives. It is often believed that Bahl was once their sole patron, giving them sentience beyond that of animals. It is somewhat reinforced by the many shrines that depict Bahl within their homeland, as there are many more shrines to him than to any other god.

Geography

Khaniha is located high in the mountains to the north-west, and travel to the valley where the majority of the Hanu population lives can be dangerous. Paths precariously run through the permanently snow-covered mountains, and there are few that are large enough to support wagons and carts; these few pathways are well kept and maintained for travellers that venture into this obscure land.

The valley itself enjoys something of a more temperate climate, as much of the area is warmed by ancient geothermal vents, creating a small, idyllic valley with fertile soil and dense fir and pine forests that act as a buffer between snow and valley.

Society

Hanu have a high regard for one another, and the Council of Elders serves as their people's leadership. This Council is made up of the most wise and venerable leaders of the various temples within Khaniha, and they oversee much of what happens within their borders, settling disputes that arise and coming to find peaceful resolutions. This extends to many of the Hanu, as they strive to find peace within their lives and to throw off the shackles of rage that so many of them feel.

Architecture

Homes within Khaniha are made from resources found within their land; they practice a great deal of conservation within their pine and fir forests, only cutting down what is needed. Homes are often constructed with stone at the base and walls, while wood is used for much of the structure and is often painted in bright colours and shaped, carved to ornament both inside and out.

Wealth & Trade

Khaniha is gifted with a wealth of mineral resources within the mountains, and the Hanu have some selected mines open to encourage trade with other races. While mostly a self-supporting race, they enjoy the diverse array of outside goods that reach their distant home.

Slavery

Slavery is considered an abhorrent practice to the Hanu; however, in lands that do practice such a thing, they respect the culture, recognising that not all have seen the Path as the Hanu have.

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