Yarku

The Yarku are a unique race of small and fluffy beastkin that resemble miniature red bears. Originating from the islands in the far northeast of East-Ciradon, the Yarku have many bear and human like characteristics. Found in large numbers in Pytã'Zia, these creatures make up a significant portion of the population, sometimes even forming entire cities exclusively inhabited by Yarku. However, they are not confined only to Pytã'Zia; many can be seen in other parts of the world, performing various roles, especially as traders.

From the majestic cities of Tassendrel to the vast expanses of the Ruby and Amethyst Sea, and even in the bustling docks of Sudragh and the dense forests of Shawna, the Yarku are everywhere. No matter how remote the destinations, the Yarku are always willing to travel to the ends of the earth to offer Pytã'Zia's unique and exotic products.

The Yarku are naturally charismatic and cheerful beings, preferring to maintain a serene calmness rather than succumb to violent or emotional outbursts, a trait that sets them apart from most Lesserkin. Their natural inclination is to seek the company of others of their kind, understanding that unity makes them stronger and less vulnerable.

While most Yarku are known for their lazy, tranquil, and often sleepy disposition, there is a notable inclination among some young Yarku towards trade and exploration. These individuals are motivated by the relentless pursuit of wealth or the discovery of new places and the desire to explore the world beyond the borders of their nation, regardless of the dangers that may arise.

Curiosity is an inherent characteristic of the Yarku, and their culture not only tolerates it but actively encourages it. Although they may be seen by members of other races as peculiar extroverts, within Yarku society, there is no stigma associated with peculiarities, eccentricities, or creative impulses. On the contrary, these traits are valued as part of the richness and diversity of the Yarku people.

The early Yarku already possessed a unique culture, along with a distinctive language, and instead of suppressing these traits, the elves chose to incorporate their customs, thus creating a society with a singular cultural identity.

In Pytã'Zia, Yarku are not seen as slaves but rather as pets or naive children in need of guidance. In turn, Yarku view the elves almost as gods, albeit maintaining a respectful distance. Many Yarku own small properties both in the countryside and in cities and have freedom to move throughout the nation, although they require special government authorization, typically granted only to traders, to leave. 

Additionally, Yarku are responsible for paying the majority of the nation's taxes and are employed in various tasks considered less noble by the elves. Yarku inhabit districts separate from the elves, with the latter residing in walled and privileged areas within cities. Only Yarku servants are permitted to enter the elves' districts.

Although the Yarku population has always been tightly controlled, with several families prohibited from having more than four offspring, these restrictions were lifted after the orc invasion. Yarku are highly communal and enjoy the company of others of their kind. They often form large families, which can easily exceed dozens of members, all sharing a single property. Additionally, they are deeply conservative, preferring to adhere strictly to traditions, and any deviant behavior is discouraged by the elders.

However, rare individuals who aspire to accumulate wealth through trade join caravans, embarking on extensive trading journeys around the world. Although some believe that Yarku may act as spies for Pytã'Zia, such suspicions have never been confirmed. Yarku are required to serve in the military for a few years, and some choose to serve permanently if they prove their worth. Their assignments typically focus on the northern border and areas with a strong orc presence.

The Yarku from Pytã'Zia were discovered and captured on some island in the northeast of East-Ciradon, although the exact location remains unknown due to the scarcity of preserved documents from that time. In official records, it is reported that after the long journey, all human slaves perished, prompting the elves to capture several dozen of this strange species as a need for new servants. However, some modern historians speculate that the elves captured the Yarku not to enslave them but rather to consume them, due to the shortage of food in the stocks at that time.

Modern Yarku have significantly diverged from their original ancestors, resulting in a marked distinction between the two lineages, after undergoing a long and extensive process of artificial selection conducted by the Elderkin. In this process, the Elderkin carefully selected the characteristics that pleased them most, shaping the Yarku according to their preferences.

Initially, Yarku reached adulthood between 8 and 12 years old and had a maximum life expectancy of only 40 to 50 years. They were known to be shy, weak, and solitary, occasionally displaying rebellious behavior towards their masters. In response to this, they underwent changes through a program of artificial selection to better please their elven masters.

Taking advantage of the Yarku' rapid gestation and growth, the elves conducted various experiments, seeking to enhance their desired traits. In this process, offspring demonstrating early signs of rebellion, disobedience, or deemed useless characteristics were promptly subjected to castration or execution. This was done with the aim of ensuring the maintenance and reinforcement of Yarku' loyalty and utility throughout generations, according to the elves' interests.

• Artwork by Alli Johns of ArtStation

• The Yarku were originally created by Entropico on the World of Tyrrell discord.