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Description
Profile of Saela 'Tigress' Kāgora. updated.

Echo-Five

Physiology: Aside from obvious anatomical differences, male and female Kelit differ considerably. Males closely resemble bald humans, while females, like Apli, have a fleshy ‘tail’ extending from the rear of their head, though of considerably greater length. Kelit are something of a mystery to xenobiologists in that they share genetic aspects with both Apli and Seqari, two races separate from the Kelit, and indeed each other, by thousands of light years. Contact between the races is too recent to have permitted such a radically different hybrid species to emerge, even if Apli and Seqari were genetically compatible, and no mention of any of the three species appears in the history of another prior to first contact. This has led to numerous rumours surrounding the ‘Creator Myth’, with scientists suggesting that far into the past a race of aliens was responsible for various sentient species across the galaxy, including humans, which all share some basic genetic similarities with one another. To date, no hard evidence has been discovered to support these claims.

Unlike the head tail of an Apli, the tail of a female Kelit, known as a Ryuk in the Kelitian language Suna, serves purpose beyond simple gender identification. Though not fully understood, it is believed the tail acts as a conduit for telekinetic powers prevalent among the Kelit race. The extent to which a Kelit may manipulate surrounding objects depends upon their honing of the skill and varies from individual to individual, with some showing almost no ability and others considerable power. Much like a Seqari Kah’Ni, who possess a true psychic ability through a rare genetic mutation, Kelitian Nyeshul are seen as the most powerful of telekinetics, but are few in number and typically head up clans as leaders or shamans. The true cause for this ability is still under study, but is thought to involve subtle manipulation of dark matter.

Similar in colouration to Seqari, the skin of a Kelit is naturally marked like an Apli, adorned with tiger-like stripes that in the earlier days of the species provided camouflage in the forests and grasslands. Skin colour is based upon race and varies from blue to green with darker stripes; although the stripes of some Kelit differs so little in shade, they appear one solid colour. It is not uncommon, however, to find Kelit who have decorated their bodies with tattoos or even changed their skin entirely with permanent dyes. Such practices are widespread among the various warrior clans and paramilitary organisations of the species, denoting to which group an individual belongs. An example of considerable body modification belongs to the so-called ‘Dark Stars’, a clan of female warriors who dye their skin completely black and tattoo stylised skeletal shapes in white, red or silver across the entirety of their bodies. This particular clan also practices an art of iris dying, giving them a blood red appearance for psychological purposes.

Kelit, like Qelek, have an uneven number of digits between their hands and feet, with four fingers per hand and three toes per foot.

Warrior Clans: A famed aspect of Kelitian culture, the all-female clans operate in a manner similar to Rotha’s Alpha Detachment on Earth, actively seeking potential recruits while still in infancy. Only the best and brightest are chosen, and with parental consent are raised to be formidable fighters trained in a wide variety of combative skills. These skills have made Kelitian females highly sought after in state and private military circles, including the Guard’s Battalion, and as personal bodyguards.

Kelitians are highly athletic and exhibit considerable hypermobility, with naturally ‘double-jointed’ limbs. This serves them well in combat when combined with a variety of acrobatic manoeuvres, making them difficult to attack successfully. Along with Ravens, the clans are the only known sentient species to still train with and carry swords. In the past, they also relied on bows and other less-sophisticated weaponry, but firearms have replaced these. The head tail of a Kelitian is strong enough to also serve as a weapon, acting like a fifth limb. In combat, the tail is usually wrapped or sheathed for protection—SPARO helmets worn by Kelitian Ravens are specially designed to accommodate the tails and adequately protect them. Various weaponised sheaths are also common, and usually attributed to a particular clan. These can feature weighted or bladed tips devastating in close quarters combat. The SPARO MK.II Type C helmet designed specifically for Kelitian females is equipped with a detachable sheath with a reinforced and weight tip to allow this method of attack.

Description
Profile of Saela 'Tigress' Kāgora. updated.

Echo-Five

Physiology: Aside from obvious anatomical differences, male and female Kelit differ considerably. Males closely resemble bald humans, while females, like Apli, have a fleshy ‘tail’ extending from the rear of their head, though of considerably greater length. Kelit are something of a mystery to xenobiologists in that they share genetic aspects with both Apli and Seqari, two races separate from the Kelit, and indeed each other, by thousands of light years. Contact between the races is too recent to have permitted such a radically different hybrid species to emerge, even if Apli and Seqari were genetically compatible, and no mention of any of the three species appears in the history of another prior to first contact. This has led to numerous rumours surrounding the ‘Creator Myth’, with scientists suggesting that far into the past a race of aliens was responsible for various sentient species across the galaxy, including humans, which all share some basic genetic similarities with one another. To date, no hard evidence has been discovered to support these claims.

Unlike the head tail of an Apli, the tail of a female Kelit, known as a Ryuk in the Kelitian language Suna, serves purpose beyond simple gender identification. Though not fully understood, it is believed the tail acts as a conduit for telekinetic powers prevalent among the Kelit race. The extent to which a Kelit may manipulate surrounding objects depends upon their honing of the skill and varies from individual to individual, with some showing almost no ability and others considerable power. Much like a Seqari Kah’Ni, who possess a true psychic ability through a rare genetic mutation, Kelitian Nyeshul are seen as the most powerful of telekinetics, but are few in number and typically head up clans as leaders or shamans. The true cause for this ability is still under study, but is thought to involve subtle manipulation of dark matter.

Similar in colouration to Seqari, the skin of a Kelit is naturally marked like an Apli, adorned with tiger-like stripes that in the earlier days of the species provided camouflage in the forests and grasslands. Skin colour is based upon race and varies from blue to green with darker stripes; although the stripes of some Kelit differs so little in shade, they appear one solid colour. It is not uncommon, however, to find Kelit who have decorated their bodies with tattoos or even changed their skin entirely with permanent dyes. Such practices are widespread among the various warrior clans and paramilitary organisations of the species, denoting to which group an individual belongs. An example of considerable body modification belongs to the so-called ‘Dark Stars’, a clan of female warriors who dye their skin completely black and tattoo stylised skeletal shapes in white, red or silver across the entirety of their bodies. This particular clan also practices an art of iris dying, giving them a blood red appearance for psychological purposes.

Kelit, like Qelek, have an uneven number of digits between their hands and feet, with four fingers per hand and three toes per foot.

Warrior Clans: A famed aspect of Kelitian culture, the all-female clans operate in a manner similar to Rotha’s Alpha Detachment on Earth, actively seeking potential recruits while still in infancy. Only the best and brightest are chosen, and with parental consent are raised to be formidable fighters trained in a wide variety of combative skills. These skills have made Kelitian females highly sought after in state and private military circles, including the Guard’s Battalion, and as personal bodyguards.

Kelitians are highly athletic and exhibit considerable hypermobility, with naturally ‘double-jointed’ limbs. This serves them well in combat when combined with a variety of acrobatic manoeuvres, making them difficult to attack successfully. Along with Ravens, the clans are the only known sentient species to still train with and carry swords. In the past, they also relied on bows and other less-sophisticated weaponry, but firearms have replaced these. The head tail of a Kelitian is strong enough to also serve as a weapon, acting like a fifth limb. In combat, the tail is usually wrapped or sheathed for protection—SPARO helmets worn by Kelitian Ravens are specially designed to accommodate the tails and adequately protect them. Various weaponised sheaths are also common, and usually attributed to a particular clan. These can feature weighted or bladed tips devastating in close quarters combat. The SPARO MK.II Type C helmet designed specifically for Kelitian females is equipped with a detachable sheath with a reinforced and weight tip to allow this method of attack.