| Medium | Humanoid | Kraal |
Hailing from a world of crushing gravity, the Kraal are a proud and powerful people whose feudal society is driven by a relentless pursuit of prestige, renown, and the glory that comes from strength.
The Kraal are a force of nature in galactic politics, a people defined by their unyielding strength and overpowering presence. Originally from the high-gravity world of Boro Prime, their broad, muscular frames are a testament to a life spent under immense pressure. As a powerful member-state of the Riadian Coalition known as the Kraal Protectorate, they have integrated themselves into the wider galaxy, lending their formidable martial prowess to the Coalition Fleet. Their culture is one of extremes, a feudal aristocracy where noble houses constantly vie for prestige through displays of wealth, political maneuvering, and the sponsorship of champions in brutally violent sports. To the Kraal, life is a contest, and they intend to win.
If you want to play a character who is boisterous, fiercely loyal, and unapologetically confrontational, you should play a Kraal.
You Might…
- See your service in the military or similar profession as the ultimate path to glory.
- Solve problems with direct, intimidating action, viewing subtlety as a tool for the weak.
- Wear your elaborate, chitinous hairstyle as a proud display of your status, wealth, or personal accomplishments.
Other’s Probably…
- See your people as loud, aggressive bullies who refuse to take “no” for an answer.
- Admire your incredible strength and unwavering bravery, making you a valued ally on the battlefield.
- Find your confrontational style of diplomacy baffling at best and dangerously hostile at worst.
Physical Description
A Kraal’s physique is a direct result of their evolution on a high-gravity world. They are broad, stocky, and dense with muscle, standing shorter than the average human but often weighing significantly more. Their skin tones cover a spectrum of reds, from a deep, rich burgundy or mahogany to a vibrant, near-scarlet hue. Their most unique feature is their chitin-like hair, which grows across their scalp, backs, and shoulders. In its natural state, it is a thick, downy fluff, but it is almost always treated and styled. Aristocrats and warriors condition it into elaborate, lacquered styles—crests, braids, and fans—that are works of art and symbols of status. Some treat their hair with special resins, hardening it into a solid, chitinous plate that offers natural protection.
Kraal faces are broad and flat, dominated by large, piercing, forward-facing eyes that can be shades of gold, black, or deep brown. They lack a prominent nasal bridge, and their mouths are wide and thin-lipped, often set in a stern line or a wide, intimidating grin.
Society
Kraal society is a feudal aristocracy composed of competing noble houses, governed by a council known as the Grand Moot. This entire structure, the Kraal Protectorate, is a semi-autonomous member of the Riadian Coalition. There is a stark divide between the privileged aristocracy and the commoners. Aristocrats spend their lives training for war, engaging in politics, and pursuing personal glory. Commoners live lives of grueling labor in the high-gravity mines and foundries that fuel the houses’ wealth.
A common path for social mobility is service in the military. A commoner who distinguishes themself in the Coalition Fleet can return a celebrated hero, potentially earning a title, land, or even the right to establish a new minor house. This creates a fascinating tension between the “old blood” nobles and the “new blood” heroes who have earned their status among aliens.
Names
Kraal names are often short, guttural, and strong-sounding. House names are carried with great pride and are used as a formal part of their identity.
Example Names Vorlag, Kaelen, Brekka, Grak, Sorin, Tanga
Beliefs
The Kraal are guided by a core philosophy known as Valden. The word has no direct translation, but it encompasses the concepts of demonstrable worth, honor, renown, and the glory earned through impactful action. Valden is not something one has, but something one demonstrate and has acknowledged by others. The pursuit of Valden is the main driving force of their society, akin to children trying to impress their parents, a dynamic where the validation they seek is a lasting and undeniable legacy. This philosophy is best summarized by their two most common adages: “Anything worth doing is worth overdoing,” and “A life not lived loud is a life not lived.”
The Kraal do not believe in weakness as a concept; there are uncountable paths to achieving Valden, some more direct and glorious than others. Passivity, to a Kraal, isn’t weakness—it’s a wasted opportunity to demonstrate one’s worth. This makes their code of honor a flexible tool, easily reinterpreted to justify any action that ultimately leads to a greater display of Valden.
Popular Edicts Always face a challenge head-on. Never show weakness to an opponent. Uphold the honor of your house, your commander, and your people.
Popular Anathema Refuse a direct, formal challenge from a worthy opponent. Betray your house or your sworn commander. Achieve victory through poison, assassination, or other means you deem cowardly.
Mechanics
Hit Points
10
Size
Medium
Speed
25 feet
Attribute Boosts
Constitution, Strength, Free
Attribute Flaw
Dexterity
Languages
- Kraal
- Common
- Additional languages equal to your Intelligence modifier (if it’s positive). Choose from Dverga, Goblin, Jotun, Orcish, Wulfen, and any other languages to which you have access (such as the languages prevalent in your region).
High-Gravity Acclimation
Kraal take no penalties to their movement speeds or encumbrance due to high gravity environments. In addition kraal have a +1 circumstance bonus to their save DC against attempts to Shove or Trip.