The Yamanu

The Yamanu are a race of demonic / human hybrids; the result of the energy of the demonic plane of Malaphar corrupting the blood and souls of the humans who lived in the Ymn Penninsula during Arkan Dragic's casting of the Confutatis Maledictis. Most of the inhabitants did not survive, but a handful managed to keep the taint from overwhelming them, and were forced to adapt or die. They make their home on the Isle of Ymn.

Unlike humans, the Yamanu are naturally gifted in attuning themselves to the arcane forces, particularly black magic.

Ecology
They are distinguishable by their dark complexions, horns, slitted eyes and enlongated pointed ears. On average they are shorter and slighter than humans; it is rare for a Yamanu to reach a height greater than 6'.

Yamanu lifespans are slightly longer than humans', with the average Yamanu usually living to see 100 years of age if they are not killed in strife and warfare. They are resistant to most illnesses which plague other races, and have a naturally robust immune system.

Most Yamanu are born with horns, though a small number are born without them. The Hornless are considered inferior and defective, regardless of their actual skill, due to the Yamanu considering their horns status symbols. It is a common belief among them that those born without horns have a thinner taint, and are closer to humans. Unless born to one of the Noble Bloodlines, they are often doomed to live in poverty and perpetual disdain among their peers.

Culture
Yamanu culture is primarily tribal and nomadic. There are a few fixtured settlements to make trade between tribes more accessible and to hold political meetings between tribe chiefs. While this has made it difficult to be conquered by foreign powers -- namely the ambitious federation of Muirgen -- this has led to much infighting between tribes and their conflicting idealogies. Interestingly, despite constant warfare and eventual shifts in regional power, they always unite against outside forces intent on occupation.

Yamanu art is considered to be sophisticated and beautiful. Since the first Yamanu were once human, they already had knowledge of advanced mathematics and agriculture.

During the first decades after they were created, the Yamanu resorted to coastline raids for resources and slaves, which they considered essential for their continued survival. The few Yamanu who attempted to reassimilate into human culture were feared for their appearances and newfound demonic powers, and were consequently butchered. Though this practice fell out of favor with the chieftains once the Yamanu population had managed to comfortably sustained itself, this has justifiably done nothing to remedy the hostilities between them and their human brethren.