Geldin believe themselves to be descended from animals who were granted sentience by their gods for heroic deeds. Among these ancestors are a wolf, hound, bear, lion, stag, hawk, boar, ox and panther. Most Geldin inherit a combination of features from these ancestor animals. One individual might have a lion's head, a stag's antlers, with the black fur of a panther while another might have the face of a boar and claws like a bear. Aside from these traits, Geldin walk upright and have opposable thumbs, though many forego wearing boots and other footwear.
A series of physical markings, called Atemna, are believed to be outward symbols of personality traits. For example, golden tufts of fur on the ears are thought to mark an individual of great courage, while dark gray patches around the eyes are a sign that the individual is untrustworthy. Not every Geldin bears one of the Antemna.
Geldin culture is currently split between those who favor their animal heritage, embrace their more basic instincts and live in rural areas, and those who prefer a more structured and cultured lifestyle. Both sides believe that the gods have not forgotten them and will judge them based upon how they use the gift they have been given.
A series of physical markings, called Atemna, are believed to be outward symbols of personality traits. For example, golden tufts of fur on the ears are thought to mark an individual of great courage, while dark gray patches around the eyes are a sign that the individual is untrustworthy. Not every Geldin bears one of the Antemna.
Geldin culture is currently split between those who favor their animal heritage, embrace their more basic instincts and live in rural areas, and those who prefer a more structured and cultured lifestyle. Both sides believe that the gods have not forgotten them and will judge them based upon how they use the gift they have been given.
