Masaru Details

Masaru are a highly intelligent, thick-furred simian folk who dwell in small communities among the lush forests and snow-capped mountain peaks of Kamiato. Many masaru are attracted to mental and spiritual pursuits, be it involvement in shrines or temples, a reclusive life in a monastery, or scholarly work relating to the natural world, the stars, or any other topic where one may seek answers.

Appearance and Physiology

Masaru are bipedal simian humanoids that are well-adapted to frigid climates and the forests of Kamiato. Thick fur covers the masaru's entire body, apart from their face. Their fingers and toes are mostly hairless as well. Some, but not all masaru, are able to grow moustaches and beards that may be thick, like the hair covering the rest of their bodies, or thinner and wispier (like the beard and moustache of the emperor tamarin).

Masaru possess keen minds, making them well suited for tasks requiring intelligence. The two bloodlines of masaru vary in both shape, size, and their inclinations regarding mental tasks. Masaru reach maturity a bit faster than humans, around 15 years of age, and can live as long as 80 years.

Society

Masaru communities tend to be fairly small and insular. Many masaru dwell in the more wild regions of Kamiato, and they are attracted to mental and spiritual pursuits, be it involvement in shrines or temples, a reclusive life in a monastery, or scholarly work relating to the natural world, the spirit world, the stars, or any other topic where one may seek answers. The masaru can be found in most of Kamiato's regions in varying numbers.

Masaru Bloodlines

The masaru have two distinct bloodlines, they share a culture and many of their traits, living together in the same societies, however they are clearly distinguished by size differences and certain innate talents.

Hulking Masaru

The larger of the two bloodlines, known as the hulking masaru are human-sized or larger, ranging from five to seven feet tall. They are sturdily built and possess explosive physical strength alongside their calculating minds. They are considered the wiser of the two masaru bloodlines, taking time to assess and analyze their options before acting.

Springtail Masaru

The springtail masaru are shorter and nimbler, with adults ranging from two to four feet tall. The springtails are named for their long prehensile tails, that are strong enough to support their weight, but lack the dexterity to wield or manipulate objects. In contrast to contemplative hulking masaru, springtails have minds as nimble as their bodies, quick to adapt and act on their solutions.