Keia

Keia are a species of sapient subterranian humanoids, found through out Dulor, most commonly in the caves and underground expanses in the Derenin forest. They are strong, and dull-witted with little of their own independantly developed society.

Appearence
Keia stand on average at about 5'5 with a stocky muscular build, although it is not uncommon for them to grow to heights exceeding 6 feet. Their bodies are covered in a sparce short black or brown coat of fur, with thick apricot to yellow-tan skin visible in places. Females of the species lack hair on much of their front of their torso. Hair does not typically grow around their hands, feet, eyes, nostrils, or mouth. Their head is wide, with a cranial ridge. Their teeth are large. Their mouth contains four to six canine teeth (four on upper jaw, two on jaw), but is mostly comprized of molars. They have short claws. Their eyes are small and black.

Characteristics
Commonly regarded as "stupid" by other sentient species, keia have a reduced brain capacity when compared to humans. With this said, keia have managed to develope a primitive language, create tools, clothing, and are also capable of using modern tools, succesfully carrying out minorly complex tasks, and learning Common Dulorian.

Their eye sight is reduced, due to their evolutionary predisposition to subterranian life, but their heightened other senses compensate for their weak vision.

They are omniverous, their diet includes insects, rodents, fungi, but primarily roots and tubers. Their jaw can generate incredible strength, which allows them to get nutrients out of even the strongest roots.

Their commonly short stature and strong build is a result of their enclosed natural enviorment, where rocks and roots may need to be moved to acess sustinenince.

Behavior
Keia are prone to agressive behavior, but often become frightened when confronted by an unknown and possibly dangerous situation. Although in keia, that have grown acustom to the overworld, this trait is rare.

Many underground tribes of keia have independently developed the tradition of wearing clothing. The furthest extent of this is usually a belt, a tunic and occasionally boots or sandals.

Role In Dulor's Society At Large
With the spreading of civilization further into the Derenin forests over recent centuries, some brave keia have chosen to emerge from the depths, and attempt to assimilate into human society to reap the rewards their more advanced culture offers. While others have been taken by force, and put into indentured servitude.

Keia are only generally excepted in society as hard laborers, soliders, and bounty hunters, because of their agressive nature, strength, and heightened senses. It is also very common for keia to fall in with bandits or become criminals in their own right, because it often seems easier.

Many establishments won't serve or sell to keia, and they are often treated poorly by humans, as they are often seen as inferior, criminals, or simply undesireable.