Khat

 

Physiology

Khat are an agile and clever species with feline-like features including vertically slit pupils, patterned fur coats and agile tails. They are well adapted to live in all climates and regions, and their coats will thicken or shed to adapt to seasonal or regional climate differences. Khat are smaller than humans, averaging about 140 cm in height and only 40 kg.

Life Cycle

Khat are loners who tend not to enter into long-term monogamous relationships. The exception to this is during pregnancy and early child rearing. Expectant mothers adopt a denning behaviour and their partner will usually attach himself to help care for and protect the mother and litter. Failing this, it is not uncommon for another female to attend the mother and to act as a midwife. Pregnancy lasts only 80 days, and litters are usually 2-4. If the couple cannot support their entire litter, they will not normally seek outside assistance, and the mother may choose to exclude or abandon one or more of the litter. Khat typically give their female children a matronymic last name, and their male children a patronymic one, though there are many exceptions.

The khat life cycle is only 2 years long and early child rearing lasts only another 80 to 100 days, at which point the male usually abandons the family, and the mother begins to return to her usual routine. Young khat follow their mother everywhere and assist her as best they can in whatever tasks she undertakes, while also typically getting into all sorts of mischief; particularly sneaking, hiding, stealing and fighting.

By the age of about 6, young khat typically detach from their mother and become autonomous. This period of their lives is difficult and dangerous. If the young khat are living in wilderness or rural areas, they may be challenged to provide for themselves, and are still physically vulnerable. Those in urban areas are not typically socially well-adjusted and are likely to run afoul of the law.

Culture

Khat are highly individualistic, self-centered, and capricious, though those who choose to engage with society tend to find that their charm is more of a benefit than a hindrance. From a young age, they have a tendency to engage in behaviours at the edge of the law, and even as they mature and develop a moral sense, they may find these borderline behaviours challenging to set aside.

Adjustments

Khat have quick reflexes and quick wits and gain a bonus to their Agility and their Cunning, though their poor self control means a reduced Will. They start with Apprentice level of mastery and a free initial roll in the Street skill field, and they gain a bonus to their Composure which is helpful if they choose to invest in any of the many social skills that might help them misbehave more effectively. Khat's speed and lightness give them Move and Dodge bonuses and the Lightfall perk, which allows them to fall safely from high distances, but they do reduced damage. They also have the Night Vision perk, allowing them to see in the dark.