Heidi : echoes of ash

Introduction

The Julpa are a deeply rooted NetherKind species, renowned for their physical strength, quiet wisdom, and profound connection to the natural world. They embody resilience and harmony with nature, preferring to live in tribal communities within vast forests, where they honour their ancestors and uphold traditions that have endured for centuries. Their history is filled with stories of protection, sacrifice, and unwavering unity, making them both formidable guardians and respected keepers of the past.

Physiology

The Julpa are towering, broad-shouldered figures with thick, leathery skin in earthy tones—stone greys, muted greens, and deep browns—that allow them to blend seamlessly into their forested environments. Their most distinctive features are their horns and multiple eyes, both of which define their identity and lineage.

A Julpa can have up to eight eyes, positioned across their broad faces. Their sharp vision allows them to perceive subtle movements, making them highly perceptive hunters and vigilant protectors.

Their horns, which grow in a variety of forms, are among their most defining features. Unlike other species where horn placement is consistent, Julpa horns emerge in different locations on each individual. Some extend like elephant tusks from the jaw, others grow like bison horns from the sides of the head, and some curve upwards from the forehead. The variety in structure is deeply symbolic, often linked to lineage, personal history, and spiritual significance.

Unlike simple growths, Julpa horns serve as living records of their experiences. Over time, they are carved with intricate patterns, marking significant life events, personal achievements, and moments of communal importance. Each set of horns tells a unique story, with older Julpa often regarded as living monuments of their tribe’s history.

Unfortunately, the horns of fallen Julpa are highly sought after on the black market, treated as rare and valuable relics. Reports suggest they have surfaced in behind-closed-door auctions in Ch’i-Lin, a NetherKind city notorious for its questionable dealings and willingness to turn a blind eye if there’s profit to be made. In the shadows of its trade markets, collectors and traffickers discreetly exchange these sacred remains, reducing what should be symbols of heritage and legacy to commodities for the highest bidder. Even more disturbingly, some Julpa have been targeted while alive, their horns and tusks forcibly removed and sold, a practice condemned by all NetherKind societies but difficult to fully eradicate.

Physically, the Julpa are immensely strong, their thick hides offering natural protection against harsh environments and even physical attacks. Their endurance makes them natural builders, hunters, and warriors, but their true strength lies in their unwavering sense of duty to their people.

Culture & Society

For centuries, the Julpa have lived in tightly knit tribal communities, their traditions woven into every aspect of their lives. They believe in the sanctity of the land, never taking more than they need and ensuring that the forests they inhabit remain untouched by greed. Their settlements, hidden deep within vast woodlands, are built using natural materials, blending seamlessly with their surroundings.

However, in the past century, many Julpa have chosen to leave their traditional ways behind, embracing the wider world and integrating into NetherKind cities where new opportunities await. While the younger generations seek out technology, trade, and new experiences, traditional ceremonies remain sacred, upheld by all Julpa—whether in the forests or the heart of a city.

One of their most sacred rites is The Rite of Marking, performed when a Julpa reaches adulthood. During this ceremony, a young Julpa receives their first carvings, etched by tribal elders to signify their readiness to begin their personal journey. Over time, the Julpa continue to carve their horns, turning them into living records of their lives.

Another key ritual is the Gathering of the Earth, a seasonal event where Julpa from various tribes and cities reunite to share stories, exchange resources, and reinforce the bonds that tie them together. The gathering features elaborate horn-carving displays, music, and communal feasts, celebrating unity and their connection to the land.

Ties to the World

The Julpa’s influence extends beyond their forests, leaving a lasting mark on NetherKind history. One of the most enduring legends speaks of The Great Tusk, a mythical Julpa whose horns were said to have grown so vast they formed an archway over their settlement. The Great Tusk is celebrated as a unifying figure during one of the darkest times in NetherKind history, bringing together scattered groups to establish the first NetherKind city.

This legend has shaped the architectural symbolism of NetherKind cities. Every NetherKind city features an archway or monument honouring The Great Tusk, serving as a reminder of the Julpa’s role as unifiers and protectors. These arches are iconic landmarks, embodying the ideals of strength and unity that transcend species.

Ties to Vampires and Humans

The Julpa share a unique and complex bond with vampires, forged during the Ash Dawn. When humanity sought to eradicate vampires, it was the Julpa who shielded them, offering protection in their forests and refusing to stand by as an entire species was wiped out. This act of solidarity saved countless lives and created a bond between the two species that persists to this day.

However, this act of compassion made the Julpa enemies of humanity. During the Ash Dawn, humans saw them as traitors for harbouring what they viewed as their greatest enemy. Even after the war ended, this bitterness lingered, creating lasting tensions between humans and the Julpa. Over the centuries, misunderstandings and prejudice have made peaceful coexistence rare, and in many parts of the world, Julpa are met with suspicion or hostility.

Even in NetherKind cities like Pazuzu, where integration is celebrated, humans often regard the Julpa with distrust, a reminder of old wounds that have never fully healed. Yet, despite this, the Julpa stand firm in their beliefs, refusing to let human resentment change the course of their traditions or values.

The Julpa in Modern Cities

While many Julpa remain in traditional tribal settings, others have chosen to build lives within NetherKind cities, where they are valued for their strength, craftsmanship, and unwavering sense of community. Their traditional carving skills are often employed in architectural design, sculpture, and monument creation, preserving NetherKind heritage in breathtaking works of art.

In cities, Julpa often gravitate toward roles that align with their values—guardianship, environmental stewardship, and construction. However, they remain deeply tied to their tribal roots, often returning home for ceremonies and spiritual reflection, ensuring that, no matter how far they roam, their traditions endure.

Why the Julpa Matter

The Julpa are a testament to strength, tradition, and resilience. Their carved horns tell stories of survival and heritage, while their actions—both past and present—speak to their unwavering commitment to protecting their people and their values. They are warriors when needed, builders when called upon, and guardians by nature, standing as a reminder that strength is not just physical—it is rooted in loyalty, community, and an unbreakable bond with the land they call home.

Despite the prejudices they face, the Julpa remain steadfast, a species that chooses integrity over fear, tradition over convenience, and loyalty over compromise. Whether deep in the forests or in the bustling streets of a NetherKind city, their presence is a reminder that some things are worth preserving—not just for themselves, but for the world they protect.