Overview

The Makar are a race of shapeshifting, giant warriors originating from the tropical island of Vakaro. They survive within a culture of power and combat, and are an incredibly proud, honorable society. They are experts in combat, weapons crafting, and have an intimate connection with wildlife, thanks to an ability to communicate with all living things.

Culture

In Makar culture, value is ranked by power and capability. The stronger a Makar, and the more capable a warrior a Makar, the higher they ascend in authority and respect. This stems from the Makar's beliefs that they are descended from Gods, who first inhabited Vakaro as a God's paradise many, many centuries ago. In a sense, the Makar as a people are continuously striving to prove (or achieve) their omnipotence--and inherit their godly rank as they deserve. 

• The Makar are led by a single individual, determined through intense and often bloody battles between candidates, and observed by the public. Generally, it is the strongest Makar that inherits the throne, with others frequently challenging them in these matches for a chance at the crown. There is a limit to the number of challengers permitted within one cycle, so as to avoid too frequent a shift in authority. This ruler, when victorious, has virtually absolute power over all of Vakaro and their policies, and residents are expected to follow these decisions without question. The ruler of Makar is known as the King, regardless of gender.
• While technically the majority of Makar are trained and militarized in the event of war with a foreign party, there is also a smaller, more localized military which specifically serves as the King's enforcers. They are called the King's 'Saber' (ex. Deysaht's Saber), and are an elite force trained by the King personally. The Saber enforce laws, maintain order, and capture criminals for punishment. 
• While the majority of Makar are brutish warriors, there are a select few capable of a more varied set of skills. While generally weaker in physicality, these Makar have learned to manipulate the art of alchemy, and serve as Alchemists in the King's Saber. Alchemist Makar are required, by Makar law, to serve the King; however, there are some who struggle to hide their nature to avoid such a fate. It is lifelong servitude that comes with great revere among the Makar, at least.
• The Makar are an incredibly discriminatory race toward those with disabilities, seeing them as virtually worthless if they are incapable of combat. Individuals born with sensory loss, or with a physical disfigurement, are unfortunately most likely destined for a life of persecution and loneliness. Some such Makar will find each other and live in small, secluded communes for companionship, limiting their exposure to the rest of Vakaro.

Physiology

• Build: 
  • The most notable trait of all Makar is their height. While not inordinately large compared to other humanoid species of their world, the Makar are considered 'giants' due to generally exceeding six feet at minimum. The range of heights within the Makar tends to be 6'6 - 8', with outliers to either end that are less common.
  • In build, most Makar are known to be broad, muscular, and sturdy--since, culturally, value is measured by strength, you find few Makar that do not care to maintain a superior physique.
  • There is not much difference in the builds of male and female Makar.
• Skin Tone: 
  • Makar generally have darker complexions, ranging from an even tan to very dark. Pale skin is incredibly rare and would only be seen in cases of albinism or genetic illnesses. Pure-black skin is also almost unheard of, but possible, and has only been seen once or twice in history for unknown reasons. Makar believe these coal-skinned beings were sent to them from the gods, and are held in high regard. 
• Hair Color & Style: 
  • In contrast, hair colors are fair--never darker than auburn or a sandy blonde, and as pale as white. There is little saturation in their hair colors, so a Makar would never have very bright blonde or red hair by nature.
  • Makar often have longer hair, worn down or tied back in various styles. In more recent times, some Makar have begun wearing their hair shorter, but it is virtually unheard of to see a Makar with a shaven head, or very short hair. Braids, twists, and locs are common among Makar as well, as well as decorating hair with accessories like beads, feathers, and jewelry. 
  • Body hair is quite pronounced, especially for male Makar, but also noticable on females. There is no stigma against body hair, and anyone who shaved their bodies would likely be equated to a weird dolphin wannabe. 
  • Facial hair is mostly only seen on males, to varying degrees and styles. Facial hair is often miticulously styled, whether in unique patterns, or just finely maintained. 
• Eye Color: 
  • As far as eye colors go, however, color is particularly bright: Vibrant icy blues, lime green, piercing yellow or gold. Red and purple have also been seen, but less commonly. Dark-colored or black eyes are only seen in instances of illness or genetic defect, and is looked down upon considerably. Some Makar with dark eyes will even undergo an excruciating process of 'burning' their retinas, sacrificing considerable vision for paler/brighter eyes. 
• Scars & Markings: 
  • Makar wear scars with pride. While it would be viewed as pathetic or deceitful to scar oneself to appear more 'battle-worn', those scars gained in combat, during pilgrimages, or through general life experiences are worn proudly--as it shows all that one has overcome. Since a Makar is expected never to turn down a challenge, older Makar or those of higher esteem are often littered in scars. A common insult among the Makar is "Skifuuk", meaning one who falsely scars themselves--someone worse or even less than a coward.
  • Tattoos, done through ink or burning, are less common with older generations of the Makar, but are becoming increasingly popular more recently with younger generations. They are generally worn to illustrate an accomplishment, or pride in one's lineage. Others will adorn themselves in these tattoos simply to appear more intimidating. 
  • Body Paint is worn only during sacred ceremonies, holidays, and festivals. It varies depending on the meaning of that timeframe, but is most prominent during a Makar's coming of age ceremony. 
• Aging: 
  • While the average lifespan of Makar is often skewed by mortality rates, the natural lifespan for a Makar can range from 100-150 years. Aging is slowed, with a Makar remaining 'battle-ready' and physically fit well into their later years. It is only within 10 or so years of their death that a Makar begins to deteriorate, losing strength and faculty until they ultimately die. Most Makar never intend to reach old age, as it is considered a far more respectable death to die in battle.

Key Points

• Ancient Times: The current leader of Vakaro is Deysaht--one of the few ever-seen coal-skinned Makar, and a very powerful man. He can take on the following forms: Dire Wolf, Rhinocerus, Bison, Bearded Vulture, Jackal. He is a proud, militaristic, but fair man, and seeks to expand the Makar territory.
• Modern Times: The current leader of Vakaro is Hayken--descendent of Deysaht. He is a young, power-hungry tyrant who believes in strict leadership, and conservative views that best suit his personal intentions. He can take on the following forms: Puma, Lion, Bengal Tiger, Cheetah, Black Leopard.
• There are many species of animals and wildlife that exist on and around Vakaro, that do not exist, or are believed extinct, in the rest of the world. This includes, but is not limited to, Mammoths, Sabertooth Tigers, and various birds of prey. 
• Due to the quality of life and advancement in technology, the Makar of modern times are on average much stronger than those in ancient times. (See abilites for more information). Makar technology is derived from organic materials, and based heavily on that of their aquatic neighbors, the Tanapurians. As a result, much of their technology uses Tanapium crystal. 
• While frowned upon and denied in ancient times, homosexuality is considered a criminal offense in modern times, by way of King Hayken's order. Ironically, it is a well known secret that Hayken himself indulges frequently in male partners. On the contrary, due to a general lack of gender roles among the Makar, gender fluidity is common and normal. In fact, as many of their gods are agender, the Makar commonly recognize a third gender, 'Enehr', aka agender.

Notable Makar

 *A = Ancient Times. M= Modern Times.