Heanta: Appearance and Nature

Heanta are the second race to appear in Asmir Ka'lesa, and mortal enemies to Eldari. Heanta resemble horned Humans in appearance, with some distinct differences. They have skin ranging from chalk white all the way to charcoal black, or any shade of grey in between. Their eyes are generally purple or red, and their hair is usually black, red or silver. Heanta are similar to Eldari in that they do not need to wash, and their hair is often long and incredibly clean. They also share pointed ears with the Eldari. They have sharp claws between half an inch to 2 inches long, and sharp teeth. Their claws are retractable and are tough enough to shred through light leather, cloth and skin with ease. Heanta range from 5ft to 8ft in Height.

Heanta grow to full physical maturity within 15 years of birth, a side effect of their increased rate of regeneration, and live for centuries after. However, Heanta are only considered adults in society once they take Na’Kora’s Trial at the age of 18, though there has been instances of heanta taking the trial as early as 16 years old. Na'Kora's trial sees them traveling into the magma chasms found with in the Kyrias region, and is filled with danger. Failing to complete the trial means death. Failure to face the trail means enslavement. Heanta who complete the trail earn the right to travel to Na'Kora's forge. Heanta are carnivores, and feed on the meat of other creatures. They don't need to feed more than once a week after they are fully grown, but when they do they don't always go for the livestock they keep about. Some are very fond of Human or Eldari flesh.

Some Heanta are intelligent and sophisticated, some brutish and dumb, but no matter their appearance and mentality, they all share one thing in common. They are incredibly violent, with an unnatural love for bringing harm to others. They fight as much with each other as they do with the other races, and rarely leave anyone alive to tell of their coming.

Upon reaching adulthood after completing Na'Kora's Trial, Heanta earn the right to begin their quest to obtain a Demon Matrix. The Demon Matrix is a piece of crystal taken from the Crystal caves below Na'Kora's Forge, a dormant volcano that is the supposed birthplace of all Heanta. The Heanta must first claim their crystal chunk, and take it above to the mouth of the volcano where they shape it, and perform a ritual to imbue it with their latent magical power, allowing them access to a set of powers, or for stronger Heanta, a monstrous form likened to the Demons who warred with the Gods long ago. The Demon Matrix is then set into their skin, a painful and life-changing process for those who were strong enough to survive the journey. Heanta who have gone through the ritual and have a Demon Matrix do not need to feed for long periods of time, and can go without sleep for a week or more before suffering from exhaustion.

Heanta make their home in the lands of Kyrias, a mountainous region north of the Kingdom of Mondolin and north-east of Eldari lands. Kyrias' capital city is Av'Eden. Av'Eden is built into the side of the largest volcano with Kyrias' borders. It is protected by the molten lava and constant eruptions by a magical dome created by the strongest Heanta in history, Ren the Hornless.