The Earth Kin

General Overview
“If time can move mountains, There's nothing you need to rush.” Lord Earth.

To define the Earth Kin in a single word it would be Patient. The earth kin have learned that there is nothing that careful planning and time cannot overcome. There is no matter so urgent that it is worth risking a negative outcome to rush into it. The Earth kin always take their time, sit, consider, debate, and in time they will decide the best course of action before moving forward. Because of this Earth Kin society has two properties, the first is that whenever the Earth Kin makes a decision, it is almost always the correct one. The second is that it takes a very long time before they make that decision. Earth Kin society moves at its own pace and is often unconcerned with the world outside its plane. Many consider the earth kin to be cold and unfeeling, but this is far from the case. Earth Kin simply consider patience the greatest virtue, the earth kin do not do small gestures, but show affection when the time is right. Spontaneity, and rash action, are the antithesis to the earth kin way. Take your time, and do it right. This is the motto by which one should live their life. Earth kin also have a strong affinity with the natural world. Nature existed before them, and they will ensure that it will exist after them. As such the earth kin have a strong connection with factions like the Conthestani but have a great dislike for the industrialization of the Nosians.

Birth and Childhood
Earth Kin matures at the same rate as other species. However, their ‘childhood’ lasts much longer. Earth Kin must learn the histories of those who come before, they must learn the ways of the natural world. They must learn the right way to think, they must learn the right way to act. They must learn patience. These lessons are critical, and an earth kin is not considered an ‘adult’ until they have learned them all. As such there are many earth kin in the hundreds of years that are still considered ‘children’ and moreover, some kin never reach their ‘adulthood’

“There is no need to rush into adulthood. Enjoy the benefits of youth, and you will be ready when you are ready.” Lord Earth

The ritual of answers.
The ritual of answers is a coming of age ceremony for Earth Kin When the earth kin reach an age that they can understand speech. They will be brought to Lord earth who will issue them a question. This question can be anything. “What is the meaning of life” or “why do the leaves sway in the wind” the child is not expected to answer then. Instead, they are expected to sit on the question and consider the answer. When the Kin thinks they have the answer they are expected to return to Lord earth and give it. Lord earth will then judge the answer, and decide if the kin has given a satisfactory one. There is however a catch. A Kin will only be given one chance to answer the question. They must only come when they are sure they have the correct answer, for if they rush it and it is unsatisfactory. Lord earth will give them another question and they will have to start over. As such it is known some kin can take dozens, even hundreds of years before returning with their answer.

Love and Marriage
Earth Kin romances are a long affair. Earth Kin do not rush into things. One-night stands are unheard of in Earth kin society. The things that bring earth kin together can range from mutual attraction to personal benefit for all parties, to simply wishing to have someone to talk to. However once Earth kin come together they will have a long courting period, often taking many many years. The Kin will usually engage in all sorts of couples activities to ensure that the match is a suitable one. Then and only then will Earth Kin decide that marriage is acceptable. In almost all cases earth kin marriage is for life. The stability of a strong match is important for earth kin. However rare divorce does occur within earth kin society. However, in almost all cases this is usually not an ugly affair, as the Earth kin realize that there was something they overlooked during the courting process and will take longer in the next one.

Death and Burial
Earth Kin has a strange relationship with death. For them, it is something to look forward to. Even though Kin lives for hundreds of years, for Earth kin this life is merely a fleeting moment in the flow of time. For them death is eternal, and they look forward to shedding their temporary forms and becoming one with forever. During their lives, earth kin will find a spot they wish to be buried at. For earth kin, bodys have special properties, and wherever they are buried natural life will flourish, this natural life will take the form of the Kin’s favorite plants. A kin who loves roses will sprout rose bushes. Or a kin who loved pine will spawn a fledgling tree. This happens at an accelerated rate, as the magic that holds the body together dissipates into the earth. To an earth kin, to be cremated is the worst ending, as that denies their body the ability to become one with nature.

Politics and Power Structure
Earth Kin Politics are perhaps the most stable of any plane. The earth kin do not grasp at power, for holding power is temporary, and if they struggle to take it, someone else will struggle to take it back. No Earth Kin instead understands the wisdom of having the wisest lead. In most cases, their clan leaders are the elders. Those who have had a long time to sit and contemplate. However, age is not sufficient for leadership. Just because you are old doesn't mean that you know best. If one of the clan leaders has become unfit to lead, they will step down with grace. Additionally, the kin understand the value of new ideas, and will on occasion allow a younger clan member to become a clan leader. There is of course no formal voting process for these shifts in leadership. It simply occurs when the time is right. Most in the clan are aware when a shift needs to occur, and will act accordingly. As such Earth Kin have very deep opinions of leadership. Earth Kin can be very critical of the decisions and actions of those in charge, regardless of faction.

Law, Punishment, and Crime
If there's one thing that earth kin care about more than nature, it is the law. Earth kin Have incredibly strict laws that are followed through the plane. These laws are kept within a tome, known as “The Book Of The Unjust” which is known to contain some 10’586 different and specific laws and regulations. Now while that number is outrageously high, it should be noted that it's because of the specificity of the laws. For example, “assault with a shovel.” and “assault with a trowel” are considered 2 different laws, with different punishments. It is known that Earth kin court proceedings can be incredibly long, as it takes time to find a start date for the trial, question all parties, confirm stories, reference the Book of the Unjust, question the morality of punishment, check past precedent for such a crime, and of course the judges need some time to sleep. It is unwise for the shorter-lived species to break any laws within the earth plane. For there are stories of people passing away from old age while awaiting judgment. Of course, there are cases where judgment must be passed by Lord earth himself. These are usually cases of murder, grand theft, etc. These cases are much shorter, as Lord earth will already know the right choice to make.

The Curse of the Question
The highest punishment one can be given is the Curse of the question. When enacted Lord earth will give them a simple question “Why Should I forgive you.” After which the kin will be banished from the earth plane. This curse is a reflection of the ritual of answers. The earth kin must come up with an answer to the question and must present it to Lord earth. The kin will only ever be given one chance. If their answer is satisfactory to Lord earth they will be permitted to come home, if they fail, they will be banished forever. Most kin fear the eternal banishment that they spend hundreds of years trying to find a decent answer. Trapped in a prison of their own doubts and fears.

Environment, Geography, and Cities
The earth plane is composed of 2 parts. The great forest, and the great beneath. The great forest is the Surface of the earth plane. A forest of trees that spans the eternity of the earth plane. The foliage above is so thick that one can never see the sky. The trees can be hundreds of feet high, and no matter how high you climb, you can never reach the tree’s top. Because of this, the earth plane is constantly cast in a dark shadow, in the day bright enough to see by, but in the evening, black as the darkest nights. The great beneath is what lies below the surface. Caves that stretch in all directions. These caves can be so small that you have to squeeze through. Or big enough to hold entire cities. Where the veil between the earth plane and the other elemental planes grows thin the world is shaped in more interesting and strange ways. Where it is close to the fire plane, the great Ash Forest grows. Near the Water plane, is the home of the Mud fields, near the Air plane the floating mountains, near the Essence Plane the fields of giant flowers, and near the void, is the lifeless salt flats. The cities of the earth plane are ancient and strong. Built of powerful stone, they have stood for thousands of years, and will stand for thousands more. These cities are not built on top of nature but instead built alongside it.

Father Ironwood
Father Ironwood is the Home of Lord Earth. Father Ironwood is an Ironwood tree of near-incomprehensible size. It takes 2 whole days to travel around the entirety of the tree's base. Father Ironwood is said to be the progenitor of all ironwood trees, and its bark has grown so hard it cannot be cut by normal tools. Some go so far as to say, it is in fact the progenitor of all trees. Lord earth's home is built into the branches of the tree, hundreds of feet up, it is constructed of stone rooms that can be traveled between on rope bridges and lifts.

Ancient Root
Around the base of Father Ironwood Is the vast city of Ancient roots. Due to the dense nature of the tree's roots, they make great foundations for buildings, as well as walls, and even roofs in some cases. Ancient root is a marvelous mixture of natural and constructed works. It is friendly to outsiders but of course is cautious, as many travels to the city in attempts to poach ironwood. Despite the slow nature of the earth, the city is always active and alive, and known for its magnificent gardens. It is known that almost every planet ever discovered is cultivated within Ancient roots. The earth kin who tend them are masters of the craft of cultivation, The flowers grow brighter, the trees grow stronger and faster, and the vegetables are so delicious that they can sway the heart of the Pickiest eater.

Roleplaying Tips

 * 1) Earth kin have brown horns and earthy toned face paint. (please read our race face policies before doing your makeup)
 * 2) Earth Kin clothing tends to be practical but will adorn natural patterns.
 * 3) Earth kin are patient and considerate. Don’t take rash actions, and always consider the best possible action
 * 4) Get mad if people try to rush you into things, or if people are acting rashly
 * 5) Be critical of people who consider themselves in charge.
 * 6) Remember that the natural world is important, you want to preserve and tend it, and are upset at its wanton destruction.
 * 7) A possible alternative playstyle is a Question cursed. Laid out in the law and punishment section. The Question cursed have committed some crime, and have been banished from the earth plane until they can answer Lord earth's question “Why should I forgive you?” These characters only have 1 chance to answer this question. And will be banished forever if they cannot give a satisfactory answer. As such these kin are constantly searching for a reason good enough for them to be forgiven. As a note, if you choose this path, some events could take place in the earth plane, and this character would be barred from attending.