PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Kappa are short, child-sized, reptile-like creatures. They often, though not always, have a turtle-like shell on their back. The younger the Kappa, the less of a shell it is – usually appearing more like leathery skin on the back. They have a leafy dish on their head that holds water, usually by using a wooden “lid” to keep it from spilling. Their hands and feet are webbed. Coloring is usually quite natural, from dull yellows to shades of green. They have a snout-like nose and mouth. Kappa have a humanoid form which still includes the leafy dish on their head.
NATURAL HABITAT
Kappa first evolved in cedar forests, where they lived along the abundantly lush rivers and streams. As time wore on humans began to settle in these same areas (WAY before The Fall) so Kappas evolved to be able to live in any area with fresh water. In their Kappa form they are relatively slow and clumsy on land, though very graceful and fast in the water.
PROCREATION
Much like other reptiles, Kappa lay eggs. Unlike most other reptiles, they can only lay these eggs in the springtime, and they must be laid in a calm body of fresh water. Once baby Kappa hatch, about 8 weeks later, they do not need parental care. Kappa can only procreate with other species who also lay eggs.
SPECIAL ABILITIES
The only magical ability inherent to all Kappas is the ability to pull the soul right out of others through their, ahem, SHIRI (aka their bumhole, the hole in their butt). They do this by sucking the soul out of the anus, big bad wolf style (only backwards). The soul is encompassed in a soul gem, which the Kappa then keeps as a memento, because shiny. Kappa are not territorial about these gems. They are known to have incredible strength, a love of sumo wrestling, medicinal knowledge, and they are obsessed with politeness as a species.
WEAKNESSES
All Kappa have a leafy bowl atop their heads – this bowl holds water which keeps the Kappa hydrated and alive. Should this water ever fall out of the bowl, the Kappa loses their strength and needs to find a body of fresh water as fast as possible, lest they shrivel up and die. Many Kappa wear a “lid” over the bowl to keep the water in. Kappa also HATE metal. They will not wear, eat with, or live within anything made of metal. Kappa are also addicted to cucumbers. To the point where other species have been able to lure Kappa’s into troubling situations using a cucumber in the past.
CULTURE
Although lore suggests that all Kappas are evil, the truth is that most Kappa fall on a spectrum from evil to benevolent. The more evil Kappas typically like to lure others into their fresh water lairs, where they can be eaten. The more benevolent Kappas use their medicinal skills for the good of all. However, all Kappa, regardless of their inclinations, are obsessed with politeness – as long as you are polite they will respect you. Even though all Kappa have the ability to suck the soul from the anus of others’, very few have magic abilities beyond that point. The few that do possess this magic are sometimes brought to the Tower.
HISTORY
Kappa have been around for as long as anyone can remember – but they are a secretive folk. As such, much of their history is unknown.