RACE: Popori / Elin

Popori
The Popori are not a single race, but refers to all the various animal-kin that make up the Kingdom of Popori, including the Elin. They are the guardians of the woodland realm, and live harmoniously with nature. The Popori have a diminutive stature and appear almost child-like. This is further amplified by their constantly cheerful and upbeat disposition.

Some find poporis’ blunt communication style and quirky, mischievous behavior off-putting; others find it refreshing. But no one denies that their ferocity in battle makes them strong allies. Whether you make a popori your friend or your enemy, however, have a care: poporis are not afraid to stick their noses into your face—nor are they ashamed to stick them into your business.


The History of the Popori
Popori is actually a general term for various intelligent races with different animal-like features that live in the Popori Kingdom. They are composed of the upper class matriarchal leaders, Elin, as well as well as the Porian, Merunim, Uru and Perunim common class races with their distinctive animal-like looks.

For several thousands of years the Popori have lived by the Lake of the Moon peacefully, developing a strong love for the harmony and the spontaneity of nature. They are known in Arborea as the most peaceful and stable lineage in existence. They became the first race to join the Valkyon Federation after a proposal from the Humans.
Often overlooked as a potential formidable enemy by the other races, the Popori have proudly sworn that they won't lose to their opponents, regardless of their small stature. Despite their looks, Popori are actually quite strong and very self-confident.

Appearance
The Popori are a group of animal like races living in the Popori Kingdom. The female part the Popori consist of the Elin. Small young-like woman who form the matriarchal part of their race. They feature animal ears and tails of various species. The male population is composed of the Porian, Merunim, Uru and Perunim. As with the female they have a small stature and can best be described as humanoid and civilized animals. As the Popori aren't just one race the appearance may differ greatly. This applies to differences between sexes but across one either sex too. Even though cute and cuddly the Popori are not to be underestimated as they are capable masters of both magic and melee.

Elin
The popori kingdom comprises two types of nature spirits: the elin, which appear as small female humanoids, and the woodland creatures these tiny beings have raised into consciousness, known simply as “poporis.”


The History of the Elin
Long ago, the goddess Elinu fragmented her pure and innocent essence creating spirits given physical form. These elin then used their divine spark to awaken furry beasts to sentience. Despite their very different physical forms, the spirits are alike at heart: full of life, curiosity, and tenacity. As a nation, poporis hold sacred their duty to protect nature, which has led to many clashes with the other races.

Appearance
The Elin look like young girls, with the ears and tail of a woodland creature. They were created by the goddess Elinu, when she fragmented her spirit and the Elin came into being. They resemble their matron goddess, and carry with them the heart of a child.

Controversy
Controversy has arisen over the fact that the Elin and the animal-like Popori are listed as one race. This is because the Popori is not a singular race so much as a nation of woodland familiars and spirits. The means by which they procreate and have offspring is not like other beings who are purely flesh. Interviews with the producers of TERA Online have stated that the males are like woodland spirits and the females (Elin) are akin to dryads and nymphs.

Wonderful discussion on Elin history: click here!