Kal Azulans

Kal Azulans

Details
Faction	Neutral
Lifespan	~100 Years max.
Population	Unclear
Average Height	Varies by Caste

Summary

The green-skinned natives of a far-off continent ravaged by death and... undeath. They're storied experts in the art of not being slain by the efforts of the Void, and bring their mythos to Sarea in full. They bear three societal sects that divide them: the Resolute, the Deft, and the Spirited. Each has their own role to play, and their own appearance to decide.

Appearance

Kal Azulans vary little in skin and eye color; their skin can range between turquoise to greenish-yellow (though many are simply green), while their eyes can range anywhere between blue and greenish-yellow. All Azulans have pointed ears that can vary in length between a minimum of 2.5" (6cm) to a maximum of 8" (20cm). Azulans can sometimes grow tusks which protrude from the corners of their mouth. These tusks can range between a minimum of 1" (2.5cm) to a typical maximum of 6" (15cm). Like most humanoids in Rhyst, Azulans can grow hair of nearly any color, though most natural tones tend to center around black, brown, dark blue, and white.

Azulans are prone to an extremely diverse variety of body types and height differences which can range anywhere between a minimum of 2'2" (66cm) to a typical maximum of 7' (213cm) for a fully grown adult Azulan. Due to a phenomenon that occurs during the early stages of development in an Azulan's pre-adolescent life, certain distinguishing physical features begin to manifest in their body that allow them to be grouped into one of three societal castes (the Deft, the Resolute, and the Spirited). The defining features of each caste are significant enough that they each have a more or less unique appearance from one-another, save for their green skin.

Deft Azulans can typically be most closely compared to average humans in shape, size, and build. Females average at 5'4" (162cm) while males average at 5'9" (175cm). Deft Azulans typically have lithe, dexterous bodies and long legs which allow them to move faster and with more precision than others of their species. Many Deft Azulans have medium-length ears or short tusks.

Resolute Azulans are typically taller than average humans by about 1' (30cm), making the average height 6'4" (193cm) for females, and 6'9" (206cm) for males. Resolute Azulans typically have strong, muscular bodies that make them much more durable and physically capable than others of their species. Many Resolute Azulans have tusks.

Spirited Azulans are typically more diminutive than Deft and Resolute Azulans. Females average at 4'3" (130cm) while males average at 4'7" (140cm). Spirited Azulans typically have slender, light-weight frames and large eyes; they are quite often significantly smaller and weaker than others of their species. It is not uncommon for a Spirited Azulan's eyes to glow slightly due to the innate magical energy they carry within them. Many Spirited Azulans have medium-length or long ears.

Aside from the three castes, there are also a breed of Azulans known as the Taut. Tautan Azulans are particularly diminutive to the extent that a fully grown adult Tautan Azulan taller than 3' (91cm) is considered rare. The most notable features of the Tautan Azulans are their somewhat elongated, protruding noses, sharp, pointed teeth, and typically shrill or higher-pitched voices. Notably, most Tautan Azulans cannot grow tusks, though it isn't unheard of for them to do so. The average height for a Tautan Azulan is 2'6" (76cm), and there is not a notable difference in height between males and females. Tautan Azulans do still experience the phenomenon which causes the distinguishing features of the Deft, Resolute, and Spirited castes to manifest within them, though (again) there is not a notable difference in height between them.

Deft Tautan Azulans still typically have lithe, dexterous bodies and long legs, though their diminutive size makes them exceptionally skilled at contortionism and acrobatics. Most Deft Tautan Azulans have medium-length or long ears.

Resolute Tautan Azulans typically have incredibly compact muscular bodies that make them deceptively durable and strong for their size. Their dense, compact frames allow them to handle falls and general blunt trauma better than their over-sized counterparts. Most Resolute Tautan Azulans have medium-length ears or, rarely, short tusks.

Spirited Tautan Azulans are still typically slender and have incredibly light-weight bodies, though they are not inherently any weaker or more frail than typical Spirited Azulans (perhaps due in part to muscle density). Their eyes are typically only moderately larger than an average Tautan Azulan's, though they often do still glow slightly due to the innate magical energy within them. Most Spirited Tautan Azulans have long ears.

Culture

Kal Azulan society can be generally described as straight-forward, harsh, and fairly militaristic. Life in Kal Azul has only been made possible through incredible resilience, a lack of fear and hesitation, and a resolve so firm that it borders on spite.

The most defining feature of Kal Azulan society, as well as the most notable feature, is the structure of their Caste system. While the Caste system does not inherently create any form of social hierarchy, it does divide Azulans into three specialized groups that allows for more focused training and organized deployment. While conflict, both between and within castes does occur, the most successful and established of settlements and city-states within Kal Azul see that all three castes, the Deft, the Resolute, and the Spirited, share an equal amount of power, and are properly directed in order to maximize each of their strengths while simultaneously supporting each other to compensate for their weaknesses.

Deft Azulans are the most suited to roles that require excessive amounts of movement and fine motor control. This often leads them to becoming assassins, marksmen, and scouts. Because of their incredible dexterity, however, Deft Azulans are also commonly trained as craftsmen, such as carpenters, blacksmiths, clockmakers, clothiers, fletchers, gunsmiths, medicine-makers, surgeons, and a variety of other vocations.

Resolute Azulans are the most suited to roles that require extraordinary strength and resilience. This often leads them to becoming front-line warriors and bulwarks; generally speaking, the primary force in Kal Azulan armies are comprised of Resolute Azulans. Because of their unnaturally powerful physique, however, many Resolute Azulans are also typically used for manual labor or trained in vocations that would be more difficult for their weaker counterparts. These Resolute often become farmers and field-workers, sailors, smelters, and general manual laborers such as builders and dock-workers.

Spirited Azulans are most suited to roles that rely on the use of magic. This typically leads them into becoming mages of one sort or another, whether it be battlemages or simply arcane researchers. Spirited Azulans are inarguably regarded as the most powerful of the three castes, and often mistakenly regarded as the most wise and intelligent, though this is only due to their incredible magical potential. Many Spirited Azulans choose to research a particular school of magic, or even several schools of magic, in order to unleash deadly spells upon the battlefield or to support their allies from the rear. Some, however, choose to dedicate themselves to research; these Spirited Azulans test out different combinations of magic and even occasionally invent new spells. Others still take up vocations or professions that have a clear magical focus, such as artificery or potion-making.

Despite the differences between the three castes, however, many Kal Azulans exhibit certain shared behaviors and societal norms. For example, when speaking, most Azulans speak clearly, concisely, and bluntly. Azulans typically say exactly what they mean, to the best of their ability, regardless of the circumstances. Azulans believe that candid, honest communication is always the most productive form of communication. Often times, however, foreigners will interpret this behavior as inconsiderate, rude, or even callous, as Azulans will quite often speak truths, make statements, or share opinions that others may not wish to hear. Azulans typically refrain from telling lies, even under duress, as they typically see lying as unproductive even at the worst of times. Even when threatened or harshly interrogated, many Azulans will resort to either absolute silence, or wild insults and taunts before actively choosing to fabricate a lie.

Aside from their speech patterns, almost all Azulans, even those who were not born or raised on Kal Azul, are incredibly goal-oriented. Azulans almost universally feel a powerful drive to be productive, or achieve some kind of result either through hard work and training, or dedicated research and study. Very rarely are Azulans ever seen as lazy or lethargic, though for certain privileged individuals such behavior is not unheard of. Almost all Azulans, however, are typically seen as passionate, either in general or regarding a specific point of interest. While certain Azulans can indeed become depressed, even those who suffer from depression often find something to dedicate themselves to. Many use a specific hobby or vocation as a means to work through trauma or other mental agonies, though occasionally this will lead them to overworking themselves, sometimes severely.

While many view Kal Azulan culture as purely warlike or barbaric, bloodshed is far from their only interest. While their militaristic structure and focus is quite thoroughly prevalent throughout Kal Azulan society, their "warlike" tendencies are mostly a means toward an end. Many Azulans see combat as simply an inevitable part of life, rather than the whole reason for living. While some Kal Azulans do truly love battle, many more desire an eventual peace. To this end, celebrations, contests, and feats of strength and skill are commonplace within most established settlements and city-states within Kal Azul. Weddings, births, and even deaths are all celebrated as holidays; Weddings and births are often local, family, or clan-based celebrations, while deaths are typically a settlement-wide event, sometimes in addition to family or clan-based celebrations. Kal Azulan funerals are seen as a celebration of the lives of the deceased, which encourages the community to come together to toast the achievements of the fallen, as well as to support and care for those who are mourning. Kal Azulans are always cremated, and never, under any circumstances, buried, in order to prevent their bodies from being used for necromancy. Many Azulans, however, build personal shrines for their ancestors and deceased members of their family in an effort to give their spirits a place to rest. Bringing offerings such as simple food or spirits is a common way to pay respect to the fallen. Azulans are known for their love of food and drink, and many choose to become accomplished cooks or brewers in addition to whatever other vocation they may have. Azulan cuisine tends to be filling and often times spicy. While only a few herbs and spices are available in Kal Azul, peppers tend to grow quite well in the dry, sunny environment, allowing them to create rather flavorful dishes that pack a considerable amount of heat.

While many unique cultures exist within Kal Azul, and not all Azulans exhibit these specific traits and behaviors, the majority of established civilization within Kal Azul can be generally assumed to exist in the way it has been described here.

The Taut

Of the Aiphe who eventually came to settle within Kal Azul, one group chose to reconsider their ethos. Not long after the first settlement within the Blasted Steppes, a once-in-a-hundred-years tornado formed in the desert, its interference stirring the winds of the region and pushing them randomly in every which way. In accordance with their culture, the Aiphe travelled from place to place, rapidly and erratically. Most did so until the winds settled, ten years later, but one group tired of the constant movement and took a different path. They came to believe that to travel against the wind - being the path of greater resistance, at least in relative terms - was the more rewarding path for them, and so they boldly marched into the center of the great windstorm...

Abilities

The Deft: You gain 10% Dodge Chance.

Blitz Assault: Become silenced for 2+1/25[Dexterity] strikes, stepped forward with each blow. The attacks deal 25+[Strength]+34%[Dexterity] physical damage.

The Resolute: You gain 5% Damage Resist.

Demolish: Rupture the earth, sending out 8 waves in all directions that stun enemies for 0.75 seconds.

The Spirited: You gain 5% Damage Bonus.

Force Shield: Gain a bubble for 3 seconds of 100+1%[Max HP]+2.5*[Control] Health that provides 50% Damage Resist while active. [24s CD / 500 Mana]

The racial abilities available to your character are dependent on the sub-race chosen at character creation.

Triva

• The flavor-text for Kal Azulans on the Race-Selection menu during Character Creation reads, "Azulans have faced some of the worst the outer planes have to offer, and after surviving an an unhospitable wasteland, they have developed to fill the needs of their communities. Azulans come in all shapes, sizes, and builds that specialize them for certain tasks in combating extraplanar threats and thriving in the Blasted Steppe. The Spirited are smaller than their brothers and sisters, but are much more in tune with the magic that this world has to offer, while the Deft excel at speed and balanced resilience. The Resolute, the tallest and broadest of the Azulans, are capable of great feats in strength and might. Many claim they are some of the most fearsome and headstrong warriors upon Rhyst. No matter what they are up against, the Azulans united are a determined people that are not easily dismissed." The typo of, "an an unhospitable wasteland," was transcribed verbatim from the game.
• The flavor-text for Resolute Azulans from the Character-Customization menu during Character Creation reads, "You'll be a [age] year old [sex] The Resolute Azulan. You're a Resolute Azulan of Kal Azul. You are the mightiest of your people, and while your magic and agility lack as consequence, you are no less the designated protector of your race. Your ancestors constructed great walls to fend off insurmountable foes, and you yourself now embody said walls. You are insurmountable."
• The flavor-text for Deft Azulans reads, "You'll be a [age] year old [sex] The Deft Azulan. You're a Deft Azulan of Kal Azul. You are the quickest of your people, and while your constitution lacks as consequence, you are no less the skilled assassin of your race. Your ancestors cut down hordes of undead and demons, and you yourself now embody their weapons. You are lethally fast."
• The flavor-text for Spirited Azulans reads, "You'll be a [age] year old [sex] The Spirited Azulan. You're a Spirited Azulan of Kal Azul. You are the most powerful of your people, and while you are more frail as consequence, you are no less the empowered sword of your people. Your ancestors conjured meteors that fell from the sky, and you yourself now embody their machinations. You are overflowing with mana."