The people of the rivers and the sea are noted for their regal stature and calm demeanour. With silvery-blue skin and eyes, lightly colored hair and markings that range in cooler colors, the Kaha’iko blend in well with their river and lake environment. They are one of the tallest races in Kahikina, with willowy bodies that are on average slim and lithe. Out of all the races, they are the ones most willing to wander the nearby landmasses, and as a result harvest the flora and fauna as food and clothing.
The source of the Kaha’iko culture is high atop the great cliff where the water is born. Noelani, the spring-lake, is where it is believed that all water bleeds from, and is where the elders reside. It is believed that the water from the lake, some of the purest and untainted, can heal ailments and extend life. As a result, it is one of the most sacred and guarded locations to the Kaha’iko, and outsiders are rarely permitted to enter.
Although the main source of the culture is high atop Noelani, the Kaha’iko are widespread, with many small settlements around the lakes and rivers of Kahikina. These settlements often are located where the main river breaks or merges, with structures that are built both across the river and on land.
Religion: The Kaha’iko believe in a circle of life that includes karma and resurrection. They feel that the Noelani Spring is the source of life, as well as the place where the souls of their people return to be born anew. Because their lives intertwine so much with the water around them, they feel the spring is the source of life and what transfers souls into newborns. In order to give thanks for such a gift, they make an effort to preserve the waters and only take from the land what they need. They do not follow any set pantheon of gods, but do believe every single thing on earth contains nourishment from the water, and as a result show great respect for Kahikina and its flora, fauna, and people.
Government: Because the Kaha’iko believe that age equals wisdom based on experience and exposure to Noelani’s waters, they are led by an elder council that live outside the Noelani Spring. The elders are the ones who evaluate the world and the water from the earth, and as a result are respected for their knowledge by other races in Kahikina. Rarely, the elders may find a young Kaha’iko seen to possess an old soul, and as a result will invite this blessed child into their care to train them to become a leader for their people.
List of Physical Traits || Cool, silvery-blue skin color || Cool marking colors that are often blues, greens, and silvers with rippling patterns and are located on the feet, calves, hands, forearms, and foreheads || Various shades of silver and blue eyes || Hair ranges from white to light blues and greens, often in a darkening ombre || Clothing is typically harvested from reeds and grasses that surround the river, as well as animal skins hunted out of the waters || Kaha’iko are a naturally tall and lean race with willowy bodies (Range of height: 5’ 11” and 7')
Away from the rivers, where the water has collected in marsh-like swamps, live the Menehune. Known for their earthy coloring of greens, greys, and browns, the Menehune appear much more rough compared to other races in Kahikina. One of their noted traits is their whisker-like barbels, which help them traverse through the muddy waters that make up their home. Another well known trait that the Menehune have adapted are tattoos; Menehune will add tribal-like black tattoos to their body once they become of age to represent the significant milestones in their life. It is rare to see an elder that isn’t covered with many tattoos over their body.
Because they live around the thicker waters of the marshlands and swamps, the Menehune have developed strong bodies and a working mentality. They live in a society that follows order, discipline and organization, and as a result appear to live simple lives compared to their river neighbors. There are many small colonies that live throughout the swamps, with no major capital between them. Instead, as the colonies get closer to the neighboring Kaha’iko, the influence of the river race is more prevalent.
In general, the Menehune are a solemn race that focus on hard work and pleasing their gods. They do respect the other gods of the world, especially Noelani, but keep to themselves whenever possible. It was only relatively recently, thanks to the Great Drought, that they have increased interaction with the Kaha’iko. This interaction was justified through evaluation on their chances for survival.
Religion: The Menehune believe in a small number of gods which are represented in the world around them. These gods hold the last judgement once a Menehune passes on, and are believed to be the gatekeepers to Noelani’s spring. The Menehune believe that Noelani is an actual goddess that brings rebirth, but only if one is approved by the gatekeeper judges. This judgement occurs not only at death, but throughout one's entire life, and thus the Menehune believe all their actions impact their chances for rebirth. Noelani Goddess of Life and Rebirth Al'kano God of Death, Bringer of Judgement Uukai Goddess of the Swamp and Marsh Ia'anau God of the Sun, the Moon and the Sky Kaino God of Storms, Bringer of Rain Meakan Goddess of Agriculture and Fertility Palaau God of Wood, Warmth, Protection A'ai God of Fish, Fruit, and Sustenance
Government: The Menehune believe in the Ko’kapu, a set of rules focusing on order, discipline, arrangement, organization, and spiritual power. Each colony has a leader, who is a keeper and enforcer of these laws. These leaders are also believed to be the ones most regulated by these laws. Some examples of these laws is how the tattoos must be designed and where one must go to get their tattoos. Other such expectations to these rules are that they must respect the world around them, they must live in modesty, and they must respect the sacred world around them. If one breaks the Ko’kapu, they are believed to enter taboo and must be punished accordingly.
Naturally, the Menehune who live closer to the Kaha’iko are more lax with their laws, even adapting cultural traits from their neighbors. The Ko’kapu was much more strict in the past, but as generations grow and adapt, it has mostly become a set of rules and guidelines to help keep each other safe and protected. It is believed that by following the Ko’kapu, the Menehune will continue to stay in favor with their gods.
List of Physical Traits || Dark, earthy brown to green skin color || Earthy marking colors that are often deep greens, browns, and greys with spotted patterns and are located on the neck, shoulders, upper chest, hips and thighs || Various shades of green and brown eyes || Darker hair that ranges from browns to black || Whisker-like barbels || Clothing is made from harvested cotton tails and reeds from around the marshlands || Menehune are a working race with strong bodies (Range of height: 5' and 6’ 2”)
The smallest of all the races in Kahikina, these beach dwellers are known for their colorful bodies and playful personalities. The Hapuna have warm, sun kissed skin that is a backdrop for their colorful eyes, hair, and striped markings. If the coloring wasn’t enough, they also have flashy fins that have grown longer than most other races, giving them a fae-like appearance thanks to their tiny bodies. They don’t tend to wander away from their reef structures, and would rather sunbathe than worry about hiding from others.
The main home to the Hapuna is the Great Inland Reef, a place the use to relax and a boundary from their neighbors. Although this reef land is located in a somewhat shallow, inland sea, the Hapuna use the reef to anchor their platforms they use to sunbathe on the waters.
The Hapuna's homes line the coasts of the inlet beach and stretch across the light colored sands. They use the nature around them to build light, breezy homes that allow for the Hapuna to avoid the harsh sun and dry out. Their lifestyle has evolved the Hapuna to be efficient swimmers and one of the more water-living races of Kahikina, spending equal amounts of time in and out of the water.
The Hapuna are playful and carefree, and are one of the most peaceful and friendly races in Kahikina. Although they don’t tend to wander, they are swift swimmers thanks to years of living in the tides and can easily navigate the shallow lands of the reef. In the past, they have been the main communicators between the seawater and freshwater races, however, whenever any conflict would arise, they were the first to hide away in their sun-soaked homes.
Religion: The Hapuna have developed their faith around the tides of the ocean. Because they live in the reefs, they are intimate with the impact that nature has on their life. Water is seen as the life and energy of the world, and the tides are the breath of the world that brings life to the land. Many Hapuna venture into the waves during high tide, contemplating life as they settle into the gentle embrace of "Mother Ocean". From a young age, Hapuna children are taught to understand that the 'chaos' of the tides is not something to fear, but to enjoy and master.
Because of this almost meditative practice, the Hapuna religion has taught its people to relax, breath, and embrace the waves of life, all while taking time to look beyond the chaos and see the beauty in the source of the waves of life. There is no pressure in their religion to pray or follow any sort of rules, but simply to listen to nature, respect "Mother Ocean", and be at peace with oneself.
Government: There is no set government among the Hapuna, as they aren't ones known to fight or join in conflict. Often, they will avoid any fights and hide away in their reef, but if they have to make any major decisions they generally will come together in a sort of democracy discussion. There are no major leaders making decisions on behalf of the colony, but most Hapuna tend to lean on elders who have found 'nirvana', or have embraced the tides and speak the 'language of the ocean'.
List of Physical Traits || Warm colored skin ranging from yellow to red || Striped markings with one color spanning the range of the rainbow and the other a bright white, located on face and stomach || Various colored eyes from reds, to oranges, to yellows, to purples || Bright vibrant hair that match the markings and fade to white at the tips || Extended decorative fins on the ears, sides of calves, and side of forearms || Clothing is light and loose and harvested from the seaweed, often decorated with collected shells from the sand || Hapuna are a naturally short race, ranging between 4’ and 5’ 3” with petite swimmer’s bodies
|| Skin: ████████████████████ || Eyes: ██████████████████ || Hair: xxxxxMain: ███████████████████ xxxxxOmbre: ██████████████████ (hair fades from the main color to the same color in near-white) || Markings: xxxxxxMajor: ██████████████████ (markings are the same color slot as the hair (third color hair matches third color markings, etc)) xxxxxAccent: ████████ || Clothes: ██████████ || Plant Life: ██████████ || Accents: ██████████
Deep in the shadowed depths of Kahikina dwells a race bred to survive the darkness. The Moakai have dark, cooler-toned skin that is a backdrop for their bright eyes. Their markings match their hair, going from brighter blue-toned colors to nearly black. On top of the being the darkest colored race in Kahikina, they are also known for the lure that sprouts from their forehead and softly glows in the darkness. It is rare for most to wander away from their home, but some are starting to emerge from their island of Ka'lei to explore the lands unlocked by the recent floods.
The main home to the Moakai is the island of Ka'lei, where they believe Iokaila, the Mother Ocean, lives and communicates. While most of the island trench is uninhabitable, the Moakai have established key settlements for safety. No Moakai has lived outside of the four major settlements, at least not for long. For how empty the forests of Ka'lei may seem, they house a rare treat of creatures that glow softly like stars in a moonless sky.
Near the edge of Ka'lei lies the large settlement of Akamu, and is known as the Twilight City due to the soft sunlight that still penetrates the forest. Farther down into the Trench means most of the remaining settlements are housed in pitch black. It is only the bioluminescence that allows any travelers the ability to travel in the Great Trench, and even then it is strongly recommended visitors travel with a Moakai guide.
The Moakai are a serious race that believes strongly in the voice of the ocean. In the past, they depended on others to communicate with the freshwater people, as they struggle to adapt to the light of open air. Many are uncertain on what the spreading and discovery of the other continents means, making them weary to travel outward themselves.
Religion: The Moakai have developed their faith around the currents of the ocean. Because they live on a secluded island, they are intimate with the impact of the tides on the way of life. Water is seen as the life and energy of the world, and the currents are the flow of the world that brings life to the ocean. Many Moakai understand the danger of the trench rivers, and learn quickly of their location so they do not get drawn in. There is an awe and fear of the power of the Mother Ocean, Iokaila, and Moakai children are taught to understand that the 'chaos' of the currents is something to respect. They know that Iokaila is a fickle deity, and take care to ensure they don't get snared in her fits of rage.
The Moakai religion has taught its people to be strong and vigilant, respecting that chaos is a reflection of strength and that there is always a balance between peace and destruction. There is no pressure in their religion to pray or follow any sort of rules, but simply to listen to nature, respect Iokaila, and be aware of the world and power around them.
Government: The Moakai have a government with Iokaila being the central leader, and divine prophets that read the messages of the ocean and speak the word to the people. The leadership doesn't dictate how the people need to act culturally, but instead focus on reading the messages of Iokaila and using them as guidance for how to manage the settlements. Citizens of the deep are allowed to act on their own without major consequences, but also trust in the prophets to interpret Iokaila. In the past, those that refused to follow the guidance of the prophets often faced disastrous consequences, and as a result there is often a fear whenever a message comes back that speaks of risk or ruin.
List of Physical Traits || Dark, midnight blue and purple skin color || Purple, red, and blue marking colors that are found in an array of striping patterns and are located on the face, neck, belly, back, and legs. || Various brightly colored eyes || Ombre colored hair that matches the markings and fades to black || Softly glowing forehead lure || Clothing is tight, thick and harvested from seaweed, often decorated with remains from creatures in the deep sea || Moakai are a varied race, averaging between 4’ 6” and 6’ 5” with strong arms and legs
|| Skin: ████████████████████ || Eyes: ████████████████████ || Hair: xxxxxMain: █████████████████████ xxxxxOmbre: ████████████████████ (hair fades from the main color to the same color in near-black) || Markings: xxxxxxMajor: ████████████████████ (markings are the same color slot as the hair (third color hair matches third color markings, etc)) xxxxxAccent: ████████ || Clothes: ██████████ || Plant Life: ██████████ || Accents: ██████████
The underground caves of Kahikina are home to the Kawena, an odd race that have evolved through generations of entombment underground. Originally a settlement as part of the Moakai, they share many traits with their common ancestors. Having only mild glowing traits thanks to their dark dwelling past, they have evolved into a race with bioluminescence in their markings. This glowing allows them to better navigate in the darkness of their home, along with other traits such as larger shaped eyes. They are naturally short, permitting them easier access to the underground caves and tunnels they call their home.
Originating from a single settlement that was cut-off from the rest of the Moakai thanks to a shifting of earth, the Kawena have branched out to fully explore the caves below Kahikina. They have clusters of settlements where they reside, with families claiming their own small cave system to live in. Their original home was abandoned after generations of attempting to reconnect with the Moakai. Now they live closer to the surface where they can easily hunt and access the limited exits to the caves.
The Kawena know of their past connection with the above-ground dwellers, but generations of living in seclusion have left them as a distrustful and recluse race. They understand that, with their world opening to the sky that they have the opportunity to move above ground, yet resist. Because of their evolution, they find it difficult to adapt and prefer to stay within their caves as they grow used to the concept of being a part of Kahikina once more.
Religion The Kawena have expanded their faith beyond their Moakai ancestors, although the foundations are quite similar. Because they live in the depths of the underground caves, they are intimate with the mystery and danger that lurks there. They know the source of the water is the Mother Ocean, Iokaila, but the distance of the ocean dangers have transformed her into more of a caregiver than a dangerous being. Instead, they fear the nameless beings of danger that hide deep in the seemingly never ending caves.
The Kawena religion has taught its people to be strong and vigilant, respecting that balance is required so they don't fall prey to the dangers of a spiraling path. There is no pressure in their religion to pray or follow any sort of rules, but simply to listen to nature, respect the dangers of their caves, and be aware of the world and power around them.
Government
Forced to adapt quickly to their new environment, the Kawena have adapted to an elder/chief system. Starting with only a few, after generations and growth they have extended to multiple settlements with leaders throughout the caves. The elders will come together when needed, but often they respect the settlements and allow each elder to control their own groups. It is an understanding that everyone must work together to ensure survival, and as a result experienced Kawena are expected to mentor the youth, and everyone contributes to providing for their tribe. Those who refuse to contribute are judged by the elders and sent for punishment by the gods. Often, they are forced into the cavernous deep water pits of the far caves where the gods reside, and rarely return.
List of Physical Traits || Dark, black and grey skin color || Pale marking colors that do not have patterns and are located on the forearms and hands, the chest, cheeks, and feet || Various pale shades of color eyes that match the markings with dark small pupils || Very large eyes with no visible sclera || Dark hair with soft highlights that match the markings || Markings are softly bioluminescent || Small forehead horn || Clothing is typically harvested from moss and cave plants, and ornamented with the crystals and stones found deep in the cave || Kawena are a naturally shorter race, averaging between 4’ 4” and 5’ 7” with strong worker bodies
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