THE MOAKAI
Deep in the shadowed depths of Kahikina dwells a race bred to survive the cold and the darkness. The Moakai have dark, cooler toned skin that is a backdrop for their bright eyes. Their scales 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 deep sea home, but some are starting to emerge on the surface to explore the lands unlocked by the recent floods.
The main home to the Moakai is the deep sea trench Ka'lei, where they believe Iokaila, the Mother Ocean, lives and communicates. While most of the deep sea is open and filled with strong currents, 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 lands of Ka'lei may seem, they house a rare treat of creatures that glow softly like stars in a moonless sky.
Near the surface 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 waters. 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 deep ocean, 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. Much like their neighbors in the reef, they have become strong swimmers thanks to years of living in the currents of the sea. In the past, they depended on others to communicate with the freshwater people, as they struggle to adapt to the pressure of the upper oceans as well as the taste of freshwater. Many are uncertain on what the opening of the river means to their home, and hesitant to journey to the surface too quickly.
Religion
The Moakai have developed their faith around the currents of the ocean. Because they live in the depths of the sea, 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 these 'current 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.
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