The Shifters comprise a small, rudimentary tribe dwelling in the heart of Tendaji’s rainforest. Like other Earthlings, they stand much shorter than the Alkidike. They possess short, pointed ears and their slim bodies are speckled with blue crystals. The length and style of their hair is dependent primarily upon their trade and rank within the tribe.
This race’s most distinguishing trait lies within their skin and eyes. Both features change from light to dark with the rising of the sun, and back to light in the evening, to match the silvery shades of the moon.
The Shifter Tribe shares Jauhar, their rainforest home, with the Alkidikes. Because of the war-like nature of their opposing female rivals, however, they tend to do what they can to stay out of the way and to remain unseen. They live predominantly in the upper canopy where food can be found in greater abundance, creating strange nests and hammock-like homes from the thousands of thick, dark green vines that twist between the trees. This diverse tribe prefers an elevated position where they can still observe the movements of the sun and moon.
Religion: The Shifters worship and revere the moon, whom they refer to as the goddess Serin. Their true connection to the moon has been disputed for as long as anyone can remember. They do not call it their creator. All they know is that, when the moon comes out, their skin turns silver. Clearly, they must be connected in some way. Shifters believe in the existence of lesser gods (i.e. of rain, of tides, of forests, etc.), but the names of these lesser deities vary and are often quite personal to individuals. The earthlings recognize that others may call these same deities by different names, and accept them as the same gods with different tiles.
Government: The Shifters live within a pretty rudimentary, tribal system. They have Elders who may be called together in severe cases, where guidance is needed. However, most transgressions are left for family groups or individuals to work out. Those who possess higher ranks are expected to mentor and help the upcoming Younglings and Prentices. There is an understanding that everyone must work together, to some degree, for the betterment of the tribe and their survival.
List of Physical Traits || Day version: Dark gray-blue skin, light gray eyes || Night version: Pale gray skin, dark gray eyes || Blue crystals speckled over varying body parts || Hair ranges from gray to white to teal blue || Short, pointed ears || Clothes are typically tans and dull oranges with blue and white accents and colorful accessories || Earthlings stand much smaller than the humans of the past. (average height: 4' - 5'6" )
xDay || ██████ (skin) // ████ (eyes) Night || ██████ (skin) // ████ (eyes) *day shade must correspond to matching night shade (applies to skin and eyes) Crystals || ████████████████████ Hair || ████████████████████
|| Clothes: ████████████ || Accents: ████████████
Crystals and Hair can vary in color from shifter to shifter.
Shifter earthlings can have rounded or large and smooth crystal types.
This race of long, pointy-eared people has developed a chiefdom level society in Tale, Tendaji’s Savanna. The men and women of the Leaf Tribe possess pale, sand-colored skin and large eyes that come in various shades of green. Pink crystals can be found glittering on their stomach, face, and shoulder blades. Like most Earthlings, the people of the Leaf Tribe stand shorter than the Alkidike and have evolved in such a way as to blend in with their surroundings.
Although Tale is comprised primarily of dirt and sand, large, strangely twisted blue, green, and yellow trees can be found here and there, growing abundantly in small clusters. Within these tiny forests, the Leaf Earthlings have made their home.
The Leaf Tribe has created a network of roofed platforms within their trees as well as on the ground. The simple homes are protective during the warm, rainy winters and open during the dry, hot summers, allowing what little breeze there is to pass through. Although the tribe hunts on occasion, their main nutrients come from the strange, liquid-filled bulbs found throughout the Savanna.
Life in Tale can be trying and rough. As a result, this race has developed a profoundly deep, unwavering respect for the land on which they live. They are not always accepting of the occasional visitors who make it to their home. Strangers threaten their way of life and the precious resources that maintain their livelihood.
Religion: The Leaf Tribe is a very spiritual people. They believe themselves to be connected to and a part of the earth, in so much that the earth feeds them, clothes them, shelters them, and when they die, becomes their home. As such, their respect for the land that provides for them is deep and uncompromising. To them, everything that comes from the earth has some sort of spiritual quality. As the earth protects them, so should they protect it. The Leaf Tribe's religion is very similar to animism. They do not have names for their gods, but believe everything in nature to be filled with a spirit.
Government: These Earthlings are part of a Chief-type tribe. Since, in Tale, the clusters of trees in which the Leaf Tribe lives can be rather far-spread, each individual settlement has a primary Chief who also functions as their Spiritual Leader. It is a hard environment in which to live and so, while the different sections of the Leaf Tribe work flawlessly together, they do not take kindly to strangers infringing upon their land.
List of Physical Traits || Typically pale tan, sand colored skin with some in the olive range || Cool pink or purple crystals on stomach, face, and shoulder blades || Various shades of green eyes || Medium to dark brown hair || Long, pointed ears || Clothes are typically all shades of greens and browns with pale pink and yellow accents and accessories || Earthlings stand much smaller than the humans of the past. (average height: 4' - 5'6" )
The people of the Wind Tribe most clearly resemble the humans of the 21st century. Of course, the inhabitants of Tendaji are unaware of this fact. They are a nomadic people and can often be seen laden with bags and satchels of various shapes and sizes. Sauti is a perilous land, incapable of supporting life in one single area for an extended period of time, so the wandering members of the Wind Tribe carry everything they need with them at all times.
There are a few, sparse places throughout Sauti that can sustain life. In these areas, members of the Wind Tribe also live, maxing out the sustainability of the spot and making it impossible for newcomers to move in.
These Earthlings possesses fair skin. Their hair and eyes are both often light in color. To the other tribes, whose coloration is so unique and bold, they may appear somewhat lacking in color, even washed out. Their ears are short and rounded, making them not quite as adept at picking up sounds as the other tribes, but that skill is less necessary in Sauti, where the mountains provide an astounding echo. Like the other Earthlings, the Wind Tribe sports crystal formations on their bodies. Their crystals are pink in hue and appear most predominantly along their arms, shoulders, calves, and on rare occasions the face.
Religion: The Wind Tribe worships Bergchi, most commonly referred to simply as "Chi," the often icy goddess of the mountains. They believe her to be their originator and mother, but not necessarily the highest power in the world. They believe that all people return to her in death and when speaking of those who have passed, will often mention the goddess as well, saying "Bergchi be with them," "Bergchi guide them," or some other variant. They also believe in Ault, the sun god (see "Bringer of Fire" ), although he is not their primary deity. The Wind Tribe also believes in the existence of lesser gods (i.e. of rain, of tides, of forests, etc.), but the names of these lesser deities vary and are often quite personal to individuals. The earthlings recognize that others may call these same deities by different names, and accept them as the same gods with different titles.
Government: The Wind Tribe of Sauti and the Ice Tribe of Zena share a council-style government. Both tribes have a varying number of council members; however many each group deems worthy of the position. All members of the council sit in on meetings and vote on any matters that come up. The Ice Tribe, however, has a heavier hand, and their decisions are weighed more heavily than those of the Wind Tribe. The nomadic Wind Tribe, however, doesn't seem too discouraged by the arrangement.
List of Physical Traits || Pale, warm skin color || Warm pink or orange crystals on arms, shoulders, calves, and occasionally the face || Various shades of blue eyes || Pale white-blond to sand colored hair || Small, rounded ears || Clothes are typically burnt orange, green, and browns in color with blanket-like bundles and pouches/bags for travel || Earthlings stand much smaller than the humans of the past. (average height: 4' - 5'6" )
Although their society does not possess a true aristocracy, the people of the Ice Tribe certainly give off a regal vibe. They live in the mountainous area of Zena, towards the boundary of Sauti, where it is cold and often snowy. Therefore, their clothing is often lined in fur, protecting them, to an extent, from the harsher elements.
These Earthlings have light blue skin. Their hair is usually a darker shade of blue, but can sometimes be mistaken as having a slight tinge or purple, or be dark enough to be considered black. Their eyes range from yellow to amber to gold, but all seem to possess a radiant, almost glowing quality. Like all Earthlings, the Ice Tribe sports crystals. Theirs, however, seem to have an almost rockier quality. They are a dark, bluish purple and can usually be found in bulk around these peoples’ necks, front torso, and inner thighs.
Many (although not all) of the Ice Tribe members consider themselves superior to other Earthlings, especially the nomadic Wind Tribe. Due to the structure of their government, some Ice Tribe members feel that they rule over the Wind Tribe, although their relationship has never degenerated to the level of slavery.
Religion: Like the Wind Tribe, the Ice Tribe worships Bergchi, or “Chi”, the goddess of the mountains. Bergchi is their creator and mother, although not necessarily the highest power in Tendaji. When a person passes on, they meet Bergchi in the next world. Their sacred mountain, far to the east of Zena, is called Mount Xi’i. There, a secluded group of female oracles live, protecting the mountain. They also believe in the sun god Ault (See "Bringer of Fire" ), although he is not their primary deity. The Ice Tribe also believes in the existence of lesser gods (i.e. of rain, of tides, of forests, etc.), but the names of these lesser deities vary and are often quite personal to individuals. The earthlings recognize that others may call these same deities by different names, and accept them as the same gods with different titles.
Government: The Wind Tribe of Sauti and the Ice Tribe of Zena share a council-style government. Both tribes have a varying number of council members; however many each group deems worthy of the position. All members of the council sit in on meetings and vote on any matters that come up. The Ice Tribe, however, has a heavier hand, and their decisions are weighed more heavily than those of the Wind Tribe. The nomadic Wind Tribe, however, doesn't seem too discouraged by the arrangement.
List of Physical Traits || Pale blue skin || Dark blue-purple crystals on necks, front torso, and inner thighs || Light yellow, golden, or amber eyes || Deep blue hair, can occasionally look black or purple-ish || Long, pointed ears || Clothes are typically various shades of blue, dull green, black, and warm darker browns with furs that are tan or white in color and light blue or orange accessories || Earthlings stand much smaller than the humans of the past. (average height: 4' - 5'6" )
The people of Oba live in cramped conditions, producing Tendaji's first real cities to reside in its time. These fire earthlings live in a desert-like environment with two large Oases that the cities crowd around. This requires light, breezy fabric and shoes to endur the heat of the sands during the day.
The fire earthlings of Oba have skin ranging from a medium tan to a skin the shade of night, all in a reddish hue. Their hair is dominated by reds and browns, ranging from light browns to dark deep reds and blacks, this red hue seems to also carry into their eyes, ranging from light light red, almost white, to deep wine colors. Like the other earthlings of Tendaji, the Obans have crystals, though these crystals are large, orange, and shaped like smoothed, polished rocks, not round, but not rough either. These large orange crystals are found almost exclusively on their shoulders and upper backs, possibly creeping up to their necks or as far forward as their upper chest, residing in virtually no other place on their bodies.
Due to the structure of their society and the working of their people, they have a wide spread belief that they not only are the favored people of Tendaji, but they are meant to rule the rest of their neighbors. Even those who do not actively want to conquer, can't seem to find it in themselves to care about what happens to the other folks of Tendaji, having the ingrained belief that they are chosen by the gods and turning a cheek to the rest of Tendaji, almost as if they don't know how to acknowledge other's sufferings or degrading positions in comparison to their own society.
Religion: The people of Oba believe in a whole pantheon of Gods and Goddesses, partitioning all parts of life to a god such as birth, death, fishing, ocean, a king and queen of the gods, etc. There is always a different name to pray to depending on the situation at hand. The major players in their pantheon include: Nerad King of Gods, god of judgement Essd Queen of Gods, goddess of life and death Drach God of storms and rain On'os God of time and fortune Lenoxe Goddess of fishing and feasts Kiyom God of wood and lumber Hatald Goddess of fertility, marriage, and women Jonal God of men and war Ubeli Godess of the moon and ocean Atun God of the sun, forging fires, and desert
Government: The people of Oba live under a nobility system that peaks with a King to dictate all that goes on in his lands. The King and his family, as well as many of the nobles live in Sulburi, Oba's capitol, while there are lesser nobles living in the other large cities as the eyes and ears of the King. The King also dictates the forces of his army, which involve another system of rank including generals, advisors, and strategists that all live within the city of Sulburi in the surrounding area of the palace. After the war against Oba the original king was replaced by his cousin, known as King Elitharius. His daughter, Naevius, has become the official princess of Oba.
List of Physical Traits || Dark skin ranging from deep tan to near black || Large, smooth orange crystals on upper backs and shoulders, can creep towards neck or front of shoulders, occasionally on the face or stomach || Ranging shades of red eyes from very light pink to very dark maroon || Ranging shades of hair from pink to red to black and brown || Short, rounded ears || Clothes are typically various shades of red, orange, yellows, and purples with rope-like belts and accessories || Earthlings stand much smaller than the humans of the past. (average height: 4' - 5'6" )
The people of Matori live in small, very humble huts and shacks in Matori's cities and villages. Their conditions in the larger villages are cramped, while the outskirts spread farther out to accommodate what farming they can do to provide for themselves. Their proximity at all times to the water has made light and loose clothing something of a norm, as well as anything aquatic and fish inspired designs.
The water earthlings are one of the most unique looking race of earthlings in Tendaji, with blue-green skin and lighter green markings that seem to be located in the same location and pattern for all the people of Matori with only the slightest variation in the number of dots. They do not have crystals, and their eyes are a golden-yellow or orange in color with pupils that sit as horizontal ovals rather than the perfect circle. Their ears are arguably their most unique feature, seeming to have taken on the resemblance of a fin, with an almost transparency to them. Their hair is commonly black but can range from mid to very dark blue-greens and greens, and their eyebrows seem to grow in patches rather than a continuous line.
The people of Matori had been under the control of Oba for as long as they had known in their histories. After the Oban War, the people of Matori were freed and now live on their own lands as equals to the rest of Tendaji.
Religion: The people of Matori, due to their close though rather forced relationship with Oba, believe in the same pantheon of Gods and Goddesses as their former enslavers, though a few of the names seem to have shifted and evolved. There is always a different name to pray to depending on the situation at hand. The major players in their pantheon include: Nessat King of Gods, god of judgement (Oba: Nerad) Ome Essd Queen of Gods, goddess of life and death (Oba: Essd) Drach'ti God of storms and rain (Oba: Drach) On'os God of time and fortune Len Goddess of fishing and feasts (Oba: Lenoxe) Kiyom God of wood and lumber Hatald Goddess of fertility, marriage, and women Jonal God of men and war Ubeli'ae Godess of the moon and ocean (Oba: Ubeli) Atun God of the sun, forging fires, and desert
Government: After breaking their enslavement to Oba, the people of Matori have settled on a group of counselors who live on the market chain to the south to provide a stable government for them. Those who have problems seek out a meeting with the counselors to come to a solution. Counselors are usually the most successful merchants and some of the strongest warriors during the War. Over a decade has now passed since the people of Matori were freed. Their commerce and trade has increased exponentially, and their people are flourishing as a culture of their own.
List of Physical Traits || Blue/green skin with the same pattern on all water earthlings || No crystals || Golden-yellow or orange eyes with horizontal oval pupils || Patched eyebrows || Usually black hair, can include mid to very dark blue-greens and greens || Fin-like ears || Clothes are typically all shades of blues, greens/yellows, and browns || Earthlings stand much smaller than the humans of the past. (average height: 4' - 5'6" )
The island of Yael is home to the yaeli earthlings, a surprisingly odd race of earthlings that have evolved over time to suit their surrounding. Yael was once the destination of those cast off in exile from the mainland of Tendaji. The outcasts, the hybrids, the criminals, and the mentally unwell were shipped off to the coast of Yael, left to either figure out a way to survive, or die off. After hundreds of years, the island was forgotten, and the mix of races on Yael merged and melded into one: the Yaeli. This group shares genetic material from seemingly all races of earthlings of Tendaji. Though the island has long since flourished and the genetic blend has taken on its own set of racial markers.
The skin of the Yaeli takes on dull olive tones, often tanning or freckling from the harsh sun and hot weather. The chemicals and pollution permanently rooted in the soil and ground underfoot has turned their crystals and sclera a dark, deep black. The Yaeli's hair is purple tones of all shades, and their crystals tend to form on their stomachs predominantly, but can be found anywhere on their bodies.
Their eyes are a light gray color, and oddly enough, the chemicals in the soil has caused the Yaeli's irises to glow. The same chemicals also tend to leave the Yaeli with bad eyesight, sometimes from birth. Those that leave the island - and consequently change their diet - lose their glow, though it doesn't seem to return even after some time back on the island.
Their access to dyes and coloring for their clothes leave them with a dull color palette, containing many different hues, but no vibrancy in their clothing. The people of Yael wrap themselves in loose airy clothing, as an attempt to keep the heat and humidity away.
Once cast off from the mainland, the Yaeli over time have developed a phobia of the mainlanders, fearing their evils, and effectually creating a boogeyman vibe concerning the rest of Tendaji. The opening of their borders has softened this view to an extent, but the impact of previous generations still leave the yaeli with doubts about the outsiders.
Religion: The yaeli believe in only two dieties: the Goddess and the God. Lurin is the God of the Land of the Remembered, a place where those who have died have living relatives to carry on their names and celebrate their life. Dafiel is the Goddess of the Land of the Forgotten, where souls come under the watch of their Mother when there is no longer anyone to mourn for them. Lurin The male God, God of the Land of the Remembered, often depicted as the light side of the deities Dafiel The female Goddess, Goddess of the Land of the Forgotten often depicted as the darker side of the deities
The Yaeli are also incredibly superstitious in nature. They believe that if bad things are happening to them that the gods are displeased, and if something bad is happening to an individual that they have been hexed or there is someone out there sending them bad energy out of jealousy or anger. They believe in cleansing their houses of bad spirits and getting their children blessed at the Sanctum to protect them from the dead. Their list of superstitions can get pretty lengthy.
Government: The Yaeli have developed a government ruled by their religious leaders. The Sanctum (their official estate) holds a hierarchy of priests and priestesses, with a male High Priest and female High Priestess as their leaders. The High Priest and Priestess are the mortal voice of the two deities and are only replaced when they age and retire. Young children are often chosen from the villages for showing some sign of being "touched" by the two gods and are pulled into the Sanctum for the beginning of their training as priests and priestesses, though only one boy and one girl are chosen to replace the High Priest/Priestess when the time comes. Some of the children do not make it to the end of their training and assume positions of small religious governing under the lesser priests/priestesses creating something resembling a council.
List of Physical Traits || Dull Olive skin tones || Deep black crystals form on various areas of the body || Gray glowing irises with black sclera || Purple hair, ranging in all shades || Long droopy ears || Bad eyesight is very common among the Yaeli (they are the first to use corrective glasses) || Clothes are dull in color, ranging in all hues, but devoid of any bright tones || Earthlings stand much smaller than the humans of the past. (average height: 4' - 5'6" )
The continent of Belrea is home to the Lightning earthlings. Having grown and flourished to the east of Tendaji, this land was quick to develop and establish itself as a mecca of technologies and innovations that the western continent of Tendaji had barely dreamed of achieving.
Vibrant is the simplest definition of the lightning earthlings. Their skin has evolved into a warm yellow coloring, while their crystals are vibrant greens. Their crystals can be found predominantly on their faces, shoulders, legs, and spines. The lightning earthlings grow vibrant orange hair, naturally curly, though not always kept that way.
Their eyes are one of their strangest features. They vary from vibrant greens to purples, but their pupils look like they have been scattered vertically, with a lighter circle of color outlining them.
Their clothing tends to be tame compared to their physical features, using browns, tans, and blacks, with bronze and silver accessories. They use an overabundance of buckles and clasps, and tend to have more of a working feel to them, it wouldn't be uncommon to see sturdy boots and a pair of gloves as every day attire. The lightning earthling do enjoy just using a singular accent color, something to give them a vibrant pop in their outfits, whether it be in a design, or as one article of clothing like a pair of socks.
The people of Belrea are an eccentric bunch, and it seems as if evolution has come to agree with the idea.
Religion: Being so science focused as a society, there isn't much in the way of religion to the Lightning Earthlings. While more rural areas of Belrea have developed their own small forms of religion and beliefs, there is no official religion of Belrea.
Government: The Lightning Earthlings have placed technology and knowledge on the highest of pedestals, focusing on knowledge growth as the utmost priority for their society. In their mind, technology is the foundation for nourishment, growth, and safety for their society, and thus it is the highest form of government. They feel that by improving technology, they can in turn improve society. They are the most technologically advanced race of any in Tendaji.
The Lightning Earthlings have the Academy of Steam, where the brightest minds gather together to discuss current needs and assign sectors for those roles. Anyone who has made a grand impact on society will most likely be extended an invitation to join the academy based on approval from the current members. Always, there is at least one member from each sector represented in the academy.
A majority of Lightnings are part of the following sectors (rarely, will they be members of the other half): the Sector of Knowledge (Teaching), the Sector of Innovations (Energy, Technology, Power), the Sector of Transportation (Rails, Roads, Carts), and the Sector of Leisure (Theater, Music Halls, Sport).
Each sector is responsible for developing, maintaining, and running technology for their field, and almost always a family will stay in the same sector for generations.
List of Physical Traits || Warm yellow skin tones || Vibrant green crystals on the face, shoulders, legs, and spine || Vibrant eyes ranging from greens to purples with scattered pupils || Orange hair, ranging from pale to rich tangerine || Short pointed ears || Clothes typically range in browns, tans, and blacks, with bronze and silvers for accessories. Many lightning earthlings will tend to sport one accent color, usually excessively bright and vibrant. || Earthlings stand much smaller than the humans of the past. (average height: 4' - 5'6" )
The continent of Belrea is home to the Geian earthlings. Having grown and flourished to the east of Tendaji, this land was quick to develop and establish itself as a mecca of technologies and innovations that the western continent of Tendaji had barely dreamed of achieving.
The Geianes are a mix of dark and light, their skin ranging in varying warm chocolate tones, while their hair and eyes are the palest of colors. Geianes hair ranges from a pale pastel green to almost white in color, while their eyes run the green spectrum nearing to blue in some members of the race, still pale and soft in color.
Their markings stand them apart from the rest of Tendaji and Belrea. They are a pale cream or sand in color, and what makes them unique is their ability to grow with the Geian. All markings start in a single location at birth, and as they age, they spread over a certain area of the body. Always intricate in nature, they are beautiful to see, and unique to each Geian.
Their clothing tends to be tame, in the same vein as their neighbors the lightning earthlings, using browns, tans, and blacks, with bronze and silver accessories. They use an overabundance of buckles and clasps, and tend to have more of a working feel to them, it wouldn't be uncommon to see sturdy boots and a pair of gloves as every day attire. The Geianes are softer in their clothing designs, it is not uncommon to see other pale colors accompanying the dark browns and blacks such as greens, blues, or even pale yellows.
Religion: Being so science focused as a society, there isn't much in the way of religion to the Geianes. While more rural areas of Belrea have developed their own small forms of religion and beliefs, there is no official religion of Belrea.
Government:
The Geianes, although sensitive to the world around them, understand the value of technology. They are influenced by their co-habitation with the Lightning society, and as a result are direct contributors to the advancement of technology. Their focus, however, is often on the more hands-on aspects, whereas the Lightning group is more focused on using technology to avoid getting dirty. They are content to play the part of laborers, as they enjoy focusing on working the earth.
The Geianes are part of the Academy of Steam, where the brightest minds gather together to discuss current needs and assign sectors for those roles. Anyone who has made a grand impact on society will most likely be extended an invitation to join the academy based on approval from the current members. Always, there is at least one member from each sector represented in the academy.
A majority of Geianes are part of the following sectors (rarely, will they be members of the other half): the Sector of Agriculture (Water, Farming, Food Preparation), the Sector of Safety (Weapons, Health, Justice), the Sector of Community (Settlements, Communication, Journalism), and the Sector of Resource (Coal, Wood, Stone).
Each sector is responsible for developing, maintaining, and running technology for their field, and almost always a family will stay in the same sector for generations.
List of Physical Traits || Warm and deep brown skin tones || Very pale green or blue eyes || Very pale green hair || Short rounded ears || Intricate sand/cream colored markings that start in one are of the body and grow with age || Clothes typically range in greens, blues, yellows, browns, tans, and blacks, with bronze and silvers for accessories. || Earthlings stand much smaller than the humans of the past. (average height: 4' - 5'6" )
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