Vedalken

Created in the waning years of the war Vedalken were supposed to act as spies and infiltrators into the societies that emerged after the Imperium ensuring they paid for their insolence to the dragonic lords. Unfortunately the Vedalken were never bound by magic and instead used the skills they had been taught to guide the new societies into stability. Most notably was their role in the creation of the guildpact of the Golden City that established its order and structure for the milenia since.
Vedalken now serve as wise guides to the world almost entirely living within the Golden City with small members dotted around the other great cities. These beings seek good will towards their neighbours and while they may conceal their emotions and act in the shadows the outcome is often unexpectedly good.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Vedalken are tall and slender, standing almost a head taller than humans but weighing about the same. Their hairless skin comes in a range of shades of blue. Their eyes are darker shades of blue or violet. They lack external ears, their noses are broad and flat, and they are partially amphibious.

Genetics and Reproduction

Vedalken reproduce through sexual intercourse but despite having compatible sexual organs for pleasure can only reproduce with members of their own species. This is caused by a genetic lock within the sperm and eggs of the partners that only permit fertilisation from fellow Vedalken. As a result Vedalken remain small in population. Vedalken gestation lasts two months birthing a live tadpole like spawn in a birthing process that must be performed in water.

Growth Rate & Stages

Vedalken go through four stages of life; Spawn, Spawnling, Youngling and Mature.
The Spawn stage lasts a year during which the Vedalken must remain underwater as it concludes its gestation period as a blue tadpole like creature. It is able to learn information during this stage so many Vedalken choose to read to the spawnlings or show them assorted sights that will inform them of the future. 
The Spawn stage ends at the growth of legs where the Spawnling is able to leave the water and exist on land. Gradually through this phase the Vedalken begins to walk upright adopting a form similar to a human child as well as preferring to live outside of water as its lungs fully develop. It's skin becomes more opaque and its mental faculties are slowly matched by its communication skills. This stage lasts for around five years with the youngling appearing at a similar size to a six year old child.
The youngling stage matures at a similar rate to humans but with greater starting mental faculties. Lasting until they reach twenty the body and mind of the creature develop without hair growth. Sexual maturity occurs during this stage usually around sixteen years of life and their final height is usually reached by around eighteen years. When their growth ends they reach their final mature stage which they remain in until their death, usually at around three hundred to four hundred years later.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Vedalken possess the same innate arcanum as all mer allowing them to cast magic. Vedalken also possess extremely analytical minds able to perform complex maths and logical processes with ease leaving them with an often cold and calculating manner to others. 
Vedalken skin is also able to transform the oxygen in water into that which can sustain their lives allowing them to live underwater. Though they can survive like this indefinitely the process is less effective than standard breathing and can lead to light-headedness and disorientation after months underwater.

Scientific Name

Sovok Bekaz

Origin/Ancestry

Primate

Lifespan

350

Average Height

2.8-3.2m

Geographic Distribution

• The Golden City

Related Organizations

• Order of Tatham