Colossi
Overview
One of the oldest people of Ogygia are the colossi, whose ancestors were crafted by the forgotten hecatonchieres in the nation’s infancy. Appearing as perfect sculptures of brass or bronze, the colossi are still flesh beneath their metal exterior, their lungs breathing in air and their hearts pumping amber blood through their bodies. They have passed down the arts of combat and metallurgy through generations, teaching them to humanoids and nymphs alike, and have maintained the four great colosseums for centuries.The heavy metal shells of the colossi are both their blessing and a curse. They do not die of old age, but instead pass on when their shells are no longer able to grow alongside their flesh. This has also caused a strange shift in their kind through the generations: the ancient colossi were once as tall as mighty trees (still evidenced by the massive doorways and seats of the colosseums), but over the generations they have shrunk. Modern colossi only reach about 15 feet tall at most before their shells fail to grow, and the average is closer to 8 or 9 feet. While the colossi who tend the colosseums haven’t spoken on the matter, some wonder if the colossi are a dying breed like their distant forebears.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Exceptionally large humans whose dermis and hair are flexible brass or bronze. Colossi have similar organs, musculature, and skeletal structure to humans, though their bones are more dense to accommodate their immense weight. Blood is amber in color and significantly more metallic than other humanoids.
Genetics and Reproduction
Despite their appearance, colossi reproduce as normal for humanoid mammals.
Growth Rate & Stages
Colossi grow in similar fashion to humanoid mammals, but continue to grow slowly as they age. They only stop near the end of their lives, once their metal shells can no longer grow alongside their flesh.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Similar to humans.
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Similar to humans.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Four colossus families of particular renown tend to the four great colosseums of Ogygia, and their last names are shared with these colosseums: Boreas, Zephyrus, Notus, and Eurus. Outside of these families, colossi take standard naming schemes to most Ogygians.
Major Organizations
The four primary colossus families in Ogygia tend to the four great colosseums: Boreas in the north, near the swamps of Lerna; Zephyrus in the west, beyond the Burning Wood; Notus in the south, on the large island bordering the Nausicaan Archipelago; and Eurus in the east, at the base of the Hecaton mountain range. Here they are responsible for maintaining the colosseums, organizing and moderating fights, and training combatants to ensure they are able to put up a decent fight against their opponents.
Anyone can participate in the colosseums, Ogygian or immigrant, voluntary or not. Battles are held as long as there are combatants to fight, with the circumstances determined by the colossi responsible for that colosseum. The victors of a fight gain power and rank and are allowed to choose the fate of the losers; most often, that fate is death. Whatever the outcome, combatants are given status and power in relation to their victories, and with time, a lowly commoner may become a king.
While Ogygia’s government can also be decided on the battlefield, the colosseums are incredibly important for the endurance of Ogygian meritocracy. Without them, any sufficiently powerful tyrant could claim all of Ogygia’s resources through sheer momentum. Any assault against the colosseums or their current wardens is a capital crime.
Major Language Groups and Dialects
Ogygian
History
The colossi were originally created in ages past by the hecatonchieres, enormous entities of earth and stone who went to war against the primordial dragons of Tron Daurat. Since the demise of the hecatonchieres and the arrival of humanoid species and the nymphs, the colossi have lost most knowledge and history of their origins.
For more information on the hecatonchieres, refer to Ogygian History:
Contents
Details
Origin/Ancestry
Constructs of the Hecatonchieres
Lifespan
110 years
Average Height
6-9 feet. Exceptionally long-lived colossi can reach up to 15 feet.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Outer bodies are flexible metal, indistinguishable from bronze or brass.
Geographic Distribution
