Azalion
A group of lionkin, crudely classed by inheriting a diverging set of genes and cultural ideas suggested to have come from a schism when numerous sets crossed in the Azamari universe. This subset isn't heavily distinct in an obvious way, but do share some value differences and an unusual history driving them a bit differently from their closer peers. Broadly, they mix aspects of Felyran prulath (or mainlander), and felidaric ideals. Most are blonde-furred, but have a strong off-kilter presence of freckles, and white or black formations of fur. However they tend to be marginially taller, and have a stronger chance of long manes/hairs even in females. By nature, a large portion of them also tend to be plump, but not quite as strong of a trait as is for Felidarics. A sizeable quantity of the species is subjugated, and has met mixed fates from serpentine rulers of both byaguwa and gvorsha presence, to often different but undesired results. Still a large band has gone free, and works on their own welfare, a bit greater and more advanced than the fate they nearly shared with the rezul.
Its thought a large sum came from a Vanguard experiment long ago, and other migrational efforts from skonort directives. Starting on Planet Kalumai, a small VG outpost was set to be ran for data and response communications between a few relay outposts. Many lionkin loved the landscape and opted in. Vanguard was curious if they could cultivate a better recruitment ground if lionkin were 'settled' better here, and adjusted for their education. So incentive was made to move manelords in, and imply a breeding ground between their moved estates and the VG end that were largely lioness in number. Nearly the same was done for tikerin of the same area, to try and anchor better ties to the universe. While appearing almost successful, lionkin largely went missing, including registered VG operatives. When the region was better uncovered, a massive lot had come under contact with gvorsha, and were being pinned and cattled. Males were often degraded and physically pressed to obey, while females were disfigured between heavy pregnancies and unexplained obesity.
A byaguwa invasion hit while plans were being made for the best course. This heavily hit the tikerin section more, but they ended up in gvorsha territories and taking hold of the livestock they were reducing the lionkin into. The experiment was pulled out by several that lived when a lioness VG member returned to the base with discolored eyes and a strange temperment, proving to be compromised as a dyguwa. Elsewhere, it was just chaos as some of the colonists had just become collateral or puppets in the battles between the serpents.
When word got out that some of the gvorsha 'cattle' survived and moved around, another rescue was attempted. The battle was intense, and came down to essentially another lioness-focused base who had the most enthusiasm to assist. Reinforcements came from an unexpected place, when felidarics settled in. While poorly experienced at warfare, they still had technologies and ships that made the threat seem greater on gvorsha side. The commotion actually stirred another separate gvorsha sect into joining and helping the lionkin, in turn making a deal and trying to pawn away with some of the livestock to actually be wives. As things simmered down, the VG operatives re-did the original experiment with Eldarics involved, while others kept an eye on gvorsha development, and occasionally intermingled or traded around places. Over time, with the assistance of 'egging', the lionkin reproduced even more rapdily than usual and multiplied quickly, and worked between strange motives and influences between gvorsha, Vanguard, and lingering skonort-urban influences mixed around. Most of these lionkin without direct VG certification actually ended up losing much access to universe warping platforms, so much of this new formation bonded as explorers, pioneers, and watchdogs of the Azamari reaches and more unique to this realm.
Nelkyne & Zekani
Zekani are not considered part of the azalion sect directly, but have come over with them during the eldaric integration and share close relations. They however attempt more neutral and low-key effects, and commonly migrate and move around, sometimes disappearing or flooding an area. Nelkyne however are very close, associated, and often sharing cultures and upbringings with these lionkin, and share closer heritage. They've essentially become one with the azalion identity, and often help work in more magic conductiveness. However gvorsha almost solely see nelkyne as cattle, and less attractive, so their relations are more sour and nelkyne are more vengeful or secluded away from any contacts with them whereas lionkin see trade potential.Culture
Shared customary codes and values
Familiar Traditions
- Lionkin have male-lead harems, respecting males for authority, and core owners of most property.
- Females might be married, but not for affections if they are suitable as guards or other enjoyments.
- Scars are considered marks of shame or disgrace, unless very specific from a set cause. Hygine is richly valued, and good fur is to be cared for.
- Catnaps, and older language tropes, are still carried over from natural habits and tradition.
- Females rarely posses money without the lord's bond system, or VG credit system *
- Home clothes are often standard to robed or regal males, and a two-piece crop top and side-split skirt or long drapong loin-cloth type piece. Outdoor & combat may vary greatly from traditions though...
- Noble Cuddles still persist - actually promoted. They're prefered by gvorsha, and ingrained as 'normal' male preferance between eldaric ancestry & freed 'cattle'. Plenty of males still prefer the fit, but regardless the bartering has elevated plump lionesses. Its even made a very literal & frequent use rephrasal of 'worth her weight', including to insult a slim one.
Differences
- White/black fur is actually celebrated in free life. Subjugation and older Vanguard heroic ties has made people look for the good in each unusual new life that blooms in free paws. As such the rare traits of white or black fur are almost regarded as something amazing, or in good fortune.
- From the colony numbers, tigon mixture is very rare and separate from most eldaric endeavors.
- * While females don't have strong spending power on their own, its not taboo for them to keep spoils, but regarded as higher currency between each other, and rare moments of enjoyed privilage.
- Gender roles partially eroded from eldaric-thought. Females are more expressive and artistic with encouragement, and nobody is considered beneath fighting for freedom. There's more incetives for males to be get involved if rescue operations can lend them more females, or to secure theirs from alien interests that often target to collect their lionesses.
- Serfdom is largely absent. Lower males tend to just be smaller workers, lack good harems, or get paid to do lesser chores and participate within another property piece. However there is some discrimination at times on aliens working around lionkin society.
- The days of spears and metallic armor are largely absent. In combat, most sport more tactical gear, and weapons. Depending on status or history, gear may be crudely put together out of desperation, or more revealing and flashy from good supplies of higher tech. As gvorsha/byaguwa target females more for alterations, females aren't afraid of injury as much and have adapted their lustful nature into revealing armor and strong firepower, able to leverage distraction and attention while still able to push back effectively. Spears are still strongly symbolic though, but rarely used unless a special creation or signature piece is made.
- Popping has mixed thoughts. Sometimes one is primed for it as a sacrificial scare tactic for intimidation, while its less of a strong unified criminal conduct role, and far less used for civil amusement. It has also become a soft-ritual or ideal for lion dyrguwa, often seen as a 'clensing' act, or a warning to others not to be caught and transformed.
Foods & Cuisine
From eldaric history, its very common and prestigious to find lionkin who feast from Sycore-acquired meats. Fareteg, ovebis, asuan, vulpira nuggets, and tikerin meats are a delicacy in well-off settlements. Gvorsha bacon is also a huge staple, and in rare circles byaguwa may even be found served. In addition they still love other, more normal customs. A few still have access to MPP, or more casual sandwiches, smoothies, ale, rice bowls, etc. Generally azalion have some of the most diverse pallets without being overly dedicated to them as any part of their identity.
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
In a large sense there is very little uniformity. The clash of cultures and new norms have stirred some order a bit. Hygine is still in high regard, and clean, orderly fur, healthy without much scars, etc. Fur discoloration and special manes can be seen as unique, gifted, and of good quality. Males without manes are still found to be lacking and mediocre, but still tend to find or charm their way to a suiting partner. Females tend to have more common manes, and males may choose if they wish to have that or not. In a lot of cases lioness without manes are encouraged to wear flamboyant head pieces, or big hats outside. Weight-gain is generally considered positive on females if kept to certain controlled measures suited to different tastes, but there are divides and still a priority on fitness for some, and keeping a diverse harem. A few lords may even dislike pudgy middles, but still promote a few to grow just to have more trading stock in case. For the most part lionesses are niether as fat, nor as desired to be as they are in most eldaric roots and customs, though exceptions do occur. Likewise males are actually more fit on average than even their prulian counter-parts, often more prompted to be working, ready, or even more readily fearful about males being cattled and fattened to be eaten by gvorsha once they've bred enough. Fat lords do still exist in lavish estates, but on the whole its more often seen as a flaw in their judgement or character, while as part of property and order females aren't necessarily pushed to 'not' resemble their captured counterparts.
Gender Ideals
Azalion are more close to equal than prulian, but more traditional and confined than felidaric. Males do more work and are seen fighting in hard times, and females tend to show more artistic intent and occasionally come to more material claim. However females are still traded, sold, and expected to serve a patriarch. Azalion even have a nearly standard form of pricing females by their weight.
Parent ethnicities
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