Vod'lagha

Cover by 5ofnovember

The streets were empty. No lights coming from the homes, no lantern light on the roads. And this, distorted, warbling singing, which sent shivers down my spine. Every night, this priest of theirs would open the temple doors, and make this sound, from the moment the last rays of sun vanished, till they would appear, many hours later.

— Journals of an Olthamite merchant.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The upper half of a Vod'lagha bears resemblance to the Sylvar. With black eyes and thin slits in place of noses, webbed hands and armpits. Vod'lagha skin is entirely made of scales and leather. Thinner scales surround the joints and face allowing for more elegant movement, whilst thicker scales cover the tail, back and upper arms. The head of a typical Vod'lagha is covered in scaly ropes; similar in appearance to hair, but resembling snakes or tentacles in texture. Vod'lagha have rows of thin, pointed teeth similar to that of a barracuda, perfect for shredding their meals. Their tails and back are also covered in dorsal fins, helpful in hunting and battle. The Vod'lagha have a long row of abdominal muscles (up to twelve per individual) which allow them to maintain an upright posture, similar to that of land mammals.

Male Vod'lagha tend to have shorter tails than their female counterparts. Male tails range from three to four and a half feet long, whilst the tail of a female can be as long as six feet. Males are also adorned with coloured spots on their shoulders and faces, creating various crown like patterns. Females have longer dorsal fins and are often darker in colouring. Despite the lack of secondary sexual characteristics such as breasts amongst the Vod'lagha, telling the difference between a male and female is an easy task, even for an outsider.

Genetics and Reproduction

Vod'lagha reproduce via oviparity. Female Vod'lagha lay fertilised eggs into large, emptied clam shells, and await for the young to hatch. Newborns remain in a larvae state for three to five weeks, after which they are able to move and feed independently. After this, education and integration into society begins immediately. Most Vod'lagha do not return to their families until their education has been complete, and they can be left to fend for themselves not only physically, but morally and emotionally also.

Dietary needs and habits

Vod'lagha feed mainly on fish found in the northern sea, but are not wholly carnivorous. Besides fish, they also feed on algae, lichen and even fish oil in medicines. The Vod'lagha have no ways of storing food, and as such hunted goods are consumed to the fullest at the nearest opportunity. In Vod'lagha society, maintaining a healthy fauna and flora population surrounding the cities and towns is considered a highly respectable job.

'We learn of duty as young' the woman mentioned. 'From egg we listen to the King's Lull. It is a song of love and compassion, and duty. When I look out to the sea, I can still feel it. His love and his protection of us, it brings my people together. It helps us remain on the right path.' I, dear reader never had the chance to learn who this mysterious all loving creature is, but the conviction in her voice... at the very least, it is wholly real to the Vod'lagha.

— Hubert Zamieszanski, the lesser known people of Varen part 4: the Vodlagha

Additional Information

Facial characteristics

Vod'lagha tend to look regal. Everything from their posture and weaponry to their facial features gives off a sense of deep-rooted purpose and stoicism. With high raised cheeks and large, almond shaped eyes, they look neither happy, nor in pain. Always perfectly neutral. Whilst this can come across as extremely cold and even intimidating to other races, most Vod'lagha would simply laugh, and state that their expressions do in fact change; only in a way much more subtle and alien to the land dwellers.

by Koni - Amandine

These features do not differ between males and females; in fact, to an uneducated eye, they would appear largely androgynous. Their standards and customs of what makes a man and a woman, with many Vod'lagha struggling to understand the difference between biological sex and gender, seeing it as wholly unnecessary to society.

Average Intelligence

Despite some misconceptions created by Dorozi tales, the Vod'lagha are sapient creatures, capable of feeling complex emotions, with their own society, culture and history. In fact, many of them lead harmonious co-existence with the the Orphaned Ones living in the northern most part of Sylmaneth. Whilst there are many secrets of Vod'lagha magic and history are hidden away from the land folk, trade and exchange of culture is rather common. Vod'lagha musical technology is unmatched by any craftsmen on the continent, so much so, that instruments made by these people can cost a couple of thousand Varen Central gold pieces each.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

The Vod'lagha, like Sylvar and Olthamites are capable of seeing in complete darkness. To navigate the depths of the northern sea, they can also communicate with one another and their surroundings via echolocation. It is a common misconception that all Vod'lagha are deaf, as they lack ears. In truth, they can hear underwater through lateral lines (a system of pored scales) and otolith organs. On land, where they cannot hear, the Vod'lagha communicate via telepathy amongst one another and with members of other species.
Alongside their natural abilities, Vod'lagha are sensitive to magic; capable of detecting even the smallest traces of arcane energy within close proximity. Alongside their sensitivity, the Vod'lagha voice, by its very nature, has magical properties; able to fascinate weak willed creatures capable of hearing it.

Civilization and Culture

Beauty Ideals

To the Vod'lagha, beauty is a thing completely and utterly subjective. Everything from the specific shape of one's fins to the colouring of their skin, the shape of their eyes and the sound of their voice, their demeanour and passions make up beauty in it's entirety. What one individual may find repulsive, another may find enchanting. Because of this, the Vod'lagha also believe that to find a suitable partner, one should never mask themselves. This has a literal and a metaphorical meaning. Artificial colouring such as make up or even camouflage do not exist amongst the Vod'lagha, as it 'distorts' the reality of an individual. This extends to magical means of disappearance and disguise.

by Pumasordos

Along the same vein, hiding parts of one's past, one's flaws and imperfections is considered dishonest and harmful.Because how can one love you, if they do not truly know you? The idea stands that relationships, families and society as a whole suffers when individuals shy away from their blemishes.

Gender Ideals

Man and woman are not words that exist in Vod'laghi. They recognise biological sex, but aside from its implications regarding reproductions and physiological differences, it has no associations to aesthetic or role in society.The assignment of jobs and positions of authority is made based upon one's personality and how well it would fit into a given role; teachers and healers are chosen based on their empathy and ability to connect with others. Law enforcement is chosen based on the ability to think fast and make hard decisions based on what is better for the many.

Courtship Ideals

Relationships and romance are a complex matter for the Vod'lagha. These people truly and wholeheartedly believe in the idea of one true love. The process begins with a small gift. This is normally something practical. A weapon, piece of armour, crafting materials or something else which one may consider useful. The lovers begin to assign time as part of their regular schedule to spend together, learning one another as time goes by. During this time, children, moral priorities and ethical stances are discussed to figure out the compatibility. If all is well, or at least can be compromised on, the couple begin to take more romantic steps into their relationship.
Vod'lagha mate for life. To signify a beginning to their relationship, the couple create a musical piece which is then kept in a Zaroglas. The music is then played in times of hardship and conflict, to remind the married pair of why they have chosen to spend the rest of their existence together.

Relationship Ideals

To the Vod'lagha, a relationship is something that helps one's song grow more beautiful. This does not only apply to romantic relationships. The Vod'lagha seek out individuals and experiences that help them grow in all aspects of life. New opponents, new cuisine, sensations and memories. A friend, lover, teacher or brother, must all contribute to these. At the very best, this helps the Vod'lagha appreciate the world from the view of others, at worst, a pattern of fleeting experiences and abandoning people and projects alike the second they stop feeling fresh.

Average Technological Level

Little is known to the surface world of Vod'lagha technology. The only piece of engineering that has ever been used above surface by the Vod'lagha is the zaroglas. This device can vary in shape and size, but always serves one function; replicating the sound of music. This instrument has been considered one of the greatest marvels of music since the cataclysm. Most zaroglasi on the surface are small devices, that can fit in the palm of ones hand. One's more akin to the marvels of Ugaztaszi faithful exist in two places: The Bardic College of Newy Themar and the University of Magstein. Due to the limited knowledge on Vod'lagha technology, many scholars theorise that magic is the main support system for craftsmanship amongst these people; more akin to the Sylvar ways.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

• The colouring of one's fins is seemingly an important matter to the Vod'lagha. It is not enough to describe them as red. To the Vod'lagha red is a spectrum. More specific descriptions of colour such as vermilion or crimson, have their origins in Vod'laghi. There is after all, a significant difference between emerald and moss green.
• Vod'lagha do not have what others may call "biological" families. All children are educated in large groups until they are mature enough to face the world alone. It is not uncommon for them to organise in small family-like units; taking care of one another, providing physical and emotional support, caring for the sick and elderly etc. Instead of these communes being based on blood however, they are based on shared values and principles.

In settlements populated by Vodlagha along the Sylmaneth and Olthamrbian coast, the population is guarded by a religious figure, whose song is often disturbing to non Vod'lagha, but which causes vibrations which the folk find soothing.

There are no lights in Vod'lagha settlements. Unlike Sylvar or Olthamites who surround their settlements on lights despite their ability to see in complete darkness, the Vod'lagha have no lights. No fires for warmth, no lamps or charged crystals. It is in the howling northern nights, that they find peace.

Common Taboos

Along a sere path, hear father's cry,
call to him, and sway the tide
wake the starlit czar.

— A Vod'lagha poem

• Changing one's colouration, features or any part of their appearance is seen as unkind and dishonest. This involves make up, disguise and extends to illusion magic. Individuals born with the proclivity for such arcana are encouraged to seek talent elsewhere. Usage of illusion magic is frowned upon, and the area in which any kind of spell of the sort was performed is often cleansed.

There are certain pieces of information which the Vod'lagha do not share with outsiders. This information often pertains to their magic, certain traditions and rulership. Asking once is a social faux pas that can be forgiven once. Anything else is an act of disrespect. On a similar vain, divulging such information to outsiders is punishable by banishment, or sometimes even death. It is hard to explain to these people however, that the same does not go the same way. Often out of respect (or arrogance, depending on who one asks), the Vod'lagha make no attempts to learn about the rulers of the lands which they have contact with, making explaining things such as laws a difficult matter. It has been noted however, that for reasons unknown to the wider public, the Vod'lagha have been in intimate contact the bardic college of Newy Themar.

Whilst fishing is a common part of Vod'lagha life, whaling is strictly forbidden. Because to them, whales are considered sacred animals, to kill them and use their bone, meat or oil is heresy. Whaling boats on the northern coast have been known to have perished to raids of Vod'lagha protecting the animals from slaughter. This often creates tension with neighbouring settlements.

by le-shae

Scientific Name

Sire Avarea

Lifespan

1000 years

Average Height

6'8"

Average Weight

240 lbs

Average Physique

The typical specimen has very little fat on their body, with large pockets of muscle and bone. Vod'lagha men are smaller, but faster than females. The females are larger and stronger, better suited for combat. In both cases, Vod'lagha are covered in scales which make them look a lot more intimidating than they typically are.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Living within the depths of the northern sea has reflected heavily on the aesthetic of Vod'lagha. With shades of grey, green and purple, these people can easily hide within the flora and fauna of their home. The males are often spotted with yellow, blue or pink spots which are often indicative of their sex.

The Crimson Pilgrimage

For the past two Sylvar generations (approximately one thousand and six hundred years), the Vod'lagha have taken to walking on land, and setting up small settlements along the northern most parts of Olthambria and Sylmaneth. The process of adjusting the Vod'lagha body to living on the surface appears to involve a guarded ritual of sorts, which splits the tails and warps it into legs and feet, restructuring the bones. Whilst the ritual appears to give Vod'lagha the ability to walk, the "skin" which grows in the place of fins is extremely delicate and prone to breaking, often requiring specialised, padded footwear. The common bleeding has earned this phenomenon the name "crimson pilgrimage." Questions regarding the decision to put themselves through such a complicated and painful procedure for seemingly no reason are often answered with, "such are the wishes of the king." Local Othambrian authorities have so far theorised that their appearance on the land may have something to do with the growing whaling industry.