Oceansingers
From Lithmeria
| Oceansinger | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Race Art by Aja | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Stats
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| Origin Continent | Neutral | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lore
The northern islands hold all manner of secrets both dangerous and fascinating, from long-lost treasures to ancient creatures that lie in slumber. The Oceansingers were no different. Found exclusively on these island chains, they were originally a reclusive lot: life was hostile enough and bringing unwarranted attention never helped. And so they existed for many ages, living a relatively primitive life with a rich culture, using the songs of the ocean to ensnare both prey and predator and their formidable athletic capabilities to stay one step ahead of everything else the islands could throw at them.Spending your life in safety while fearing every little shadow is no way to live.
- -- Shansa, Voice of the Waves
Humanity's arrival in the north, however, rapidly changed that. During a skirmish in the northern waters, the Aspalarian frigate Crucible chased a Teladiri pirate vessel right into a coral reef, wrecking both ships completely. The Oceansingers, deeply curious by nature, quickly swept up the wounded and tended to them - though the two groups knew nothing of each other, much less their language; several rudimentary forms of communication were employed and the quick- witted Oceansingers began to decipher the common tongue of humans. Some were utterly enamored with the pale-skinned beings that shared so many similarities yet were so different - and when the well-tended but homesick Aspalarians and Teladiri departed, sizable numbers of Oceansingers traveled with them. The population has since grown rapidly in towns near water on both continents, and the enterprising Oceansinger of the modern age can enjoy a freedom in both lands that is nearly unprecedented.
Despite their migrations, however, they all hold an affinity for their original homes - even among those who have never been there in their lives. As a peculiar result, this has led to widespread hatred of the dragon Shydelimnuthaeos, the Grand Marshal, who ransacked the Crystal Isle solely to establish his grand games, the Glorious Arena of Trials. Many aspiring Oceansingers consider participating a matter of pride - each hoping that if they can defeat all others, they can force the dragon to return one of their most important ancestral homelands. For his part, the Grand Marshal entertains such notions - they improve the sport, and what better than a dramatic element to add to the already enjoyable mayhem?
In the west, the Oceansingers are viewed with equal curiosity as they view others: their odd mannerisms and deeply-rooted insular culture make them fascinating if unpredictable, and their physical characteristics are even more peculiar. Their affinity with the waters of the world has led to much employ in the ship trade as well as fishing-related ventures, and several have risen to positions of prominence in the meritorious nature of the Sovereign Navy.
In the east, the Oceansingers have blended both much less and much more - unlike in Aspalaria, they stick to communities comprised almost entirely of their kind, some considerably large; a trait that led them to being one of the major signatories of the Accord of Teladir (undoubtedly assisted by the Paragon of Frost's notorious dalliances with an Oceansinger priestess). Though even in the capitals they tend to stay amongst their kin, they have little problem with blending into society at large: several have even bent their natural mastery of the songs of the ocean towards singing for entertainment.
Lithe humanoids with elongated limbs and webbed hands and feet, the Oceansingers are perfectly adapted to life in and around the waters of the world. Most are surprisingly strong and durable for their otherwise small frames, able to endure long periods of extreme physical activity for quite some time. Their skin is typically a darker shade of green or blue, though small numbers of brown skin tones have been sighted among those now living on the major continents, and features no body hair whatsoever save for that on their head - and many of them remove even that in order to maximize their capabilities in the water.
