Riarien

==== 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑹𝒊𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏 ====
A𝗇 𝖾𝗇𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗇𝗍𝖾𝖽 𝗋𝖺𝖼𝖾 𝗐𝗁𝗂𝖼𝗁 𝗂𝗌𝗈𝗅𝖺𝗍𝖾𝗌 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗆𝗌𝖾𝗅𝗏𝖾𝗌 𝖺𝗆𝗈𝗇𝗀 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗇𝖺𝗍𝗎𝗋𝖾 𝗈𝖿 𝖾𝗋𝗍𝗁𝖺, 𝖾𝗇𝗃𝗈𝗒𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖿𝗋𝖾𝖾𝖽𝗈𝗆 𝗈𝖿 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖺𝗋𝗍𝖾𝗂𝖺𝗌. 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗋𝗂𝖺𝗋𝗂𝖾𝗇 𝗇𝗎𝗍𝗎𝗋𝖾 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗉𝗋𝗈𝗍𝖾𝖼𝗍 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗇𝖺𝗍𝗎𝗋𝖺𝗅 𝖻𝖾𝖺𝗎𝗍𝗒 𝗈𝖿 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖾𝗆𝗉𝗂𝗋𝖾, 𝗌𝖺𝖿𝖾𝗀𝗎𝖺𝗋𝖽𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝖼𝗋𝗒𝗌𝗍𝖺𝗅𝗌 𝗎𝗇𝗍𝗂𝗅 𝖼𝗅𝖺𝗂𝗆𝖾𝖽 𝖻𝗒 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗆𝗂𝗀𝗁𝗍𝗒 𝗄𝖺𝗓𝖺'𝗋𝖺𝗄
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Alignment: Neutral, Good
Allies: The Aza'raak Empire, Nymphs, Dragons
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Enemies: Riarien are not quick to make enemies of their own. Negative bonds are formed when their allies or loved ones are crossed. They are an amicable, peaceful who are largely pacifists --- until they feel threatened. Mind their culture, even if your intent is pure... the impact of your presence itself may be interpreted as a threat.
Origins: Riarien reside in groves all over Ertha, typically isolated within the region's natural elements - and near crystals, as they protect them until Kaza'rak claim them.
Background: A multi-horned race originally bred from the mating of nymphs and dragonkind through magic, to test the extent of their magical ability and to create a subrace without the downfalls of each kind. This new race would be capable of protecting the more gentle factions, as well as nurture and guard the beauty of the Empire - most notably crystals, until they could be claimed. However, the experiment was a failure, despite nymphs nearly breeding themselves out to extinction with multiple races. As a hybrid of two forms, the Riarien tend to be killed or naturally die off. As a race known to decay with each generation, it is their attempt to explore new ways to continue their evolution in a positive way.
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=== Reproduction ===
Offspring: Nymphs were born from nature itself, which was passed down to the Riarien for a time, but this form of evolution has been long lost. Riarien are mostly born through magic, as its what's commonly known, but it isn't the most viable method. Intercourse between two Riarien is the preferred method, but a rare occurrence. As the common way is magic, a mate is not always required to procreate.
Single Parent: Enchantments may be placed on trees, flower buds, roots, seeds, and many other things that contain life such as a dragon egg, for a Riarien child to be born. This new life must be protected for two years (4.5 Months RL) before it will grow and be born. A child born through this method will have significantly weaker magic than their parent and will remain magically weaker than most, even with training, usually holding the same or very similar element to their parent. Only one child may be born at a time with this method as the amount of magic it takes from the parent is a lot, most only being able to have one or two children through this method in the entire lifetime. This method is risky, as the unborn is subject to outside variables such as weather and predators. Magic is also unpredictable, thus a child is not always yielded, and success for this way is often minimal.
Intercourse/Two (or More) Parents: An uncommon, though viable and preferred method where the child is carried in-womb for the same length as a human child (1.5 months RL.) The partner chosen to carry the young may be male or female, but a male will have a slightly longer pregnancy and recovery period. Abilities and elements won't be shared between parent and child, but the child may have a bi-product (if one parent is fire and the other water, the child may manipulate steam or electricity - but won't manipulate fire or water.) Usually, the ability and element is something completely different, such as spirit or air. Their abilities will be weaker (though not as weak as a child born by enchantment) though it is possible for them to become strong. Riarien are extremely fertile, rarely giving birth to less than triplets, with 4-5 children being the most common. The Mother (no matter the parent's gender) will be very weak after birth and require protection during recovery 8 weeks RL time, add 1 week for every child if there's more than 3. If mating with another race, the child will always be the other race and not Riarien.
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=== The Affinity Ritual ===
Abilities: All born to this race are bathed in elements to determine their affinity, though the way this is done varies. Placed in fire, bathed in water, covered in mud, etc. When an element chooses them, it becomes their affinity. Their entire appearance and magical ability develops to match the infinity. Some may take to two elements that may affect their appearance and have a mild effect on their ability, but they will never control two elements.
If a Riarien responds to earth and fire, they may be able to manipulate something like mud, sand, or metal. If they respond to fire and water, then they may be able to manipulate steam. 
Should a child not survive the affinity ritual, they're considered a failure of the experiment and are often abandoned.
If a child doesn't undergo the ritual, over time, they will look more human. If those of human appearance do practice magic, their lifespan will be much shorter. If they abstain from magic, they will become mostly human but retain the lifespan of a Riarien, just a little bit shorter.
The affinity ritual is little-known among the remaining Riarien, so births involving Elders who know the ritual is very important in order to preserve their kind. 
Those who either fail or do not undergo the affinity ritual choose to abstain from magic often become travelers, merchants, monks or teachers of some form. They remain sexually abstinent, or consume magic to hinder their reproduction permanently, as it's unsure what race will be bred from them - if the failed Riarien cannot be trusted to remain abstinent, it will be forced on them.
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=== Allegiance ===
The Pact of Fire: It wasn't a question for the Riarien if they would bind themselves to Aza'raak. As a dying race, it was an oath made without hesitance - but one forged to be fair. Unless a Riarien offers themselves willingly to service of their own accord, they would never be commanded and their freedom would be respected - just as the Arteias were. 
They would obey all laws set over Ertha, but the Riarien were to remain isolated to protect and nurture the natural beauty of the lands. Their groves would be considered sacred. They would not raise arms nor quarrel with any of the Empire, unless threatened or their groves entered; only Dramira herself may be permitted among their kind without permission of the Riarien Elders. 
Their strongest would be sent to serve in Wrenstone and wherever commanded under the guidance of the High Priestess, Zarisiel, but the rest would remain in their groves around Ertha and always know peace.
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=== Design ===
Appearance: When born, Riarien are literally blank slates; fresh snow without a single footprint. Newborns appear as human babies, but otherworldly. Full heads of white-blonde hair, large and colourless eyes with white lashes. They have a soft glow about them. Their ears are pointed, skin translucent. They will not have horns at this stage. They have pink nails, either clawed or long and spindly like tree roots. If seen by a human from afar, they would claim to see a ghost. Riarien remain a baby only a matter of days, growing swiftly into toddlers as a result of hybrid genetic breeding.
Due to recovery, the Mother almost always misses the baby stage of life if the child is born through intercourse, as Mothers are not fit to look after their own young. The biological parent's recovery process is extremely slow, long, and painful.
As toddlers, the world is reflected in their mirrored eyes and a mess of long, white, unruly horns is common. Some may not have horns yet at all, indicating much weaker magic. Despite being a toddler, they physically appear closer to a human child at the age of 10-11. Capable of walking at this stage, but their movements are slow and hindered. They cannot speak at this age. Instead, they sigh in a melodic yet powerful way which shakes souls and can break the mind of lesser beings. It is a sound not usually heard through the ears, but felt in the body, spirit, and mind. Some may describe it as terrifying. They use this to communicate with their kind when their needs are not met, just as a human baby. 
They cannot cry or speak, but will increase the heartrate of nearby Riarien - making their bodies shake, twinge, create feelings of unease, or even physical pain and discomfort. They appear unintelligent, but the world is their oyster and everything around them is being absorbed; they are learning far faster than their minds can comprehend. 
It is important the young are kept from other races at this point, or observed only from a distance. Riarien are extremely protective of their young and approaching them will likely mean the intruder is killed on sight, in a blind rage. A young Riarien is capable of producing noises that have the ability to kill lesser beings at close range, so isolation and caution are extremely important.
By adolescence (5 weeks RL time) they can speak fully and have knowledge and wisdom of someone who's lived for 250 years, while only appearing 14-18 years old in human years. At this stage, it is time for their elemental ceremony. As the child has likely not been introduced to anyone outside of the immediate family or watchful Grovemother or anyone taking care of the child, it is possible they can be introduced to others, but a young Riarien is still capable of the melodic sigh that can harm others, though it is now much weaker. Parents will usually travel with the child to introduce them to other family and friends. It is common for this to be combined with the elemental ceremony, bathing them in elements from across the lands of Ertha on their pilgrimage as it is believed this strengthens their abilities if the ceremony is done across Ertha. The elemental ceremony determines their final appearance almost completely, their snowlike forms swiftly cast away as they enter adulthood.
𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘌𝘳𝘵𝘩𝘢 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘧 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘙𝘪𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯. 𝘐𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘢 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘧 𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘶𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘱𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮. 𝘐𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘺 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥, 𝘴𝘰𝘰𝘯, 𝘐 𝘧𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘪𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳..." - Ezarien, regarding the Riarien as children.
An adult has at least two pairs of horns, long hair of multiple colours (streaks or ombre), long nails, as well as large, bright eyes of varying colours. Riarien have a well-defined, full figure; be that muscular or curvy! Strong cheekbones, jaws, broad chest and hips, a clear contour to their shape - no matter their size.
Women are very petite; small hands, shoulders, breasts, arms and height. But, their bodies change rapidly with pregnancy - making it apparent those who have had children and those who haven't. (Please wear a Regular Size avatar with a 95% Scaler:) https://www.imvu.com/shop/product.php?products_id=12420901
Men are on the larger scale and lack little; large hands, shoulders, chest, arms and legs. (Please wear a Giga Avatar with a 105 Scaler:) https://www.imvu.com/shop/product.php?products_id=12077080
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She is a child of air, touched by water and blessed with spirit -- Zarisiel, the High Priestess of the Riarien.
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Ezarien, the sole surviving son of Zarisiel. Not much is known of him, other than his strength.
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A dangerous experiment yielded Zihira  - a child of metal and sand, yet a failure to the Riarien, who has resolved to teaching and guiding magical youth who promotes the importance of the Affinity Ritual.
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Clothing: Born of natural creatures within Ertha, they don't take kindly to fabric or clothing. They don't mind ornamenting themselves with jewels or crystals and wear them freely. In fact, an adult Riarien who has undergone the elemental ceremony wears a bindi signifying their element at all times. But, they largely only dress when required - always choosing natural and light fabrics. Formal settings are the bane of their existence based on clothing alone and the Riarien are known to fail to appear at times based on required attire. If worn at all, makeup is very natural and minimal. They will don armor if required, but typically prefer natural armors created from the shells and skins of beasts rather than metal where it can be helped. Some may come to tolerate clothing based on the climates they live in or their employment, should they choose to leave their groves, but freedom is forever the favourite.
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==== Facts/Culture: ====
- Monogamy isn't viable for their race, as there is so few of them.
- It is expected by the entire race that if two full-Riarien meet, they are to reproduce.
- The chances of meeting another Riarien who has undergone the elemental ceremony is rare.
- Riarien are common choices for concubines in harems, lovers, or even for marriage by those who would want a large family or many heirs; they are one of the most fertile races on Ertha.
- Riarien live in private groves all around Ertha. Some take to snow, sand, rainforest, mountaintops, water - they are everywhere, but they live deep in their environments and are secluded and difficult to stumble upon. Though, they do not live underground. A grove may be located underwater, it is to have a large area accessing the land/sky as well. Crystals will always be present, as they tend to migrate to places with lots of them in order to take care of them.
- Riarien do not always live in the groves they were born into, nor is the grove they live in to do with their ability. The elemental ceremony determines their ability, not their grove.
- A High Priestess/Priest is born once every several hundred years. They are the primary leaders of the Riarien and can speak for the race entirely.
- Grovemothers create and tend groves, and the Riarien within them. They are secondary leaders, and can only speak for their own groves. They are called grovemothers in the common tongue, but Alyahui by the Riarien within their grove.
- Groves must always have something central to them. A tree, a crystal, a flower; something large, everbearing and beautiful - but not always strong. The entire community is built around this chosen cornerstone.
- Placements of Groves are chosen by High Priestesses & High Priests, who are guided by Spirit. They embue their magical energy of spirit into the chosen object, which becomes the chosen cornerstone of the grove. They will nurture it for an entire year (80 days RL) to grow the grove before it is considered inhabitable. This may only be done once by a High Priestess or Priest in their entire lifetime, and they lose their affinity for spirit afterward. A High cannot venture far from their grove once it has been created, as it feeds off of their life. Creating a new life for their people shackles their own life, but it is their duty - and those who chose to avoid it will be forced if discovered. 
- Highs are born approximately once every 700-800 years; a new one cannot be born while an old one lives. If the last of the 800th year passes and a new High is not able to be born, the current High must survive another 800 years - this is nearly impossible for a Riarien, who struggles with even a few hundred years. This leads to much turmoil and many attempts to kill the High around the 600-700 year mark.. but that is not without its own problems.
- Riarien tend to favor winter, cold, and white or muted pastels - anything that reminds them of the beautiful children of their race. Of course, they may prefer to live elsewhere and like other colours or seasons, but these are the most sentimental and precious and will remind the Riarien of home.
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(Credits to NahilimAzaraak/TamirenDruscette.)