Astomis

The **Astomi**, also known as the **Gangines**, is an ancient non-human race of the region of Melukka, specifically in the kingdom of Hansi in the southern part of the region. Their status varies depending on the territory they are in, but most have been subdued by humans and are used as servants/slaves by the more powerful castes.

## Physiology

Physiologically, the Astomi are very similar to humans. However, there are a few notable differences that set them apart. Firstly, the Astomi have a much hairier physique compared to humans. Their thick, shaggy hair covers their entire body, including their face and hands. This hair helps protect them from the hot and dry climate of the region, and also serves as insulation against the sun's rays.

In addition to their hair, the Astomi are also known for their stout build. They are typically shorter and broader than humans, with muscular bodies that are well-suited for physical labor. Despite their stocky appearance, the Astomi are surprisingly agile and are able to move quickly and gracefully.

The Astomi's eyes are another distinctive feature. They are larger than human eyes, and in most cases, they have heterochromia, which means that each eye has a different color. This gives the Astomi a unique and striking appearance that sets them apart from other races in the region.

The Astomi's skin color ranges from white to slightly tanned, depending on their exposure to sunlight. Their hair color is usually dark brown, light brown, or titian, although occasionally they can have pink hair, which is considered a rare and beautiful trait.

Internally, the Astomi share many similarities with humans. They have a circulatory system that consists of a heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries. Their respiratory system includes lungs and a trachea, which allows them to breathe air like humans. They also have a digestive system that includes a mouth, esophagus, stomach, and intestines, which helps them process food and absorb nutrients but they have a unique digestive system that allows them to thrive on a plant-based diet. Their intestines are longer than those of humans, which helps them digest fibrous plant material more efficiently. They also have a specialized stomach with multiple compartments, including a large fermentation chamber that contains microorganisms to break down cellulose and other complex plant compounds.

The Astomi have a well-developed muscular and skeletal system that supports their physical strength and agility. Their bones are denser and thicker than those of humans, which helps to provide greater protection and support to their muscles. Their joints are also highly flexible, allowing them to move with ease and grace.

The Astomi have a unique reproductive system that allows for asexual reproduction. They are able to produce offspring without the need for a partner, which has allowed them to maintain a stable population over the centuries. However, they are also able to reproduce sexually if they choose to do so.

## Culture

They had an extremely pacifist culture (an example of this, is that they do not eat meat, because of the "horror" of killing another living being), which meant that when the first humans settled in Melukka, they were easily subjugated.

The Astomi people have a complex relationship with the human cultures that dominate the region. Their pacifist nature and lack of advanced weaponry made them vulnerable, and many Astomi communities were forced into servitude. This has led to a deeply ingrained power dynamic, where Astomi people are seen as inferior and are often exploited for their unique talents and abilities.

Despite this oppression, the Astomi have managed to carve out a niche for themselves within human society. Their expertise in scent and perfume-making has made them highly valued by the wealthy and powerful, who prize their ability to create unique and luxurious fragrances. Astomi perfumers are often sought after by the upper echelons of society, and some have managed to amass significant wealth and influence.

However, this success is often precarious and dependent on the whims of their human overlords. Astomi people are still viewed as second-class citizens in many areas, and their status varies depending on the territory they are in. In some regions, they may be treated with a modicum of respect and granted some measure of autonomy, while in others they may be subject to brutal exploitation and abuse.

Despite these challenges, the Astomi have managed to maintain their cultural identity and continue to practice their traditional way of life. They have adapted to the demands of human society, while still retaining their values of cooperation, mutual support, and reverence for nature. In many areas, they have formed tight-knit communities and support networks, which allow them to survive and even thrive in the face of adversity.

In Astomi culture, a lot of importance is given to how you smell. You can be socially rejected if your smell is not pleasant enough for others. The best perfumers, it is said that at least once in their lives, have gone to Hansi to learn from the Astomi. The Astomi speak the Astomi Dialect, derived from Melukkan Common Speech, and Melukkan Common Speech as well.

The Astomi have a highly developed sense of smell, and they use it to communicate with each other and to make judgments about others. A person's smell can reveal a lot about their health, emotions, and social status. The Astomi believe that a pleasant smell is a sign of good health and hygiene, and they place a great deal of importance on personal grooming and cleanliness. They take frequent baths and use natural materials like herbs and flowers to make perfumes and body oils.

Perfumers are highly respected members of Astomi society, and they are considered to be artists and healers. They use their knowledge of herbs and flowers to create unique scents that can be used for various purposes, such as improving health, enhancing mood, and attracting a mate. The best perfumers in Astomi society are said to have a deep understanding of the relationship between smell and emotion, and they are able to create perfumes that can evoke specific feelings and memories. The Astomi are known for their expertise in creating scents that are both pleasing to the senses and have therapeutic benefits.

The Astomi are deeply spiritual and believe in a pantheon of gods and goddesses. They worship nature and believe that all living beings, including plants and animals, have a spirit that deserves respect. The Astomi believe that the world is a delicate balance of energy and that it is their responsibility to maintain this balance. They perform various rituals and ceremonies to appease the gods and keep the balance of the world.

The Astomi have a very egalitarian social structure, with no formal hierarchy or leadership. They live in small, tight-knit communities and make decisions by consensus. They value cooperation and mutual support, and everyone is expected to contribute to the community in some way. There is a strong emphasis on the importance of family and community in Astomi culture.

Education is highly valued in Astomi culture, and all children are encouraged to learn and explore their interests. The Astomi have a unique educational system, where children are taught through experiential learning, rather than rote memorization. They believe that learning should be fun and engaging, and that children should be encouraged to follow their passions and interests.

As mentioned earlier, the Astomi do not eat meat, as they believe it is wrong to kill another living being. Instead, they have a mostly vegetarian diet, consisting of fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts. They are skilled at using herbs and spices to add flavor to their food, and their cuisine is known for its bold and complex flavors.

In addition to their focus on scent and perfume-making, the Astomi are also known for their craftsmanship and artistry. They are skilled in working with natural materials like wood, stone, and clay to create intricate sculptures, carvings, and pottery. Their artwork often reflects their deep reverence for nature and their belief in the interconnectedness of all living things.

Music and dance are also an important part of Astomi culture, with traditional instruments like drums, flutes, and stringed instruments used to create lively and rhythmic melodies. Dance is often used in ceremonial and spiritual contexts, and is seen as a way to connect with the gods and bring balance to the world.

Astomi society places a high value on personal freedom and individual expression. In terms of personal relationships for example, the Astomi believe in the importance of mutual respect and consent. They do not believe in forced marriages or arranged marriages, and instead place a high value on the freedom to choose one's own partner. Marriage is seen as a partnership between equals, where both parties have an equal say in decision-making and are expected to support each other. They believe that everyone has the right to live their lives as they choose, as long as they do not harm others or upset the balance of the world.

## Trivia

* The sorceress Circe of Kust, had several **astomi** servants.
* Sex between humans and **astomi** is considered a very serious crime and is condemned to death by hanging in Melukka.
* Astomi are based on their mythological counterpart : *Astomi**.*
* Within the nilfgaardian nobility, possessing perfumes made by the Astomi shows a great economic power.
* The vast majority of koviri sorcerers/sorceresses use Astomi perfumes.
* The only ones not socially rejected for their smell, because of their work, are the witchers.

## Notes

* **Astomis** are free to use in stories and articles, all I ask is that you honor the lore present and if you make one add their name and a link to this page.