Madizi

Madizi *(singular: Madizi)* are a race of humanoid creatures that inhabit many coastal regions of the continent of Tsominku. Their most notable magical traits are their affinity for water and associated magic, and their ability to transform into sirens, fish, and other aquatic and amphibious life. While some of their favourite forms include massive reptilian creatures resembling dragons, they are not the same as the creatures that the Shinzoka transform into. Despite this, the 'siren' form seems to be a local favourite, and as such, the race has gained the nickname of "sirens". Like the other shapeshifting races of Mencu, Madizi are considered a Vartiz Race.

## History

### Origins

The Madizi descended from the Vartiz, a wild but proud race of people who took great pride in their different shapeshifting abilities. While none of them had power to the extent of the Jalenga, each of them possessed an inherent affinity for one of the six Mencuan Elements and an associated range of creatures into which they could transform at will. Gradually, the Vartiz divided into different clans based on elemental affinity, and those closely associated with the element water were the first Madizi. Not by chance, they were also the ones that could transform into sirens, fish, leviathans, and other similar creatures.

### 196th Age (Jalenga Wars)

The Madizi have always been ambitious traders and capitalists, as their numerous coastal cities and port towns indicate. Their technologically-savvy natures had them develop a great deal of weapons and machines that they used as one of their many trades and exports. With a natural affinity for water, they migrated towards much of coastal Tsominku and claimed it as their own, with some of their cities of the most adept Madizi being fully under the water even. Many of Mencu's islands and archipelagos are also claimed by these people and have been under their control for centuries.

During the Great Jalenga War, their primary contribution to the Serenza Coalition was mercenaries and arms, although they also sold numerous different weapons, equipment, and even war machines and siege equipment to the 64th Krippan Empire, a deal that benefitted both parties significantly. They suffered some of the fewest losses against the Jalenga during this war, and so remained prosperous even after it was over.

### 197th Age (Post-Jalenga)

After the war and the disappearance of the Jalenga, the Sayenzi Imperium crumbled in turn, and many of its coastal territories were reclaimed by the Madizi. Their cultural habits changed little in that time, and to this day they continue to lead Mencu in industry and technology, as well as often getting involved apolitically with numerous mercenary guilds and factions that will side with the highest bidder.

Outside of Matsakan, the Madizi still have a formidable presence, with sizable populations in Koldia, Krippa, and Shahar-Eka in particular. While Matsakan does not represent the entire Madizi mindset, many of them are still ambitious capitalists and mechanists. As such, many of them have also found their way to Zulera City to seek their fortunes among Mencu's greatest and brightest. Since its founder was a Madizi, this attracted many more sirens than most other races, and therefore they currently make up the largest percentage of the population in Zulera City.

## Language and Religion

### Language

Madizi are the most apt and fluent in the Common Language, being one of the first races to adopt it almost universally. A few of the older or more scholarly individuals are still familiar with Archaic Vartiz, but with most of them adopting the Common Language, there was not really a formal "Old Madizi" language that ever formed. There is, however, a distinct dialect among many of the Matsakani locals known colloquially as "Madizi Cant", and there are many ritualists that are familiar with Old Zaderic, especially in Krippa.

### Religion

Madizi revere the Titans (formally known as the Vartiz Pantheon), with the two Water-aspected goddesses, Ariel and Luna, serving as their patron deities. The wills of these goddesses is rarely in conflict with any of the other members of the Vartiz Pantheon, and so it is fully possible to be a devout worshipper of all 12 Titans in theory. Despite the similarities, there are differences from deity to deity, particularly surrounding holidays, rites, or methods of worship. Coincidentally, none of the different holidays of any sect coincide or conflict with others, hence the compatibility.

## Biology

Madizi possess the same humanoid biology that all races of Mencu possess, and are sexually compatible with nearly all of them as a result. Like most other races, unions between them and the Talaki or the Wakuda have not been attempted.

## Variants

Mainland Madizi

Island Madizi

Undersea Madizi

Zaderic Madizi