Avalon

Race created by The Senate#2200

A female member of the Avalonian Species (0 AS)

The **Avalon** are a race of sentient Humanoids who primarily occupy the Island of De(u)vin off the eastern coast of the Kashar Maht mainland.

## Physical Description

The Avalonians are a race of molluscoid Humanoids that descend from Hyper-intelligent squids. Their skin tones range from a deep blue to soft greens, with Albinos exhibiting a red shade. Males typically stand at around 155 cm (5 ft), with females standing between 120 - 150 cm (4-5 ft). In place of hair, a number of blackened hard ridges largely made of cartilage occupy the area (think TNG Klingons).

At the back of their heads hang a number of tentacles that are predominantly occupied by a large number of nerves, making them extremely sensitive. They are a left-over of their evolution, but nonetheless serve the purpose of providing the senses of sight, smell and hearing. Some of these tentacles are also responsible for the intake of oxygen, and without them, an Avalon can not breathe. For this reason in Avalonian culture, the tentacles are largely considered an intimate and critical place to be protected during battle and hazardous work spaces. Their faces are blank of any features such as eyes, noses and mouths, but with an otherwise familiar facial structure to that of Humans.

Avalon also do not tend to develop as much muscle mass as other bipedal species such as Humans, leading to a preference to use ranged weaponry during warfare.

## Fashion in the Bronze Age

### Avalonia

Avalon of this age in history typically wore loose, bright multicolored robes made of silk or cloth. The Citizen class of the Republic often interlaced their robes with gold to signify their status.

These robes played an important role in Avalonian mating practices. The length of the robes were often times tailored to an individual's marriage status. Avalon looking for partners would wear their robes tighter and shorter, while those without interest or already married wear their robes longer and looser.

### The Institute

Institute fashion of the age was an elegant mix of simplicity, functionality, and an obsession for all things white. Everyday clothes were short, covering no longer than to the knee and the elbow. Institute clothes were made of cotton, as it was one of the primary agricultural produces of the Institute.

The purity of the white symbolised the wealth and status of the individual, with colour being looked down upon as a ploy to hide dirt and uncleanliness.

Formal robes were worn by higher members in the Institute's respective institutions, a long, uniform white cotton robe with their institution's insignia drawn on the centre of the robe.

## Culture and Governance

### First De'van Kingdom (Destroyed)

The First De'van Kingdom was the Avalon's first and only centralized kingdom, which ruled over the vast majority of De(u)vin. It was ruled by the Witch Queen Rivin for two centuries, before ultimately dissolving into two different states, The Institute, and the Republic of Avalonia.

### Republic of Avalonia

The Republic of Avalonia is a state existing on the eastern half of the Deuvin Island, having emerged from the ashes of the old First Kingdom. It's founding brought about the merger of the old ideas of democracy with new ideas of centralization. The state's government is a radical form of Republicanism, divided into three co-equal branches of power.

While the revived experiment of Democracy rebuilds it's position in Deuvin, it's people are determined to never again fall under the rule of tyranny. Since the rebellion that exiled the Queen, many of it's citizenry remain well trained in the use of weaponry, with a focus in archery and slings. Avalon tend to shy away from melee combat due to the vulnerable nature of the tentacles on the back of their heads, but nonetheless remain a steadfast and often times militaristic people.

### The Institute

The founding race of the Institute, their language was the bedrock on which the Institute Standard (*Iloerum*) was created. While in the early days of the Institute the Avalon formed the vast majority of its population with a small Pjuurak-uurak minority, the Institute's increasing cosmopolitanism has since reduced the influence of the Avalon race as one among equals.

## Habitat and Population

Currently, Avalon can only be found occupying the Island of De(u)vin, their ancestral homeland and where they evolved. their population is scattered across the island, but are centralized in the cities of Terminus One and Xin.

## Industry and Culinary Practices

### Papyrus Plants

Papyrus plants are commonly found by the rivers of De(u)vin. Its insides are mildly sweet and are used as sweeteners and snacks, while its outer crust can be made into primitive paper (chalked papyrus).

### Chalcipapyrum (Chalked Papyrus)

These papyrus exhibit qualities that make both writing and folding extremely easy, becoming the basis for both Institute Papyrentum (Origami) and Old De'van.

Papyrus crusts are cut into slices, then are weaved together to form a sheet of paper. They are then soaked in chalked water and let out to dry. The chalk makes the paper both rigid and smooth, creating the optimal surface for writing and folding.

Traditionally made into scrolls with a wooden core, developement of finer threads and weaving allowed for books to be made.

### Papyrentum (Origami)

Made possible by the exquisite properties of chalked papyrus, papyrentum allows the artist to create a variety of forms using sheets of chalked paper. After the fold is complete, it is decorated and coloured, then glazed with hardening glue made from tree saps. Because the glaze turns brownish over time, antiquarians price browner papyrentae over still clear ones.

### Hexapapyrentum

Hexaflexagons. Easily made from a strip of chalked papyrus, it is one of the most popular toys for Avalon youths.

### Squid Aquaculture

Inheriting the techniques used in the First De'van Kingdom, squids are grown in large farms on the coast for ink. To harvest ink, one will first clean the squid in fresh water, then take the squid to a bucket, scaring the squid and forcing it to fire its ink. The bucket is then boiled, evaporating the water and leaving a condensed, black ink powder.

### Solidatrum (Solid Ink)

The ink powder from above is then mixed with oil of various kinds, molded into a cylindrical or rectangular shape. When using to write, the Solidatrum is grounded and mixed with either water or oil, forming liquid ink to be dipped in with a pen. The solidatrum is also used as material for sculpting, as it is both soft and rigid.