Azeano (Eldham)

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> Azeano, having thrived and endured in extremely challenging environments for what seems like countless ages, showcase an extraordinary capacity for adaptation that surpasses all other creatures known to mankind. It's a captivating, yet somewhat unnerving phenomenon. Thus, we're compelled to inquire: What is the true origin of these beings?
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> *Dr. **Silas Zeph***, Beasts of the Deep: A Study in Azeano Biology

> During the Third Centoran War, the Xalidians, desperate to maintain their autonomy, utilized their psionic abilities in order to uplift the aquatic beasts known as Azeano, with the intention of turning them into mindless, loyal laborers and fighters, which was supposed to bring them victory. However, their rituals were executed hastily and without due caution, leading to another outcome: the Azeano evolved into sapient beings, possessing intellect akin to, if not surpassing, that of an average human. Now, with the Azeano having formed their own nation, their existence on the continent is a source of unease for all.
>
> *Chief Warrant Officer **Eugene Ikko***, Reminiscences of the Southern Front

## Azeano

An unknown object found inside a sunken ship on the outskirts of Kylorne. It is suspected to be the first documented sighting of an individual of the Azeano race.

## Culture

### Language

Azeano

The origins of the Azeano remain a mystery, their existence spanning an indeterminate period within the depths of oceans and other expansive bodies of water. Their presence is documented as far back as the earliest recorded writings of known ancient civilizations, although encounters have fluctuated over time.

The Azeano are distinguished from terrestrial races by their aquatic morphology – elongated, slender, and inherently streamlined. They lack natural hair and the ability for vocal communication. Additionally, they possess bioluminescent markings scattered across their bodies, emitting a glow in places where there's darkness.

The name "Azeano" is attributed to their reverence by ancient civilizations, who saw them as the embodiment of the ocean, or its sentinels. It was the Azeano's presence that fostered a sense of fear towards the sea, hindering exploration and contributing to the eventual decline of certain ancient civilizations under the dominance of the Centoran Empire.

## Biology

### Physiology

The Azeano's body is coated in a thick layer of tar-like substance. This black, oily substance can be expelled off of their body at will to disorient or slow their enemies. Underneath this layer, their body, dotted with bioluminescent markings, appears to be vaguely amphibian in nature. The skin is rubbery in texture but unusually durable, providing a form of natural armor against predators, and low tier weaponry.

The Azeano's face is largely obscured by a similarly tough carapace that leaves only their eyes exposed. Observers have reported that their eyes glow brighter at lower light levels, and are almost completely dim outside of water. The carapace that covers their face opens to reveal a large, toothy mouth. Some say the carapace is removable, usually done by ripping off, however this hasn't been confirmed yet.

Azeano are also capable of regenerating lost body parts, including limbs and even portions of their brain. This ability is likely an evolutionary adaptation to the hazardous and unpredictable environment of the ocean, as well as protection from the attacks of the predators they once faced.

Another important physical characteristic of the Azeano is their size. Azeano can range from 170 cm to 230 cm in height/length. All Azeano share a common feature of being relatively slim and streamlined in shape, allowing them to swim quickly and efficiently through the water.

### Diet

Azeano are omnivorous creatures, being able consume both plant and animal matter. Their diet is highly varied and can include everything from small fish and crustaceans to kelp and aquatic plants. Azeano are opportunistic feeders and will eat whatever is available to them in their environment.

Their digestive system is highly specialized, allowing them to extract nutrients from a wide variety of food sources. They have a muscular stomach and multiple intestines that break down their food and extract nutrients. Azeano also have a specialized enzyme in their digestive system that allows them to break down the tough cellulose found in plant matter.

Their diet plays a significant role in their behavior and movements. Azeano will often migrate to different areas to follow food sources. They also have a keen sense of smell and can track the scent of food over long distances.

In addition to their regular diet, Azeano have also been observed consuming their own tar-like secretion. This is thought to serve both as a way to recycle nutrients and as a form of self-defense. The tar-like substance is highly toxic and can immobilize or disorient potential enemies.

As beings who have been artificially uplifted from their primal form by magic, the Azeano cannot digest heavily processed foods and drinks, such as strong alcohols. While this will not cause their death, it is certain that they will vomit out the contents of their stomachs.

## Culture

### Traditions and Festivals

Holidays and customs play an important role in Azeano culture. Many holidays are linked to religious beliefs, while others celebrate the changing of the seasons, historical events, or commemorate important people. Some customs are unique to specific regions or families, while others are shared by the entire society.

#### Divinity Festival

The Divinity Festival is one of the most important holidays for the Azeano people. It is a celebration of the goddesses who created their world, and it takes place in the spring, usually around the time of the vernal equinox.

During the festival, the Azeano people gather together to offer thanks and praise to their goddesses. They hold large feasts with traditional foods, such as roasted meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, and sweet pastries. They also decorate their homes and public spaces with flowers, ribbons, and other colorful decorations to honor the goddesses and celebrate the arrival of spring.

One of the most unique traditions of the Divinity Festival is dolphin racing. The Azeano people have long had a close relationship with dolphins, and during the festival, they hold races in which participants ride on the backs of the dolphins. These races are similar to horse races in other cultures, but they require a great deal of skill and agility on the part of the riders, as there are no saddles or protective gear involved. The dolphins themselves are decorated with ribbons and flowers, and the race is a spectacle that draws crowds from all over the region.

Another tradition associated with the Divinity Festival is the painting of the body with natural dyes and pigments. This is a communal activity that involves the whole family, and often the entire community. The oldest members of the family or community will lie down, and the younger members will paint their skin with intricate designs and symbols using natural pigments made from flowers, plants, and other natural materials. The designs are often inspired by the goddesses, and are meant to honor them and show gratitude for their blessings.

The Divinity Festival is a time of joy and celebration for the Azeano people, and it is an important reminder of their connection to the natural world. The festival is a time to come together with family and friends, share food and stories, and express gratitude for the blessings of life.

#### Harvest Festival

The Harvest Festival is one of the most important and eagerly awaited holidays in Azeano culture. It takes place every year, during the autumn equinox, and lasts for three days.

The first day of the Harvest Festival is dedicated to the harvest itself. People wake up early and go out to their fields to gather the crops. They work hard and fast, but there is also a sense of joy and gratitude in the air. As they pick the fruits of their labor, they sing songs and tell stories, sometimes even dance.

When the harvest is over, the people return to their villages with their baskets and carts full of fruits, vegetables, and grains. They decorate their houses with garlands and wreaths made of wheat and flowers they just harvested, and prepare for the feasting that will take place over the next two days.

On the second day of the Harvest Festival, people gather in the village square for a grand feast. They cook and eat all kinds of dishes made from the freshly harvested crops, such as bread, soups, stews, pies, and cakes. There is also plenty of wine, which flows freely throughout the day and night.

During the feast, people share stories and songs, and dance around bonfires. There are also contests and games, such as archery, wrestling, and tug-of-war. The atmosphere is festive and joyous, and everyone forgets their worries and troubles for a while.

The third day of the Harvest Festival is a day of rest and contemplation. People go to the temples to offer thanks to the Goddess terhorhoæ for the bountiful harvest, and to ask for her blessings for the coming year. They also visit their relatives and friends, bringing them gifts of food and flowers.

In the evening, there is a final feast, which is more intimate and solemn than the one on the second day. People share their hopes and fears for the future, and pray for peace, prosperity, and happiness. The Harvest Festival ends with the lighting of lanterns and candles, and a silent procession to the fields, where people leave offerings of food and flowers for the spirits of the earth and the harvest.

Then, when the sun goes down and the sky goes dark, the Azeano light the sky lanterns and release them, watching with contentment as they fly high and light up the night.

#### Wedding customs

Azeano wedding customs are steeped in tradition and are considered very important in their culture. The wedding ceremony itself is usually conducted by a priest, however it is not always the case. The fiancées often wear traditional ceremonial garb, which includes flower crowns, delicate beadwork, and gowns made of rich fabrics.

The wedding ceremony is usually held outdoors, with the couple standing by water, under a canopy decorated with flowers and ribbons. During the ceremony, the couple exchanges vows, and tokens of love and commitment, which are usually rings or pendants.

After the ceremony, the couple celebrates with a feast that includes traditional Azeano dishes such as fherhoγeŋ or æyyʌcʌ. Music and dancing are also an important part of the celebration, and it is common for guests to bring their own musical instruments to the wedding.

Before the wedding day, it is also customary for the fiancées to exchange gifts, which are often handmade and symbolic of their love and commitment. In some parts of Azeano society, it is also traditional for the fiancées to engage in a period of fasting and prayer before the wedding day, as a symbol of their commitment to each other and their faith.

### Religion

Religion plays an important role in Azeano culture. The Azeano believe in a small pantheon of gods, which include the Goddess of life and water æxяærhoʌæ, the Goddess of the sun and stars ʒuhŋʌʒ, and the Goddess of the earth, crops and animals terhorhoæ. These gods taught the Azeano important values such as love, respect, and conflict-freeness.

The Azeano have a strong reverence for nature and all living beings, and their religious practices reflect this. They often perform ceremonies and rituals to honor the gods and ask for their blessings, such as during harvest time or before embarking on a journey. These ceremonies typically involve offerings of food and drink, music and dance, and prayer.

The priests and priestesses of the Azeano religion are highly respected and hold a significant position within their society. They are responsible for conducting religious ceremonies and offering guidance to the community on matters related to spirituality and morality. They are knowledgeable in Sacred Arts and other magic, and often help the war effort with their knowledge and abilities if needed.

Despite their strong religious beliefs, the Azeano are generally accepting of other religions and beliefs. They believe that all paths to the divine are valid, and it is not uncommon for Azeano to incorporate elements from other religions into their own practices.