Syva-Syrien

The Ancient Ones

History

The Syva-Syrien are one of the last of the ancient races which remain in the realm. Having been birthed and sheltered by the deep depths of the ocean, these Syva-Syrien are less humanoid than their descendants, having preserved their more fish-like appearances. The race may hold less known population than even the Syrien and make less of a presence to surface dwellers. This race often considers itself above the other races, even when compared to their brethren, the Syrien. Some say that they were able to achieve their genetic purity with the help of Bahari herself. Others believe that they were merely too cautious, and that they are running close to extinction. Both these rumors are currently unknown in their validity.

Physical Description

Syva-Syrien have two forms, typically being called 'legged' or 'oceanic'. These forms have a varying set of abilities, yet still hold some similar appearance aspects. Syrien overall in both forms maintain an upper torso that appears mostly human. The only physical differences found between the races in this regard would be that Syva-Syrien may commonly have two different types of ears amongst the species. These would be: wedded ears and pointed ears. These ear shapes are often a trait which is carried down from the parentage to child, being a genetic trait. Syva-Syrien may commonly be seen with random patches of scales along their body, which they may have difficulty hiding, unlike their less pure brethren. These scales would be more abundant upon their bodices, often being found in large patches everywhere, heavily being concentrated on the arms, neck, parts of the chest and back, as well as the lower face. The amount of scales often varies from Syva-Syrien to Syva-Syrien however. Another indicative trait of Syrien is that of their gills, which lay prominently along the sides of their neck in slits at all times. Air is only drawn in through the gills in times of being in their oceanic form, breathing similar to a human when they are legged.

Syva-Syrien are also notorious for their varying colors of scales, as all colors are accepted by the race. Syva-Syrien can only have human skin tones, this is due to their genetic heritage tracing back to both the Syva-Syrien and Humans. Syva-Syriens however, do have paler skin than their other cousins.

Syva-Syrien are able to switch from both their 'legged' and 'oceanic' form at will. Younger or untrained Syrien will take longer in this process than more experienced Syrien. A legged form Syrien may convert to their oceanic from once entering water, and an oceanic form Syrien may do it once leaving. This change is entirely controllable, and cannot be forced upon the Syrien in any way, however, upon long exposure to either air or water, Syrien will feel the urge to switch to the forms which fit them best. The origins of this ability are unknown, however, all Syva-Syrien may learn this, and most are born knowing it. This transition may be as easy as learning how to walk for some.

• Common Height:
• Legged: 4'4" - 5'2"
• Tailed: 7'9" - 10'10"
• Common Build: Ectomorph, Mesomorph
• Common Eyes: Indigo, Black, Brown, Grey
• Common Hair: Black, Brown, White
• Common Skin Tone: Ashy, Pale

Culture

Like Syrien societies, Syva-Syrien will fall under a grouping of coves known as a 'Kingdom'. Lead by a queen, the Syva-Syrien will likely show the utmost respect for the woman. It is not uncommon for Syva-Syrien to reside with normal Syrien, however most do this begrudgingly rather than by free will., Most live within the cove for ease-of-access to resources and other amenities. Lone Syva-Syrien are more likely to reside within the deep oceans alone and carry out their hunts. It would be rarer- but not unheard of, to hear a Syva-Syrien assimilating into the cultures of legged. However, it is much easier to spot this race than it would be their cousins.

The language of the Syrien is known as aquatic. This very exotic tongue would be extremely difficult for non-Syrien to learn or master. As Syrien mostly keep to themselves, it would be most difficult for one to acquire a teacher of any sort. However, the written form of aquatic is very similar to that of Elven, often being found etched in stones, rather than written in ink. It is impossible for someone to speak the language who lacks the gills of a Syrien, which help form the sounds using their air passages. It is also a very difficult language to understand verbally. It would take one years of listening to fully matter the tongue, which can only be understood underwater.

Upon the birth of a Syrien, it is quite often that the entire cove and perhaps even nearby coves will attend the birth. A large feast and exchange of goods happens directly afterwards, the larger of which are often said to mark the luckier the child will be. This is due to the Syva-Syrien's low fertility rate. It would not be uncommon, however, that a few years later the child will be left behind by its parents to grow up and learn to fend for itself. These outcast children will often work their way into their parent's coves, or perhaps drift off to find a place to stake as their own.

The greatest celebration a Syrien will ever witness within their lives. These ceremonies will beckon all the coves beneath the Kingdom to the queen's crowning. These beautifully crafted crowns are often made of the finest materials found underwater. New queens are only crowned upon the death of the previous queen, or at the unannounced absence of one for an exceedingly long duration. During this ceremony, the queen is required to go on a hunt, and share their catch with those present. No matter how small the portions are, this is entirely symbolic of the queen giving to their kingdoms as a benevolent leader.

The Syva-Syrien's diet would consist almost entirely of raw fish. Their hunter-like prowess allows them to catch the aquatic beings and consume them much easier than other sea predators. For Syrien whom are accustomed to going on land, it may be commonplace for them to eat a variety of foods. Whilst Syva-Syrien's stomachs are able to handle any food a human can, once exposed to it enough. Syva-Syrien take a bit longer to adjust to normal surface foods than their cousins, due to their more primitive stomachs. They are able to eat raw meats without the potential of gaining a food-borne pathogen, this trait having been developed over hundreds of years of survival.

Syva-Syrien are less likely to establish settlements than their cousin race. If they do however, it would not be uncommon for them to live within another cove, and merely isolate themselves somewhat from the group. Not all Syva-Syrien are this snoot, however, those that are will not refrain from publicly displaying it, and will therefore isolate themselves from the 'lesser' beings except when absolutely necessary. Lone Syva-Syrien prefer to live in deep parts of the ocean, in small underwater caves which provides them shelter from predators.

The faith of the Syrien revolves around their 'mother' Bahari, who they look up to. Rituals and sacrifices are held deep beneath the waves praising her.

Mechanicals

• Lifespan: 500 years old on average.
• Syva-Syrien may switch between their 'legged' and 'oceanic' forms once every [OOC hour].
• Syva-Syrien have adapted to have better hearing overall, having notably average hearing on land.
• Syva-Syrien are prone to eating raw meats, and have a better digestive system which prevents food-borne pathogens from making them ill.
• Syva-Syrien have a more difficult time concealing their many scales,
• Syva-Syrien have more reptilian eyes, which allow them to see better in their deeper habitats.

The World of Aethius • The Multiverse of Aethier