Overview

The Northdark in Oxucu is a land of death for most. Monsters, creatures who's domain is the dark, who have evolved to hunt in the dark. The ecosystem there, so different from much of the rest of Oxucu, is rife with sound-sensitivity, bioluminescence, group survival, and food scarcity. The only civilization to crop up in this dark corner of Aethesia is that of the Shades.   Perhaps at one time humans, long millenia of living in the Northdark have resulted in a humanoid race suited specifically to survival in the cold, low-light lands far north. The Uxulu, known as shades to outsiders, stay generally close to their homes. Sightings of them by non Uxulu are rare, and considered an especially bad omen by their neighboring human residents of Oxucu.  

Visual appearance

Dark grey skin, dark fine hairs all over their bodies — giving the appearance of fur —large tapered ears. They also have elongated forearms, which hang low near their knees. They appear slight of form, usually growing no bigger than 5ft tall — however, underneath their hair is lean, strong muscle. They are quick, but also delicate and graceful in their movements — an attention to motor function honed from living while making as little sound as possible while on the move.  

Attributes and personality

In contrast to their grim, harsh environment, the Uxulu cultur is generally a peaceful, gentle one. Their survival in the Northdark depends in great part on cooperation as a group. Because of this, hospitality is the highest ideal, and many traditions have been created and maintained to help avoid offense or conflict whereever possible.   That being said, though culturally they seek to avoid unneccesary conflict, there is no prohibition for reasonable or essential conflict. But they will be as direct and aggressive as possible, so as to reduce the length of time the conflict is happening for. For this reason, many outside peoples find interactions with the Uxulu unsettling, since it can seem, for someone unfamiliar with their motivations and customs, like walking through a minefield, never sure what cultural violation will set them off.  

Politics

Generally they are content to rule on a tribal level. Cooperation among tribes, just as cooperation within the tribes is, is essential to their survival. So that when there is conflict that arises between tribes, often it is resolved by the adjudication of a third tribe. Tribal leaders are generally the eldest of the tribe. And the selection of the next elder is a matter of a fast vote. Leadership is seen not as a position of power, but as a sacred, heavy mantle. Their leaders bear the weight of sorrow for all lost lives of the tribe.  

Religion

Religion is tied closely to daily life for the Uxulu. It is hard, in fact, to separate it from the traditions and the basic survival habits of the people. The basic tenents are similar throughout: a belief in the sacredness of stone, stone as a metaphor for life (hard, unyielding, but something you can build a yert on), and the intergenerational ties of the stone (it has witnessed generation upon generation of Uxulu). The expression of this spirituality is most apparent in the Sandstone Uxulu, and their contemplative practices. For the Obsidian and Granite Uxulu, religion holds a much more practical existance. Thank yous said in a thoughtful moment, as opposed to set aside time.  

Perception of Other Races

Humans

Strange. Rude. Hurting their own intersts by ignroing the needs of the whole. They seem like unwise children to the Uxulu. And, even when humans are disdainful or fearful of the Uxulu, they are to be pitied, not the source of anger.  

Maka

They feel a strong kinship for the Maka — especially the Maka's cohabitation culture. They feel no allegiance, but acknowledge there is more wisdom in Maka culture than humans. Although both humans and Maka's focus on profits and independence is strange and confusing to the Uxulu, who share so much, and who's main thought is simply to survive and to eat, and to find meaning in the present moment.  

Geodic Nomads

While the Uxulu may feel kinship for the Maka, for the Geodic Nomads they have a deep respect. There are some Uxulu who believe their ancient ancestors may have been Geodic Nomads at one time. The nomads dedication to the good fo the whole, their closeness to the earth, and their hunter gather existance is much more familiar to the Uxulu, and seems to them much saner. They do not feel comfrotable with the violence in the Geodic Nomads, however. And perhaps judge them slightly for knowing better, but letting a similar harsh environment turn them to agression in place of full cooperation.  

Wakewalkers

They know nothing of wakewalkers except out of legends. To see one would be an incredible opportunity. Some Uxulu do not believe wake walkers actually exist.  

Cultures (aka subrace)

There are three main cultures within the Uxulu civilizations of the north. Granite, Obsidian, and Sandstone.  

Granite Uxulu

The Granite Uxulu think of themselves as eternal, immovable, stationary. Of the three cultures, these are the most steeped in traditions. Having traditions for nearly every facet of life—anything from eating to sleeping to the right way to wake up.   Ability Score Increase
+2 to CON   Uxulu Determination
In contests of will or strength (e.g. grappling), add +1 to your roll. This increases by 1 at levels 5, 10, 15 and 20.  

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Obsidian Uxulu

The Obsidian Uxulu hold high the ideal of forward momentum and taking action. Their culture spends less time in specific traditions about what to do, which can make action in the moment slower or delayed, and instead have built and maintained a hearty love of the philosophy of action. What is right action? What is best action? What is wasted action? For them, Obsidian represents the idea of a smooth, sharp, cutting mentality. They are the most martial of the three Uxulu cultures.   Ability Score Increase
+2 to DEX   Uxulu Initiative
+1 on initiative rolls. This increases by 1 at levels 5, 10, 15 and 20.  

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Sandstone Uxulu

The Sandstone Uxulu culture is steeped in mysticism. Just as time, wind and water erodes away the layers of sandstone — so to does a life devoted to seeing and understanding what is erode away what distorts and hides the truth. Sandstone Uxulu spend time each day, laying flat on the rock, simply listening. Learning to hear it's voice. Honing the edge of their insight and intuition.   Ability Score Increase
+2 to WIS   Uxulu Mysticism
Because of their constant and close communion with the stones, Sandstone Uxulu gain advantage on Investigation or Perception checks if there is a flat, solid stone surface they can meditate upon. The information they have access to is limited to 200ft in a sphere around the stone.