Etophin
Introduction
Etophin, having originated from beyond Joda, are a rare peculiarity in Joda. Approximately 800 Etophin arrived in the area only about twenty years ago, seeking refuge from the kingdom of Aiso-- an apparently a war-torn forested land to the north. Humble and reverent toward the relatively conflict-free peoples of Joda, the Etophin refugees were easily accepted and integrated into desert society despite their strange appearance and mannerisms. An innovative race, the Etophin brought with them new, interesting technologies which allowed them to survive the harsh climate of Joda.Physical Description
A comparatively short race, Etophin average no more than 4'10" in height, although some may be slightly shorter or taller. They have incredibly flexible, proportionally long arms, two large toes, pale skin, and large, piercing green eyes. To an outsider, all Etophin typically look very, very similar outside of slight variations in size. This is not true to the Etophin themselves. Etophin eyes are tetrachromatic, meaning they can see a wider spectrum of color compared to most other creatures-- including ultraviolet light. Although unseen to other races, each Etophin's skin is covered in unique ultraviolet patterns which others typically use as personal identifying markers. Having originated in a densely forested habitat, Etophin have adapted to an environment unheard of in Joda. Although this makes desert survival more challenging, Etophin still enjoy many boons which have allowed them to adapt quickly to their new home. Etophin are an innovated bunch; they are quick thinkers with sharp memories and have a knack for invention. For example, by modifying masks originally meant to protect themselves from dangerous fungal spore releases in their native lands, Etophin have created Aeroveils, respirators which protect them from breathing in particles of dust and sand that blow low over the landscape. For comfort, these devices repurpose small amounts of sweat for humidifying the air they breathe. Commonly, Etophin wear these respirators on a daily basis. All Etophin are intersex, and own both male and female reproductive organs. At puberty, all individuals circulate both male and female sex hormones at low levels. Unlike the peoples of Joda, Etophin are graced with the ability to choose if and when they become pregnant. Typically, a couple will decide together when they are ready to have children and choose which individual will carry the child. At this point, the 'carrier' begins regulating more resources toward female sex hormones, allowing for pregnancy. Their partner, deemed the 'supporter,' will sometimes also upregulate female sex hormones after insemination, in the months leading to birth, so that both parents are capable of breastfeeding. Both parents typically return to normal hormone levels within a month after breastfeeding ends.Attitudes and Philosophies
Considering the great conflicts of Asio, the Etophin refugees were surprised by the general hospitality and openness of both the Rano and Cadian peoples. Many Etophin still struggle with the Jodan customs of assumed trust and forced hospitality, but most do their best to adopt the ways of those that have chosen to shelter them. As a people, most Etophin have begun to open up about their pasts in the recent years-- although most still avoid talking about the years leading up to their arrival and generally stick to impersonal stories. The Etophin are a secretive people who take pride in the privacy of their personal lives. In their homeland, to ask an acquaintance a personal question was such an absurd idea that it was treated as a joke. Receiving such a question was seen as an invitation to tell an absurd story containing a single embedded the truth, a tradition called the Game of Self. It is the goal of the asker to find that truth, although the game is unspoken. The answerer does not reveal their truth, but rather leaves the asker to wonder. Many Etophin still enjoy this game, whether the asker is aware of it or not. Finding that the Rano and Cadia were incapable of seeing the ultraviolet spectrum came as a huge disappointment to many Etophin. UV light is a large part of Etophin culture; their patterns show the history of their bloodlines and family relations, and they are used for personal identification. To help the Cadia and Rano differentiate between individuals, many Etophin decorate their masks with paints and baubles. Etophin do not participate in the Jodan tradition of tattooing, as Etophin with tattoos are culturally assumed to be untrustworthy because ink interferes with observations of UV markings. Although the Etophin come from a monotheistic land, most refugees are atheistic and thus do not usually pander to gods. However, some have found great peace in the religious teachings of Joda and have adopted worship of local gods.Race Relations
Etophin are sometimes seen as entertaining curiosities, and are often assaulted with questions about their mysterious homeland. Although the Etophin are usually hesitant to speak of the tragedy that drove them to Joda, they can find great pleasure in regaling others with unbelievable tales of the forests beyond the Sand Sea. Because the other races have known nothing but their desert home, many are in such disbelief of these stories that they usually dismiss them as tall tales. Indeed, to the private delight of the mysterious Etophin, many are. Although uncommon, some Jodan detest the Etophin. This distaste doesn't necessarily come from a place of racism, but of pride for their home. To these folk, by inspiring interest in the outside world, the Etophin represent a threat to the Jodan way of life-- to appreciation for what the sands have given them. For them, speaking so highly of another place diminishes the honor of the desert itself.Names
Mostly reliant on visual communication, Etophin do not have names in the traditional sense. Rather, each individual is given a pseudonym; a name in Asion Sign Language which represents a defining, often embarrassing memory from that first year, though the name is never spoken. This description is not shared outside the family and family friends, and the child is considered culturally unnamed until a stranger bestows a descriptive spoken nickname and it catches on naturally. These names are not immutable, and may change over the course of an individual's life depending on their actions and the stories they tell. However, nicknames tend to stabilize as individuals get older. Example Birth Names: Nearly Drowned in a Cobblestone Well, Sneezed Thirty Seven Times in a Row, Could Not Stop Peeing, Ate More Nectarnut than The Forests Could Provide, Somehow Broke Their Mother's Arm Example Nicknames: Aido Inkana (Froze in the Face of Fear), Ralesh ti Couza (Tamed a Megabeast), Iffi ti Alla (Survived a Great Fall), Aski Oud (Built the Tower of Oud), Ibbin'Raldi On Yasa (Lost and Forgotten for a Year)
Traits
Ability Bonus
You gain a +10 bonus to all Mental Skills.Age
Etophin mature around 20 years of age and typically live to about 90, although some live as long as 120 years.Size
Etophin average 4'11" and weigh about 80-100 pounds. Your size is medium.Speed
Your base walking speed in 30 ft. and your base climbing speed is 25 ft.Tetrachromatism
You can see a broad range of color, including ultraviolet light. Due to heightened color discrimination, you receive a +20 bonus to Investigation checks used to search for an item or person in daylight, so long as the color of the object is known.Toxin Resistance
The environment of your homeland has made you resistant to poisons and venoms.Game of Self
Your experience in storytelling has made you an exceptional liar. You gain a +20 bonus to Deception checks.Languages
You can speak, read, write, and sign the native language of Asio, Asion. You can also speak Jodali, but may choose whether you have learned to read and/or write in this language.
Related Technologies
Example Pseudo-male:
