Ranvok

Overview

The Ranvok are a reclusive, amphibious race of frog-like humanoids that inhabit the dense jungles, swamps, and wetlands of Schuttarch, the second continent in the world of Asiendal. Known for their adaptability to their wet environments and their isolationist tendencies, the Ranvok have remained largely independent, closed off from the dealings of humanoid societies on the continent of Aurien. While they have exceptional skills in hunting, gathering, and mana manipulation, they generally prefer to keep to themselves, seeing most humanoid races as threats to their way of life.

Appearance

The Ranvok are humanoid in shape but distinctly amphibian in features. Standing between 4 to 5 feet tall, they are covered in smooth, slick skin that ranges in color from vibrant green to deep brown, with occasional yellow and blue markings. Their large, expressive eyes give them superior night vision, and their webbed hands and feet make them excellent swimmers. Their strong, flexible legs allow them to leap great distances, making them agile both in water and on land. They are naturally attuned to their jungle and swamp environments, and their coloration helps them blend into their surroundings, aiding them in stealth and ambush tactics.
Key Features:

• Height: 4 to 5 feet
• Skin Colors: Green, brown, yellow, and blue hues, often reflecting their environment
• Eyes: Large and reflective, offering excellent vision in low-light conditions
• Limbs: Webbed hands and feet, powerful legs for leaping
• Adornment: Simple clothing made from plant fibers, leaves, and animal hide, often decorated with natural elements such as feathers or stones

Society and Culture

The Ranvok are known for their insular, closed-off society. They live in tightly knit tribal communities deep in the marshes and jungles of Schuttarch, far from the reach of humanoid nations and their industrial expansion. Their society is based on mutual respect for nature and the mana that flows through it. They live in harmony with their environment, taking only what they need and fiercely defending their lands from invaders or trespassers.
The Ranvok’s tribal communities, known as Ranak, are led by councils of elders, who are deeply respected for their wisdom and ability to commune with nature. These elders hold the knowledge of the tribe's history, rituals, and connection to the mana-rich lands that sustain them. The Ranvok are deeply spiritual, believing that their lives are tied to the ebb and flow of the natural world. Mana is considered a sacred force that runs through the earth, water, and sky, and their shamans are adept at channeling this energy for healing, protection, and combat.
Isolationism:
Ranvok tribes are notoriously isolationist, often viewing humanoid races from Aurien, particularly humans, as destructive and dangerous. In their view, humanoids disrupt the balance of nature, take more than they need, and destroy ecosystems for their own benefit. As a result, they rarely interact with outsiders, and when they do, it is usually with suspicion and hostility. Trade and alliances with non-Ranvok are virtually unheard of, and the Ranvok will go to great lengths to protect their hidden homes from discovery.

Way of Life

Survivalists:
The Ranvok are expert survivalists, utilizing their environment to its fullest. They are adept hunters and gatherers, using the natural resources of their jungle homes to create weapons, tools, and shelters. Their diet consists mainly of fish, insects, and fruits, and they are skilled at crafting items from natural materials such as vines, bone, and obsidian. They also have a deep understanding of the flora in their swamps and jungles, allowing them to create potent herbal remedies and poisons.
Mana Attunement:
Many Ranvok have the innate ability to channel the mana found in their natural surroundings. This ability is particularly strong in the shamans and spiritual leaders of their tribes, who can manipulate this energy to cast protective wards, heal injuries, and strengthen their warriors in times of conflict. Mana is seen as a vital force of life, and the Ranvok view the overuse or exploitation of mana as a grievous sin, further fueling their disdain for humanoid societies that seek to harvest mana-rich resources.
Relationship with Humanoids
The Ranvok of Schuttarch have had minimal interaction with humanoid races, and what contact they have had has generally been negative. They view most humanoids—especially those from Aurien—as invaders or disruptors, incapable of respecting the delicate balance of nature. This mindset has led the Ranvok to fiercely guard their territories, attacking intruders on sight and using their superior knowledge of the land to remain hidden from exploration or conquest.
There have been rare instances where humanoid scholars or adventurers have successfully navigated Ranvok lands without inciting violence, but these interactions are few and far between. The Ranvok’s distrust of outsiders runs deep, and they prefer to remain isolated, rejecting any attempts at diplomacy or trade.

Abilities and Strengths

Aquatic Mastery:
The Ranvok are at home in the water as much as they are on land. Their webbed limbs and natural affinity for aquatic environments make them unparalleled swimmers. They can hold their breath for extended periods, allowing them to traverse long distances underwater and avoid detection.
Ambush Tactics:
Due to their natural camouflage and knowledge of their surroundings, Ranvok are experts at ambushing prey or enemies. They can leap from the treetops or rise suddenly from the water to strike with deadly precision, using their spears, blow darts, or mana-infused weapons.
Mana Manipulation:
Mana manipulation is a key aspect of Ranvok society, especially among their shamans and spiritual leaders. The Ranvok can draw mana from their surroundings to heal wounds, enhance their physical abilities, or create powerful protective wards. Shamans can also use mana to commune with the spirits of nature, asking for guidance or aid in times of crisis.
Resilience:
Living in the harsh environments of the jungle and swamp has made the Ranvok tough and adaptable. They are resistant to most diseases that plague outsiders in these humid and hostile conditions, and their bodies can endure long periods of travel without food or rest. They have a unique adaptability to their surroundings, allowing them to thrive where others would struggle.
Language and Naming
The Ranvok language, known as Ranashk, is an ancient dialect that reflects the natural sounds of their environment. It is filled with croaks, clicks, and rhythmic patterns that mimic the sounds of water, wind, and wildlife. While difficult for outsiders to understand, Ranvok can communicate effectively with each other even over great distances, using these sounds as a form of coded speech.
Naming Conventions:
Ranvok names are typically short, inspired by elements of nature, and passed down through generations. Personal names are often descriptive of the individual's personality, appearance, or deeds, while tribal names reflect the tribe’s environment or history.
Male Names: Krill, Fex, Trog, Zok Female Names: Lela, Rikk, Sann, Thirr Tribal Names: Silent-Waters, Mist-Shadow, Moon-Swamp, Green-Reeds

Towers of Mana

Deep within the Ranvok territories lie the Towers of Mana, ancient structures that serve as focal points of natural energy. These towers are revered by the Ranvok as sacred sites, where mana flows most strongly, allowing their shamans to commune directly with the spirits of the land. These towers are heavily guarded, and outsiders who attempt to approach are met with swift retribution. The Ranvok believe these towers are essential to maintaining the balance of nature and protecting their homes.

Conclusion

The Ranvok are a proud and fiercely independent people, who have thrived in the dense jungles and swamps of Schuttarch for generations. Though distrustful of outsiders and humanoid societies, they remain one of the most resourceful and self-sufficient races in Asiendal’s world. Their mastery of the land and deep connection to mana make them formidable protectors of their homeland, and they will stop at nothing to preserve their way of life from those who would seek to exploit or destroy it.

Scientific Name

Froggo Boddus

Lifespan

60 - 80 Years

Average Height

140 - 165 cm

Average Weight

35 - 50 kg

Geographic Distribution

• Jungle Depths
• Zorr'Thal

Related Myths

• The Sea Queen's Wrath

Discovered by

Eremon Mordos