Verdan
Greenborn, Chaos-Born, Verdant Ones
The Verdan are a race of Goblinoid people that are highly adaptable to their current situations. One night they may go to bed looking similar to a standard goblin, the next day they look like a green elf, with crazy psionic abilities, to then looking grey and disturbed, capable of seeing in the dark and climbing on walls...
While their origins are still hotly debated, many scholars believe that their adaptability comes from their chaotic genes, a supposed gift that possibly came from a benevolent Archfey, possibly as a means of helping the early Verdan survive whatever hardships they were undergoing at the time.
Verdan society is unique, since, due to their wildly different society and constantly changing people, many Verdan have little to no discrimination, not only for their own kind, but for other races as well. However, when Verdan do take up positions outside of their society, they tend to fill the roles of diplomats or hired guards. Primarily due to their highly adaptable nature, the Verdan can possibly fill up any roll they are assigned to.
Basic Information
Anatomy
The Verdan are physically mutable, with their forms subtly shifting as they grow. Starting as smaller, goblin-sized beings, they gain a significant growth spurt as they mature, reaching the stature of humans by adulthood. Their skin ranges from shades of green to darker forest hues, with large eyes that glow faintly, hinting at their chaotic origin. Their limbs and features are slender yet flexible, often subtly changing over time.
Genetics and Reproduction
Verdan reproduce biologically, similar to other humanoid species, but their lineage often yields children with unpredictable features and forms due to their chaotic heritage. Their mutable nature means that Verdan genetics carry a kind of “wild potential,” which occasionally causes variations in skin tone, height, and other physical traits. They mature slower than their goblinoid ancestors, reaching adulthood around age 24.
Ecology and Habitats
The Verdan thrive in unstable and magically chaotic areas like Nethershade, where the Blurscape, Surging Plains, and Nullspire converge. They are highly adaptable to shifting environments, making them well-suited for these magical and often unpredictable regions. Their settlement, Nethershade, is built to withstand the strange energies surrounding it, with structures that are flexible and grounded, reflecting Verdan adaptability and resourcefulness.
Behaviour
Verdan are inherently curious, open-minded, and flexible, likely owing to their unique origins and lack of historical baggage. They are drawn to new ideas, people, and experiences, often exhibiting an easygoing, cooperative nature. They prioritize community bonds and are inclined to trust others, fostering a communal environment in Nethershade where adaptability and humility are valued. While they are resilient and capable of bravery, they tend to avoid needless aggression, often favoring diplomacy over direct conflict.
Additional Information
Average Intelligence
Average to slightly above average, with an emphasis on intuitive and social intelligence.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Verdan possess heightened empathy and limited telepathic abilities, enabling them to communicate simple ideas with creatures nearby, regardless of language. They are also highly perceptive in social interactions due to their natural Persuasive abilities. However, they lack extensive darkvision common in their goblin ancestors, suggesting a shift in sensory development that favors communication and adaptability over traditional senses.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Verdan names are often short and phonetically simple, frequently chosen to sound pleasing and intuitive. Names often reflect natural themes or qualities like “Lira,” “Tandor,” or “Kelvi.” Some Verdan adopt surnames inspired by their environment, such as “Greenhand” or “Shadowgleam.”
Beauty Ideals
The Verdan value adaptability and uniqueness, seeing beauty in individuality. Traits like unusual eye colors, distinctive markings, or a particularly kind demeanor are highly regarded. Physical flexibility and expressiveness are also admired, as they reflect the Verdan’s nature of embracing change.
Gender Ideals
Verdan have fluid perspectives on gender, which are as adaptable as their physical forms. They have no strict gender roles; instead, they value personal authenticity and self-expression. Verdan society encourages individuals to embrace whatever identity feels true to them, without assigning any specific duties or expectations based on gender.
Courtship Ideals
Verdan courtship emphasizes mutual curiosity and shared experiences. Partners often explore unfamiliar regions or engage in cooperative tasks, bonding through discovery and challenge. A common courtship gesture is the exchange of a personal belonging that holds meaning, symbolizing trust and an open heart.
Relationship Ideals
Verdan value companionship based on mutual respect, adaptability, and kindness. Relationships are seen as dynamic and evolving, with the expectation that both partners will grow and change over time. Verdan maintain strong bonds within their communities, supporting not only romantic partnerships but also friendships and extended kin networks.
Common Etiquette Rules
Verdan etiquette prioritizes openness and politeness, with an emphasis on giving others the benefit of the doubt. They value gestures of kindness and respect, often preferring simple words over elaborate greetings. Community and shared responsibilities are central, and Verdan will go out of their way to help others in need.
Common Dress Code
Verdan attire is simple and flexible, often featuring muted colors and natural materials to harmonize with the surroundings. They prefer loose, adaptable clothing suited for their changing sizes and for survival in magical regions. Some Verdan decorate their outfits with small charms or trinkets, often tokens from loved ones or symbols of nature.
Culture and Cultural Heritage
The Verdan people of Frack Choor, living in the chaotic and storm-ravaged Moonscape Moor, celebrate a unique holiday called Tempest's Embrace. This festival honors their resilience, adaptability, and their ability to thrive amid the chaotic and ever-changing environment of their homeland. It is a day of both wild celebration and reflection on the Verdan’s deep connection to the forces of nature and their capacity to find harmony within the storm.
Tempest’s Embrace
Date: 10th Thundralis
Purpose: To celebrate the Verdan’s resilience and adaptability in the face of chaos, and their growing connection to the wild forces of the Null-Blur-Surge Triad
The Storm’s Challenge
The holiday begins with the Storm’s Challenge, a daring event where Verdan test their physical and mental resilience against the raw power of the magical storm. As the tempest rages around Nethershade, groups of Verdan venture into the heart of the storm. This is a symbolic journey, meant to represent their ability to face adversity and emerge stronger.
The challenge varies each year, from navigating through intense winds and rain to climbing treacherous cliffs or facing the elements while working together in teams. For the Verdan, the storm is not an enemy to be conquered, but a force to be understood and embraced, much like their chaotic nature.
The Feast of Fury
At midday, the Feast of Fury takes place, a grand meal served in the open air despite the stormy conditions. Tables are set up in the streets of Nethershade, and the Verdan dine together under the swirling skies. The storm is seen as a guest at the feast, with lightning, thunder, and rain providing the backdrop for a chaotic but joyous gathering.
The food is often rugged and hearty, consisting of meals that can withstand the elements—dried meats, foraged plants, and dishes cooked over roaring fires. The Verdan believe that by feasting in the midst of chaos, they honor their ability to thrive in the unpredictable environment of the Triad.
The Dance of Winds
In the afternoon, the Dance of Winds begins, a high-energy celebration of movement and transformation. The Verdan gather in open spaces, dancing freely as the winds whip through Nethershade. They shift their forms throughout the dance, mirroring the unpredictable gusts and sudden changes in the storm’s direction.
The Dance of Winds is a time for the Verdan to embrace their ever-changing nature, much like the storm that surrounds them. As they dance, they express their fluidity and adaptability, shifting their appearances in sync with the wind’s chaotic rhythms. It is both a joyful celebration and a symbolic affirmation of the Verdan’s ability to survive and thrive in constant change.
The Stormlight Procession
As dusk approaches, the Stormlight Procession begins. Verdan create glowing lanterns powered by captured lightning or enchanted stones, which they carry through the city’s winding streets. The procession weaves through Nethershade, illuminating the stormy night and transforming the chaotic winds and rain into a radiant, otherworldly display of light.
The glowing procession is a reminder that even in the darkest and most turbulent times, the Verdan can bring light and hope through their own inner strength. The Stormlight Procession often leads to the city’s central plaza, where a massive bonfire is lit, symbolizing the collective energy and spirit of the Verdan people.
The Eye of Reflection
The festival ends with the Eye of Reflection, a rare moment of calm when the Verdan gather to meditate and reflect. As the storm begins to subside or reach its peak intensity, the Verdan symbolically create a quiet “eye” within the chaos. They sit in silent circles, their forms constantly shifting as they reflect on the past year, their personal growth, and the challenges they’ve overcome.
This is a deeply spiritual and introspective time, where the Verdan connect with the storm’s raw energy, feeling the calm within the chaos. The Eye of Reflection symbolizes the Verdan’s belief that even in the most unpredictable circumstances, there is a center of strength and peace to be found.
The Tempest’s Blessing
The final event of Tempest’s Embrace is the Tempest’s Blessing, where the elders of Nethershade call upon the storm itself to bless the city and its people. As lightning flashes and rain pours down, the elders lead a ritual where Verdan gather beneath the open sky, feeling the storm on their skin and embracing its chaotic energy.
They believe that by accepting the storm’s power, they invite growth, transformation, and renewal into their lives. The Tempest’s Blessing is a moment of unity and empowerment, where each Verdan feels deeply connected to the forces of nature and to one another.
Tempest’s Embrace is a celebration of the Verdan people’s resilience and adaptability in the face of chaos, honoring their unique ability to thrive in the stormy and unpredictable environment of the Moonscape Moor. It is a day of challenge, celebration, and reflection, where the Verdan embrace the wild forces around them and within themselves.
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
Verdan culture is still developing, but it is shaped by themes of adaptability, resilience, and a deep respect for community. They carry with them an openness toward all other races, stemming from a desire to build a peaceful legacy and a new identity distinct from their goblinoid origins.
- Day of New Beginnings: A seasonal celebration marking the Verdan’s emergence as a race, where they exchange stories of personal growth and transformation.
- The Sharing Circle: A communal gathering where Verdan share insights, experiences, or personal discoveries. This reinforces their bonds and helps develop their young culture.
- Gift of Growth: Verdan mark life milestones, such as their growth spurt or reaching adulthood, with a ceremonial exchange of small, symbolic gifts that represent their new stage in life.
Common Taboos
- Denial of Change: Verdan see resisting growth or change as harmful to their essence. Clinging too firmly to tradition or a fixed identity is considered stifling and against their natural inclination.
- Shunning Community: Turning one’s back on the community is viewed as the height of disrespect, as they deeply value their support networks.
- Derision of Chaos: Since chaos is part of their origin, Verdan hold it in a sort of reverence. Dismissing or disrespecting chaotic forces or influences is considered taboo.
History
The Verdan are one of the newest races in Astrium coming into the world during second pandora war; and have been doing their best to make sure they have a place in Astrium. They scoured the land for a place to call their own, while a lot of Verdan are still looking, a number have settled within the blurscape and blurspire. With a vibrant, if not a misguided attempt to join Astriums Council; creating a settlement in a short amount of time calling it Nethershade. The are in full belief tht they would be welcome on the council before other races of Astrium.
Common Myths and Legends
The Whispering Shadow: A tale of That-Which-Endures, the entity that shaped the Verdan. It is said to roam the Blurscape and watch over them, and many believe it occasionally leaves them gifts or omens.
The Verdant Star: A story about a distant, green star that shines only for the Verdan, believed to be a sign of prosperity and resilience.
The First Verdan: A legend about the first Verdan to emerge from the goblinoid ranks, who, guided by a vision, led the Verdan to Nethershade and taught them the values of community and adaptability.
Scientific Name
Verdanus Novus
Lifespan
~200
Average Height
3-4 in childhood; and 5-6 feet by adulthood
Average Weight
80-150 pounds
Average Physique
Verdan are lean and flexible, possessing agility and dexterity rather than sheer strength. Their mutable nature makes them physically adaptable, but they retain a somewhat delicate constitution.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Verdan skin ranges in green tones, from bright emerald to deep forest greens. Some develop faint, swirling marks across their arms or face, thought to be residual magical energies from the chaotic magic that created them. Their eyes are large and expressive, often glowing faintly with shades matching their skin.
Geographic Distribution
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