Miwa

Most persons are betrayed by those they trust, but only the most unfortunate ones are betrayed by those they never even considered.

Serving as a loyal and submissive slave species to Ikona for thousands of years, the Miwa were generally seen more as a useful tool than an actual species. The fact that various groups of "feral" Miwa existed outside of enslavement did little to change this perception, given that it was relatively easy to "domesticate" these groups.
Even the destruction of the Old Ikona Empire during the events of the Second Spring didn't end the enslavement of the Miwa, as various other species and factions stepped in to replace the Ikona as the new masters of the Miwa. Yet unlike their previous servitude beneath the Iron Lords of the Old Empire, this new period of enslavement shouldn't last for long.
In a turn of events that surprised both the Miwa and their masters the Miwa suddenly rebelled against a system of enslavement and submission that had been engrained into their genetic code through of eons of servitude. This so-called "Great Uprising" plunged large parts of Cenorad into chaos as thousands bleed and died in a conflict none had even thought to be possible.

/* In the end, the Great Uprising cumulated in the foundation of the Vitreous Empire, which is one if not the most powerful empire in Cenorad since the fall of Immortal Nabatea.
Homunculus "Little people" --> Virus; Glas; Strains; Blood-colors (actually strains), Purebloods --> Angles spawning from noble children --> Acutally true form, Starbucks skin scale, Pale/Bleak skins --> Translucent skin --> Color of their veins become important. "Shattered Men" "Plague of Mirrors", Toxic Mirror, Sugar Mirror?,
Given their diverse means of reproduction, it is no wonder that the growth rates of the various "Strains" are similarly varied.
Following their "birth" it takes between 9 to 16 years for a Miwa to reach full maturity. The speed of this process is largely determined by the cocktail of growth-enhancing substances added to their spawning-vases Speed Strain dependant.
Imperial Strain: Fast, often growth enhancements, Nobles grow slower Red Strain: "Natural" speed Incubators: Generally produce fully matured individuals; Age-Arrested Kaguya: Similar to Reds, though often slightly faster.
though this process can significantly speed up
Take around 9 years to fully mature, given the various growth-enhancing substances added to their "Jars", Starveins artificially lengthen their child period in order to reduce the probability of a "Angel-blossom", also the use the heightened cognitive capabilities present during childhood to drill various knowledge into themselves taking therefore up to 16 years to reach maturity. Children Teens Adults Crossveins: 31 years; Starveins: 84 years; Madveins: 122 years (mostly die due to "accidents") Due to their requirement of alchemical treatment throughout most of their childhoods, nearly all Miwa life within the borders of the Vitreous Empire. Few adult individuals might also migrate out of the Empire. Are infected with a parasitic glass, which spawns so-called Effigy warriors from them, which form the backbone of the legions of the Vitreous Empire. While the Miwa had historically been used as the slaves and servants by the Ikona, the events of the Great Uprising nearly completely abolished this practice.

Sendam, Father of Alchemy

Insanely intelligent or intelligently mad. */

Basic Information

Anatomy

The Miwa are bipedal humanoids that possess pale skin which is covered by a rather sparse hair coat. While their appearance might resemble that of the Ikona, they possess various traits that clearly separate them from the species of their former masters.
In general, their bodies are far less streamlined and also lack the total symmetry of the Ikona. Additionally, their morphology is generally notably bulkier and less delicate than that of the Ikona.
One of the more notable differences between the Miwa and the Ikona is the fact that the Miwa lack the pointed ears of the Ikona and instead possess a far more rounded auricle. Furthermore, the Miwa also possess fully developed feet instead of the conical fused feet of the Ikona, given that they lack the Ikona's River Gliding Ability. Due to these differences the Ikona commonly referred to their Miwa slaves as either Achnoc ("Round Ear") or Sutatidep ("Club foot people").

/* While their physical capabilities are generally significantly lower than those of other species, they are at least sometimes able to overcome these differences through various means, such as alchemical stimulant, arcane spells or other supernatural means.
Comparable weak/ average, but highly variable and dependent on the strain, age and alchemical enhancements/ arcane means can rival other species. On average lose but individual exceptions exist;
When compared to the physical might or the almost supernatural grace of the other species that inhabit Cenorad the physical abilities of the Miwa are unremarkable at best and insignificant at worst. Weak, frail, emaciated, In comparison to the physical might, size, sheer strength, supernatural grace of other species the Miwa are unremarkable at best and insignificant at worst. Yet despite their apperent weakness the Miwa have shown time and time again that their wills just won't be broken, no matter how often they are beaten, enslaved or how many of their kind are killed. The clinge to the worls like an incurable diseas that just can't be removed no matter how hard the other species might try. */

Biological Traits

I live to serve.
~ Unnamed Ni-Medif

Veins of Glass

The veins of all Miwa possess a shimmering appearance highly reminiscent of stained glass. The exact coloration of these veins not only indicates the Strain of a Miwa but also indicates their current state of health, with weaker colorations generally hinting at a severe illness or old age.
The coloration of the veins also corresponds to the colors of a Miwa's "Veingem", which is a gem-like object formed from the crystallized blood of a Miwa that can commonly be found within the skin of certain Miwa Strains.

/* Vein-Purity: Refraction measurement of a Miwas Vein, it determines the social caste of a Miwa and also serves as an indication for X. Acceptable levels of values for each of the various castes, individuals outside of these values are regarded as "Abnormal" by the authorities of the Empire. While mostly pseudo-science
--> Degree of Mono-Color; Number of color strains, Singularity-Value --> Degree of Impure Coloration, Deviance from acceptable/stable strains, Stability-Value --> Degree of Mutation, Physical deformities, and anomalies, Mutation-Value
Two pure Colors: Blue and Purple: Form the nobility, Green --> Alchemists/Madveins, Red --> Muli'he Voidlood Some strains of the Virus are "unstable" and can mutate into active forms, which can have severe effects. The higher the purity rating of an individual the more severe these effects. Degrees of severity. Low Class: Minor mutations, such as changes of iris color, hair or skin pigmentations --> Common Middle Class: "Veingem", a multicolored gem-like object growing at the center of their forehead. The color indicates strains --> Only Alchemists possess these stones, which serve as their Philosophers stone. */

Genetic Strains

While most species view the Miwa as a uniform mass of rebellious slaves, the Miwa are in fact divided into various subspecies known as Strains or Veinlines.
Xenarg-Strain
Also known as the "Imperial Strain", this strain is the most common and widespread of all strains and forms the population of the Vitreous Empire. The vein-colors of this strain is highly varied and ranges from a muddy brown to a vibrant blue or purple.
Out of all strains, the Xenarg-Strain possesses the most unstable genome and is therefore highly susceptible to genetic diseases and mutations. Additional the few members of the Strain that are capable of sexual reproduction possess a high chance of birthing a Muli'he.

/* The most common and widespread type of strain. Genetic the most instable one and most prone to mutations. (Highest chance to create Muli'hes as a form of Hyper-Atavismus) Commonly referred to as Corssveins. (Purple-Blue Test) X and A values determine the "Nobility" of an individual. X10A0 --> Purevein Nonex, X0A10 --> Purevein Nogria. Quantity over Quality ("Industrial Human") */

Glabahra-Strain
The second most common strain, the Galbahra-Strain is notable for its eusocial lifestyle, which revolves around an offspring producing Alpha female and her small harem of fertile males, which rule over a large workforce of sterile males and females.
Miwa belonging to this strain possess reddish colored veins, which together with their commonly subterranean dwellings has caused them to be nicknamed as the "Red Moles".

/* "Red-Veins", Eusocial ala naked mole-rat; One "Mother" (Mother-Land) with a small harem of males that produces offsprings, other females are sterile but can turn into mothers should the Mother die or if removed from their "Mother" for long enough. Cave dwellers? Nocturnal, as their skin is very sensitive to sunlight. ("Mole Men") */

Egica-Strain
Referred to as the Ni-Medif ("Loyal Ones") by the descendants of the Ikona, the Egica-Strain was created from a small group of Miwa that somehow managed to withstand the "Flames of Rebellion" and therefore retained most of their submissive nature.
Due to this, the Miwa of the Egica-Strain continues to serve the various subspecies of the Ikona as well as any other faction that managed to obtain one of the few remaining Incubators required for their creation.

/* As an added safety feature the members of the Egica-Strain are equipped with a so-called and also harbor an intense hatred towards their traitorous brethren "Loyal Ones", White-Bluish Veins, were mostly unaffected by the "Flame of Rebellion" and therefore retain much of the submissive nature of the original Miwas. Rather rare as the fall of the Old Ikona Empire also destroyed most of their specialized incubators. Today the can primarily found within the Purist City-States of the Agsimer (and other factions that possess their Incubators). Have the ability to tan and are therefore not that sensitive to sunlight, still utilize protective creams and long cloths to protect their pallor. Quality over Quantity (Blonde-White Hair, large and most resistant against diseases and aging "Modern Human") "Mirror/Mirage Test" --> Order to kill themselves to prove their loyalty, though if they attempt it they just stab a Mirror Image of themselves, the Scars they commonly gain from the shattered Mirror are worn as a badge of honor to show their unyielding loyalty and dedication to their masters. Archetypes --> Carrie the name of their loyal progenitors/ Model, Still possess a certain degree of individuality, which they show through different hairstyles and "gifts" they received from their masters. "Erika"-Flower as symbols of their loyalty during the Uprising */

Kary'guya-Strain
An all-female Strain, whose members are born via parthenogenesis from the normally sterile workers of the Glabahra-Strain. Out of all Miwa the few members of this Strain possess the greatest physical capabilities and are the only ones that are capable of engaging other species such as the Ikona in direct combat without technological or arcane assistance.
Furthermore, they also lack the natural submissiveness of the Miwa and generally considered themselves to be their own masters, although a small number of "domesticated" Kary'guya are known to exist.

/* All sterile Female Para-Strain, which can only exist as daughters of a "Worker" B-Type Mother. Born via Parthenogenesis. Longlived strain, which possesses black-colored veins. Tails, and Ear like glass spikes/horns ala "Dycloinus"; a tendency for a carnivorous diet.
*/

Genetics and Reproduction

Miwa reproduction is rather complex and varies considerably between the different Strains of the species. Overall most Miwa are either completely sterile or highly restricted in their reproductive potential, which necessitates the utilization of various technical and arcane means in order to create a stable population.

/*

Miwa Incubator

Originally known as Muuicirti'vres ("Servant's Womb"), Incubators are incredibly ancient pieces of technology, which were utilized during the time of the Old Ikona Empire to spawn fully matured Miwa. Given that even the Ikona themselves were unable to fully comprehend the function of these devices, it is no wonder that nowadays no one is truly able to properly operate the few Incubators that managed to survive the events of the Second Spring.

Birthing-Vases

Crude imitations of the Incubators, Birthing-Vases utilize an alchemical concoction in order to create new Miwas based on the genetic template of various "Parents". While far easier to produce and maintain than a proper Incubator, Birthing-Vases are notoriously unreliable and generally have a rather abysmal chance of creating a viable specimen.
In order to compensate for this lack of quality, Birthing-Vases are generally used in large quantities in order to guarantee a steady production of usable Miwa. Any non-viable individuals that may arise during the incubation process are simply dissolved and reused as for a new round of incubation.

All-Mothers

The so-called All-Mothers are specialized Miwa belonging to the XXXX-Strain that are able to engage in productive sexual reproduction. Following a rather short gestation period of roughly 40-50 days All-Mothers birth four to seven underdeveloped children, which are then nursed by other female Miwa of the same strain.
Depending on the exact mixture of alchemical ingredients used during their creation a Miwa is either born as a Cross- or Starvein. While the appearance of a Crossvein is highly varied due to being based on the templates of possible hundreds of donors, Starveins generally closely resemble one of their "parent" donors.
While Crossveins are sterile, Starveins are able to sexually reproduce, through this form of reproduction is highly regulated and intensely controlled. Prior to any kind of reproductive activity, both partners are excessively analyzed in order to uncover even the most recessive of genetic anomalies. Even the attempt to skip any of these tests leads to severe punishments up to execution.
The reason for all this is that should two Starveins, whose genetic patterns are not fully compatible, mate with each other, they risk creating a so-called Voidblood, which is a terrifying monstrosity multiple times stronger than even the Enamel-Angels spawned from Starvein children.*/

Dietary Needs and Habits

While omnivorous in nature, most Miwa usually stick to a specific menu based on their local environment and religious beliefs.

/* During their first years required various alchemic substances to mature properly. "Blue Sugar" (Glas crystals, coated with various substances). Starveins require much more of these substances than Crossveins.*/

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

While the geographical distribution of the Miwa varies from strain to strain, they can generally found within the former territory of the Old Ikona Empire, given their historical connection to it.
With the ongoing expansion of the Vitreous Empire in recent years, Xenarg-Strain Miwa have become a common sight in many places of Cenorad.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

I see you successfully managed to tame your unruly hair, my dearest Sisiria. For when I looked through the mirror this morning, it still appeared rather rebellious.
~ Twin-Empress Sisiria

When compared to the sensory capabilities of other species and creatures, the senses of the Miwa are of average to poor quality. Their most developed sense is their sense of sight, which therefore serves as their primary method of orientation. Out of their five senses, their sense of smell is the least developed one, but given the smell of the industrial complexes, most Miwa inhabits this lack of olfactory prowess is a more than a welcome blessing.
In addition to their mundane senses, all Miwa possess an extrasensory ability, referred to as "Mirrorsight", which enables them to visually perceive their environment from the point of view of a sufficiently reflective surface -such as mirrors, unmoving bodies of water or pieces of polished metal- within a certain distance from their current position. While all Miwa are born with this ability only a few individuals are able to utilize it to its fullest extent.

Civilization and Culture

History

Slaves from Nowhere

For a species that had been an integral part of the Ikona's society for thousands of years, surprisingly little is known about their origins. While most assume that this is due to the Ikona simply not bothering to add this information to their own records, some truly ancient Ikona texts, which date back to the Satea of the Dark Forest, seem to indicate that the Ikona simply didn't know anything about the genesis of the Miwa.

Eons of Servitude

Being quite literally own by the Ikona for a terrifyingly long period of time, it is no wonder that the history of the Miwa is inseparably linked to that of their masters. Be it the reign of Ore-Queen Sunacluv, the hardships of the Exodus, the horrors of the Long Winter or the genesis of the Old Ikona Empire, the Miwa witnesses them all, a fact that the few Miwa which still remain loyal to the Ikona's descendants regard with a great deal of pride.

Old Labour, New Masters

Following the fall of the Old Ikona Empire during the Second Spring, the enslaved Miwa found themselves suddenly bereft of their masters, which understandably freaked them out, given that their brains simply couldn't comprehend the mere concept of freedom. While this masterless period was relatively short, many scholars speculate that the "freedom-shock" caused a crack in the Miwa's psyche which would eventually lead to the Great Uprising.
Given that at the time no one was aware of these possibilities, it only took a few weeks before large parts of the Miwa populations found themselves in the possession of various other species and factions, which were more than happy to fill the void the absence of the Ikona had created.
In addition to their new masters, some of the Ikona that managed to survive the Second Spring also began to recollect their lost property. Especially the newly created Agsimer subspecies of the Ikona, was more than happy to once again rule over the Miwa, given that they required a constants stream of freshly harvested organs in order to counteract their Affliction.

The Great Uprising

Beginning in the harbor city of Kaf Fahra the Great Uprising was a sudden and unexpected mass rebellion of the Miwa against both their new and old master, which they by this point in time had served diligently for countless of years. While small scale uprisings of Miwa had also occurred previously, these had all been performed by the feral Glabahra- and Kary'guya-Strains and never the fully domesticated Miwa.
Furthermore, the Miwa rose with such violence and furry, that none but the gravest of mistreatments could have explained their behavior, yet the Miwa turned against all of their masters regardless if they had treated them as honored servants or worthless cattle. In fact, the "Flame of Rebellion" spread with such speed and multiplicity through the Miwa population, that it had more in common with a virulent disease than a coordinated uprising.
Despite the Miwa generally being weaker than other species in mind, body and the arcane, they managed to inflict crippling damage to all but the most militaristic of organizations. Besides their element of total surprise, the Miwa were also aided by the fact that many organizations failed to realize the severity of the whole situation, treating the reports of a mass uprising as either exaggerations or flat out lies. When they finally recognized the threat posed by the Miwa it was oftentimes already too late.
Additionally, various groups also saw the Uprising as an ideal opportunity to set their very own plans for rebellion and expansion in motion, which forced many organizations to split their forces in order to deal with these new dangers, which indirectly thwarted any attempts at a timely containment of the Miwa rebellion. Due to this by the time a coherent resistance against the Miwa had finally been formed, the chaos had already engulfed nearly the entirety of Cenorad.

Broken Chains

When the dust of the Great Uprising finally settled four years later, the political and in some cases even the geographical map of Cenorad had been completely redrawn. Dozens of Kingdoms and Empires had crumbled, hundreds of thousands had died and vast stretches of land had been quite literally reduced to dust.
Besides the various old factions that had somehow managed to weather this storm, a new faction emerged from the conflict, which would soon become one of the most powerful realms in all of Cenorad. This new faction was the Vitreous Empire, which had build its new capital of An Hylaria directly on top of the ruins of Kaf Fahra.

/*
Following the initial shock of the first week, the organizations that had somehow managed to survive rallied together in order to rid Cenorad of their treacherous servants. yet they were once again surprised, for the Miwa began to wield strange new weapons and arcane techniques never seen before.
Having been subservient to a number of different masters for countless years. A sudden change occured within their behavior
This event was sudden, unexpected and violent, Overnight the Miwa turned on their masters, slaughtering thousands of them within a single night, known as the Night of Shards.
The "Flame of Rebellion" as it was called spread through the whole Miwa population, like a wildfire. Thouh it was not only their minds that were changed but also their bodies. Glass errupted from their Veins. First sightings of Enamel-Angels, others turned into statues of glass, their reflections twisted beyond recognition.*/

Themesong

Before the Uprising

After the Uprising

Genetic Descendants

• Glabahra-Strain
• Kary'guya-Strain
• Kostaca-Strain
• Muli'he

Lifespan

30-122 years (Highly dependant on Strain and genetic stability)

Average Height

Males: 1.72 m Females: 1.58 m

Average Weight

Males: 70-83 kg Females: 54-64 kg

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Pale, almost translucent skin.

Related Myths

• Belly Pit Tales
• Sky Snow

Related Materials

• Vitrium