Papiliads Species in Dessend | World Anvil
BUILD YOUR OWN WORLD Like what you see? Become the Master of your own Universe!

Papiliads

The Papiliads, a unique subspecies of the Pavonia race, possessed distinct characteristics that set them apart from their moth-like counterparts. More like butterflies than moths, the Papiliads held a significant place in the history of Pavonian civilization. However, their existence was tragically cut short by an unknown event in the past, leading to a genocide that ultimately drove them to extinction.   The circumstances surrounding the extinction of the Papilians have been deliberately concealed by the Pavonia. This event is a dark chapter in their history, one that the Pavonia wish to keep hidden from outsiders. The desire to obscure these details suggests that the event may be a source of shame, regret, or even guilt within Pavonian society.   The extermination of the Papiliads raises questions and curiosity among those outside the Pavonian community. However, the Pavonia have maintained a tight grip on the knowledge surrounding this genocide, closely guarding the truth and ensuring that outsiders remain ignorant of the details.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The Papiliads were a race of humanoid butterflies. The average Papiliad stood between 4½ and 5½ feet tall and weighed around 100 to 150 pounds. Like the Pavonia, the Papiliad were incredibly attuned to magic, with it often shaping their very being. All Papiliads possessed large, delicate wings that were beautiful but not capable of flight. Their bodies were covered in fine, iridescent scales that reflected light in a variety of colors. Unlike other bug races, but like the Pavonia, Papiliads had only two legs and were not as capable of carrying heavy loads as other bug races, especially the Micidians.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

The eyes of the Papiliads were large and compound, capable of seeing clearly even in total darkness. Their antennae were also highly sensitive, allowing them to detect magical energy and subtle changes in their environment.

Civilization and Culture

History

The historical civil war that led to the extinction of the Papiliads remains a sensitive and closely guarded topic among the Pavonia. They are reluctant to share details with outsiders, treating it as a matter of cultural significance and collective memory.   Despite the Pavonia's reluctance to share information, Human scholars have endeavored to uncover the truth behind the extinction of the Papiliads. Their investigations have yielded evidence that the Pavonia took measures to magically erase all memory of the Papiliads. This action was likely a way for the Pavonia to deal with the mistakes made by their ancestors during the civil war.   The magical erasure of the Papiliads from the collective memory is a poignant and painful testament to the devastating effects of the civil war. The act of erasing all knowledge of a once thriving subspecies reflects the Pavonia's deep regret and remorse for the tragic consequences of the conflict.   For the Pavonia, the extinction of the Papiliads represents a painful chapter in their history, and the magical erasure may serve as a mechanism to protect themselves from confronting the painful realities of the past. By erasing the memories, they may be attempting to protect their current society from the guilt, shame, and grief associated with the loss of a distinct subspecies.   The efforts of human scholars to uncover this hidden history demonstrate the universal human drive to understand the complexities of the world and uncover truths buried in the past. While the Pavonia may prefer to keep this history shrouded in secrecy, the pursuit of knowledge by human scholars highlights the importance of preserving and uncovering historical events, even when they are inconvenient or difficult to confront.

Common Myths and Legends

There are myths and rumors surrounding sightings of surviving Papiliads, adding a layer of intrigue and mystery to the story of their extinction. While these rumors arise periodically, investigations into such claims have consistently failed to provide definitive evidence of any continued presence of Papiliads in the world.   Despite the lack of concrete evidence, some scholars theorize that a small number of Papiliads may have managed to escape into the Underworld during the tumultuous events of the civil war. The idea that these creatures may have found refuge in the depths of the Underworld, either by choice or circumstance, adds a sense of hope and possibility to their story.   The Underworld, a realm beyond the surface world, is known for its enigmatic and mysterious nature. Its existence lies beyond the direct observation and understanding of most beings, and it is a realm where myth and legend often take root. The possibility that the Papiliads sought refuge in this hidden realm, away from the turmoil and devastation of the surface world, has captured the imagination of scholars and enthusiasts alike.   However, without concrete evidence to support this theory, the fate of the Papiliads remains shrouded in uncertainty. The occasional rumor keeps the mystery alive, and the idea of surviving Papiliads living in the depths of the Underworld serves as a testament to the enduring fascination with these butterfly-like beings.   Whether the rumors are simply wishful thinking or a glimmer of truth waiting to be discovered, the tale of the Papiliads continues to capture the imagination of those who seek to unravel the secrets of the past and uncover the mysteries of the world of Dessend.
Lifespan
600 years
Average Height
140 cm to 165 cm
Average Weight
45 kg to 70 kg

Comments

Please Login in order to comment!