Penning

“No person who has not spent a period of his life in those ‘stark and sullen solitudes that sentinel the Pole’ will understand fully what trees and flowers, sun-flecked turf and running streams mean to the soul of a man.”
— Ernest Shackleton

Basic Information

Anatomy

Appearance: Penning are humanoid penguin-like creatures, standing at an average height of 4 to 5 feet tall. They have plump, rounded bodies covered in dense, waterproof feathers. Coloration: Penning feathers come in various shades, including black, white, gray, and shades of orange and yellow. Their beaks and webbed feet are typically black or dark gray. Eyes: Penning have large, expressive eyes that are usually a striking shade of blue, yellow, or green. Build: They have a sturdy build with short legs. Tail: A short, stubby tail protrudes from their backside, covered in a small tuft of downy feathers.

Growth Rate & Stages

Penning have a relatively short lifespan compared to humans. On average, they can live up to 40 to 50 years. This shorter lifespan contributes to their quick tempers and haste in getting things accomplished, as they have less time to learn and pass down their traditions and knowledge to younger generations.

Ecology and Habitats

Penning typically inhabit cold, coastal regions with access to the sea. They are known for their distinctive ice palaces that decend many fathoms below the sea level and expertly crafted ice sculptures.

Dietary Needs and Habits

As expert swimmers and divers, Penning are accomplished underwater hunters. They use their webbed feet to propel themselves through the water, and finely crafted spears to catch fish and other aquatic creatures.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Culture and Daily Life

• Artistic Expression: Art and magic are integral to Penning culture, and the city's inhabitants take great pride in their ice sculptures, paintings, and other creative endeavors.
• Community Focus: Kahmoor embodies the Penning's communal spirit. They share resources, support one another, and prioritize cooperation and unity.
• Cultural Festivals: The city hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, celebrating various aspects of Penning life, from the harvest of underwater plants to the creation of magical ice sculptures that come to life during these celebrations.
• Education: Kahmoor is home to prestigious schools where young Penning learn about magic, art, and their cultural heritage. Many aspiring scientists and artists seek mentorship from the city's masters.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Naming Schemes and Traditions: Given Names: Penning individuals typically have a given name, which is chosen by their parents or, in some cases, by the individual themselves upon reaching a certain age or achieving a significant milestone. Given names often reflect the Penning's connection to the sea, ice, art, or other aspects of their culture. Family Names: Penning do have family names, which are passed down from generation to generation. These family names often relate to the lineage's ancestral achievements or their contributions to Penning society.
Common Family Names: Frostwing, Wavecaller, Iceheart, Deepglow, Stormrider, Seastrider, Coralstrand, Kelpwhisper, Tideweaver, Shorebreak.
Rite of Naming: When a Penning child is born, there is a special ceremony known as the "Rite of Naming." During this event, family and friends gather to celebrate the birth and to propose names for the newborn. The parents then choose a name that resonates with them and the gathered community. Name Carvings: The Penning often carve the names of their loved ones into ice or stone as a way to honor their family and heritage.

Major Organizations

The Council of Kahmoor is a governing body composed of wise elders and respected leaders within the Penning society. It plays a crucial role in decision-making, conflict resolution, and the overall governance of the underground city. The council is a reflection of the Penning's values of cooperation, unity, and community, and it ensures that the city runs smoothly and harmoniously.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Cultural Flourishing: Penning culture thrived over the years, with art, magic, and community at its core. They developed their unique language, traditions, and a deep connection to the sea and ice.

History

The history of the Penning people is a rich tapestry of survival, adaptation, and cultural flourishing in the icy coastal regions and depths of the sea. Here's a brief overview of their history:
Ancient Origins:
The Penning's history can be traced back thousands of years to a time when their ancestors were primarily aquatic birds. These birds evolved and adapted to their harsh environment, gradually developing humanoid features, including the ability to walk on land and manipulate objects with their now fingered flippers. Migration to the Coast:
As the Penning became more humanoid, they began to inhabit the cold, coastal regions surrounding their underground city of Kahmoor. They constructed their first rudimentary ice dwellings and learned to harness the power of magic from the natural elements around them. Rise of Kahmoor:
Over centuries, the Penning honed their skills in ice sculpting, magic, and fishing. The city of Kahmoor was founded as a center of artistic and magical excellence. The construction of the grand ice palace, beneath which Kahmoor lies hidden, marked a turning point in their history and a symbol of their unity. Interaction with Other Races:
The Penning established contact with other coastal races, including Humans, Ts'emekwes, and Martians (Yoon). They engaged in trade, formed alliances, and occasionally had conflicts over territory and resources.
The Council of Kahmoor:
The Council of Kahmoor was established as a governing body to ensure fair governance, conflict resolution, and the preservation of their culture. The council's wise elders and community leaders played pivotal roles in maintaining the harmony of Kahmoor.
Emperors of Kahmoor:
Emperors were introduced as unifying figures, symbolic of Penning unity and their connection to the outside world. These Emperors focused on diplomatic relations, protection, and welfare of the Penning.
Challenges and Triumphs:
Throughout their history, the Penning faced challenges such as resource scarcity, conflicts with sea creatures, and environmental threats. However, they also celebrated numerous cultural festivals, artistic achievements, and technological advancements.
Present Day:
In the present day, Emperor Ahnka III leads the Penning, and Kahmoor thrives as a hidden wonder beneath the ice palace. The Penning continue to value community, artistry, and unity, while also forging alliances and maintaining their traditions. The Penning people's history is a testament to their resilience, adaptability, and the enduring power of their cultural values.

Historical Figures

Admiral Craw Frostwing Background: Admiral Admiral Craw Frostwing Background: Admiral Craw Frostwing is a legendary figure in Penning history, celebrated for his exceptional naval prowess, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the protection of Penning waters.
Early Life: Born in the coastal village of Frostshore, Craw displayed a natural affinity for the sea from a young age. He was a gifted swimmer and exhibited an innate talent for understanding and predicting the movements of aquatic creatures.
Naval Career: Craw joined the Penning naval fleet at a relatively young age, quickly rising through the ranks due to his exceptional skills in navigation, strategy, and combat. He led numerous successful campaigns against marauding sea creatures and hostile races that threatened Penning communities.
The Battle of Frostfall Bay: Admiral Craw Frostwing is best known for his role in the pivotal "Battle of Frostfall Bay." This battle was a decisive conflict between the Penning naval forces and a massive kraken that had terrorized Penning coastal settlements for generations.
Craw devised a brilliant strategy, using enchanted nets, diversions, and coordinated attacks to weaken and outmaneuver the kraken. After a fierce battle that lasted for days, Craw and his fleet successfully defeated the kraken, saving countless Penning lives and securing the safety of their coastal villages.
The Frostwing Trident: As a symbol of his leadership and victory, Admiral Craw Frostwing's trident, an enchanted weapon forged from the bones of the defeated kraken, became a revered relic of Penning culture. It is said to harness the power of the sea, granting its wielder the ability to control water and communicate with aquatic creatures.
Later Life: After his legendary victory, Craw continued to serve as an Admiral, protecting Penning waters and training the next generation of naval leaders. He also played a crucial role in establishing the Penning's first underwater watchtowers and early warning systems to defend against sea threats.
Legacy: Admiral Craw Frostwing's legacy lives on in Penning naval traditions, as he is remembered as a symbol of courage, strategy, and the indomitable spirit of the Penning people. His trident remains a revered artifact, and his strategies are still studied by Penning naval officers to this day.

Common Myths and Legends

The Ballad of Lumariel and the Leviathan In the icy depths of the sea, where the Penning call home, there exists a legendary tale that has been passed down for generations, known as "The Ballad of Lumariel and the Leviathan." This epic narrative celebrates bravery, cooperation, and the enduring spirit of the Penning people.
The Story:
Long ago, in a time when Kahmoor was still young and the Penning faced great perils from the depths of the sea, there lived a remarkable Penning named Lumariel. Lumariel was known throughout the city for his courage and his deep connection to the sea. He had spent his entire life as a fisherman, venturing into the treacherous depths to provide for his family and the community.
One fateful day, Lumariel set out on a fishing expedition deeper than any Penning had ever dared. He was determined to catch the largest and most elusive fish known to their people: the Leviathan, a massive and mysterious creature said to be as old as the sea itself.
As Lumariel descended into the inky blackness of the abyss, he encountered challenges that tested his limits. The Leviathan, a colossal serpent-like creature with scales that shimmered like moonlight on the water's surface, rose from the depths. It was a creature of immense power and wisdom, feared by many, yet Lumariel saw something different in its eyes—a spark of ancient knowledge and a connection to the sea as deep as his own.
Lumariel and the Leviathan engaged in a silent, underwater dance, a test of strength and wills. Instead of battling the Leviathan, Lumariel offered a truce. He extended a hand of friendship and understanding, sharing stories of the Penning and their love for the sea.
The Leviathan, touched by Lumariel's sincerity and bravery, accepted the gesture of peace. It revealed secrets of the deep, including the location of the richest fishing grounds and the ways to harness the magic of the sea.
Lumariel returned to Kahmoor a hero, not with the Leviathan's scales or the tales of a mighty battle, but with a newfound bond between the Penning and the Leviathan. Together, they shared their knowledge, ensuring the prosperity of Kahmoor for generations to come.
The Moral:
"The Ballad of Lumariel and the Leviathan" is more than just a story; it's a reflection of Penning values. It teaches the importance of courage, cooperation, and understanding, and it serves as a reminder that sometimes, even the most formidable challenges can be overcome through diplomacy and empathy. This legend continues to inspire Penning adventurers and leaders alike, guiding them in their interactions with the sea and its mysterious denizens.

Scientific Name

Aptenodytes Sapiens

Lifespan

45 years

Average Height

4-5 Feet

Average Weight

80-150 lbs