Lamura

"You call yourself a master botanist? You would do well as a Lamuran comedian." - Unknown

Hidden away from the world, deep within Ebena's forests and meadows, the moth race known as the Lamura live quietly. It is a common belief among Ebenians that Lamurae are natural-born botanists and farmers, a statement that is very much true. They have a high affinity for farming and cultivation, being responsible for the creation of numerous flora. Alongside the focus towards farming, however, is the Lamuran belief of maintaining secrecy. Trust is paramount in their communities, and one should consider that first and foremost when dealing with them.

Forests and meadows are considered sacred to many Lamurae, some even going as far to revere them as deities. It is a great tragedy to exploit the forest beyond what is needed, and those who do so are said to be swallowed up by the roots, never to return. Conversely, it is just as frowned upon to leave the forest, as Lamuran culture dictates that life is not fit for them beyond the trees.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Lamurae are best described as a humanoid variant of moths. They possess one pair of arms, legs, and wings, with wings forming upon reaching puberty. Larvae resemble blue caterpillars, albeit much larger and more intelligent. Their bodies are coated in a fine layer of fur. All individuals have a pair of antennae that differ widely between individuals. Lamurae possess large, compound eyes of a black color. Their mouths are suited for consuming soft fruits and plant matter. Rather than skin, their innards are surrounded by a firm, yet flexible exoskeleton covering. They are usually white or a dull brown in color.

Biological Traits

Females are usually shorter than males, and possess less extravagant wing patterns.

Genetics and Reproduction

Lamurae begin life as eggs. Eggs are produced through sexual reproduction, with no more than three at a time. They are then attached to Birthing Oak, where they "ingrain" themselves into the bark in order to absorb nutrients. While eggs can hatch without the nutrients of a tree, they will take far longer to do so, some taking upwards of two years. Those that are attached to trees will hatch after eight months of development.

Growth Rate & Stages

Lamurae lifespans are divided into four stages: larval, cocoon, juvenile, and adult. Each period, with the exception of adult, lasts for around six years. Larval-stage Lamura spend the majority of their time within a unique species of tree known as Birthing Oak. There they produce webs of silk and receive food from the adult members of their community. Upon reaching the proper age, the larvae will encase themselves in a cocoon to undergo their metamorphosis into a humanoid form. There is little to no activity during this stage. The cocoons are monitored closely by adults to ensure their health.
After emerging from the cocoon, the Lamurae young now resemble smaller forms of the adults, although lacking wings. The wings and antennae slowly develop until adulthood.

Ecology and Habitats

The ideal habitat for Lamurae are dense forests and meadows. Lamurae are excellent practitioners of agriculture and cultivation, devising countless methods and new species from generations of cross-breeding and chance events, much like their own origin. They often collect seeds and flowers in hopes of farming them.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Lamuran diet consists entirely of plant matter and fruits. Food is produced through agriculture and stored in woven baskets.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Lamuran societies are often matriarchal in structure, with the mother of the most children leading the members. Males and females spend most of their time tending to young and farming, with no disparity between groups in terms of work done. As females obtain more children, their ranking in the society increase, where they tend to the matriarch or replace her, either through her death or birthing more children.

Facial characteristics

Lamuran faces have slight variations in terms of antennae length and fur.

Average Intelligence

Greatly intelligent, being one of the dominant species. All Lamurae possess an innate affinity for agriculture and botany.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Lamurae prefer to use their antennae as a sense of touch. Like other dominant species, they have a pair of ears, which resemble small holes found on either side of their heads.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

The Birth Oak is paramount to Lamuran culture. Through generations of crossbreeding and experimentation, the Lamurae have developed a unique species of tree with the sole purpose of tending to their young. Eggs placed upon its bark are supplied with extremely nourishing nutrients that shorten birth times and increase health. Pieces of the root and bark are harvested in creating baby food.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Lamurae do not often have names, instead opting to remember one another through the shapes of their antennae. When speaking to those outside of this tradition, Lamurae will accept a temporary name for the duration of the encounter. However, such behavior is rare as many refuse to interact with outsiders. One exception was Lothra, the first Matriarch of the Lamurae. Forced to cooperate with the Apekin against the Sapiokin, she use this name while communicating with allies.

Major Organizations

The Oakheel was perhaps the largest society of Lamuran individuals to exist. Founded during the first year of the Pre-Mana Period, the Oakheel enforced the Lamuran ideals of secrecy and remaining within the forest to its members, a concept known to the Lamurae as "From within the Bark."

Beauty Ideals

Lamurae favor vibrant, healthy wings. Extravagant patterns are favored, as are more simpler designs. Unique patterns are seen as a rarity and attract awe among other Lamurae. Antennae are sometimes re-positioned, much akin to the hair styling one may seen within members of the other races.

Gender Ideals

It is expected of the Lamuran mother with the most children to lead her peers. Men and women with no children are either assigned to tend to the larvae, or work on agriculture.

Courtship Ideals

If one wishes to pursue a romantic relationship with a Lamura, great knowledge of botany is necessary. Lamuran society dictates that a lover must breed their own special flower, to be given to their desired partner. The process is difficulty and lengthy, and is an excellent test of a couple's love for one another.

Average Technological Level

Lamuran technology during the beginning of the Pre-Mana period was fairly primitive. Common tools such as shovels and scythes were made from bone and other materials. Pottery was made from packed mud and dirt, while baskets could be woven from the surrounding fibers.

Common Dress Code

Almost all Lamuran clothing is made from the silk of their larvae. Lamuran attire consists of robes with an opening on the back to allow their wings to spread. Matriarchs were allowed to use the silk of any larvae they wished, while those of lower ranks could only use the silk from their own children.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Lamuran society places a large emphasis on botany and agriculture. Children are expected to aid their parents in farming. Every Lamuran household in Oakheel is built with a plot of land for growing crops. Botany is a popular hobby for the older Lamurae. Ceaseless determination and research are often put into the research of developing new plants. So strong is this determination, in fact, is that entire laboratories are built to create new plants. Lamuran society faces little if any violence, but conflicts are still common as potential matriarchs quarrel with one another for the power granted by the title.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

Lamuran legend states that knowledge of the future and past could be found within the roots of trees. By growing a tree and staring upon its roots, one could see a past experience or the struggles they will face far into the future. Lamuran oracles would plant a seed for each child of the town and overlook each one. Upon the reaching of puberty, the oracle would confide in the child the information from the roots.

Common Taboos

One should never lie or act deceitful towards a Lamura, as it goes against their doctrine of Secrecy. Lamuran culture forbids interaction with those not of their people, except in times of great danger to their way of life. In Oakheel, it was forbidden to go beyond the forest, as the Lamurae believed that such a world was unfit for them, and would only lead to certain death.

History

Lamuran history begins similarly to the other co-dominant races of Ebena. As the Proto-Kin Period neared its end and the planet's surface grew more hospitable for life, the Proto-Kin began to once again attempt to create their own life. Countless species were developed and dispersed across the planet, with many bearing similarities to one another. It was through the chance crossbreeding and evolution of these creatures that the original Lamurae came into existence. The Lamura were one of the first of the dominant races to colonize and settle, choosing the depths of the forests as their home. The dense woodland and difficult navigation meant that many Lamurae were safe from the chaos of the outside world. Then, secluded from the world and left to their own devices, the Lamurae civilizations slowly took over the Ebenian woodlands. Oakheel was the largest of these civilizations. The city would be ruled under a variety of Broodmothers, with many reclaiming their position as they bore more children.

Lamuran interaction with other races during the early years of the Pre-Mana Period were scarce, mostly due in part to their remote location. What little evidence remains of their interaction with outsiders often describes the Lamurae as shy and unwilling to reveal themselves. Tribal camps were usually found freshly abandoned, as if the inhabitants had quickly fled moments before being discovered. One notable observation during these expeditions revealed unique specimens of plants that had yet to be seen elsewhere, suggesting that their agricultural habits were just as old as the species themselves.
As time went on, Lamuran society was increasingly exposed to the outside world. In PrM 13, During the Predation War, thousands of Apekin fled from their Sapiokin opposition, finding themselves in the Lamuran city of Oakheel. As dictated by the secretive nature of their doctrine, Lamuran communities refused to help the newcomers. Such a decision was a devastating choice on their part, as the Sapiokin tribes burned through Oakheel's forests in pursuit of their prey. With both belligerents at its doorstep and the fire consuming the surrounding landscape, Oakheel's society was forced to take action. Allying with the Apekin, the Lamuran forces joined the war and slowly drove the opposition back. With the Sapiokin armies weakened, the remaining Apekin made haste and fled the continent. By the end of PrM 14, Apekin presence in Oakheel territory was nonexistent, and the Sapiokin invaders had been repelled. Unfortunately, the surrounding forests had taken a significant toll from the use of fire. It would be many years before Oakheel would return to its former glory, a period of time known as the Oak Tilling. The destruction of the forests meant travel to Lamuran territory was easier, and the secrecy of Lamuran society would be threatened.

Historical Figures

Lothra was Oakheel's founder and matriarch, beginning her rule in PrM 1. While no exact number is known, she had birthed an astonishing number of children, securing her a lengthy rule for much of the first century. Under her reign, Oakheel was forced into war alongside the Apekin, who led the predatory Sapiokin into the Oakheel forests. After the war and the subsequent exodus of the Apekin from the mainland, Lothra and the people of Oakheel made great strides in restoring the forest's glory, a goal that would be met only until long after her death.

Common Myths and Legends

A popular myth describes the origins of the Lamuran people. It speaks of a great, winged being, who gave knowledge to the beasts of the land. As the beasts grew civilized and more intelligent, they became greedy for knowledge, and beat the winged being to force it to give more. Betrayed and saddened, the being flew across the world for five hundred years, before finally being put to rest. The being's knowledge seeped into the ground, and thus the world learned how to create forests. The Lamurae were said to be created by this same knowledge, as gatekeepers that repelled those who would come to harm the trees.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

The Apekin were seen as an annoyance and trespassers to the Lamuran way of life. However, their distaste shifted to the Sapiokin as they advanced into their homeland with fire. They begrudgingly accepted an alliance with the Apekin, giving them time to flee while fighting off the Sapiokin tribes.
Lamurae are distrustful to non-members of their race, and this stigma towards the Sapiokin only grew after their attempts to burn down their home.

Origin/Ancestry

Crossbreeding between countless ancient species.

Lifespan

50 years

Average Height

1.2 - 1.5m

Average Weight

50 - 60kg.

Average Physique

Lamurae are not particularly bulky and do not have a significant amount of muscle mass. They are not fit for heavy lifting or other straining physical activity aside from flight.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Lamurae are typically white or dull brown.