Sovathy of the Southern Isles
Males average 7.5' - 8' tall and are sharply tapered, with broad shoulders, narrow waists and crests of flexible spines that flare with color and magic. The females will have fewer spikes (though they will have venom) be a little heftier and less colorful. Their eyes are striking, often having vertical, slitted pupils that allow them to see in dim light. The whole species is magical and are capable of shapeshifting, which most do to blend in with other species when not on their ancestral isles.
Typical special abilities include the ability to wield magic, both their own and through Aeythrane-Sovat Crystals-Sovat catalysts, and there are legends of them being able to channel Dragon Magic. Additional abilities found in the species include healing, mind tricks such as telepathy, telekinesis, empathy and some dream based abilities. In particular the Sovathy have a knack for telepathy over considerable distances that gave them an evolutionary advantage over their rivals, the sucerans.
Martial prowess among the males of the species is measured in terms of brute strength and flexibility. Speed, when it appears alongside the other two, is highly valued - but speed in the absence of them tends to get smaller, leaner males labeled unfairly as cowards and cheats. Sovathy mercenaries are fearsome both on and off the battlefield, with many companies refusing to hire them outright out of fear that they may simply kill their commanding officers and take the job's pay for themselves. This fear is not completely unfounded.
Throughout the ages, the Sovathy have launched numerous campaigns of conquest to extend their dominion across the continent. The magical prowess and ability to infiltrate rival societies of the Ancient Sovathy Sovathy make them formidable opponents off the battlefield, while their advanced tactical formations and magical technology made them nearly invincible on it. As a result, many regions and cultures fell under their rule, leading to subjugation, suffering, and resistance from those they conqured. The Reckoning War brought an eventual end to the darkness, though not before several generations of even the long-lived Suceran's lived and died under the heel of the Sovathy
Despite their dark history, some Sovathy individuals have sought to break free from the cycle of conquest and forge alliances with other races. Such efforts are met with skepticism, as their kind's reputation for betrayal and manipulation often precedes them.
Typical special abilities include the ability to wield magic, both their own and through Aeythrane-Sovat Crystals-Sovat catalysts, and there are legends of them being able to channel Dragon Magic. Additional abilities found in the species include healing, mind tricks such as telepathy, telekinesis, empathy and some dream based abilities. In particular the Sovathy have a knack for telepathy over considerable distances that gave them an evolutionary advantage over their rivals, the sucerans.
Martial prowess among the males of the species is measured in terms of brute strength and flexibility. Speed, when it appears alongside the other two, is highly valued - but speed in the absence of them tends to get smaller, leaner males labeled unfairly as cowards and cheats. Sovathy mercenaries are fearsome both on and off the battlefield, with many companies refusing to hire them outright out of fear that they may simply kill their commanding officers and take the job's pay for themselves. This fear is not completely unfounded.
Throughout the ages, the Sovathy have launched numerous campaigns of conquest to extend their dominion across the continent. The magical prowess and ability to infiltrate rival societies of the Ancient Sovathy Sovathy make them formidable opponents off the battlefield, while their advanced tactical formations and magical technology made them nearly invincible on it. As a result, many regions and cultures fell under their rule, leading to subjugation, suffering, and resistance from those they conqured. The Reckoning War brought an eventual end to the darkness, though not before several generations of even the long-lived Suceran's lived and died under the heel of the Sovathy
Despite their dark history, some Sovathy individuals have sought to break free from the cycle of conquest and forge alliances with other races. Such efforts are met with skepticism, as their kind's reputation for betrayal and manipulation often precedes them.
Male sovathy (no coverings) in native form
Rough sketch by Cele
Related Organizations
I like how you went into the culture and history of the Sovathy, particularly their relationships with other groups. I wish luck to those who are trying to break the cycle.