Apapi

Racial Magic

☀️Rithaldis' Movement

Able to walk, step or move on or through radiant energy such as strong sunlight, solar plasma or ionizing radiation. Most often used by the Apapi for increased mobility in the radiant al-Nil River, Purattu River or Idiqlat River. They are also immune to damage from naturally occurring radiant energy (sunlight, ionzing radiation, solar plasma). Most common to variants living within the Shamsi Desert which is the most common variant.

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❄️Iska's Movement

Able to move on or through ice freely, unimpeded, and can even swim or slither through solid ice as though it were liquid water. They are also unaffected by cold temperatures and natural ice, no matter how frigid. This ability is found in artic variants living within the Frozen Wastes and Bharat.

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☀️Rithaldis' Shield

Immune to damage or ill effects from both radiant magic and naturally occurring radiant energy (sunlight, solar plasma, ionizing radiation). Most common to variants living within the Shamsi Desert which is the most common variant.

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❄️Iska's Shield

Immune to damage or ill effects from both ice magic and naturally occurring ice and cold temperatures. Their body is totally unaffected by the cold no matter how severe. This ability is found in artic variants living within the Frozen Wastes and Bharat.

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Ilnid's Movement

Able to move on or through sand, glass or quartz freely, unimpeded, and can even swim or slither through these materials as though they were liquid water. They are also cannot be harmed by these materials or suffocate within them. This ability is found mainly in the variants living within Arabiyyah but might also appear in the Shamsi Desert, Birit Narim or Parsa.

Riptalis' Form

Their magic form has features of a specific reptile incorporated into it. Apapi tend to inherit the tail and head of an al-Nil Crocodile.

Rylmar's Apathy

Able to block a target's access to emotions, states or memories related to Rylmar. Targets are unable to experience hope or aspiration. In general, Rylmar deals with positive imagination and dreams. Apapi use this to demoralize and subdue their prey or discourage those brave enough to face them in battle. Often this is an Apapi's second racial magic ability.

Ithisda's Breath

Able to breath in or despite water without gills. Can also exhale water with pressure. Often this is an Apapi's second racial magic ability.

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If huge crocs which can swim at the speed of light weren't already threatening enough, the waterways of the Shamsi Desert harbor a far more monstrous beast. Locally known as Weriaret, the apapi is a legendary if not mythic giant snake native to northern Alkelbulan. Semi-aquatic, this terror can grow up to 65 ft (20 m) long, dwelling in lakes, rivers and marshes of Kemet, Libu, Birit Narim, Marrakesh, Dar Emirates and especially Musi Kongo. In fact, specimens in Musi Kongo are reputed to reach a length of 100 ft (33m)!

Because of its sheer size, the apapi doesn't move well on land and relies on bodies of water to get around unless it possesses a Movement manifestation. Most apapi prefer deep rivers, lakes and swamps. They appear all across northern Alkelbulan, sightings recorded even by the Quiris in Flumen Pontem. As they are tolerant of brackish or salty water, they nest primarily in estuaries and salt marshes like those in Idraren Draren, Birit Narim, Parsa and sometimes Aznag. While they will hunt in al-Nil River, they are more often found in the marshy Faiyum region of Kemet. According to rumors, specialized variants can be found within the Frozen Wastes, reaching all the way to Bharat, and in the sandy dunes of the Arabiyyan Desert.

by Lee Stepp

This is a hypercarnivorous predator and an immensely powerful constrictor. They prey mainly on large mammals and reptiles like al-Nil Crocodile, elephants, hippos, rhinos, giraffe, lions, Ruwa Sea Cow etc. and rely on their need for water to hunt. Apapi tend to avoid smaller prey unless food is scarce, brumating (hibernating) in the driest months of the year. Apapi are most active during the wet season amid mass migrations and flooding. When hunting, it remains almost motionless as it awaits prey, snapping up thirsty mammals which approach to drink or bathe. This is the second largest and second strongest constrictor in Emynea, crushing the bones of nearly any beast before gobbling up its meal whole. They are also known to be territorial, attacking fishermen careless enough to trall deep waters and harrass the Apapi with their nets. Yet these are hardly dumb monstrousities. They respond favorably to ritual offerings of cattle, even known to act as a river guardian, but can be persnickety and ill-tempered if disatisfied. When upset, an Apapi will almost certainly punish those it once protected!