Var-Noc

Basic Information

Anatomy

Once a species of fully aquatic shark-like hunters, the Var-Noc were apex predators that sat atop their food chain. With no recognizable societal structure beyond seasonal mating habits, they were understood to be a simple carnivorous species of fish that primarily occupied the Terisian channel and sometimes the waters surrounding Silk Mist Glade. During the magical sundering of The Impetus, the Var-Noc underwent rapid genetic alteration and mutation. Ob-3, the orb of chaotic magical energy that grew in the western waters of The Restless Sea, disrupted their migratory patterns, pushing nearly the entire population northeast toward mainland Terisirae. Once there, the species continued changing as a result of the magical fouling.
Over the next few hundred years, the Var-Noc dramatically changed in both their physiology and psychology. In the modern-day, they maintain their strong tail fin, but everything above it has morphed into a humanoid torso, arms, and head. Adult Var-Noc's have a unique magical ability to split the scales of their rear fin into separate, parallel limbs that then become legs. Their gills are also capable of processing oxygen from the air, granting them amphibious characteristics. The neuro-chemistry of the Var-Noc brain was also magically altered, granting them higher brain functions such as memory, reasoning, volitional behaviour, and speech.

Growth Rate & Stages

Var-Noc are fertilized as broods of eggs, as many as 2,000 pill-sized eggs can be laid in 9-14 hours. Fertilized eggs take anywhere between 3 weeks and 2 months to hatch, and quickly metamorphose into tadpoles. From there, their tail extends until reaching a maximum length of two feet as their body changes into a long eel-like shape. At this point, when a hatchling is less than 4 months old, it will spend the next 4 years as an entirely aquatic creature, growing until they reach an adult length of roughly 6 and a half feet long.
After reaching their full size, the Var-Noc develops and hones its magical ability to split its rear fin into legs, and learns to move on the land as well. At 5 and a half to 7 years old, Var-Noc adults become masters of the land and sea.

Ecology and Habitats

Var-Noc have historically preferred the cold, deep waters of the Terisian Channel. Their eyes are adapted to perceive movement underwater even with low light or even in complete darkness, allowing them to dive deep into the inky black where they can hunt their preferred prey of Throngfish and Squid.
With the relatively new ability to go above water, Var-Noc maintain a predilection for colder climates, settling into the fogging forests of Silk Mist Glade and the cool streams that branch of the Kelsyvo river. They seem comfortable enough going anywhere that has a medium to high level of humidity, but absolutely detest the dry heat of desert environments and the thin air of high mountains.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Var-Noc have always been, and remain to be strict carnivores. Their palate can accommodate flirtations with fruits and vegetables but must be dominated by meat and fish. At full size, they can eat up to twenty times their body weight but are also capable of going long periods of time on single meals. Since their days as sea-bound fish, they have been observed hunting in groups and sharing food among their pack.

Biological Cycle

Var-Noc have beautiful, shimmering, opalescent scales that cover nearly every inch of their tail/legs, as well as the flat of their hands. They must moult these scales continuously as they grow into their adult forms, moulting roughly once a year after they reach full size. the scales maintain their dense and fibrous quality for many years after being shed, oftentimes becoming even stronger as they fossilize.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Once mainly located in the Terisian channel, Var-Noc have expanded their territory considerably since their mutations into sapient creatures began. Now they are likely to be found all over south and southwestern Terisirae, as well as northern segments of The Sister States, and even as far as Kentricury. Though their population drops off quite a bit with distance, it is possible to see them all throughout Ec'algor.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Just like the aquatic predators they used to be, the Var-Noc are known for highly developed sensory systems that allow them to detect blood dissolved in water at great distances, aiding their location of prey, or, in some cases, a high-value pursuit worthy target. Var-Noc also have highly evolved amphibious eyes that function under the water, partially submerged, and on land, giving them excellent ocular and neuro-chemical information.

This entry is narrated by Brayden Bradley
This race and others are just waiting to be added into your 5th Edition campaign. Find out more information by visiting The Eniea World Page

Scientific Name

Selachimorpha Terridae

Lifespan

66-75

Average Weight

235-360 lbs (106.6‒163.3 kg)

Average Length

6′4″‒8′1″ (188‒246.4 cm)

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Shades of blue, teel, turquoise, and/or green