Ďagómaari (/ˈd̪ægɔːməɾi/)

Laden is the blood of they born amongst the Black Willows.
Virtuous, Sacred, and Ephemeral

They of the Black Willows

The hDacónůr were gods unto Hyyl, beings who brought unto us life and prosperity, magic and knowledge, security and freedom. In days past, to look upon the visage of a Child of Light was to invite life-everlasting onto one's home, siring an empire of benign kings. But, for he who would dare bring enmity or sleep to the hDacónůr would walk willing into the Nais Ryyl and deliver ceaseless darkness and death unto all.
Know that this was the divide, the fathomless chasm that separated Hyyl from Idnaichen (Immortal).
For the hDacónůr, it was as though anything they touched became gilded snow. It was a golden grace so serene, so eloquent in its purity. And yet the touch of Hyyl was akin to a wound. It was a blemish incapable of healing, waters growing ever muddied in its impurities. So what union could there have been? What accord could exist between those of spirits' grace and those of temporal fate?
Truly no one knew.
No, not until 'they' looked upon us. Not until they changed us."

-Ḅidajň onr̗i Şaim̗es (Book of the Leaves), Chapter 1 - page 4

Basic Information

Anatomy

Not quite Man, not quite Fae

Due to their genealogy, the Ďagómaari are considered a species separate from Hyyl and hDacónůr. And yet, a bridge between them. For, Ďagómaari share many aspects of the fabled children of light and far-reaching children of dust. In biology, the Ďagômaari are humanoid in shape with a physique sturdier than their faerie ancestors yet frame more delicate than Hyyl. Although Ďagómaari take most after Hyyl in anatomical structure, there are some distinctions. Traits that were not common to Hyyl or the hDacónůr of legend.

Daemon Eyes

The Ďagómaari have bright and protruding eyes, round and doe-like. They hold a vividly expressive quality. Yet the elliptical shape of their pupils makes their eyes quite eerie. Ďagómaari eyes range from a warm hazel brown to radiant shades of amber. However, it is just as common to see haunting grays and shimmering hues of blues.


Fingers and Barkskin

Ďagómaari hands have four digits, not five. Three fingers and a thumb. Note that a black keratin-like substance covers the tips of their fingers. Smooth and pointed. Too, unlike their Grishan ancestors, Ďagómaari have no wings. However, a strange rind covers their backs. Woody and bark-like, the substance shrouds most of the upper neck to lower spine.


Leaves and Knife-ears

Another peculiar feature is leaves. Around their ankles and wrists grow hastate leaves that wrap around them like bracelets. They grow alongside the Ďagómaari, withering as elders approach death. Know, too, that Ďagómaari ears are long and dagger-like, forking toward the ends as they taper down in length. The ear tips, like their forearms and shins, are covered in a thin fur coat.


Fae Horns

Lastly, the Ďagómaari people bear horns resembling tree branches in appearance. They protrude from the top of their skull, much like the orfia. They are called Suaar̗íz Oullani, which means "wishbones."

Biological Traits

The Woods' Children

The Ďagómaari are those who have inherited most of the ethereal features from the Grishan faeries. The hDacónůr. Like them, the Ďagómaari are notably willowy and petite, in stature, like small umas̗i (children). Vibrant and youthful in appearance. The Ďagómaari are known to have childish faces and round doe-like eyes.
On average, they tend to be shorter than most Hyyl, their physique appearing quite dainty and soft to most who look lightly upon them. Though, that is somewhat misleading. Ďagómaari are martial sorcerers by trade. So, their toned body may be small, however, they have strength capable of splitting boulders.
Legend says hDacónůr skin was willow green akin to fallen leaves. True, regardless of color, Ďagómaari skin glimmers a vivid hue of moss green. Their skin holds a cast akin to the tepid warm trickling through the forest leaves.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Long afore the reign of the Black Suns. The lands of Iňoľúm Caaťhaḅiles (Timberlands Peninsula) was once ruled solely by the Yójuin and their kin. History has long relegated them and Ďagómaari to these rolling hills of ashen willows, bloody orchards, and blue roses. Grassy plains veiled by numerous redthorn. And rivers that flow through the land like spiraling webs of clear blue-green.
Yet they would have it no other way.

First Garden

The southern plains that comprise Iňoľúm Caaťhaḅiles and its gentle basin are known as the Ľotuy Yuňodainn (first garden). It is here that the first third of Yójuin and Ďagómaari reside, the ethnic Ľosgutín̗zi (munchkins):

• Mieles ongc Ťham Jelťhaspil
• Gůiangá Ḅledyos̗i

Second Garden

The Aimed Yuňodainn (second garden) are the highlands and forests that constitute the northern Iňoľúm Caaťhaḅiles, where the ruins of the faeries reside. The second third of the population, the realm of Maarós̗eul (pygmies):

• Miezés̗i ongc Aim Ťhoľay
• Aigámuros̗i

Third Garden

The realm defined partly by its woodlands, groves, lakes, and summits is the Purba Yuňodainn (third garden). But, more so, known by the three land bridges that connect the Timberlands and the Isyalas Asrîlean mainland. The last third of Yójuin and Ďagómaari reside here, the ethnic Ďåscunn (daemons):

• Ŗiu Incľau Ďaascunn

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Suaar̗íz Oullani holds a special cultural significance for the Ďagómaari. More than being a sign of strength and sorcerous power, these horns are believed to be a marker of their ancestors' trust.
That said, Suaar̗íz Oullani grants them extrasensory capabilities. In cities full of Yuizóseul trees, Suaar̗íz Oullani bestows them a substantial force in their sorceries. With these horns, Ďagómaari can commune with the aura-rich Yuizóseul trees of the Timberlands.

Female Horns

For Ďagómaari women, horns represent elegance, spirituality, and harmony with nature. Female horns are usually longer and more slender than their male counterparts. It is common for women to decorate their horns with jewelry, wrap the base in special embroidered cloth, or adorn them with other forms of twine and banding. It is rather sweet, alluring, and stylish in modern Ďagómaarian culture.

Male Horns

The horns of Ďagómaari men represent strength, authority, and serenity before nature. Male horns are oft shorter yet thicker than females. They tend to have more diverging branches as they age. Once a war custom, it was common for Ďagómaari males to etch symbols into their horns like long flowing swirls inscribed on the body of each horn. A tattoo of sorts, today, this is seen as quite fierce, regal, and mature in Ďagómaarian culture.

Civilization and Culture

Common Dress Code

Ďagómaari clothing can be considerably lax when it comes to dress-code. Though, that depends on one's status. Unlike the Daemons on the mainland, Munchkins and Pygmies traditionally wear colors associated with their home region and rank. Other than color, which expresses origin. Ďagómaari dress holds comfort and maneuverability as essential.

Female Dress

Women wear Ŗios̗mḅíll (mature adventure) or Ŗios̗ḅíl tunics. It is a loose short-sleeved shirt made of óm̗e whose hem covers the length of the thigh. It is common for these Ŗios̗ḅíl to be accented with S'ounn us̗mázim̗e (astral symbols) and tightened around the waist with a thick leather belt. Though under this is a Máḅic, a plain white bodice with snug, fingerless sleeves. Depending on their status and occupation, Ďagómaari women would wear pants or a skirt.


Male Dress

It is common for Ďagómaari men to wear a pale white Ím̗oustr̗i (Travel shirt) with long raglan sleeves. Depending on one's status, they will have S'ounn soľ (traditional symbols usually emphasizing sorcerer school or noble rank) sewn into the collar of their Ím̗oustr̗i. Under this, it is common to wear solid Mímzis̗i, "Rogues." These woolen pants, beige or tan, have fine black Euťham linen sewn over the length of the outer sides.

Regardless of gender, it is common to wear Budáḅis̗i in the winter. Meaning "bears," Budáḅis̗i are rugged boots made from the sturdy leather of Iembaanoz (terrors). Generally meant for hiking and logging, they have become quite a popular staple in the north. Otherwise, Ďagómaari wear Ťhaaseul, brown leather shoes paired with warmers.
Cuťhángces ľá, "wolf cloaks," are loose hooded mantles made of stout óm̗e butim̗i dyed a "pale snowy albui" (one of three colors representative of Aigámuron Royals). They were once a gift meant for royalty, but they have, in recent years, become the calling card of all Caaťhaḅil sorcerers.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Warriors of the North

Lost willows of Caaťha Cás̗i. Or should they be called the rightful seed of Cásgud Zien? Even the Ďagómaari are unsure. Doubtful of the dawn so lost to time. Though maybe that is what their ancestors wanted.
Long ago, their peoples devoured the Iňoľúm Caaťhaḅiles (Timberlands Peninsula), embracing the spiritualistic of their heritage. While, too, throwing away their ties to Yójuin lineage, becoming like new peoples. Druids of the leaves. And yet, they held so warmly to their lust for knowledge.
Is this why?
Their people are hallowed as keepers of the word and wisdom. Feared, evermore, as mystifying daemons of shadow and silence. When tales whispered of Ďagómaari priests, wanton kings greyed upon their vaunted thrones. Lesser men, broken by their pride. As the winds cried out of Ďagómaari warriors, great men perished upon their incľaum̗i blades. Fools, enthralled by aurelian fortunes and ethereal sorceries. When great rivers bore Ďagómaari druids, libraries crumbled to their very foundations. Mortal archives, swallowed whole by their insatiable desire.
Is this the reason? No.

They of Many Leaves

The Ďagómaari are a folk of riddle and mystery, feared and worshipped by northern Hyyl. Yet too, beloved. Not as warriors but as keepers of the peace. Not as fae-born but as leaders of the immaterial.
Note that in times past, Ďagómaari appeared as spirits, mitigating Yójuin kingdoms through treasured advice. Other times they were like baleful wraiths, stealing away the lives of Juincaaťhas̗i foolish enough to dare tread into their sacred caapaḅines (timbers). Every Miezospr̀enn has heard of umas̗i (children), whisked away from their cradles at twilight. Uran̗zi women leashed by Ďagómaari knights.
But know this, and know it well.
In the eyes of Hyyl, the Ďagómaari are pacifists who take up the sword. In the whispers of Ynellian, they are naturalists with their heads in the clouds. And yet still, in the tales of history, they are martial sorcerers with the tongue of politicians. But to the Ďagómaari, they are just people. Fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers.
They are children trying to measure up to their makers' glory.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

Funerary and Memorial customs:

Right of Renewal

Of those born in the north, death is not the end. Living in Caaťhaḅiles, they believe death to be, more so, a relinquishing of anguish, a transference of one's life energies. "We will flourish, blossom in the amongst the Caaťha Cás̗i. We will wither, wilt in the face of Ḅeľúm Ioma. Yet we shall live again, reborn."
It started as a Juincaaťhas̗i custom for the deceased to burn, whether it be upon a bed of Azure Wraiths and Silver Ďarḅís̗i. The body would then be swaddled in white cloth and cremated in the hills of Ďr̗isá Ľosguťa (witch hill). Or, plainly placed in a pit out in the Incľaus̗i Ḅeďån̗e (spirit woods). These ashes are then gathered and set in a decorative urn.
Finally, their ashes lie in a Nodainn Cás̗i, 'Black Garden,' a graveyard of Ľuḅin Aira (raven's tail) centered near a stream or creek. A spiritual home to help them pass onto the Cásgud Zien, the land of fairies. All Ďagómaari and Yójuin, by law, are gifted the Right of Renewal. The right to properly be reborn into your next life. To have this right stripped from you is one of the greatest dishonors, a cruel wish for eternal rest.

Common Taboos

Ďagómaari Hair

Like their Yójuin cousins, hair is a prominent symbol in Ďagómaari culture. Though, for another reason. Hair represents the essence of Ďagómaari heritage. It emphasizes the strength of character and the right to status. As such, it embodies their honor as sorcerers, maturity as a person, and adoration for one's loved ones.
So, Ďagómaari do not simply cut their hair, EVER. Not under any circumstance other than:

1. Rite of Gómai, coming of age ritual
2. Cůeugai, traditional courtship
3. Trial of Şcoudó Oisáz, the stripping of status
4. Gepsin̗e, holy war

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Síophea

Lifespan

800 ~ 900 years

Average Height

Men: 5’3” to 5’5”
Women: 5’0” to 5'2”

Average Physique

Ďagómaari are martial sorcerers. They are short, yes, but rather toned and lithe in their physique. Your average Ďagómaari will have the strength of six men.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Ďagómaari have a moss green tint to their skin regardless of skin color. This tepid glow does not fade with age.

Geographic Distribution

• R̗iu Incľau Ďaascunn

Related Historical Events

• 4090 D.D.Y.
  Birth of Northern Mageocracies
• 4217 D.D.Y.
  The Twilight Revolutions
• 5654 D.D.Y.
  Birth of Fairyground
• 6652 D.D.Y.
  Gods Revealed
• 6890 D.D.Y.
  Wandering Effigies of the Cold Wind