Yutogul
The Yutogul are a sentient, amphibious race that are regular trading partners and occasional allies of the Davrin Elves against the psionic Ornilleth. Their aquatic lifestyle makes them unsuitable as slaves for the Davrin, yet the same quality makes them favorite captures of the mind flayers. The Davrin first came into conflict with the Ornilleth when they were newly established in Sivaraus and attempting to trade with the Yutogul. The "thrall raids" from the psionic host usually trapped the water-breathers easily, yet the Davrin brought a stronger resistance to the Elder Minds' attention. Since then, the largest communities of Yutoguls have gravitated to aqua-channels closest to Sivaraus, helping to keep their water from becoming polluted.
Yutogul possess broad, flat heads, a wide mouth, and large, dark eyes with nictitating membranes. Fleshy barbels hang from the sides of their mouth and from their chin. They may seem toothless at first glance, but behind thick lips are many tiny rows of versatile teeth capable of scraping plants from stone, cleaning meat from bone, and snapping hold of live prey underwater. While rare to be bitten by a Yutogul, one Davrin record described it as getting their hand caught between two metal graters.
A Yutogul's skin is smooth and slightly slimy, ranging from grey-green to brown, lighter on the belly, and with darker mottling on the back. Their hands and feet are webbed, digits are long and dexterous, each one tipped with gripping suction cups capable of clinging to damp rock. Their strong legs are equally capable of long, springing jumps or swift propulsion underwater. They possess fins on their forearms, calves and back that are keenly sensitive to vibration when extended; these help them to perceive their surroundings underwater even when silty conditions otherwise block their sight.
Owing to their hunched posture and bow-legged stance on land, an adult Yutogul is typically of similar height to a male Davrin. Their clothing tends to be undecorated and utilitarian, designed to help retain moisture when out of the water.
Males and females possess few physical differences obvious to outsiders, and even Davrin who have regular dealings with the species have difficulty telling a Yutogul's gender.
Their ability to reach areas of the Deepearth otherwise inaccessible to the air-breathing races provides them with access to rare resources or lost and forgotten artifacts. Unable to stand the heat of the forge, the Yutogul have not developed any metallurgical skill of their own and are most interested in trading with other races for metal tools and goods. They are skilled at shaping obsidian, and though the volcanic glass is wickedly sharp and does not corrode in water, it is brittle and less durable than metal.
Yutogul speak a throaty language among themselves that is difficult for other races to emulate, but they learn sign language very easily to communicate with outsiders. Their grasp of the nuances of hand-sign allows them to make jokes involving 'wordplay' of similar signs.
Most Yutogul live in small bands of a few dozen individuals. These bands meet up with others periodically to exchange information, trade, and seek mates. They mate via external fertilization of eggs, and the male and female gather equal amounts of eggs into abdomen pouches to bring back to their band and protect until hatching. The young are released into rivers or lakes difficult to access and guarded constantly. Even so, losses to predators, accident, or illness are common in the first weeks after hatching.
Most Davrin, if they happened to encounter one, would mistake a juvenile Yutogul for a large, wide-mouthed fish with large pectoral fins. After approximately five years in the juvenile stage, a Yutogul's legs grow, their swimming tail disappears, and they learn to take their first steps on land. Childrearing is a communal activity for Yutogul as Ornilleth raids over the centuries have made orphans all too common. The young spend time learning the basics of several occupations from adults before selecting a mentor to apprentice under.
Many Yutogul bands cultivate mutually beneficial relationships with various kinds of drakes, encouraging them to nest near their territory. The stealthy and clever reptiles act as sentinels to provide early warning of incursions into their territory, and in return, the Yutogul provide protection from larger predators and gifts of food from the deep waters.
General Appearance
Yutogul possess broad, flat heads, a wide mouth, and large, dark eyes with nictitating membranes. Fleshy barbels hang from the sides of their mouth and from their chin. They may seem toothless at first glance, but behind thick lips are many tiny rows of versatile teeth capable of scraping plants from stone, cleaning meat from bone, and snapping hold of live prey underwater. While rare to be bitten by a Yutogul, one Davrin record described it as getting their hand caught between two metal graters.
A Yutogul's skin is smooth and slightly slimy, ranging from grey-green to brown, lighter on the belly, and with darker mottling on the back. Their hands and feet are webbed, digits are long and dexterous, each one tipped with gripping suction cups capable of clinging to damp rock. Their strong legs are equally capable of long, springing jumps or swift propulsion underwater. They possess fins on their forearms, calves and back that are keenly sensitive to vibration when extended; these help them to perceive their surroundings underwater even when silty conditions otherwise block their sight.
Owing to their hunched posture and bow-legged stance on land, an adult Yutogul is typically of similar height to a male Davrin. Their clothing tends to be undecorated and utilitarian, designed to help retain moisture when out of the water.
Males and females possess few physical differences obvious to outsiders, and even Davrin who have regular dealings with the species have difficulty telling a Yutogul's gender.
Culture and Heritage
The Yutogul are a cautious and evasive species, using their ability to disappear into the hidden waterways of the Deepearth to avoid unwanted conflict. Though not aggressive by nature, they will defend themselves and their territory fiercely when challenged. Their amphibious lifestyle develops an enhanced awareness of their space in three dimensions, and they are skilled at ambushing foes with surprise leaps from cave walls or ceilings. In combat, they favor spears and daggers, which are equally useful on land or underwater.Their ability to reach areas of the Deepearth otherwise inaccessible to the air-breathing races provides them with access to rare resources or lost and forgotten artifacts. Unable to stand the heat of the forge, the Yutogul have not developed any metallurgical skill of their own and are most interested in trading with other races for metal tools and goods. They are skilled at shaping obsidian, and though the volcanic glass is wickedly sharp and does not corrode in water, it is brittle and less durable than metal.
Yutogul speak a throaty language among themselves that is difficult for other races to emulate, but they learn sign language very easily to communicate with outsiders. Their grasp of the nuances of hand-sign allows them to make jokes involving 'wordplay' of similar signs.
Most Yutogul live in small bands of a few dozen individuals. These bands meet up with others periodically to exchange information, trade, and seek mates. They mate via external fertilization of eggs, and the male and female gather equal amounts of eggs into abdomen pouches to bring back to their band and protect until hatching. The young are released into rivers or lakes difficult to access and guarded constantly. Even so, losses to predators, accident, or illness are common in the first weeks after hatching.
Most Davrin, if they happened to encounter one, would mistake a juvenile Yutogul for a large, wide-mouthed fish with large pectoral fins. After approximately five years in the juvenile stage, a Yutogul's legs grow, their swimming tail disappears, and they learn to take their first steps on land. Childrearing is a communal activity for Yutogul as Ornilleth raids over the centuries have made orphans all too common. The young spend time learning the basics of several occupations from adults before selecting a mentor to apprentice under.
Many Yutogul bands cultivate mutually beneficial relationships with various kinds of drakes, encouraging them to nest near their territory. The stealthy and clever reptiles act as sentinels to provide early warning of incursions into their territory, and in return, the Yutogul provide protection from larger predators and gifts of food from the deep waters.
Magic
Yutogul possess a mild affinity to elemental magic, especially water, air, and earth, although they have no affinity for fire magic. Almost all Yutogul bands have at least one skilled magic user who acts as a counselor and keeper of history. Their elemental magic allows them to purify remote spaces that would otherwise be stagnant and noxious from lack of airflow, making them suitable for their own habitation. Yutogul Deep Traders typically wear small talismans enchanted with water and air magic to help them stave off dehydration on longer trips away from their home waterways.
Location
Deepearth rivers and lakes, caves only accessible by water.
Appearance
Humanoid with fish and amphibian qualities, grey-green to brown skin with darker mottling.
Lifespan
30-75 Years+
Deepearth rivers and lakes, caves only accessible by water.
Appearance
Humanoid with fish and amphibian qualities, grey-green to brown skin with darker mottling.
Lifespan
30-75 Years+