Kotengu (kō-ten-goo)
Xiǎotiāngǒu - Taiyangyu, tengu nhỏ - Xiaoyu, jag-eun tengu - Dol-eo
“All know of the Great Sage’s pity for those whose occupation or birth mark them as being outside of society. The Dasheng lauded them to be humble, to respect their betters, and strive to uphold the Six Virtues despite their low place. For in this would they show themselves as a Worthy Being.
The Dasheng himself could not remark upon the Kotengu for they only appeared after the Great Kami War. Therefore, it is up to his disciples to mark their place within the Six Virtues. How does one truck with a whole race marked as no better than a prostitute or a thief? The simple answer is that no Upright Being would do so.”Disciple, Hong Mu-kang
The Dasheng himself could not remark upon the Kotengu for they only appeared after the Great Kami War. Therefore, it is up to his disciples to mark their place within the Six Virtues. How does one truck with a whole race marked as no better than a prostitute or a thief? The simple answer is that no Upright Being would do so.”
Basic Information
Anatomy
The kotengu are an avian-humanoid, endoskeletal species with two arms, two legs, and a head. They stand upright and are bipedal. Their bones are partially hollow leading them to weigh significantly less, on average 60 - 70lbs, than their standard 5'0 heights would seem to indicate. Though wingless, they are avian-like in that their bodies are covered in soft, black, raven-like feathers.
Biological Traits
The kotengu are a small, bird-like people standing an average height of five feet, and weighing between sixty to seventy pounds. They are covered in soft, black, raven-like feathers. Their hands and feet are covered in black scales tipped in sharp claws. While their hands function more like a human's, their legs resemble those of a raven, being digitigrade and having pebbly-soled feet with long, flexible toes with three pointing forward and one pointing back. Their heads are avian with a long, black, raven-like beak and small, yellow eyes. They also possess a large, wedge-shaped tail which assists in keeping their balance while running, walking upon narrow ledges, or performing acrobatic feats.
Genetics and Reproduction
Reproduction is accomplished between the male and female sexes of the species. The females lay a clutch of 2 - 3 eggs which incubate for a period of 7 months before hatching.
Growth Rate & Stages
Kotengu chicks are born mostly helpless and completely dependent upon adult caretakers. They learn to walk within the first year of life. For the first two years of life, the children possess a soft coat of downy feathers which provide warmth and a general protection from the elements. Throughout the ten years of their adolescent period, the down gradually transitions to juvenile plumage. By the time they've hit their sexual maturity around the ages of 11 - 13, they begin growing their full, adult featehrs, and by the ages of 16 - 18, their adult plumage is fully developed. Though, these stages can occur at younger or older ages depending on factors such as diet, parentage, or environment.
Ecology and Habitats
Though the kotengu can survive all but the harshest of environmental conditions, they are most as home in large, urban environments.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Kotengu are an omnivorous species and freely consume both vegetable and animal matter. Though they tend to dislike long, soft foods like noodles as they're more difficult to consume in public places due to the species raven-like beaks. They tend to enjoy them in private or amongst themselves, however.
Biological Cycle
Kotengu age at the same rate as humans. They are considered to have reached adulthood between the ages of 15 - 20. Old age is reached around 60 years. Death usually occurs around the age of 80+.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Unlike many of the other Yin-aligned peoples, the kotengu are a matriarchal based society. They live in relatively small communities called, Klùm, often in the poorer sections of human cities. There they create enclaves using the fronts of pawnbrokers, merchants' shops, even restaurants or brothels with human agents to man them. These enclaves are hidden from public view using hidden rooms, doors, passageways and camouflaged architecture which allows the kotengu entry and egress and to move through their homes without being spotted. The Klùm is usually composed of five to six families to make up a small clan of the raven-folk. The leadership is made up of anywhere from three to four matriarchs with the eldest matriarch being the nominal leader.
Facial characteristics
The faces of the kotengu are avian in nature. Possessing a large, black, slightly-curved beak, small, yellow eyes with glossy black, iridescent, feathers covering the whole of it. Males of the species have enlarged feathers around their throats called hackles and another growth of larger feathers just above their bills resembling a small, truncated crest.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
The kotengu are found in every large city across the length and breadth of the empire.
Average Intelligence
Kotengu are a sapient species capable of having complex thoughts and possess self-awareness. They form societies and utilize the technologies extant in the empire.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Used to skulking about at night and in the darkest shadows, the kotengu's sharp eyes can pierce through even the deepest darkness.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Given Names
Unlike most of the races of the empire, kotengu names use a given name followed by surname pattern. By virtue of the fact that the Klum are largely decentralized and independent, more importance is placed on given names within the species. Within the cells, given names are used for official purposes such as record keeping. Upon hatching, most kotengu are given a nickname called Chue khai, or Egg Name. This name is used in their daily lives, even into adulthood, and can take precedence over their own given names in many social situations. Nicknames are usually one syllable and are most often used in everyday interactions by every member of a given Klùm (Nest).There are many situations in which the kotengu may decide to change their given name. Some include the reasons which other races take on different names, such as titles or art names. By far, the most common reason among the raven-folk, however, is to rid themselves of bad luck. Bad luck is largely believed to be the cause of ghosts or spirits among the kotengu, and it is believed that if one changes their name it confuses the ghost and allows them to free themselves from its malignant influence. Those who spend their daily lives working closely with spirits such as priests or wudaoshi have even been known to change their names multiple times throughout their lives.
The given names of kotengu are often meant to describe or invoke positive attributes of the individual. These are most often used in formal situations.
Some of the most common given names among the kotengu are: T̄hæng, Buh̄lạn, Malee, Achara, Boonsri, Gamon, Pornthip, Lek, Wāy, and Ngeā.
Family Names
Like their Yang-aligned counterparts, many of the kotengu surnames are taken from the first, or most notable, kotengu of the past. Surnames are most often only used in the most formal of settings such as the Klùm yai (Grand Nest) in the Forbidden City. In these cases, the full name of the individual will be used along with the appropriate honorific.Some of the more common surnames include: Khan'sithao, Duang'tathi'sotsai, S̄akditām, Khon'piak, Ta'mangkon, Dek'ngao, Kronglep'mangkon, Changoi'tamni, Ra-roeng, and Krasib. Kotengu names use real-world Thai.
Major Organizations
The largest, most centralized organization among the kotengu is the Klùm yai. This organization is secreted away within the Forbidden City of Phoenix and Dragon. Its exact whereabouts known only to its members and to the Dragon Emperor. The Klùm yai is the central core of the emperor's spy network. The Grand Nest is a large, communal dwelling located directly within the Forbidden City. It houses the most talented families and individual kotengu within the empire, including clan heads of the largest families.
All of the information gathered by the individual Nests comes into the Grand Nest through various humanoid assets, called Dragon's Eyes, where it is assessed by the Nakwikhro (Parsers) to determine whether the information is good or bad, requires more investigation or immediate action. The information is then sent up to the Tulakan (Judiciary) along with the Parser's notes and recommendation. If the information is good, it is filed away in the Hongsamut (Library). If the information is bad, it is also filed away appropriately and the individual agent or kotengu who provided the information is reprimanded or punished. Depending on severity.
If more information is required, an messenger agent is dispatched to the appropriate cell who is advised of the new orders. If immediate action is deemed to be needed, the information is taken to the Mārdā yai (Great Mothers) who assess the situation and decide the appropriate course of action. The Great Mothers are the individuals who sit at the top of kotengu society. Just under his Imperial Highness. They decide the course of the kotengu race as filtered through their Divine Mandate. They are the intermediaries between the race and the Dragon Emperor. The Mothers pass on his orders and his laws. If any crime takes place, they hear the case, interpret the emperor's laws, and decide the punishment. On the other hand, they also decide on any rewards or accolades which a deserving kotengu may receive for their deeds.
All of the information gathered by the individual Nests comes into the Grand Nest through various humanoid assets, called Dragon's Eyes, where it is assessed by the Nakwikhro (Parsers) to determine whether the information is good or bad, requires more investigation or immediate action. The information is then sent up to the Tulakan (Judiciary) along with the Parser's notes and recommendation. If the information is good, it is filed away in the Hongsamut (Library). If the information is bad, it is also filed away appropriately and the individual agent or kotengu who provided the information is reprimanded or punished. Depending on severity.
If more information is required, an messenger agent is dispatched to the appropriate cell who is advised of the new orders. If immediate action is deemed to be needed, the information is taken to the Mārdā yai (Great Mothers) who assess the situation and decide the appropriate course of action. The Great Mothers are the individuals who sit at the top of kotengu society. Just under his Imperial Highness. They decide the course of the kotengu race as filtered through their Divine Mandate. They are the intermediaries between the race and the Dragon Emperor. The Mothers pass on his orders and his laws. If any crime takes place, they hear the case, interpret the emperor's laws, and decide the punishment. On the other hand, they also decide on any rewards or accolades which a deserving kotengu may receive for their deeds.
Beauty Ideals
To the outside observer, there doesn't seem to be much which physically differentiates a male or female kotengu. To them, even the bamboo dragons have more variance between the sexes, and they'd be hard-pressed to tell you the difference between the raven-folk. That is, if they'd deign to take that long actually looking at them. For the kotengu, themselves, of course, the differences are marked.
Female kotengu have slightly slimmer, more delicate-looking, beaks. Their eyes are larger and their feathers are finer and more supple. These are all things which the males of the species find attractive and alluring about the opposite sex. As well, they tend to prefer females who are small and delicate with a graceful, elegant build with her tail feathers like an opulent pukuishan.
Whereas females tend to look for a broad, strong beak in a male with some females even prefering a sharper curve to a male's beak than normal. Which, to these females, gives them a more rapacious look. Thicker, more robust, feathers covering a bigger and more powerful frame are looked on favorably. As well, large, thick hackles and crests are considered to be a sign of vigor and potency in the males of the species.
Both sexes consider the glossy, iridescence of their feathers to be beautiful. Flat, unshiny feathers are considered to be particularly ugly and possibly a dirty, lazy, or overall unkempt individual. Feathers should be soft and straight and well-groomed. Bent, broken, or dry and brittle feathers are looked upon as a sign of uncleanliness.Therefore, regular bathing and use of specialized grooming brushes are signs that an individual cares about their appearance and overall health and is considered to be an attractive trait.
Jewelry is one of the more inexplicable things that tends to attract the eye of the opposite sex within the kotengu society. Especially adorning females. Typically, the more jewelry, particularly necklaces, which a female is wearing, the higher her social value and attractiveness is to the males of the species.
Female kotengu have slightly slimmer, more delicate-looking, beaks. Their eyes are larger and their feathers are finer and more supple. These are all things which the males of the species find attractive and alluring about the opposite sex. As well, they tend to prefer females who are small and delicate with a graceful, elegant build with her tail feathers like an opulent pukuishan.
Whereas females tend to look for a broad, strong beak in a male with some females even prefering a sharper curve to a male's beak than normal. Which, to these females, gives them a more rapacious look. Thicker, more robust, feathers covering a bigger and more powerful frame are looked on favorably. As well, large, thick hackles and crests are considered to be a sign of vigor and potency in the males of the species.
Both sexes consider the glossy, iridescence of their feathers to be beautiful. Flat, unshiny feathers are considered to be particularly ugly and possibly a dirty, lazy, or overall unkempt individual. Feathers should be soft and straight and well-groomed. Bent, broken, or dry and brittle feathers are looked upon as a sign of uncleanliness.Therefore, regular bathing and use of specialized grooming brushes are signs that an individual cares about their appearance and overall health and is considered to be an attractive trait.
Jewelry is one of the more inexplicable things that tends to attract the eye of the opposite sex within the kotengu society. Especially adorning females. Typically, the more jewelry, particularly necklaces, which a female is wearing, the higher her social value and attractiveness is to the males of the species.
Gender Ideals
Since the kotengu are a matriarchal species, females tend to take on the leadership roles within all organizations and groups of the raven-folk. They are the ones which organize the intelligence work throughout a particular town or city. They make the regarding information gathering, stalking, and possible wetwork. Males tend to take on more auxiliary or subordinate roles and advisory positions. They are the ones most often doing the actual groundwork of gathering intelligence or performing the grisly deeds which need doing. They are also the ones organizing the intelligence to be looked over by the Nest Mother or teaching the young ones the basic knowledge of the world and their own society.
In practice, these roles stay much the same. However, the reality is that with so much of the vital groundwork being done by the males of the Nests, much of the everyday household work is performed by younger females, themselves. This means that many of the daily chores such as cooking, cleaning, and looking after the eggs and hatchlings are done by females. Sometimes with help from the younger males.
In practice, these roles stay much the same. However, the reality is that with so much of the vital groundwork being done by the males of the Nests, much of the everyday household work is performed by younger females, themselves. This means that many of the daily chores such as cooking, cleaning, and looking after the eggs and hatchlings are done by females. Sometimes with help from the younger males.
Courtship Ideals
As a result of their matriarchal society, the females of the species, with the approval of their mothers and grandmothers, often choose their potential mates and initiate the courtship. However, some brave, male individuals will work up the courage to attempt to initiate the courtship themselves. In either case, the traditional consultation of the matchmaker, in order to ensure the match is suitable, is cleaved to. In the latter case, the male will often attempt to sweeten the pot of consideration by including a necklace within their letter of intent.
The letters of intent are often written in poetic verse. Potential mates are often judged based on the beauty of their calligraphy, the cleverness of their verse, and even the type of paper used. If the receiving party determines that the letter is good, then the courtship will continue on with response letters being to and fro. Between their individual duties and the traditional progression of the courtship, it may even be weeks or months before the pair even meet for the first time as an official couple.
Physical courtship mostly plays out in the nighttime hours and often involves the physical acts that males and females get up to. Over the weeks, or sometimes months, of exchanging letters before the physical act of meeting, said letters often get more and more passionate as the time goes on. This ardor is, in fact, often egged on by the female as a test of the male's devotion and ardor, and it is often decided by the female whether or not the relationship will persist after the first night together.
The letters of intent are often written in poetic verse. Potential mates are often judged based on the beauty of their calligraphy, the cleverness of their verse, and even the type of paper used. If the receiving party determines that the letter is good, then the courtship will continue on with response letters being to and fro. Between their individual duties and the traditional progression of the courtship, it may even be weeks or months before the pair even meet for the first time as an official couple.
Physical courtship mostly plays out in the nighttime hours and often involves the physical acts that males and females get up to. Over the weeks, or sometimes months, of exchanging letters before the physical act of meeting, said letters often get more and more passionate as the time goes on. This ardor is, in fact, often egged on by the female as a test of the male's devotion and ardor, and it is often decided by the female whether or not the relationship will persist after the first night together.
Relationship Ideals
Ideally, the courtship, especially after the first night, will lead to a more permanent relationship. This ideal is part of the reason that the female encourages more racey language and behavior within the letters exchanged between the couple. She is attempting to encourage his instincts to mate and produce a family. Of course, due to the entire nature of kotengu society, the onus on whether or not the relationship persists is entirely on her.
In reality, kotengu relationships are often more torrid affairs which persist for a few months and ultimately fizzle out. Most times before any offspring is even produced. Those that do produce offspring after a first mating are still not guaranteed to last throughout the raven-folks' lifetimes. In these cases the children are simply reared by the mother and her family. Even in those cases where the couple is considered to be a mated pair-bond, the male will move into the female's house and is considered to be a part of her household.
When a couple is considered wed, the father is expected to keep up his duties to the Nest until such time as any children are considered old enough to start learning the ways of the raven-folk. At that point, he is expected to begin teaching them. In these cases, the females may take over the male's role and begin leading teams out in the world. This requires the male to support her by taking on more household administrative work as it involves her work out in the field. In times such as these, many couples keep the spark alive through gifts and exchange of poetic letters to each other.
In reality, kotengu relationships are often more torrid affairs which persist for a few months and ultimately fizzle out. Most times before any offspring is even produced. Those that do produce offspring after a first mating are still not guaranteed to last throughout the raven-folks' lifetimes. In these cases the children are simply reared by the mother and her family. Even in those cases where the couple is considered to be a mated pair-bond, the male will move into the female's house and is considered to be a part of her household.
When a couple is considered wed, the father is expected to keep up his duties to the Nest until such time as any children are considered old enough to start learning the ways of the raven-folk. At that point, he is expected to begin teaching them. In these cases, the females may take over the male's role and begin leading teams out in the world. This requires the male to support her by taking on more household administrative work as it involves her work out in the field. In times such as these, many couples keep the spark alive through gifts and exchange of poetic letters to each other.
Major Language Groups and Dialects
The kotengu speak their own language called P̣hās̄ʹā kā in their own tongue. This language uses real-world Thai as its base.
The language is known as Wuyayu in Dàyángyu and Karasugo in Daiingo.
Common Etiquette Rules
Many of the kotengu etiquette practices are consistent with the rest of the empire.
When meeting someone new a polite bow is expected when introducing oneself. When greeting a friend or acquaintance, a small nod of greeting will usually suffice if they are of similar social status. When greeting an elder or someone of higher social status, a deeper bow is expected, regardless of whether or not it is a first time meeting or the person is known.
It is expected to bring a small gift or token of gratitude when being invited into another family's home. This gift is usually a small token of cultural significance thought to bring luck or prosperity to the visited household. For instance, bringing a shiny piece of jewelry, such as a necklace, to the lady of the house is considered polite. Dining is a communal affair for the whole Nest and many of the same rules for dining etiquette are the same as the rest of the empire. The eldest female member of the family or clan is always offered the most prominent seat at the table, nobody eats until the she starts, and chopstick etiquette applies. Among the kotengu, themselves, it is considered polite to say, "Kâa-pá-jâao nom rap (I accept [humbly])," to express appreciation for the time and effort that went into preparing the meal. It is also considered impolite to touch any food with one's claws. It is also considered highly disgusting to pick one's teeth, with either claws, chopsticks, or anything else, while at the table. The kotengu, of course, have their own list of honorifics to be used both in formal and informal situations. Within each Nest, though they might not be blood related, each individual kotengu is considered to be part of an extended family. This fosters a sense of closeness and kinship which inspires both loyalty and camaraderie. Especially amongst the lower-ranked, younger members. Therefore, there exists within the kotengu speech a rather large array kinship terms with which to refer to the other members of their Nests. These kinship terms usually come before the given or nicknames:
When meeting someone new a polite bow is expected when introducing oneself. When greeting a friend or acquaintance, a small nod of greeting will usually suffice if they are of similar social status. When greeting an elder or someone of higher social status, a deeper bow is expected, regardless of whether or not it is a first time meeting or the person is known.
It is expected to bring a small gift or token of gratitude when being invited into another family's home. This gift is usually a small token of cultural significance thought to bring luck or prosperity to the visited household. For instance, bringing a shiny piece of jewelry, such as a necklace, to the lady of the house is considered polite. Dining is a communal affair for the whole Nest and many of the same rules for dining etiquette are the same as the rest of the empire. The eldest female member of the family or clan is always offered the most prominent seat at the table, nobody eats until the she starts, and chopstick etiquette applies. Among the kotengu, themselves, it is considered polite to say, "Kâa-pá-jâao nom rap (I accept [humbly])," to express appreciation for the time and effort that went into preparing the meal. It is also considered impolite to touch any food with one's claws. It is also considered highly disgusting to pick one's teeth, with either claws, chopsticks, or anything else, while at the table. The kotengu, of course, have their own list of honorifics to be used both in formal and informal situations. Within each Nest, though they might not be blood related, each individual kotengu is considered to be part of an extended family. This fosters a sense of closeness and kinship which inspires both loyalty and camaraderie. Especially amongst the lower-ranked, younger members. Therefore, there exists within the kotengu speech a rather large array kinship terms with which to refer to the other members of their Nests. These kinship terms usually come before the given or nicknames:
- Pho: father
- Mae: mother
- Phī̀: older brother/sister
- Nong: younger brother/sister
- Lūk: child
- Lǎan: grandchild/niece/nephew
- Lěen: great grandchild
- Lue: great great grandchild
- Lung: uncle (mother/father's older brother)
- P̂ā: aunt (mother/father's older sister)
- Náa: aunt/uncle (mother's younger brother/sister/cousin)
- Aa: aunt/uncle (father's younger brother/sister/cousin)
- Pū̀: grandfather (father's father)
- Yâa: grandmother (father's mother)
- Tā: grandfather (mother's father)
- Yai: grandmother (mother's mother)
- Tûuat: great-grandparent
- Tîiat: great-great-grandparents
- Than-phu-ying: roughly means, "great lady," and is reserved for the Mother of the Grand Nest in the Forbidden City.
- Khun-ying: roughly equivalent to "milady," and is used for Nest Mothers.
- A-chan: is a term of respect for educated scholars. It is often used to refer to elder males.
- Khrū: is a term of respect for teachers.
- Mo: is a term of respect for doctors
- Khun: is a term of respect used for any male kotengu of any rank.
- Naangsao: is a term of respect for young, unmarried women.
- Naang: is a general term of respect for married women. This is generally used for lower-status women or if their rank is unknown to the speaker.
Common Dress Code
Due to both their relative youth as a race and their desire to blend in as much as possible with their surroundings, attempting to go mostly unnoticed, don't really have much in the way of clothing traditions the way many of the other races do. They simply tend to adopt the clothing traditions of whomever happens to be the predominant species in whatever city in which the Nest is located. For instance, the kotengu living in one of cities of the Storm Lands would dress in the manner of a Daiin commoner. While a kotengu of the Imperial Capital would dress in the ways of the commoners of Dàyángren.
Perhaps the only nod to their own morphology and comfort is that the chosen clothes are often loose and light, allowing room and breathability for their feathers and for ease of movement. Given their relatively low social status as a whole, as well as, their penchant for blending into the lower strata of society, their clothes will most often be made of rough cotton, ramie, or hemp. Only those kotengu who enjoy higher status and thus rarely, if ever, leave the Nest, have access to finer cottons and silks.
The one thing which could be said to be uniquely kotengu is their fascination with accessories. In particular, shiny jewelry, but especially necklaces. The raven-folk absolutely adore the weight, the feel, the sound, and the look of a shiny piece of jewerly. The jewelry in question does not even have to be of high quality or have any intrinsic value so long as it is shiny. The practice is so pervasive among the species that the amount of jewelry a particular kotengu has collected has become an indicator of status among them. With strict rules on the number of rings, bracelets, or necklaces one may possess or wear at any one time according to their status within kotengu society. Therefore, high-status matriarchs are often dripping with rings, bracelets, and multiple necklaces stacked atop each other in a gaudy display of social clout. Of course, their jewelry is rarely, if ever, worn when doing field work. Therefore, everyday raven-folk, like field agents, are rarely ever encountered with such ostentatious displays.
Perhaps the only nod to their own morphology and comfort is that the chosen clothes are often loose and light, allowing room and breathability for their feathers and for ease of movement. Given their relatively low social status as a whole, as well as, their penchant for blending into the lower strata of society, their clothes will most often be made of rough cotton, ramie, or hemp. Only those kotengu who enjoy higher status and thus rarely, if ever, leave the Nest, have access to finer cottons and silks.
The one thing which could be said to be uniquely kotengu is their fascination with accessories. In particular, shiny jewelry, but especially necklaces. The raven-folk absolutely adore the weight, the feel, the sound, and the look of a shiny piece of jewerly. The jewelry in question does not even have to be of high quality or have any intrinsic value so long as it is shiny. The practice is so pervasive among the species that the amount of jewelry a particular kotengu has collected has become an indicator of status among them. With strict rules on the number of rings, bracelets, or necklaces one may possess or wear at any one time according to their status within kotengu society. Therefore, high-status matriarchs are often dripping with rings, bracelets, and multiple necklaces stacked atop each other in a gaudy display of social clout. Of course, their jewelry is rarely, if ever, worn when doing field work. Therefore, everyday raven-folk, like field agents, are rarely ever encountered with such ostentatious displays.
Culture and Cultural Heritage
In the wider world, kotengu are thought of as nothing more than shiftless vagabonds, itinerant beggars, a people outside society. The view that they have no homeland or culture to call their own is particularly prevalent among the other races of the empire. When the most socially acceptable among the race are merchants and travelling peddlers, it simply adds extra credence to a society steeped in traditionalism. The criticism is, of course, not without its own merit being that the kotengu truly have no real homeland nor cultural touchstones which they can call their own. At least not publicly.
The kotengu culture primarily revolves around their role as spies, intelligence operatives, and information brokers. What they call the Shadow World. They take the most pride in their ability to be beneath notice to infiltrate, gather information, and manipulate events and people from the shadows. This very culture has kept the popular view of them in place and kept the race at the bottom rung of imperial society nearly from the time of their genesis. The humble face that the race projects keeps them beneath the notice of their so-called betters and allows them to keep their culture in relative freedom. Sure, with the Dragon Emperor's backing the race could enjoy the same sort of fame, or infamy, and awe which their cousins, the phoenix-kin enjoy, but it would defeat the entire purpose of being a secret police force.
Therefore, the deeper culture of the raven-folk, their devotion to and love of the moon god and the emperor, their matriarchal society, an anamoly among Yin-based societies, their near-fanatical enjoyment of shiny trinkets, must remain buried deep within the shadows. Locked behind hidden doors in hidden rooms where only the raven-folk can bear witness to its hidden beauty.
The kotengu culture primarily revolves around their role as spies, intelligence operatives, and information brokers. What they call the Shadow World. They take the most pride in their ability to be beneath notice to infiltrate, gather information, and manipulate events and people from the shadows. This very culture has kept the popular view of them in place and kept the race at the bottom rung of imperial society nearly from the time of their genesis. The humble face that the race projects keeps them beneath the notice of their so-called betters and allows them to keep their culture in relative freedom. Sure, with the Dragon Emperor's backing the race could enjoy the same sort of fame, or infamy, and awe which their cousins, the phoenix-kin enjoy, but it would defeat the entire purpose of being a secret police force.
Therefore, the deeper culture of the raven-folk, their devotion to and love of the moon god and the emperor, their matriarchal society, an anamoly among Yin-based societies, their near-fanatical enjoyment of shiny trinkets, must remain buried deep within the shadows. Locked behind hidden doors in hidden rooms where only the raven-folk can bear witness to its hidden beauty.
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
Marriage Rites
Discussed previously was the customs which revolve around kotengu courtship and their relationships. As described, kotengu relationships are relatively simple by comparison to the other races. By extension, their weddings are even simpler. All it takes for a kotengu couple to be considered to be officially married is for the nominal groom to spend three nights in his bride's home and remain there on the third morning.There are, indeed, very few official ceremonies around the tradition of marriage. Once the couple is discovered on that third morning, the groom is officially introduced into his new household. At this point, the groom serves tea to his new mother- and father-in-law. Followed by paying respect to his new bride's ancestors after the arrival of his own parents, during which the bride and groom share three cups of sake to symbolize the three couples present and the three mortal flaws. After which, a banquet is held to celebrate with the bride's family hosting the groom's.
Birth & Baptismal Rites
Kotengu females do not get pregnant nor do they give birth. They lay eggs. Therefore, many of the rituals the other races have around childbirth, and the honoring of the gods and goddesses of such, either do not exist for the raven-folk or have been altered slightly to accomodate the differing processes of reproduction. For instance, every Nest has a specialized room hidden deep within the most secure area that is a dedicated hatchery and nursery.Once a female kotengu is ready to lay her eggs, she goes down into the nursery area which has a shrine dedicated to the Thep chao khlot, the Birthing Gods. There, she makes offerings and prayers to the Gods of Childbirth in hopes of producing viable young and no unhatched eggs. She then lays her eggs in a nest of soft cotton and silks which is moved to the Rong phao fak, the Hatchery Chamber. Of course, the Hatchery Chamber is a bit of a misnomer within the majority of kotengu Nests. The only actual chamber dedicated to the hatchery is in the Grand Nest in the Forbidden City. Most kotengu Hatchery Chambers, located in smaller cities where space is at a premium, are covered boxes the size of large tables where the optimum conditions for hatching are monitored and maintained through magical means.
During the seven months of incubation time, the eggs are monitored by mostly young, unranked females. The parents, themselves, come in to monitor and turn their eggs periodically as their duties allow, but most of the time, the young females act as nursemaids in the parents' place. Around each egg is placed a red, cotton band with the chat'song'ngai phra'khreuang (Lucky Birth Amulet), stitched onto the front. Each time the eggs are turned, either by the parents or the young nursemaids, a small prayer is uttered to the Birthing Gods for the developing babies to safely hatch. At the major moon phases (full, half, and new) over the months of the incubation, the blessings of the moon god and his nephew, Hachiman, in his guise as the god of spies, seeking their protection and guidance of the hatchlings in their development.
When the eggs are ready to hatch, the silk and cotton nest is removed from the Hatchery Chamber to the general nursery in order to accomodate the raven-folk that will be gathered to watch and to maintain the environment for the other families' nests still within the Chamber. The parents and their families are invited into the nursery to attend the event as the hatchlings, the future generation of the kotengu, enact their first struggle to free themselves from their shells. A priestess also attends the birth, chanting supplications and prayers of strength for the hatching youngsters. When they finally emerge, their tiny, fluffy feathers sticky with the remains of their eggs, they are gently wiped clean by their parents and gathered up to be introduced to their grandparents before receiving their Egg Names. Each of the individual egg shells are also gathered to be ground up and placed into protective amulets for the new hatchlings.
Sixty days after they've hatched, the new hatchlings are introduced to the rest of the Nest and their new, official, given names are written down in the Nest's family registry under the appropriate family's entry.
Coming of Age Rites
Like their counterparts in the phoenix-kin, the kotengu are trained in what are known as the Low Arts of spycraft, stealth, and assassination from nearly the time of their first steps. Once they reach their age of majority and are considered ready to enter into the Shadow World, they go through their own version of the Capping Ceremony. They are taken before the shrine dedicated to the moon god and Hachiman, the god of spies, where the elder who has trained them through most of their lives helps them don their "adult clothing." This consists of a single garment which is a black, sleeved haori falling to around mid-thigh and cinched closed with a thin obi. Also in black. This garment is entirely ceremonial and will, usually, only be worn the single time in the kotengu's life. It is purely worn as a symbol of the young kotengu's acceptance into the Shadow World before the gathered Nest.Once the haori is donned, a straw hat, also lacquered in black, is placed upon the youth's head, to symbolize their common, invisible, status among the rest of the world. After this, they are blessed by the priestesses of the two gods and have their Shadow Name written into the Nest's Family Registry. Finally, a banquet is held with the whole Nest to celebrate the induction of a new operative.
That, of course, is the standard ceremony for the majority of the raven-folk. Those going into other fields of work, such as scholars, magi, or priestesses will don different outfits and headgear more appropriate to their chosen fields. Though, these outfits will also be in the ceremonial black, with the priestesses being trimmed in red. Those ying'sao san'chao (shrine maidens) dedicated to the god of spies wear a small circlet made of a red-dyed bowstring braided with dove feathers.
Funerary & Memorial Customs
The funerals of the raven-folk are no different than those spoken of for other races. They follow all of the same steps and rituals performed by the Daiin people. The Dragon Emperor's birthday is always observed and celebrated by the kotengu. Those without pressing duties are called back to the Nests, and duties around the Nests are suspended for the day of celebration. Those who are able may make pilgrimage to the Grand Nest at the Forbidden City to pay their respects to him and the God at the Grand Shrine. Those unable to visit, instead decorate their Nests in colored lanterns and paper dragons and hold a lavish banquet to celebrate his birth.Common Taboos
The kotengu thrive, and exist, on anonymity. Therefore, revealing their secrets, such as their affiliation with the emperor as his secret police, their Divine Mandate (i.e. their work as spies), or other secrets of the Nests, is tantamount to betrayal of the race, the emperor, and their god. As a result, the punishment must fit the degree of the crime, and that punishment is a swift, and merciless, death. Not only to the kotengu who betrayed their people, but to those the secrets were revealed, as well.
The Nest Mother holds a position of utmost respect and authority within kotengu society. The Nest Mother's word is law within her Nest and her decisions are rarely, if ever, questioned. Disobeying or disrespecting the Nest Mother can have dire consequences for the individual kotengu brazen enough to do so. The punishment for this can include disciplinary actions such as demotions in rank or canings, or even jail time or corvee labor depending upon the severity of the disrespect shown.
Engaging in violence within the Nest, with or without clear provocation, is considered taboo. It disrupts the harmony and unity of the Nest and can lead to discovery if not contained. Disputes between kotengu which cannot be settled interpersonally are to be brought before the elders and the Nest Mother for mediation. Disregarding this taboo can lead to disciplinary actions and even expulsion from the Nest.
Mystical tools and magic have their place within the raven-folks' trade. Many items, such as heating stones, are considered invaluable. Use of magic within the Nest without wisdom or forethought, however, is considered to be a taboo. Recklessly using magic can bring harm to the Nest as a whole, whether that's through sheer, destructive force or through the chance of discovery by the general population, at large. Any kotengu who shows a marked lack of wisdom and restraint in their use of magic can be brought back down to the status of a child who must be reeducated in the proper use of the mystic arts, at the very least.
History
Unlike many of the other races, the kotengu don't have a history which stretches back into the early days of the world. They were not created by Takami-musubi, nominal Life Bringer. Like their counterparts in the Fengren, they were created after the Kami Daisensō. After the chaos of the Kami Daisensō the races of the world were mostly scattered. The previous, feudal governments and kingdoms had been broken and cast down. Many of the Great Houses were lost and those that remained were a shadow of their former glory. Though elated by their victory over the dark god, the peoples of the land were lost, and infighting began again; heralding the return of the endless clan wars during the Age of the Bushi. In a direct response to Amaterasu's creation of the phoenix folk, the moon god, Tsuki-yomi, created the kotengu as a counterpoint. Using some of his own life force, the moon god took the feathers of the now long-dead tengu and the blood of mortal men, molding, shaping, and crafted into their forms the cold and logical energies of the Moon, the Great Yin, and set upon them the task of protecting his descendant, the Dragon Emperor and his Household, from the shadows.
Being of a logical disposition and possessing a keen mind, the Dragon Emperor knew that it would take more than martial prowess to bring the wayward generals, warlords, and noble houses under the control of the Imperial Thrones. Therefore, he set about molding the nascent race gifted to him into an elite force of spies and assassins. He brought in the ancient clans of ninja whom he had taken into his household after their own lands were destroyed and tasked them with training the kotengu in the ways of stealth, deception, and spycraft. He then organized the race into disparate, largely independent cells which he called Chobatsu, and set the largest of them in a hidden Su, or Nest, directly on the palace grounds within the Forbidden City. He then dispatched the rest of the cells to set up new Nests throughout the rest of the lands, many of them occupied by hostile forces intent on taking control of the land for themselves.
In the intervening years between the defeat of the Dark God and the Imperial Seats finally grasping and asserting their dominance and divine authority, any number of smaller clans and warlords had cropped up. Taking advantage of the many power vacuums left behind, these opportunistic warlords and clans took full advantage in attempts to wipe out their traditional enemies and wrest control of the lands for themselves. While his sister fought with her loyal armies, the emperor took assessment of the burgeoning chaos with information from his Chobatsu. Using the information his spymasters had gleaned, by using misdirection, deception, outright lies, assassination and even his own sister as a blunt tool, he sowed discord and destruction among the ranks of the imperial enemies. It took many years and many campaigns, but whether through martial means of his sister, the Phoenix Empress, or the more...diplomatic...means, the most obstinate warlords were finally crushed, and the empire was finally, officially, brought under its rightful rulers.
Without the Emperor and his kotengu spymasters, the period of warring states would have begun all over again and the empire as it is known would have never been.
Being of a logical disposition and possessing a keen mind, the Dragon Emperor knew that it would take more than martial prowess to bring the wayward generals, warlords, and noble houses under the control of the Imperial Thrones. Therefore, he set about molding the nascent race gifted to him into an elite force of spies and assassins. He brought in the ancient clans of ninja whom he had taken into his household after their own lands were destroyed and tasked them with training the kotengu in the ways of stealth, deception, and spycraft. He then organized the race into disparate, largely independent cells which he called Chobatsu, and set the largest of them in a hidden Su, or Nest, directly on the palace grounds within the Forbidden City. He then dispatched the rest of the cells to set up new Nests throughout the rest of the lands, many of them occupied by hostile forces intent on taking control of the land for themselves.
In the intervening years between the defeat of the Dark God and the Imperial Seats finally grasping and asserting their dominance and divine authority, any number of smaller clans and warlords had cropped up. Taking advantage of the many power vacuums left behind, these opportunistic warlords and clans took full advantage in attempts to wipe out their traditional enemies and wrest control of the lands for themselves. While his sister fought with her loyal armies, the emperor took assessment of the burgeoning chaos with information from his Chobatsu. Using the information his spymasters had gleaned, by using misdirection, deception, outright lies, assassination and even his own sister as a blunt tool, he sowed discord and destruction among the ranks of the imperial enemies. It took many years and many campaigns, but whether through martial means of his sister, the Phoenix Empress, or the more...diplomatic...means, the most obstinate warlords were finally crushed, and the empire was finally, officially, brought under its rightful rulers.
Without the Emperor and his kotengu spymasters, the period of warring states would have begun all over again and the empire as it is known would have never been.
Origin/Ancestry
Asian, Tengu, Kotengu
Lifespan
~80 years
Average Height
5'0
Average Weight
65lbs
Average Physique
Small and lithe. Their feathers tend to make them appear bulkier than they actually are.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
The bodies of the kotengu are covered in glossy black feathers. In certain light the feathers can reflect a purple, blue, or greenish tint due to iridescence. Their claws and talons are the same glossy black color without the iridescence. The hands, feet, and beak are a dark charcoal grey. The eyes are yellow.
Discovered by
Kotengu Traits
Starting Attributes - +2 Grace, +1 Judgment.
Alignment - Kotengu are Yin alignment.
Night-sight - allows for vision in near-perfect darkness due to life in darker conditions.
[Placeholder] -
Discerning Eye - kotengu gain a +2 to Calligraphy Art.
Hollow Bones - Gain a +1 in two of the following skills: Athletics, Bluff, or Skulk.
Starting Face: +1
Starting Qi: +2
Alignment - Kotengu are Yin alignment.
Night-sight - allows for vision in near-perfect darkness due to life in darker conditions.
[Placeholder] -
Discerning Eye - kotengu gain a +2 to Calligraphy Art.
Hollow Bones - Gain a +1 in two of the following skills: Athletics, Bluff, or Skulk.
Starting Face: +1
Starting Qi: +2
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