Laneshi

Basic Information

Anatomy

Humanoid

Biological Traits

Laneshi are a mysterious bunch, and an ancient kind. They are amphibious, able to breathe both in and out of water, and are said to be able to talk to the animals of the sea, much like how a druid is able to speak to beasts. There are two types of sub races that are based on the circumstance of their birth: Non twin children are put in the warrior caste, while twins are put into the Mystic caste. Warriors are stronger then average and Mystics are able to tap into the spirit of their twin to use necromantic powers.

Genetics and Reproduction

Laneshi reproduce sexually, and it is common for twins to be born. Gestation is around 12 months.

Growth Rate & Stages

Laneshi mature quickly, reaching adulthood at around 14

Additional Information

Facial characteristics

Many Laneshi sport pointed ears similar but different to elves, and have kelp like hair ranging in color

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Due to living deep beneath the ocean surface, Laneshi are able to see better in the dark then other races.

Civilization and Culture

Culture and Cultural Heritage

seek the underlyingduality of everything they encounter. A laneshi is more likely than not to view matters in absolutes and react accordingly. Friend or foe. Day or night. Acceptance or rejection. All things must have their place, and to this end they have developed a rigid caste system. The mystic caste comprises all those laneshi who are born as twins, a very common occurrence. When this happens, the first-born of the pair is inducted into the mystic caste, while the other twin is consecrated as his or her sibling’s spirit guide. Using a powerful necromantic ritual, the second twin is sacrificed and its soul bound within the body of the other. Each member of the mystic caste is therefore possessed of two souls: one living and one dead. This grants them vision into the spirit world and heightens their necromantic abilities. Mystics are in charge of all things that possess no life, and are therefore in charge of funeral rites, crafting, construction, recordkeeping, and food preparation. Heavier duties are usually performed with the aid of undead labor. The second caste, the warrior caste, is in charge of all things relating to the living. This includes not only warfare, but also ruling, diplomacy, farming, the raising and educating of children, and so forth. The warrior caste is roughly double the size of the mystic caste and is structured as a meritocracy, with great deeds leading to greater status. The laneshi are constantly at war with their deep-dwelling neighbors, such as the Sea Elves or the Merfolk or other such sea species, and use their ability to speak with the marine wildlife to find opportunities for heroism and advancement. However their wars can be cruel, and so have a notrious reputation among the sea dwelling people of the world.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

Cnaapah is the god of the Laneshi, being the God of the sea, war, and death. Through their strange sea god they expand their empire and give sacrifices and praise to Cnaapah. He is depicted as a god with 6 crab like arms and the head of a shark. They sacrifice their war captives by cutting out their eyes and offering them to the sky, before slitting the throat of the sacrifice.

History

Deep below the surface, in the ever chaotic ocean called The Ralis Waves, lies the Cnathu Empire. This empire has been around it is said since the first oceans flowed across the river. They expanded their empire across the waves, not caring for the politics of surface dwellers. This all would change when the Sea Elves, a new empire, would vanquish some great enemy to the depths of the ocean. This upstart empire would challenge the Laneshi, and fight against them in cruel and bloody wars.  Though these would end in bitter stalemates, neither side has forgotten the wars of ancient past.
Recently, the Laneshi have been sending agents to the surface world. No one is entirely sure why, but some theorize the Emperor of the Laneshi Empire seeks to expand his lands through conquest to appease the hunger of their god.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Laneshi are an unknown variable, and so many of the surface folk view them with suspicion and caution. Some of the more zealous individuals may seek to hunt them if they find out about their necromantic tendencies.

Lifespan

About 150 years

Average Height

Similar to elves

Average Weight

Similar to elves

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Many come in blueish or green skin tones.