Nae'Cthosai (Nay-kih-THO-say)
The nae'cthosai are the longest-living humanoid species and have traits of both dryads and the (Un)Seelie, being incredibly close to the natural world and Ega. This has made them prone to mild xenophobia, a lack of concern for advancement, and an extreme bias toward internal reflection rather than outward interaction.
Nae'cthosai and eova are genetically related and descended from a single race known as the lea'cthosai, but both subraces are adamant about the distinction. Though it is not immediately obvious with current eova, like the nae'cthosai they retain a strong connection to nature and the Ega -- their connection is more metaphysical, whereas for nae'cthosai it is more physical.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Bipedal, humanoid. Largely without exception they will often develop features of trees, birds, or insects throughout life -- collectively known as one's "marks of Ctho" (fae).
Biological Traits
Much like plants, nae'cthosai to a degree rely on sunlight in order to live in the sense that an extended period without it renders them increasingly weaker, and some may even die from lack of it.
Growth Rate & Stages
The older they become the more inclined they are to be stationary, and the more their skin pigment changes to nod toward the type of tree they will ultimately turn into -- a process referred to as 'rooting'. Which type of tree is not necessarily hereditary and is thus not understood/predictable.
Occasionally a nae'cthosai will, at the end of their humanoid life, become a crealoth instead of a tree, or a tree will re-humanize as a crealoth. Though it is not scientifically understood why this happens and appears to be random, common belief is that it happens to those that were sinful in life or who otherwise did not adhere to nae'cthosai ways; it is often used to scare children.
They make the distinction between these two stages of life as 'the Walking' and 'the Resting'.
Additional Information
Facial characteristics
Their ears are, on average, elongated by two to three inches. Some lineages sport sharp, elongated teeth. All have bright green eyes from being imbued by default with Aré.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
The vast majority have chosen to stay in Unenshuut in order to be close to their ancestral seat, Sahle-ve'Ebaith.
Average Intelligence
Average to high
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Capable of Ega-channeling and the most adept of the species. They also claim to have the heightened ability to perceive sounds, emotions, and textures in the Ega, and their reading of this information has contributed to their behavior and culture, especially in naming conventions. The first Shepherds of Leaving were, consequently, nae'cthosai.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Surnames typically contain two single-syllable Luk'Eishar components, but sometimes three, separated by apostrophes. One of the components is usually a personal quality, while the other may be a color or adverb. For example, Jre'ein roughly translates to Lilac Walker -- in this case, 'walker' denoting one who journeys steadily (positive: patient, cautious, observant; negative: easily-distracted, slovenly, lack of urgency).
First names are usually testimonies of musical skill and what the parent desires for the child; the name's composition is created based on harmonies of syllabics and sounds that are believed to influence a child's destiny and/or personality by putting forth a type of plea to the world/Ega. These pleas can range from generic -- "a life of good fortune" -- to more complex -- "may he rise above his circumstances and find success with the bow" -- depending on the parents.
Beauty Ideals
Aging and with it, their greater assimilation into the natural world, is seen as the epitome of beauty. Should a younger nae'cthosai exhibit early signs of being 'touched' by nature, this is seen as a particular blessing because they will have longer to enjoy it. Meanwhile, more Human-looking nae'cthosai -- in this case, unnatural -- are pitied or scorned.
Relationship Ideals
Lengthy monogamous relationships are uncommon and regarded as 'wasteful' or 'pointless', since all are intrinsically connected. While casual polyamory is common, it is also acceptable (particularly in older age) to have multiple sequential monogamous relationships. There is a common belief in "a Breaking", an event every ten years where nae'cthosai instinctively feel the need to change partners, and which is regarded as natural and generally without grief.
Major Language Groups and Dialects
Common Taboos
Preservation of the body in its natural state, and allowing only nature/genetics to make modifications, has meant that tattooing, piercing, ritual scarification, and the like are frowned upon.
History
The vast majority of nae'cthosai scholars believe their ancestral seat to be Sahle-ve'Ebaith in the southeastern corner of Unenshuut, near the Precipice. Outside of creation myths later imposed by personal choice of faith, nae'cthosai generally believe they are pieces of Icalar itself given body, consciousness, and free will -- the first Sehndist writings were by nae'cthosai and it is rare to find one that diverges from this faith, especially due to their strong connection with the Ega adding additional credence to their origin theories. Being one of the oldest races, they also believe that they have the advantage of extended observance -- they have seen even less evidence than other races of any other way life may have come to be.
This kind of inherent elitism led them to keep their societies closed to outsiders for several centuries, but in recent years there has been more mixing -- but outward, not typically inward. They pride themselves on their focus of higher levels of spiritual harmony, and feel no real pressing need to contemplate life beyond Icalar.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Mild xenophobia
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Genetic Descendants
Lifespan
150 Years
Average Height
5'6 to 6'5 for both males and females.
Average Physique
Typically slender and athletic until middle to old age, when more physical variance sets in.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Typically born with very pale gray-green skin. As they progress in age (though sometimes sooner), they may exhibit unique and varied coloration in skin pigment, or changes in skin or hair texture/color. Additional benign growths are also possible, usually resembling flora, insects, or birds.
Geographic Distribution
Related Organizations
Related Myths
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