Lagari
Among the many races found within the deepest depths of The Pit. To anyone else, Lagari would refer to as the strange, tunnel-dwelling species with white, stark fire and bright glowing eyes. But to them, Lagari simply means one thing, and one thing alone: 'Comrade'. To be called a Lagari, is to be called a friend. In the dark and dangerous depths of their homes, the Lagari view just about any friendly face as a fellow 'Lagari' or Friend, for strength in numbers are required should they need to overcome the insurmountable obstacles that dwell within the Pit.
They are a deep-dwelling, subterranean race of humanoids that possess features often compared to a rabbit. Their legs are inverted for running, while their ears are curiously long, fluffy, and blend in with their soft hair. Their bodies are covered in fur, often white, though it is sometimes patterned by darker colours.
Basic Information
Anatomy
The Lagari generally stand somewhat short compared to most races, yet carry themselves on longer, inverted legs designed for leaping and sprinting. Their bodies are covered in soft and supple fur that insulates them from the colder nature of their subterranean homes. Their ears are fur-lined and soft, hanging from the sides of their heads like a rabbit's.
Most curious is their eyes. Lagari eyes are bright and luminous. They give off a glow in the darkest of environments. This adaptation not only allows them to see through the dark perfectly, but it also helps in identifying friend from foe; Lagari have long adapted to identify each other through their trademark, yellow eyes.
Genetics and Reproduction
Due to their nomadic lifestyle, the Lagari have very specific periods of time where they reproduce or marry. Life for the Lagari is always on the road, especially for those who place themselves within the Pathfinders. Those who swear fealty to this guild make an eternal vow of chastity, not out of religious sanctity or faith, but out of the safety and protection of the potential child. Lagari homes are dangerous, filled with dangers that must be overcome through the efforts of entire tribes.
When the tribes have finally settled and found themselves capable of creating a settlement from an accrued amount of wealth, they will typically settle down. Gestation period is shorter for Lagari; roughly 6 months on average.
Growth Rate & Stages
Lagari children begin maturing very early. At around 5 years of age, a Lagari will have reached the equivalent of 13 years for a grown man; it is essentially their equivalent of 'puberty'.
Lagari are considered adults when they reach around ten years of age; while this accelerated age proves useful for their continued survival throughout their subterranean homes, the Lagari are capable of living to around 60 years of age, but seldom reach beyond forty on account of living a very active (and often dangerous) lifestyle.
Ecology and Habitats
The Lagari dwell within a part of The Pit referred to as Petrified Forest. This is the primary home to the Lagari; and true to its name, it is a literal petrified forest, consisting of enormous trees that have long set to stone. These enormous pillars form spires that stretch many feet, meters, and even miles high. The dense 'rooftop' of the cavern is said to be formed from the petrified leaves of the Forest canopy, which had fused together over time; such a claim has never been researched or known, and the Lagari have always known this mysterious part of the world as it is today, with little knowledge of its past.
Within the Forest there winds several caverns and canals, some formed through natural process into actual tunnels and proper stone chambers, while others actually made from logs that have petrified after they have long hollowed out. The Lagari prefer living within the forests, wherever the enormous trees are most dense, as it gives them potential advantage over the enormous predators that skulk throughout the realm.
The Shadow Sea
An ocean rests at the end of this forest. One with waters so black that not even the Lagari may see through it. All light dissipates in the Shadow Sea, and waters brought forth from its murky waters remain occluded, black as pitch. Despite that, leviathans dwell within their depths. Pale creatures that sail through the waters. Unlike most of the Petrified Forest, The Shadow Sea does not have wildlife that adapted through bio-luminescence; this is due to all light disappearing into a black void within the depths of the sea. No amount of brightness can carve through the dark waters.
Despite that, the Lagari have built Nerazan; one of the few big settlements, at the coast. Though they seldom ever traverse its depths, it provides plentiful fishing nearby its shallower parts. Blindfish are fished up from the black deep; a pale, murky fish that lacks eyes, covered in smooth skin and whiskers with wide mouths.
The Coral Coast
The Few Lagari that have managed to survive venturing across the Shadow Sea speak of what's known as the Coral Coast; the Coral Coast, true to its name, is said to consist of a vast forest of white coral that remains above the sea level. Very few manage to return from this venture on account of the Shadow Sea containing countless primeval dangers. Merely being underwater is dangerous; with no possible light to guide those that fall within the waters, simply being knocked overboard is enough to lead to a slow end.
Dietary Needs and Habits
The Lagari are omnivorous, though their location leads to them subsisting moreso off of meat. Most Lagari typically only eat one or two meals in a day, but store a lot of their energy by sleeping throughout the day. When Lagari are not moving about and hard at work, they're typically sleeping to store up what energy they have for the next task ahead.
Blindfish: Fished up from the depths of the Shadow Sea, Blindfish are considered a delicacy, as it is the only real 'seafood' found within their home. Though their strange, pallid appearance often makes them somewhat disturbing to onlookers, most Lagari are quite fond of the taste, heralding it as 'exotic'.
Black Urchin: Essentially sea urchins; pale in colour, that are found in the deeper waters. Black Urchins are fished up using wide nets that skim through the ocean, before quickly being brought back towards the coast. Black Urchins are considered a very rare culinary delight to the Lagari, though its savory, yet pungent flavor lends it to often be considered an acquired taste. Black Urchin meat and blood is, true to its name, pitch black, much like the ocean it was fished from. They are also popular for their meat and blood, which can dye meals black.
Lanko: Lanko is an indigenous root found growing throughout their home, and is one of the only plants that they cultivate and grow. Lanko is essentially similar to a carrot; a large root vegetable with a very hard exterior. Although rocky, it's capable of being shredded or ground up into a pulp. It is frequently bludgeoned out.
Lanko produces a purplish juice that's somewhat earthy, though outsiders often dislike the musty smell.
--It can be fermented into Lankji. An alcoholic beverage that's a popular celebratory drink.
--It is also mixed with Honeyglow on occasion, to create Kalesh; a glowing alcoholic beverage.
Honeyglow: Honeyglow is a plant that grows throughout the Lagari homeland. It is a very popular plant, used in almost every situation. Not only is Honeyglow useful for providing light, but it also carries a very subtle taste and carries plentiful nutrients. It is frequently boiled over flame, and used to deep-fry (called Medgovak) goods.
Deepfry: Lagari Deepfry their food in a process they call Medgovak. Meats or sliced chunks of Lanko are submerged in boiling hot Honeyglow, which creates fatty, indulgent meals. Though tasty, the food is notably high on calories; which is necessary for the Lagari, as their active lifestyles often offsets the caloric intake.
Various Meats: There are many meats that the Lagari find and take; such as meats from Zoog, Drake, and even Troll. They're a very hunter-oriented race and generally find themselves satisfied with just about anything they can bring down on their own.
Honeyglow and Lanko are the only plants that they can grow, but the two plants are versatile enough to provide them a steady diet of vegetables.
Cuisine and Foods
Blindfish: Fished up from the depths of the Shadow Sea, Blindfish are considered a delicacy, as it is the only real 'seafood' found within their home. Though their strange, pallid appearance often makes them somewhat disturbing to onlookers, most Lagari are quite fond of the taste, heralding it as 'exotic'.
Black Urchin: Essentially sea urchins; pale in colour, that are found in the deeper waters. Black Urchins are fished up using wide nets that skim through the ocean, before quickly being brought back towards the coast. Black Urchins are considered a very rare culinary delight to the Lagari, though its savory, yet pungent flavor lends it to often be considered an acquired taste. Black Urchin meat and blood is, true to its name, pitch black, much like the ocean it was fished from. They are also popular for their meat and blood, which can dye meals black.
Lanko: Lanko is an indigenous root found growing throughout their home, and is one of the only plants that they cultivate and grow. Lanko is essentially similar to a carrot; a large root vegetable with a very hard exterior. Although rocky, it's capable of being shredded or ground up into a pulp. It is frequently bludgeoned out.
Lanko produces a purplish juice that's somewhat earthy, though outsiders often dislike the musty smell.
--It can be fermented into Lankji. An alcoholic beverage that's a popular celebratory drink.
--It is also mixed with Honeyglow on occasion, to create Kalesh; a glowing alcoholic beverage.
Honeyglow: Honeyglow is a plant that grows throughout the Lagari homeland. It is a very popular plant, used in almost every situation. Not only is Honeyglow useful for providing light, but it also carries a very subtle taste and carries plentiful nutrients. It is frequently boiled over flame, and used to deep-fry (called Medgovak) goods.
Deepfry: Lagari Deepfry their food in a process they call Medgovak. Meats or sliced chunks of Lanko are submerged in boiling hot Honeyglow, which creates fatty, indulgent meals. Though tasty, the food is notably high on calories; which is necessary for the Lagari, as their active lifestyles often offsets the caloric intake.
Various Meats: There are many meats that the Lagari find and take; such as meats from Zoog, Drake, and even Troll. They're a very hunter-oriented race and generally find themselves satisfied with just about anything they can bring down on their own.
Honeyglow and Lanko are the only plants that they can grow, but the two plants are versatile enough to provide them a steady diet of vegetables.Additional Information
Social Structure
Khans: The Khans are considered the leaders of the Lagari tribes. A Khan leads one of the many nomadic groups, and are charged with controlling whatever small company that lies under their control. Should two Khans ever meet, they typically come to an agreement and bring their tribes together into a conglomerate; Lagari are not averse to being lead by multiple Khans.
This is the closest semblance to 'social structure' that the Lagari have; they are generally considered equal footing with each other otherwise, with only the Khans being their dedicated rulers. Khans are usually proven through years of serving as Pathfinders.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Lagari eyes are peerless; their exemplary sight is unmatched, capable of cutting through darkness even if it were conjured forth through magic. The most minute of details are incapable of escaping their notice. Blindness is often considered to be the cruelest of fates to the Lagari, for not only do they rely so much on their sight, but their comrades rely on the bright lights that dance through the darkness.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Female: Nikole, Zeita, Aranta, Nekane, Leire, Lore
Male: Lantz, Kalen, Alzane, Inaki, Martzel, Mintxo
Lagari take on last names based upon what they're known for. 'Titles', essentially. They do not have traditional last names and usually only refer to each other by their first names.
Major Organizations
Pathfinders: The Pathfinders are an exceptionally important organization within the Lagari society; they are essentially, the equivalent of the Lagari military, but more importantly serve as explorers and hunters. It is the Pathfinder whom decides where the tribe wanders to. Pathfinders are always the first to enter, but the last to leave.
Gender Ideals
Of the many few races in Veska; gender is not really limited to specific roles. The Lagari genuinely value each other equally regardless of gender, or even species. Anyone willing to help is considered a friend, so long as they are capable of stomaching whatever task they have chosen to take on. Lagari Men and Women may both become Pathfinders should they desire it, just as easily as becoming a cook or forager for their tribe.
The only exception to this are women that are carrying a child; children are sacred to the Lagari, and thus, women expecting to bear a child are usually kept sheltered and held in the safety of one of their larger settlements.
Courtship Ideals
Lagari are a bit more casual when it comes to relationships and partners. Polygamy is not only something that isn't frowned upon, but expected from both parties. Women may have multiple lovers, and as may men; whether those lovers are interconnected with each other does not matter. Whatever the case, Lagari very rarely have time to form relationships this meaningful due to their exceptionally nomadic lifestyle, the exception only going towards those lucky enough to spend their days within one of their three cities.
Tvarita: A 'Tvarita' is a term used to refer to as a lover. Tvaritas require no commitment; and these trysts and hook-ups can (and often do) happen quickly, but may last indefinitely. It is a special term reserved for those that the Lagari consider close.
Endati: Endati is used to refer to the 'True Wife' or 'Husband' of the Lagari; a Lagari may only ever have one Endati, and as is tradition, even after death. Taking an Endati is considered a serious commitment. Many Lagari seldom have the opportunity to form the relationship necessary to take it to this level, but swearing oneself as an Endati is, in essence, swearing one's heart, soul, and entire being to the other. 'Lover' is not quite enough to explain the seriousness of an Endati in Lagari culture. A Lagari may have Tvaritas on the side, but they are always considered second to their Endati.
Average Technological Level
The Lagari have attained functional steel or iron; and are fully capable of using it, but are known for their bizarre form of smithing that they refer to as Kalesa
Kalesa: Kalesa, or 'Corpse Shaping' in their tongue, is the act of butchering and making use of every last piece from the enormous creatures that they hunt. The monsters dwelling within their home carry enormous bones and raw materials, which are fully capable of being shaped into special equipment that can further aid them, be it as furnishing, decoration, or even weapons of war. Laugh if you will; but the Lagari find it far more intimidating to be charged by a man carrying a sword sharpened from an enormous jawbone, than an actual sword.
Common Etiquette Rules
Khan Meetings: Khans that meet with another Khan are generally expected to bring some sort of token as a form of tribute, unless the meeting itself is unplanned.
Common Dress Code
Though not really a dress code, the Lagari are fond of utilizing bandages that cover the legs; these bandages are fashioned to be taut and tight over the muscle, and is actually designed to aid in keeping muscles warm and preventing strain. Lagari Pathfinders almost always follow this 'code', so's to prevent The Creak
Lagari males (and females) need not worry about upper clothing due to the fur providing a cover for any private parts; though they always wear pants.
Common Taboos
Abandonment: Abandonment is considered to be one of the worst acts possibly committed; with treachery and betrayal a close second, though the two are often lumped together. Lagari greatly value camaraderie, and the idea of abandoning anyone for dead is considered abhorrent. A Lagari will gladly die if it means helping their friends survive, for the betterment of the tribe.
Historical Figures
Fenari Darkwalker: A famed explorer in Lagari culture; Fenari was one of the few Lagari to survive traveling across the Shadow Sea; he lead an expedition of fellow Pathfinders across the ocean and discovered the Coral Coast. He later returned and reported his findings to the fellow Lagari. Fenari's bravery in treading over the Shadowed Sea has earned him the title of Khan among his people; rather than lead a tribe, however, Fenari chooses to instead live his days within Nerazan. There, he guides and leads Pathfinders out at sea to fish and hunt the waters.
Itzal: Itzal is an infamous Khan to the Lagari people; unlike most Khans, he teaches the values of might-makes-right rather than the traditional beliefs of camaraderie. To Itzal and his people however, the two are considered one and the same; for being strong and leading helps benefit the tribe without worrying about the need of risking their neck to protect their comrade. Despite that, his callous demeanor, when coupled with his lack of empathy, leads to him and his tribe being considered somewhat 'strange' to the Lagari.
Martzel: Martzel is the Khan that found and rules over the largest Lagari settlement of Suraksat; a city constructed from the enormous bones of countless beasts that have fallen at the hands of the Pathfinders. These great bones are cobbled together in countless winding bridges that weave across the enormous trees throughout the complex.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
The Lagari are indifferent on the idea of inter-species relationships; and in fact, somewhat encourage it due to their open and generally friendly nature. With their preference of referring to every living, non-hostile thing as a friend, it isn't too uncommon for a Lagari to call one outside of their kind a Tvarita.
Lifespan
60 Years
Average Height
4'10~5'4
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