Yanar: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 08:54, 16 May 2014

Delicate and wispy like the softest of flowers, or hard and fortified like the strongest of trees, Yanar are the embodiment of nature itself. A long time ago, before the Cataclysm, Estel had a terrible premonition come to her. To warn the Elven Empire of what she feared was to occur, she told the Nenya, who proceeded to create the Yanar as her disciples. While Yanar are typically peaceful beings, devoted to protecting nature and Aloria’s beauty, they can be corrupted and turned sour -- keen on destroying what was once treasured. Despite their original intentions, the Yanar are just as diverse and interesting as many other races -- their people widespread and their cultures distinct.

History

Years before the Cataclysm occurred, while the Elven Empire was still combatting Orcs, Humans, and the Void Demons, Estel had a premonition of impending destruction. As a result, the Nenya created the Yanar to be disciples of Estel and warn the Elves of their fate. However, the Archdemon Behesael had a way to counter this. The rise of the Shadow Elves proved to be beneficial to him, and the Shendar made it their biggest mission to seek out the Yanar’s destruction. As the number of Yanar dwindled and more of their focus was diverted to the Shadow Elves, their message fell to deaf ears and their goals on Aloria began to change.

Three gifts were given to the Shendar Shadow Council. While two of these meant nothing for wayfaring Yanar, one would become the most detrimental: the Erysphali. The development of the Erysphali, a poisonous fungus that spreads slowly throughout Daendroc, has caused enough disarray and pain for wayfaring and unfortunate Yanar. The corruption begun in Daendroc on the Shadow Isles, off the continent’s western coast. Its spread began in a few other spots on Daendroc’s jungles, but has not made it off - any strains quickly dying as they leave the continent. The number of Yanar were crippled dramatically between the fungus and the fights, leaving them few in numbers, and fewer in morale.

While their numbers are diminished today, they can still be seen about Regalia and varied parts of Daendroc, mostly sticking to nomadic life or smaller tribes, and living more solitary lives. In Daendroc, they take care to preserve the landscape and stop the spread of the corruption and the influence of the Shendar before it becomes too late. However, some Yanar have begun finding new purposes to live, wandering the lands to see the glory of Aloria, or spending time in Regalia with the Yanar healing house.

Physical and Mental Characteristics

Yanar are fairly humanoid in shape and size, typically having four limbs and a head. However, while the most human-like yanar might have flecks of visible skin here and there, Yanar will predominantly be completely covered in plantlife - from bark that covers their skin, to leaves that grow from their bodies and hair, to roots, stems, flowers, and even fruits or berries, in some cases. Occasionally, a Yanar will not be able to do something a human would. For example, sometimes vocal chords won’t develop, while others may need to photosynthesize instead of eat like a mammal.

Culture

Every Yanar, regardless of culture, upbringing, or specific genetics, is more attuned to herbalism and herbology than any other race. This is in their genetic makeup - a natural aptitude for all things leafy, thorny, fruity, green or natural. They thrive in caring for plant life, and typically enjoy doing so. Even the younger, more inexperienced Yanar are quick to pick up botany if ever brought up to them, as if they were simply born to do it.

Most Yanar take advantage of this affinity for botany by teaching their young all they know about healing plants. Yanar typically live in either isolation among small families, or within scattered nomadic tribes of between 50-100 at a time. Generations are prone to passing the knowledge of botany - especially healing and herbal remedies - down to their kin. All of this is done with the idea that one day they may cleanse Aloria of corruption and restore it to its former glory - whatever that may be.

Subraces of Yanar

Flora: Flora Yanar are typically devoid of human skin. While one may have patches here and there, it is more likely due to inbreeding with another race, and has little to do with distinct Yanar characteristics. Instead, their body is covered in leaves, flowers, bark, or other varied plant life, depending on the region in which they were born, their genetics, and their upbringing. An abused Yanar, for example, may find themselves growing more hardened bark, while a vain Yanar may be more prone to developing flowers. Typically, Flora Yanar lack an organ or a limb that would naturally occur in a mammal, making it necessary for them to work around impairments, leaving them lacking things like a voice or eyes, or even forcing them to photosynthesize (though some are prone to doing that even when they do have a mammal’s stomach, simply for enjoyment). When the weather gets colder, Flora Yanar become more shriveled and weak, and will be more prone to exhaustion and sickness. However, come warmer seasons, they begin to flourish and bloom once more. Finally, Flora Yanar typically have a very flowery fragrance that surrounds them, whether or not they’re actively blooming.

Pomifer: The biggest, most distinct difference between Pomifer Yanar and Flora Yanar is the fact that Pomifer Yanar are more prone to bearing fruit, as opposed to flowers. They can still have plant life covering their entire body, but will distinctly grow fruit at seemingly sporadic times. Pomifer fruit can grow anywhere on the body, and in any masses. Some Pomifer Yanar may only have a few clusters of fruits or berries here and there, while others may find themselves covered in fruit at any given time. During the colder months, Pomifer Yanar behave very similarly to Flora Yanar, being very drained and withered. They cannot bear fruit if the weather is too cold. Finally, Pomifer Yanar always tend to have a distinctly fruity fragrance that surrounds them.

Bruma: Bruma are considered opposites to their warm-weathered kin - while Flora and Pomifer Yanar will bloom and flourish during the warmer months, Bruma thrive the most in the cold. Instead of softer or fruitier plants, Bruma will most often find their skin coated in hardened bark, with clusters of pine cones and needles protruding from this ‘flesh’. During the warmer months, while they don’t shrivel or fade, they will become more exhausted, and are more prone to noticing warmer climates, disliking them accordingly. Pine cones and needles can often be shed from Bruma Yanar, and they will usually bleed sap instead of actual blood. They often find more difficulty moving in as sprightly manners as their other kin, and are typically more content remaining dormant. Finally, Bruma Yanar have a distinct smell of evergreen trees that surrounds them.

Veneno: The most ghastly members of the Yanar family are those who have been corrupted by the Erysphali fungus. The instant this fungus touches a Yanar, the transformation to a Veneno occurs within hours. Veneno cannot bear fruit, except the most ghastly, rotten sort. They cannot bear flowers that don’t die within minutes. Finally, their body, which once might have been an icon of health, takes on something much more shriveled and rotten. A Veneno Yanar’s days are numbered when they are corrupted, and without constant healing, they’re not expected to live more than a few more years. While Healing Light and Evergrowth magic have been used to try to temporarily put them one step closer to health, they are prone to relapsing back into their state of disrepair. Veneno Yanar are also much more predisposed to insanity; as their minds deteriorate and the Void’s corruption continues to gnaw at them, they’re much more likely to lose their minds - if not to madness, to demonic possession. Finally, Veneno Yanar have a distinct scent of rotting cabbage - though not many people understand why.

Accreditation

Written by Ryciera.
Art by MonMarty
Processed by Azas, Shayin, and user:MonMarty.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
- '''Note:''' Race is prone to reworking soon.
+Delicate and wispy like the softest of flowers, or hard and fortified like the strongest of trees, Yanar are the embodiment of nature itself. A long time ago, before the [[Cataclysm]], [[Estel]] had a terrible premonition come to her. To warn the [[Elven Empire]] of what she feared was to occur, she told the Nenya, who proceeded to create the Yanar as her disciples. While Yanar are typically peaceful beings, devoted to protecting nature and Aloria’s beauty, they can be corrupted and turned sour -- keen on destroying what was once treasured. Despite their original intentions, the Yanar are just as diverse and interesting as many other races -- their people widespread and their cultures distinct.
- If you decide to play a Yanar before this notice disappears,
- be aware that your character could become incompliant after reworks occur.
-Whether delicate forest dryads or hardened oak like, the race of Yanar represent nature in its fullest; physical manifestations of a world very much alive and breathing. First appearing after the defeat of [[Behesael]] and his invading demons, the Yanar have maintained a love of nature and their goddess [[Estel]] throughout the ages. Caring only for the well-being and preservation of nature, Yanar as a whole have rarely gone to war over any cause other than a threat against their lands and groves. To this day they prefer peaceful seclusion in small clans or tribes deep within the jungles of [[Daendroc]], keeping a watchful eye on their borders as they maintain their loyal vigil over Estel. Despite their reclusive existence however, the reach of the [[Void]] touches even them in the form of a dangerous disease that risks wiping out all Yanar.
+==History==
+Years before the Cataclysm occurred, while the Elven Empire was still combatting [[Orc|Orcs]], [[Human|Humans]], and the [[Void]] [[Demons]], Estel had a premonition of impending destruction. As a result, the [[Nenya]] created the Yanar to be disciples of Estel and warn the Elves of their fate. However, the Archdemon [[Behesael]] had a way to counter this. The rise of the [[Shendar|Shadow Elves]] proved to be beneficial to him, and the Shendar made it their biggest mission to seek out the Yanar’s destruction. As the number of Yanar dwindled and more of their focus was diverted to the Shadow Elves, their message fell to deaf ears and their goals on Aloria began to change.
-== Origins ==
+Three gifts were given to the Shendar [[Shadow Council]]. While two of these meant nothing for wayfaring Yanar, one would become the most detrimental: the [[Erysphali]]. The development of the Erysphali, a poisonous fungus that spreads slowly throughout Daendroc, has caused enough disarray and pain for wayfaring and unfortunate Yanar. The corruption begun in Daendroc on the Shadow Isles, off the continent’s western coast. Its spread began in a few other spots on Daendroc’s jungles, but has not made it off - any strains quickly dying as they leave the continent. The number of Yanar were crippled dramatically between the fungus and the fights, leaving them few in numbers, and fewer in morale.
-The exact origins of the Yanar are unclear, but they first appeared during the rising of the [[Elf|Shadow Elves]], corrupted by the demons that had bled into [[Aloria]] from the Void. Prompted into action against the evil forces attempting to seal Estel away, the [[Nenya]], emissaries from the goddess that took the form of massive trees, brought the first Yanar into existence. They were soon sent out to warn the [[Elf|Elves]] against the dangers of the power struggle left between [[Emperor Mudui]]’s children, these warnings however, fell on deaf and prideful ears. Ignored, the Yanar could do nothing but listen to the forests and grieve as Estel was captured and imprisoned by the Shadow Elves, followed by the systematic destruction of nearly all Nenya and the collapse of the Elven Empire.
-== As a People ==
+While their numbers are diminished today, they can still be seen about Regalia and varied parts of Daendroc, mostly sticking to nomadic life or smaller tribes, and living more solitary lives. In Daendroc, they take care to preserve the landscape and stop the spread of the corruption and the influence of the Shendar before it becomes too late. However, some Yanar have begun finding new purposes to live, wandering the lands to see the glory of Aloria, or spending time in Regalia with the Yanar healing house.
-=== Healers ===
-While some Yanar stayed near the outskirts, determined to bring the scattering [[Elf|Elves]] back to their ancient druidic ways of communing with nature, most turned back into the forests and jungles of Aloria. With the power of their goddess locked away, the Yanar lost their purpose and shepherd. Instead, the Yanar started tending to the land around them, resulting in many Yanar groves appearing on often ruined and sacked Elven groves. Peaceful and gentle, the Yanar used their knowledge of the land around them for beneficial purposes, unlocking the secrets to healing properties of many plants and flowers. Yanar soon became renowned for their skills in healing, but their new found powers proved fruitless as the Shadow Elves struck once again.
-=== Hunted ===
+==Physical and Mental Characteristics==
-Determined to corrupt the land and nature itself, the Shadow Elves began a campaign to destroy the natural flora and fauna of Daendroc. Deep in their accursed circles, Shadow Elf alchemists devised a corrupting disease that targeted the Yanar and groves around them in particular. The disease first struck on the Shadow Isles off the western coast of Daendroc. The entire Yanar population was wiped out on the islands, resulting on the free hand of the Shadow Elves moving towards the mainland. The mildew like disease now called [[Erysphali]], killed many more Yanar as many tried to help their brethren affected, and were they themselves infected.
+Yanar are fairly humanoid in shape and size, typically having four limbs and a head. However, while the most human-like yanar might have flecks of visible skin here and there, Yanar will predominantly be completely covered in plantlife - from bark that covers their skin, to leaves that grow from their bodies and hair, to roots, stems, flowers, and even fruits or berries, in some cases. Occasionally, a Yanar will not be able to do something a human would. For example, sometimes vocal chords won’t develop, while others may need to photosynthesize instead of eat like a mammal.
-Caught between the spreading disease, the Orc destruction of the forests, and the more recent human colonization of Daendroc, the Yanar were forced to flee further and further in the forest. Their fate seemed sealed, withering away as a sub note in history and to disappear into myth as suddenly as they had appeared in Aloria.
+==Culture==
+Every Yanar, regardless of culture, upbringing, or specific genetics, is more attuned to herbalism and herbology than any other race. This is in their genetic makeup - a natural aptitude for all things leafy, thorny, fruity, green or natural. They thrive in caring for plant life, and typically enjoy doing so. Even the younger, more inexperienced Yanar are quick to pick up botany if ever brought up to them, as if they were simply born to do it.
-=== Resurgence ===
+Most Yanar take advantage of this affinity for botany by teaching their young all they know about healing plants. Yanar typically live in either isolation among small families, or within scattered nomadic tribes of between 50-100 at a time. Generations are prone to passing the knowledge of botany - especially healing and herbal remedies - down to their kin. All of this is done with the idea that one day they may cleanse Aloria of corruption and restore it to its former glory - whatever that may be.
-It wasn’t until the [[Lothar]] Elves made an appearance that the Yanar slowly emerged back into view, world-wary and more protective of the remnants of nature than ever. Most Yanar chose to continue their secluded and solitary lives, steadfast in the worship of Estel and their lives living amongst nature. A few however, began seeking the communities of other races. The Lothar Elves especially, sympathetic to the plight of the nature loving beings, helped restore many of the groves and forests around northern Daendroc, resulting in an eventual increase of the Yanar population and strengthened relations between the two races.
-== The Yanar Now ==
+===Subraces of Yanar===
-Today, the Yanar still generally prefer their own secluded clans and tribes, tucked deep within forests and jungles. Being the very representation of nature in flesh, Yanar still hold the goddess of nature Estel, called “Faith” in the common tongue, in high esteem and adoration, often expressing their love by choosing a large home tree to base their clans around and protecting their chosen land. Some Yanar choose to live in swamps and foggy forests, protecting all forms of nature and animal life. Others still have left their homes to settle into human and elven communities, desperate to escape the powdery mildew poisoning that continues to wreak havoc on the population of Yanar as a whole, despite the help of the Lothar. Nearly all Yanar however, remain connected to their lost goddess in some way, and one day hope for the return of Estel, and the restoration of the nature forever lost in Aloria.
+*'''Flora:''' Flora Yanar are typically devoid of human skin. While one may have patches here and there, it is more likely due to inbreeding with another race, and has little to do with distinct Yanar characteristics. Instead, their body is covered in leaves, flowers, bark, or other varied plant life, depending on the region in which they were born, their genetics, and their upbringing. An abused Yanar, for example, may find themselves growing more hardened bark, while a vain Yanar may be more prone to developing flowers. Typically, Flora Yanar lack an organ or a limb that would naturally occur in a mammal, making it necessary for them to work around impairments, leaving them lacking things like a voice or eyes, or even forcing them to photosynthesize (though some are prone to doing that even when they do have a mammal’s stomach, simply for enjoyment). When the weather gets colder, Flora Yanar become more shriveled and weak, and will be more prone to exhaustion and sickness. However, come warmer seasons, they begin to flourish and bloom once more. Finally, Flora Yanar typically have a very flowery fragrance that surrounds them, whether or not they’re actively blooming.
-=== Subraces of Yanar ===
+*'''Pomifer:''' The biggest, most distinct difference between Pomifer Yanar and Flora Yanar is the fact that Pomifer Yanar are more prone to bearing fruit, as opposed to flowers. They can still have plant life covering their entire body, but will distinctly grow fruit at seemingly sporadic times. Pomifer fruit can grow anywhere on the body, and in any masses. Some Pomifer Yanar may only have a few clusters of fruits or berries here and there, while others may find themselves covered in fruit at any given time. During the colder months, Pomifer Yanar behave very similarly to Flora Yanar, being very drained and withered. They cannot bear fruit if the weather is too cold. Finally, Pomifer Yanar always tend to have a distinctly fruity fragrance that surrounds them.
-*'''Plant Yanar:''' Though humanoid in appearance, most Yanars are easily recognizable by their very unique and unmistakable features. Referred to as the Plant Yanar, they are more akin to walking plants than humans, boasting hardened, bark-like skin and leafy hair threaded with branches. Others still have grown characteristics that make them resemble flowers, delicately silken petals and leaves compromising most of their outer body. The most common sub-race of Yanar, they are as wild and varied as nature is, and their connection to Estel as children of the Nenya remain clear and proud on their features.
+*'''Bruma:''' Bruma are considered opposites to their warm-weathered kin - while Flora and Pomifer Yanar will bloom and flourish during the warmer months, Bruma thrive the most in the cold. Instead of softer or fruitier plants, Bruma will most often find their skin coated in hardened bark, with clusters of pine cones and needles protruding from this ‘flesh’. During the warmer months, while they don’t shrivel or fade, they will become more exhausted, and are more prone to noticing warmer climates, disliking them accordingly. Pine cones and needles can often be shed from Bruma Yanar, and they will usually bleed sap instead of actual blood. They often find more difficulty moving in as sprightly manners as their other kin, and are typically more content remaining dormant. Finally, Bruma Yanar have a distinct smell of evergreen trees that surrounds them.
-*'''Nymphs:'''  Even more humanoid than the Plant Yanar, the Forest Nymphs, often referred to as “Faeries” by humans, more often than not look entirely human in appearance, though with some obvious, plant-like features that still identify them as Yanar. From vines growing right from their flesh, to flowers blooming out of their hands, some Nymphs may even have wings, delicate wisps of thin vines and silken petals. This sub-race of Nymphs, though rarer within the race of Yanar, are actually the most commonly seen, as they are the most willing to venture outside of their forests into human communities, being more easily accepted due to their relatively human appearances.
-*'''Poison Yanar:''' Though called to form by Estel and raised above the humble plant, Yanar are still connected to nature, and do not fall free of the ancient threats posed to Estel. Poison, or Corrupted, Yanar are those of the race who have been successfully corrupted by the Shadow Elves, either through an individual encounter, or as an unfortunate consequence of the area under their protection becoming corrupted or polluted. Most shown signs of poisoning through their plant characteristics, usually wilted or dead rather than vibrant and healthy. Poison Yanar are extremely rare, as many of them usually die off due to the corruption – however, a small percentage embrace their new found corruption, turning to hurting the land instead of nurturing it. Considered akin to a human possessed by a demon, active and vigorous Poison Yanar are shunned by all other Yanar for having cast aside their duties to nature and Estel.
+*'''Veneno:''' The most ghastly members of the Yanar family are those who have been corrupted by the Erysphali fungus. The instant this fungus touches a Yanar, the transformation to a Veneno occurs within hours. Veneno cannot bear fruit, except the most ghastly, rotten sort. They cannot bear flowers that don’t die within minutes. Finally, their body, which once might have been an icon of health, takes on something much more shriveled and rotten. A Veneno Yanar’s days are numbered when they are corrupted, and without constant healing, they’re not expected to live more than a few more years. While Healing Light and Evergrowth magic have been used to try to temporarily put them one step closer to health, they are prone to relapsing back into their state of disrepair. Veneno Yanar are also much more predisposed to insanity; as their minds deteriorate and the Void’s corruption continues to gnaw at them, they’re much more likely to lose their minds - if not to madness, to demonic possession. Finally, Veneno Yanar have a distinct scent of rotting cabbage - though not many people understand why.
-*'''Winter Yanar:''' With the misconception of nature taking a full leave of absence during the cold months, it is understandable how surprised the first humans were to lay eyes on the Winter Yanar. Colder and frost-like, these Yanar often have blue or frost-tinged features, deciduous bark and leaves, and the pale hints of winter plants plants growing from them. Unlike their warmer cousins, the Winter Yanar are the most active during the cold months, keeping care of the forests while they hibernate, and nurturing the plants that grow in winter. They are also mainly responsible for waking up the sleeping forests for spring, for which they too remain active and awake, despite their affinity for the cold.
-*'''Root Yanar:''' Root Yanar resemble large roots, often living in caves and underground. The Root Yanar are the most reclusive of all Yanar, most of them don’t speak, going as far as to ignore other sentience to continue tending to the roots of trees and plants.
+----
-[[Category:Races|Yanar]]
+====Accreditation====
+----
+*Written by [[User:Ryciera|Ryciera]].
+*Art by [[User:MonMarty|MonMarty]]
+*Processed by [[User:Azas|Azas]], [[user:Shayin|Shayin]], and [[user:MonMarty|user:MonMarty]].
+[[category:races]]