Slizzar: Difference between revisions

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==Historical Interactions==
==Historical Interactions==
Because Slizzar live very long, and have been around for so long as a Race, their existence has impacted a variety of Races and Empires through the years. These do not strictly affect Racial interactions, but are relevant to old Characters.  
Because Slizzar live very long, and have been around for so long as a Race, their existence has impacted a variety of Races and Empires through the years. These do not strictly affect Racial interactions, but are relevant to old Characters.  
* The Slizzar supposedly interacted with the Seraph, but next to nothing survives of this era. Zaalaanzaal always made the Slizzar burn all their records when a Void Invasion happened, and never speak of past interactions again, and as such, the information eventually died. Slizzar however will continue to insist that the surviving Seraph wall hieroglyphs are wrong, and that Seraph actually were centaur-like.  
* The Slizzar supposedly interacted with the Seraph, but next to nothing survives of this era. Zaalaanzaal always made the Slizzar burn all their records when a Void Invasion happened, and never speak of past interactions again, and as such, the information eventually died. Slizzar however will continue to insist that the surviving Seraph wall hieroglyphs are wrong, and that Seraph actually were [[Centaur]]-like.  
* The Slizzar didn’t interact much with the [[Second Civilization|Second]] and [[Third Civilization]], as Zaalaanzaal kept Sassrakkand closed off during much of this period. It speaks volumes to the fact that the second and third civilizations were likely very violent periods in the world as the Dragons were attempting to compensate for their mistakes with the Seraph.
* The Slizzar didn’t interact much with the [[Second Civilization|Second]] and [[Third Civilization]], as Zaalaanzaal kept Sassrakkand closed off during much of this period. It speaks volumes to the fact that the second and third civilizations were likely very violent periods in the world as the Dragons were attempting to compensate for their mistakes with the Seraph.
* The Slizzar had more extensive contact with the [[Maraya]], and implications exist that the Maraya and Slizzar actually had very good relations. Much of the context is lost to this day, however it is believed that one of the six Anindriya Slizzar resides within the Homefleet.  
* The Slizzar had more extensive contact with the [[Maraya]], and implications exist that the Maraya and Slizzar actually had very good relations. Much of the context is lost to this day, however it is believed that one of the six Anindriya Slizzar resides within the Homefleet.  
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* The Slizzar extensively interacted with, and were also the principal founders of the [[Essa Empire]] among the [[Allar]]. Slizzar and Allar interactions go extremely deep, many of the ruling Digmaan have their own Slizzar advisor, or are being manipulated by one. Following the destruction of the Essa Empire at the hands of the Regalians, there was a pogrom to kill the Slizzar who were blamed for the loss, but when the Allar started integrating into the Regalian Empire, this hatred cooled, and the Slizzar quickly retook their position.  
* The Slizzar extensively interacted with, and were also the principal founders of the [[Essa Empire]] among the [[Allar]]. Slizzar and Allar interactions go extremely deep, many of the ruling Digmaan have their own Slizzar advisor, or are being manipulated by one. Following the destruction of the Essa Empire at the hands of the Regalians, there was a pogrom to kill the Slizzar who were blamed for the loss, but when the Allar started integrating into the Regalian Empire, this hatred cooled, and the Slizzar quickly retook their position.  
* The Slizzar had numerous interactions with the [[Sariyd]] and subsequent [[Qadir]], but generally despise them in the present era. The Qadir frequently attempted to abuse the Slizzar Honored Matron tradition to enter Sassrakkand as non-Slizzar, just to try and steal technology. Sassrakkand, while protected by Dragon Magic, has most of this Dragon Magic fueled by machines built by Zaalaanzaal. As such, Sassrakkand is considered the holy grail of Dragon tech to the Qadir, and something that they could use to finally lay waste to the Dragons in Farah’deen if only they could investigate the technology. Slizzar in turn have banned Qadir from entering Sassrakkand (even as Honored Matrons), and are always suspicious of their intentions.
* The Slizzar had numerous interactions with the [[Sariyd]] and subsequent [[Qadir]], but generally despise them in the present era. The Qadir frequently attempted to abuse the Slizzar Honored Matron tradition to enter Sassrakkand as non-Slizzar, just to try and steal technology. Sassrakkand, while protected by Dragon Magic, has most of this Dragon Magic fueled by machines built by Zaalaanzaal. As such, Sassrakkand is considered the holy grail of Dragon tech to the Qadir, and something that they could use to finally lay waste to the Dragons in Farah’deen if only they could investigate the technology. Slizzar in turn have banned Qadir from entering Sassrakkand (even as Honored Matrons), and are always suspicious of their intentions.
* The Slizzar have only had recent interactions with the Regalian and [[Songaskian Masaya|Songaskian Empire]]s, while having no contact at all with the reborn Allorn Empire (as Slizzar are banned from it again on the penalty of death) and no contact at all with the Sihai realms to the east (as this is considered too far away). The Slizzar mostly affected the nobility following the Chrysant War, when revanchist Slizzar managed to convince a whole host of Allar and other Slizzar (with a high casualty cost to both also) to assassinate leading nobles across the Empire as a form of revenge. The loss of so many nobles all at once damaged the Empire, but did not cause it to crack in the long term, and as such, the Slizzar have shifted to infiltration.  
* The Slizzar have only had recent interactions with the Regalian and [[Songaskian Masaya|Songaskian Empire]]s, while having no contact at all with the reborn Allorn Empire (as Slizzar are banned from it again on the penalty of death) and no contact at all with the Sihai realms to the east (as this is considered too far away). The Slizzar mostly affected the nobility following the Chrysant War, when revanchist Slizzar managed to convince a whole host of Allar and other Slizzar (with a high casualty cost to both also) to assassinate leading nobles across the Empire as a form of revenge. The loss of so many nobles all at once damaged the Empire, but did not cause it to crack in the long term, and as such, the Slizzar have shifted to infiltration.
 
==Families==
==Families==
===Childhood===
===Childhood===

Revision as of 13:10, 11 September 2022

Slizzar
645px-Fullfemaleslizz22.png
Race
Pronunciation Slizz-ahr
Classification Gorr
Subraces Makara, Devata, Mauli, Aksunna, and Anindriya
Common Nicknames
  • Snake People (derogatory)
  • Shapeshifters (sort of praising)
  • Puppeteers (praising)
Languages Zoram, based on real-life Sanskrit
Naming Customs Sanskrit
Racial Traits
Distinctions Serpent-folk shapeshifters
Maximum Age 1000 years

Perhaps the oldest Race to have continuously existed on Aloria, the Slizzar are of serpent-like shapeshifters that are rarely seen in their natural form, mingling with other societies for both benign and nefarious purposes. Some claim that the Slizzar have been around since before even the fall of the Seraph, though it is hard to prove. For centuries, and sometimes even millennia, the Slizzar closed their holy city-state Sassrakkand off from the outside world, content to exist in luxury and ignore the woes of others. Following the last Void Invasion, the Slizzar have once again spread into the wider world, shape shifting among the locals to fit in. Some assist with research, others taste the delights of other cultures, and some yet quietly nudge decisions made in high positions of authority to their benefit.

Core Identity

Introduction

Slizzar are proud of their dragon-purple eyes, and frequently let it shine through despite shapeshifting. They do hide it when they want to avoid being identified as a Slizzar however.
Most Slizzar have a dominant and subdominant color scheme beyond their dark gray or black scales. These colors are usually very vibrant and consistent with their "hair".
Some Slizzar make their Birth Shape more humanoid to ward off accusations of being a literal snake, and reduce bigotry towards them, though it rarely works.
Scales are considered beautiful by the Devata Slizzar, who frequently incorporate them into their appearance, even while shapeshifted because they don't need to hide.
Due to a lack of gender or sex expectations, Slizzar just pick whatever trait they like the look of (or need in the moment) to compose their appearance.
Despite being able to combine any race's traits together, Devata and Mauli generally stick to what looks realistic for the race they are mimicking.
A Mauli's true appearance is regal and refined-- but few ever see it.

To be a Slizzar is to be a shapeshifter that is always highly keen on understanding the world and the people around them, but to inversely be extremely misunderstood by that world and those people. The Slizzar have a terrible reputation due to their natural ability to shapeshift, and the actions of some of their number. While many Slizzar enjoy the luxuries of life over politics, a few of them have steered global politics to such a degree that it caused great trouble to even the Regalian Empire, resulting in generational hate and fear for this seductive and sometimes subversive Race. Slizzar in Regalia should expect to experience extreme opposites, both to be ridiculed and spat on, but also to be desired and a frequent party invitee. They have great potential for fun and debauchery, but also great evil and manipulation.

Isolationism

The Slizzar are by nature isolationist, at least within their holy city Sassrakkand. Slizzar do not settle other regions, their race numbers are always roughly the same (never becoming higher than a few dozen thousand), and they make no colonies. When the world goes through a period of great chaos, the Slizzar perform their Great Recall, during which the Slizzar around the world have limited time to return (with any non-Slizzar family they want to take with), before the shield of Sassrakkand is closed, and the city closes off to the outside. This risk and flight response carries over to the Slizzar. If a Slizzar’s identity has been Burned as they call it, they abandon that identity and shapeshift into another to leave their problems behind.

Birth Shape vs Shapeshifting

To the Slizzar, the concept of Birth Shape (the body they were born with) versus shapeshifted body is a hot topic for debate. To many of the non-politically involved Slizzar, showing one’s Birth Shape is not that big of a deal, because there is no inherent risk towards it besides a negative reaction from bigots in Regalia. Among the more politically active Slizzar, especially the manipulators, showing one’s Birth Shape is considered a great weakness and personal risk. They believe that when their potential enemies know what their Birth Shape looks like, they will be easily discovered, as their foes will be able to sample their behavior traits that are difficult to mask between appearances. As such, among the more subterfuge focused Slizzar, showing one’s Birth Shape is considered very personal and a carelessness that they cannot afford.

The Great Game

To the politically active Slizzar, controlling, manipulating, and steering events to their benefit through political manipulation is called The Great Game. Many Slizzar participate in The Great Game, attempting to climb political ladders to try and reach close to the top. A Slizzar would never draw so much attention to themselves as to seize the actual highest position, and are most content in the background of actual authority, always gently nudging them into a direction of their liking without even being noticed. There is never truly a great plan of scheme behind this, especially with the disappearance of Zaalaanzaal, the Slizzar patron Dragon, the Slizzar simply do the Great Game because it’s a great deal of fun, and to many of them, a good kind of stress that gets the blood pumping with excitement. There are however plenty of Slizzar who also think The Great Game is a waste of time or even just evil. This approval is especially noted among the Devata Slizzar who would prefer to live harmoniously with other Races, and more often receive negative experiences because of hate-mongering over what the Mauli Slizzar did. Despite all this however, and despite all the disapproval, they would never reveal a Mauli’s actions on purpose, or out another Slizzar to non-Slizzar.

Design

There exist only two Slizzar Subraces, the Slizzar themselves, and Half-Slizzar. Among the Slizzar, there are cultural distinctions which the Slizzar themselves treat as Sub-Races, but from a scholarly point of view, these are not Subraces, because they do not confer different appearances, Abilities, or Specials. To understand Slizzar subraces, one must understand Slizzar reproduction. Slizzar are by nature biological sex-less, and cannot reproduce within their own Race. To reproduce, a Slizzar must always shapeshift, and mate with another Race to have that person bear the offspring. Slizzar gestation can be incredibly short, 10 days, though it can be made longer to hide the identity of the Slizzar. Slizzar children always produce twins, one being a full Slizzar, and the other being a Half-Slizzar, though both are born as the Race of their non-Slizzar parent and slizzar-parent’s disguise Race combined. For example, if the non-Slizzar parent was Ailor, and the Slizzar parent disguised as a Qadir, the children would appear Half-Qadir. When both twins are 18 years old, their Slizzar identity manifests through a series of dreams and visions, where they gain a deep understanding of their powers. Here, the Half-Slizzar can reject their heritage, in which case they stop being a Half-Slizzar and become whatever Race they were born as. The full-blood Slizzar twin never has a choice, and sheds their disguise to become their true Slizzar Self. With this understood, the rest of the Race’s design can be considered.

Physical Characteristics

As Shapeshifters, Slizzar do not truly have one set appearance, save for their natural Slizzar appearance. Slizzar natural appearance is quite snake-like, with a body covered in black, gray, white, or silver scales, some slizzar have the lower body of a snake, legs, or the lower body composed of both legs and a snake tail. Slizzar may have have horns colored like their scales on their head, the head itself which looks quite alien compared to the other humanoid Races, with a flat nose, double-hinged jaw, and a series of cranial and jaw protrusions forming unique features that are different for each Slizzar. Slizzar usually have a dominant and secondary color, the dominant color being the majority of their hair and shoulders, while their secondary color adds contrast to their neck and some of their hair, particularly close to their cranium. These colors can be any combination, though are usually quite vibrant. All Slizzar have slitted purple eyes and dark sclera. While Slizzar are shapeshifters, they can never change this base Slizzar appearance. Half Slizzar don’t have a Slizzar form, their natural form is always whatever they were born as. The only real trait Half-Slizzar have in common are their purple slitted eyes, though they can obviously (and often) hide them with their lesser shapeshifting.

Mental Characteristics

Slizzar cannot truly be ascribed any one particular personality trait that is either created through cultural pressure or biological need. The Slizzar self-categorize based on their cultural distinction of the “subrace”, with militaristic, boisterous and loud Slizzar called Makara. Devata Slizzar are the Slizzar who are more laid back and enjoy life and the wide world. Mauli Slizzar are plotting and scheming Slizzar who are trusted by few and trust others even less, keeping their Slizzar identity hidden. Half-Slizzar (also called Aksunna Slizzar) usually have a temperament more closely aligned with the mental characteristics of their non-Slizzar parent’s Race. There is a technical fifth cultural “subrace” distinction that the Slizzar define, which is the Anindriya. The Anindriya are exceedingly rare, and are known to possess a piece of the soul of Zaalaanzaal their creator, or the Dragon Nox These Anindriya Slizzar can only be encountered in Progressions, and possess an opalline scale-color.

Racial Abilities

The Slizzar and Half-Slizzar have a different set of Abilities and Specials. Generally speaking the Slizzar have more Specials and the Half-Slizzar have more Abilities, both of them built around supporting the niche of the Shapeshifter.

Slizzar Abilities and Specials

Ability Name Ability Type Ability Range Ability Description Modifiers
Bonded Telepathy Info Power N/A Grants the user Bonded Telepathy

N/A
Altered Power Constant Passive Self

Grants the user Altered Power

Slizzar Modifier

  • Slizzar Aging: Most Slizzar are capable of reaching an exceedingly high age, nearly 1000 years. While aging, in their natural form, Slizzar also do not visually age beyond what they look like at age 18.
  • Slizzar Shapeshifting: Slizzar have access to complete shapeshifting that allows them to change a great deal of things about their body, and also doubles as a disguise, allowing them to change their appearance and become unrecognizable. They are able to change Race, sex, gender presentation, Body Shape, Body Fat, and every visual aspect about themselves by combining aspects of different Races. They can change Body Height, Age appearance, Hair length and texture and color, Skin markings and Tattoos and Scars, and most bone structures so long as they remain humanoid.
  • Slizzar Puppeteer: Slizzar are masters of manipulation and puppeteering. If another player gives strict OOC consent to have their Character mind-controlled, a Slizzar can establish a mind-enslavement on another person that gives them complete control. The target is still aware of the world around them and the Slizzar cannot affect their perception of reality, but any command that the Slizzar issues must be obeyed by the target. This mind enslavement can only be removed by any Exorcism-like mechanic or Ability. If a player revokes consent, the mind-control is off-screen cured. Players have the freedom to discuss additional limitations on mind control.
  • Slizzar Mutagenics: Slizzar are able to reproduce and mimic any mutation, and even invent things they think would be mutations, and apply them to their own appearance. So long as they are fake mutations, they can freely be removed or moved around. If however a Slizzar has a real Void/Exist/Ordial mutation applied to them, this Mutation cannot be removed or moved, and will remain exactly where it was regardless of how often they shapeshift.
  • Mind Surging: A Slizzar can target another person and telepathically pry their mind for what their ideal romantic partner would look like. This Special immediately fails to work if the target is already actively romancing another person. If they are not, however, the data can be asked in DM, after which the other person should respond with a rough description.
  • Slizzar Espionage: Due to close-knit Slizzar Society, Slizzar have webs of contacts across the world that they can use to counter-espionage someone who has the audacity to try and out-spy a Slizzar. A Slizzar may submit a solo-Order to Progressions to shield a very specific person or location from State-Saboteur usage by other Players. This does not affect other Slizzar, and over-use of this function will result in wear-and tear and eventual failure to prevent Sabotage.
  • Slizzar Societyvex: Slizzar are capable, because of their shapeshifting, to break the usual requirements of Society Point Buy Packs. So long as it is explained in a Slizzar’s Backstory (for example: “Lived in Anglia as an Ailor for ten years studying Heks Wisdom, before running away with the Knowledge”), they can Point Buy any Society Point Buy pack regardless of meeting the requirements.
  • Slizzar Identityvex: Slizzar are capable, because of their shapeshifting, to use functions of the State Saboteur Pack without actually buying the Point Buy Pack. This does not grant the Point Buy Pack for free, nor does investing in the Pack provide any extra function.
  • Slizzar Speechvex: Slizzar are capable, because of their shapeshifting, to speak and understand the language of whatever race they are primarily shapeshifted as. So long as they are for example majority Eronidas, they can understand and speak Vasar. The moment they shapeshift away however, they lose the ability to understand or speak Vasar, and all comprehension of the language.
  • Slizzar Afflictedvex: Slizzar are capable of changing the color and appearance of their eyes to whatever color they would like, even if they are Afflicted, and even if their Affliction demands that Afflicted eyes are visible while using Abilities or Specials from that Kit.
  • Slizzar Mimicvex: Slizzar are able to perfectly mimic another person’s appearance if they have seen them, both in progressions and in-game. It should be noted that society at large expects Slizzar to do this, so overly un-characteristic behavior of a Slizzar disguising as another person is fair-game to accuse of being a Slizzar, this may even happen in Progressions if NPC or player Characters suddenly start acting arbitrary and erratic, which may result in negative consequences.

Half-Slizzar Abilities and Specials

Ability Name Ability Type Ability Range Ability Description Modifiers
Bonded Telepathy Info Power N/A Grants the user Bonded Telepathy

N/A
Altered Power Constant Passive Self

Grants the user Altered Power

Slizzar Modifier

Primed Defense Constant Passive Self

Grants the user Primed Defense

N/A
  • Half-Slizzar Aging: Half-Slizzar do not enjoy the 1000 year aging of the Slizzar, but do have their aging affected somewhat. Their aging is the same as their non Slizzar Parent’s aging speed, however they look forever young, stopping their visual aging anywhere between 18 and 27 years old. This also means that at more advanced age, their body does not start deteriorating, and they can still move around as dexterously as they did when they were young.
  • Half Slizzar Shapeshifting: Half Slizzar have only have very limited shapeshifting. They are unable to shapeshift away from the race of their non-Slizzar parent, and whatever shapeshifting they do, it never counts as a disguise, meaning they are always recognizable. Within these constraints however, they can change the following aspects about themselves: Body shape, Body Fat, Body Height, Hair color and length and texture, Skin markings and tattoos and scars, eye color, facial hair length and color and texture and masculine or feminine body shape traits, and even biological sex.
  • Half-Slizzar Tongues: Half-Slizzar are masters of linguistics, always prying to catch up to their Slizzar twin. Half-Slizzar, have a limit of 2 Linguist Packs, instead of 1.
  • Half-Slizzar Afflictedvex: Half-Slizzar are capable of changing the color and appearance of their eyes to whatever color they would like, even if they are Afflicted, and even if their Affliction demands that Afflicted eyes are visible while using Abilities or Specials from that Kit.
  • Half-Slizzar Puppeteer: Half-Slizzar are masters of manipulation and puppeteering. If another player gives strict OOC consent to have their Character mind-controlled, a Half-Slizzar can establish a mind-enslavement on another person that gives them complete control. The target is still aware of the world around them and the Half-Slizzar cannot affect their perception of reality, but any command that the Half-Slizzar issues must be obeyed by the target. This mind enslavement can only be removed by any Exorcism-like mechanic or Ability. If a player revokes consent, the mind-control is off-screen cured. Players have the freedom to discuss additional limitations on mind control.
  • Half-Slizzar Mutagenics: Half-Slizzar are able to reproduce and mimic any mutation, and even invent things they think would be mutations, and apply them to their own appearance. So long as they are fake mutations, they can freely be removed or moved around. If however a Half-Slizzar has a real Void/Exist/Ordial mutation applied to them, this Mutation cannot be removed or moved, and will remain exactly where it was regardless of how often they shapeshift.
  • Mind Surging: A Half-Slizzar can target another person and telepathically pry their mind for what their ideal romantic partner would look like. This Special immediately fails to work if the target is already actively romancing another person. If they are not, however, the data can be asked in DM, after which the other person should respond with a rough description.

Language

The Slizzar language is Zoram, which is based on real-like Sanskrit. Many other Races accuse the Slizzar of speaking with a lisp, but this is generally just bigotry. In fact, Slizzar are very articulate, and their language has a lot of strong consonants, meaning they hardly make noises that one would expect a snake to make. Slizzar are however capable of producing a rattle-snake like sound at the back of their throat, which they frequently produce when in combat, or when they are about to attack someone, or as a way of warning others that they are annoyed or feel threatened. Slizzar naming customs also use real-life Sanskrit. It is very rare for Slizzar to have a surname, most Slizzar in fact only carry a single name, though they can sometimes adopt a surname for ease of use to the non-Slizzar members in their family. When they do, this surname is always from another culture or Race’s language. Here follows a list of example names for the Slizzar (they are all non-gendered, because sex and gender don’t exist in Slizzar psyche).

  • Achyut, Advait, Bhavin, Chittin, Girivar, Jatasya, Jaitra, Kush, Manav, Nandish, Parth, Prayag, Sambhav, Shivansh, Udit, Vibodh, Yug, Bhoomi, Chetaki, Gatha, Kaveri, Namasya, Paridhi, Shloka, Swara, Tavishi, Udita.

Religion

Religious adherence among the Slizzar is truly a mixed bag. While other Races tend to be strongly religious or a-religious, the split in Slizzar society is 50-50. Even among the religious, there is a wide gap between the pious and the merely observing faithful. The Slizzar religion is called Nihsereya, or the faith or belief of many. Nihsereya as a religion is an off-shoot of Dragon Worship, however it is quite distinct from Mussaktu and Loong Virtue in that it does not acknowledge the other Dragons at all. While for example in Loong Virtue, Dragons are acknowledged as Divine Entities but not actively worshiped or merely praised in words only, in Nihsereya, other Dragons are entirely disregarded as worthless.

Nihsereya is a monotheistic religion that nonetheless recognizes a more extensive throne of divine entities. At the very top of authority stands the Silver Scale Dragon Zaalaanzaal, who is the god-ruler of all Slizzar. It is said in Nihsereya that the city of Sassrakkand was built ten thousand years ago by Zaalaanzaal, and that this Dragon created the first Slizzar, a Race in this Dragon’s image to act as the secret stewards. In Nihsereya it is believed that while the other Dragons created other creatures and Races, Zaalaanzaal hid the Slizzar and their city-state of Sassrakkand with powerful Dragon-Magic from the other Dragons, so that the Slizzar could quietly observe and influence the world on the Dragon’s instructions. The Dragon believed after all that the other Dragons were fools for giving their creations free will and then letting them proliferate out of control and without restraint.

Nihsereya preaches thus that Zaalaanzaal is the creator and protector and commander of all Slizzar, and that for nearly all those 10,000 years, this Dragon made its throne in the great Monument of Sassrakkand, the Silver Pyramid. Zaalaanzaal preached the need for Slizzar to silently and secretly control the flow of history, nudging certain Empires in certain directions, and generally counteracting the chaotic lack of oversight from the other Dragons on the living. Each time a Void Invasion occured, Zaalaanzaal would summon its Dragon magics again, and protect Sassrakkand while the world around it burned, ready to open the gates once more when the world calmed down, the other Dragons had re-populated it with new races and beings, and return to work. The reason why so many Slizzar no longer believe in Nihsereya is because Zaalaanzaal disappeared without warning around just before Cataclysm, after activating some of Sassrakkand’s greatest magical defenses, making it impenetrable to Aberrants. As their master disappeared and no longer protected or commanded them, more and more Slizzar lost faith.

The Slizzar that remain, however, still observe the old modes of worship and tradition. They praise Zaalaanzaal’s name in their achievements and actions, and perform the rites of mirrors. Faithful Nihsereya believers have a number of mirrors in their homes, one of which is particularly personal to them, as they might spend long times speaking to this mirror. It is believed in Nihsereya that Zaalaanzaal resides behind every mirror, and always listens to anything the mirror can hear. As such, the faithful believe that by having a conversation with a mirror to bring them up to date on their plans or actions, they are keeping Zaalaanzaal personable, and make the Dragon more likely to bless them with success and wit. With the recent return of Dragons, many of the faithful of Nihsereya have turned to the other Dragons, in the hopes of discovering what happened to Zaalaanzaal, or better yet, to help the other Dragons find Zaalaanzaal’s bones, so that he may be revived as so many other Dragons have also, and retake the Silver Pyramid as its home. There existed other Silver Dragons that were also seen in Sassrakkand on occasion, but these were considered more like cousins of Zaalaanzaal, had no name in Nihsereya, and served no religious function, though were sometimes praised in collective worship.

Deep Sea Serpents have some religious relevance also. It is said among the Nihsereya faithful that the Deep Sea Serpents are the children of the Teal Sea Dragons, who are the natural rivals of the Silver Scale Dragons. As a result, many Nihsereya attempt to steer their manipulation and efforts at capturing, enslaving, or subjugating the Deep Sea Serpents for their own purposes. Mananya-Manya was one such Slizzar who managed to subjugate several Sea Serpents through unknown methods, using them against the enemies of the Essa Empire until the Regalian Navy slew the beasts in the final battle over the capital. Since then, the Deep Sea Serpents have been notably absent from the seas around Sassrakkand, though aquatic Allar in the area note their return from the depths, and as such, some Nihsereya followers have reactivated their attempts to enslave them to their will.

Historical Interactions

Because Slizzar live very long, and have been around for so long as a Race, their existence has impacted a variety of Races and Empires through the years. These do not strictly affect Racial interactions, but are relevant to old Characters.

  • The Slizzar supposedly interacted with the Seraph, but next to nothing survives of this era. Zaalaanzaal always made the Slizzar burn all their records when a Void Invasion happened, and never speak of past interactions again, and as such, the information eventually died. Slizzar however will continue to insist that the surviving Seraph wall hieroglyphs are wrong, and that Seraph actually were Centaur-like.
  • The Slizzar didn’t interact much with the Second and Third Civilization, as Zaalaanzaal kept Sassrakkand closed off during much of this period. It speaks volumes to the fact that the second and third civilizations were likely very violent periods in the world as the Dragons were attempting to compensate for their mistakes with the Seraph.
  • The Slizzar had more extensive contact with the Maraya, and implications exist that the Maraya and Slizzar actually had very good relations. Much of the context is lost to this day, however it is believed that one of the six Anindriya Slizzar resides within the Homefleet.
  • The Slizzar had extensive interactions with the Allorn Empire, until the Allorn became aware of them, and banned the Slizzar with kill on sight. They attempted to besiege the city of Sassrakkand a number of times, and did massive damage to the outer city on their last attempt. This is part of the reason why Aberrants are banned from entering Sassrakkand (if they could even breach beyond the Dragon shield that surrounds the city). Heavy use of Magic shattered the Magic shield for a moment, allowing the Allorn Mages to lay waste to nearly a third of the city. This part of the city was later allowed to be flooded, and is now the third ring of the city, with flooded ruins remaining in this uninhabited part.
  • The Slizzar extensively interacted with, and were also the principal founders of the Essa Empire among the Allar. Slizzar and Allar interactions go extremely deep, many of the ruling Digmaan have their own Slizzar advisor, or are being manipulated by one. Following the destruction of the Essa Empire at the hands of the Regalians, there was a pogrom to kill the Slizzar who were blamed for the loss, but when the Allar started integrating into the Regalian Empire, this hatred cooled, and the Slizzar quickly retook their position.
  • The Slizzar had numerous interactions with the Sariyd and subsequent Qadir, but generally despise them in the present era. The Qadir frequently attempted to abuse the Slizzar Honored Matron tradition to enter Sassrakkand as non-Slizzar, just to try and steal technology. Sassrakkand, while protected by Dragon Magic, has most of this Dragon Magic fueled by machines built by Zaalaanzaal. As such, Sassrakkand is considered the holy grail of Dragon tech to the Qadir, and something that they could use to finally lay waste to the Dragons in Farah’deen if only they could investigate the technology. Slizzar in turn have banned Qadir from entering Sassrakkand (even as Honored Matrons), and are always suspicious of their intentions.
  • The Slizzar have only had recent interactions with the Regalian and Songaskian Empires, while having no contact at all with the reborn Allorn Empire (as Slizzar are banned from it again on the penalty of death) and no contact at all with the Sihai realms to the east (as this is considered too far away). The Slizzar mostly affected the nobility following the Chrysant War, when revanchist Slizzar managed to convince a whole host of Allar and other Slizzar (with a high casualty cost to both also) to assassinate leading nobles across the Empire as a form of revenge. The loss of so many nobles all at once damaged the Empire, but did not cause it to crack in the long term, and as such, the Slizzar have shifted to infiltration.

Families

Childhood

Most Slizzar are raised outside of their own society, within the confines and childhood standards of the Race or culture that their non-Slizzar parent birthed them into. It is possible for a non-Slizzar mother to bring their children to Sassrakkand however. When a non-Slizzar gives birth to Slizzar children, and is aware of Slizzar society, the children’s identity, and wishes to immerse herself (or himself, in some cases, such as the Songaskians who are intersex) in Slizzar society and culture, such a “mother” is called “Honored Matron”. Honored Matron allows a non-Slizzar to essentially enter Sassrakkand, as the Slizzar cannot reproduce on their own, and consider a mother who is welcoming to their society and wishes to be included as something worth praising. It is important to note that this doesn't happen often however. Most Slizzar reproduce and then simply abandon their children, assuming that the visions and dreams will eventually lead them back to Sassrakkand, and it usually does. If a child is raised in Sassrakkand however, it usually lands more in a life of luxury and plenty, as Sassrakkand is often described as a paradise with no want.

Romance and Gender Norms

They don’t have them. The supposition of gender experience, expression, or identity is entirely nonexistent, and rules to do with romance are equally nonexistent, as the social constructs relating to these norms were never developed in Slizzar society. It is however possible that a Slizzar learns a gender identity from the Race they were raised as, which can cause a modicum of gender dysphoria as they actualize their Slizzar identity. This is usually what causes Aksunna Slizzar to reject Slizzar society and abandon their Slizzar heritage, being unable to console their old identity with the idea that their identity was merely a temporary fake, and that they are genderless and sexless. Equally, just because there are no gender norms, does not mean a Slizzar cannot prefer monogamy due to learned behavior from their childhood. To some effect, how a Slizzar is raised can affect their future opinions on things.

Politics

The Slizzar are formally led by Zaalaanzaal, who acts as both their highest figure of authority akin to the Regalian Emperor, religious entity akin to the Everwatcher (for Unionism) and general supreme being. Zaalaanzaal instructed the Slizzar in general sweeping commands, the details of which were usually hammered out by the Anindriya. The Anindriya Slizzar are a unique subrace of Slizzar, of which there can only ever be six. This is to say, while there are six of them, no Anindriya are born, and if one dies, then a new Anindriya is born somewhere to a Slizzar parent. The Anindriya usually pass their commands down to the Mauli, who in turn pass the orders down to all the other Slizzar. When Zaalaanzaal disappeared, the Anindriya essentially just filled that void by issuing orders of their own through a collective council, though by their claim, they will only hold the throne vacant for Zaalaanzaal’s return. Outside of Sassrakkand however, the Slizzar don’t really acknowledge the hierarchy of the Mauli, and they are freelancers just as much as any other Slizzar.

World View

  • Slizzar attitudes towards Magic and the Occult are ambivalent. Slizzar have strictly banned Aberrants and Occult beings from entering Sassrakkand, and look down on any Slizzar who becomes Afflicted or becomes a Mage. That being said, they do appreciate the beauty of Magic, and especially the Devata enjoy the benefits of Magic in their lives of luxury and thrill experiences.
  • One particularly daring Mauli Slizzar was Mananya-Manya that was declared Empress of the Essa Empire, though they were only called Empress by the Allar as the Allar language did not have a non-binary term. Their rule was short and competent, leading to the Allar dotingly calling them “Missa”, however the Chrysant War brought an end to their rule, and they disappeared shortly after the final battle, their memory acting as a deterrent to other Mauli to expose themselves like Mananya-Manya did.
  • Due to the unique structure of Slizzar bodies, they “sit down” on their own coiled tails when the limb dominates the lower part of the body. When it splits into two legs and a tail, however, unique chairs allow for one to easily sit down, their tail put through a broad open area at the base of the chairback.
  • Slizzar warriors often enjoy the use of bows rather than up-front combat weapons, though when they do get one-on-one melees, they engage in the use of the lethal Urumi (Sword whip) and Chakram (razor sharp circular blades), ancient tools used by the Slizzar for millennia.
  • The culinary world of the Slizzar is eclectic, taking bits and pieces from across Aloria, and across time itself, as one of the few things to survive the purging of written records demanded of a Void Invasion was the culinary creations Slizzar learned from the outside world.
  • Slizzar are naturally fond of edible flowers, and floral teas, but also have a heavy preference for seafood. A few more gluttonous Slizzar have been known to use their ability to unhinge their jaws to eat raw fish whole, as an effort of intimidation or to eat more and faster.
  • The Slizzar have terrible relations with the nearby Minoor Nelfin. Not only do they see the Slizzar as offspring of the Deep Sea Serpents, which are the ultimate Demons to their society, but they generally mistrust the Race due to the old Allorn prejudices. There are few Minoor Slizzar, of any subrace, as a result, despite how open the Culture is to incorporating those willing to adapt.
  • Slizzar who are interested in the arts are often well known for their musical ability, playing instruments not unlike those of the Suvial Altalar in most cases, to applause and enjoyment. This continues into the city of Sassrakkan itself, where singing is also key, used in the Mirror Serenade, a blessing upon the Silver Pyramid, and nearby mirrors, with the strange expectation that it will guide their god back to them through the infinitely reflecting realm.
  • The connection between the Nasha of the Sundial Isles, and the modern Slizzar, is extremely unclear. Some Slizzar have made use of their cursory similarity to those beings of Allorn myth and ancient history to establish themselves in Suvial society, though they keep hidden to maintain the mystique.
  • Aksunna Slizzar, born to a Slizzar and Songaskia parent, are still considered Songaskian even if they choose to accept their Slizzar heritage. This has led to a minor population of these unique beings to grow within Farah’deen.
  • Some Slizzar find that a method of seeking revenge or sabotaging the Qadir from stealing technology from them, is to disguise as one themselves, and to seek out Qadir technological secrets. This gambit has yet to prove significant or detrimental to either society.
  • The connection between Sapphires and Zaalaanzaal goes beyond that the gemstone looks good in Silver. Slizzar society claims they are the god’s eyes, and so many Slizzar, even in disguise, will include iconography of an eye featuring a Sapphire in the middle.
  • Adarrajya, a drug crafted decades ago as a result of the vanishing of Zaalaanzaal, is also known as the Mirror Tincture, because it produces a euphoric sensation in the body, and sees a Slizzar user transport into a realm of endless shifting mirrors and shapes, with them at the center. Non-Slizzar users, though, will have the sensation of being trapped in a mirror, and of needing to break the glass holding them within it.
  • Slizzar enjoy being multilingual, not just because of their ability to jump forms between societies, and needing to learn new knowledge to hide, but because it is a point of social pride and bragging rights.
  • The Ghor Ka Bloodscales have a minor colony in the Slizzar holy city, where they serve the purpose of finding and disposing of vermin and pests which haunt the city’s streets and houses. As a result, many Slizzar are very pro-little lizards, and small reptiles are just about the only pet Slizzar keep (Slizzar do not engage in slavery if one ignores mind control).
  • Slizzar do not commonly keep snakes as pets, no matter how many caricatures portray them as doing such. In fact, beyond small lizards, the Qarresh, and other forms of native Hadar life, the Slizzar dislike caring for pets.
  • Slizzar skin, bones, blood, and other body parts are highly sought after by alchemists, both Allar and not, with the only generally accepted donation being of blood. Slizzar who handle the remains of other Slizzar for profit are deeply reviled, and often end up hunted.
  • Slizzar burials can often be tricky affairs. When they die, they revert out of their shifted form over the course of a few days, which can be a shock to friends, or even strangers, who find that the person in their life has suddenly been turned into a snake-person. For this reason, Slizzar bodies and their dead are often returned to Sassrakkand for entombment, even if one has been dead for decades.
  • Deep Sea Serpent motifs exist among the Slizzar, but only ever in a bound manner. Instead of depicting them like a crest animal, they are always depicted with chains or bindings to illustrate their subjugation, which in turn represents Zaalaanzaal’s victory over the Teal Sea Dragons, who Zaalaanzaal reviles for hiding creation under the sea where they cannot go.

Trivia

  • Slizzar frequently pretend like cutting off their tail or hair tendrils is a big deal. It’s an acceptable form of corporal punishment for them, as while the pain is unpleasant, these body parts regrow within 24 hours.
  • Slizzar tails are remarkably dextrous, especially the tip. Some Slizzar have been known to be able to write calligraphy with their tail, using a special metal ring attached to hold the pencil.
  • Slizzar abhor the usage of ink or paint to cover up the natural colors of their birth form. It is considered a form of self mutilation akin to self amputation.

Accreditation
Writers MonMarty
Artists MonMarty
Processors HydraLana, MonMarty, Okadoka
Last Editor HydraLana on 09/11/2022.

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