The Campaign Builder's Guild

[ic Grandfather's Tale]Fire burns to ashes, in the deepest shadowed night. As the smoking embers twinkle in the starlit gloom, Grandfather begins to speak. His voice is hoarse from ages past, smoke and cold wearing down the once proud beretone. He's not your grandfather --he probably doesn't even have kids-- but that's what everyone calls him, as though he was grandfather of the forest itself.

"I suppose you'll want to ask about Phaedorás-" the foriegn word sounds odd on his lips, though fitting, as though he was born to speak it. "That's only fair, I suppose." Grandfather pauses for a few moments, looking out into the forest, as though his ancient eyes could see into the absolute darkness. "Honestly, I'm not sure where to begin... It's a world, you know, not a story. A story is easy, it has a beginning. But a world... that's a story too long to tell. I'll begin, I guess, with the basics.

Phaedorás is like nothing you've ever seen, except perhaps in dreams. It's like an echo of this world, where everything has changed and yet nothing has. This fire, for instance, would be the same, but the wood that burns would be different. And I don't mean it might be apple wood where this is pine, in Phaedorás we might be burning wood from the mighty Ãfenneh trees, which grow to be as tall as towers. And yet, they're still trees - familiar. Everything is different - new - the plants, animals, rocks, stars, people, language... everything.

There's still a sun though, and a moon. The days last 24 hours and the moon goes through phases. Fire, like I said, works the same, and it rains and snows just like on earth.

There's a kind of magic to Phaedorás though, that you don't find on earth. It's hard to describe. When I say magic, you may think of illusion, like turning invisible or reading someone's mind. It's nothing like that... it's a feeling, like the world is alive. You climb to the top of a mountain and you don't just feel the wind and enjoy the view, you can see things happening around you; life, death, change.

In the old tongue Phaedorás means "land of spirits" because the people of the world have a strong respect for the essence of all things. There are shamans there who say that each living thing has a spirit, and that each spirit resides in a second world, invisible to us but existing on top of Phaedorás. When you feel the warmth of the fire and the power in your heart, they say you feel the blessing of the guardian spirit which watches over the flame. I don't know if I believe it all, but when I'm there...

The people of Phaedorás aren't human. They call themselves omaku. Beastial, feral, primal... the omaku are like beasts made into men. Fangs, horns, tails, fur, wings and claws are worn without notice, and each omaku belongs to a specific bloodline which determines it's general features. The omaku are anything but uniform, however, even within their own blood. Mutations are very common, and things like eye and hair color are wild and unknowable.

For most respects though, omaku are human, they almost all walk on two legs and have two eyes. Five fingers adorn both hands and all of them have the same ears, like ours but pointed like a bay leaf. Their teeth are almost identical, too, though they usually have larger canines. So whenever I discuss an appearance, just assume that any details I overlook are like those of a human.

I do need to mention one more major point, and then I'll let you pick a region to go further in-depth. Phaedorás is amazing in many ways, but technology is not one of them. The most sophisticated device I've seen there was an aqueduct, and that was in the heart of the greatest civilization on the planet. Even decent metal hasn't been around for long, so things like swords are rare. Spears are much more common, and there are some places that still use stone tools. Don't look down at the omaku as stupid, however, as you'll soon find that they learn fast and are as cunning as you or I.

Alright, I suppose that covers general knowledge. What region would you like to know more about?"

Kyobazu - The Islands of the South
Ulabul - Island of Secrets
Melseh Ubau - The Empire
Lün - The Great Forest
Many more to come...[/ic][ooc]Welcome to Phaedorás. After reading this post, feel free to read any of the "Books of Phaedorás" linked to above. There is no "right" order to read the books, so pick the one that sounds the most interesting and enjoy! This thread will also contain the glossary and bestiary, both of which are entirely optional reading.

Please do not post in this thread.

Instead, say what you'd like to say in the General Discussion Thread[/url]. Thank you.

[spoiler Disclaimer]This thread contains posts that have strong sexual references and explicit drug discussion. Please do not continue if you are not comfortable with either subject. I consider this thread to be PG 13, but please be your own guide.
[spoiler Bullet-point lists of worst-case scenarios][spoiler Sexual worst-case]

Referencing the sexual act
* Light discussion of incest
* Discussion of virginity
* Possible reference to homosexuality (not sure on this one yet)
* Reference to rape
* Descriptions of fashions which include partial or full nudity (no body descriptions)

[/spoiler]
[spoiler Drug worst-case]

The invention of fictional drugs
* The explicit use of these drugs
* The discussion of these drug effects, including the beneficial effects
* Possible glorification of these drugs by association with heroic figures

[/spoiler]
[spoiler Violence worst-case]

* Explicit descriptions of violence
* Glorification of violence through a heroic lens
* Discussion of cannibalism
* Discussion of human (omaku, really) sacrifice, including living sacrifice
* Light discussion of mutilation, including flaying and dismemberment

[/spoiler][/spoiler][/spoiler][/ooc]

[ooc]List of pending  glossary entries:

Elders, The
* Elewi
* Karakuloe
* Jhoguza
* Jhoguza's Well
* Twimi
* Jamim
* Tobinu
* Kimuk
* Kunoviera Sea, The
* Eku (Fabric)
* Saralu (Clothing)
* Yawazu (Clothing)
* Kaluku
* Melseh Ubau
* Thitae
* Roseflame
* Yulosaza Waesu
* Sebayet
* Ubin
* Uyamim
* Morimikan
* Jachkamital
* Minya
* Minayan
* Yamini (Language)
* The Great Rift
* Niyam
* Khovas
* Phsaen
* Vlas
* Ala
* Rone
* The Gift of Uyamim
* Jhasi
* Terifazun
* Matal
* The Tobinu Crags
* The Deep Swamps
* The Shadowlands
* The Highlands
* Vuu
* Val-Okk
* Okk
* Aitaix Mountain
* Othipha Nikamyn
* Atphokaal
* Menthyn Volcano
* Menthyn Temple
* Uyamim Ka Utherys
* Lun
* Phsaedonai
* Yaiguul (Demon Queen)
* Echryn (Language)
* Hokutch (Language)
* Lunan (Northern) (Language)
* Nadatu (Island)
* Tulazu Nobanu (Island)
* Erakamae (Island)
* Ulabul (see: Erakamae)
* Latoe (Morimikan for Ship)
* Shien (Anima)
* Chkaj (Language)
* Jachkamital
* Ushai (Sub-bloodline)
* Echmorak
* Ouchkim
* Itspar
* The Liomarteh (Council of Mind)
* The Library at Ouchkim
* Kalat-Kai (in Itspar)
* Hinshilu
* The Imperial Sea
* Rathin mishjha Yaigmal
* Hajik
* Hajikas
* On Lopoj (The Lovers

[of Things]) (Totwimi)
* Gor
* Sadumao
* Demon
* Krananu
* Yaiguul
* Gholvuuk
* Falox
* Balaen
* Leecha[/list][/ooc]

Glossary: A through F
[ic Anima]One of five fey so mighty that they are liken to gods. Each anima is said to protect and bless certain groups of omaku bloodlines leading to the belief that anima have a direct impact on the physical features of a sub-bloodline. Presented below are the animas and their associated domains.

Terifazun '" Anima of the sun. Said to be patron of life and kindness.
Phsaen '" Anima of the moon. Said to be matron of deception and betrayal.
Gor '" Anima of the mountain. Said to be the patron of strength and dedication.
Khovas '" Anima of the storm. Said to be the patron of passion and speed.
Jhasi '" Anima of the void. Said to be the matron of mind and soul.[/ic]
[ic Bloodline]A group of omaku classified by a common ancestor. There are seven known omaku bloodlines named after the seven children of Loihu and Linui in the most common creation story. Each bloodline shares a dominant physical trend, often mimicking a class of animals. Presented below are the bloodlines and their associated traits.

Ala '" Feathers, wings and other avian features, including lightweight bodies.
Ix '" Humanoid skin with occasional hair, three digits on each appendage, glossy eyes, abnormal skeletons
Kin '" Small bodies, fur
Rone '" Fur, occasional horns or antlers
Shien '" Scales
Ord '" Humanoid skin without hair, multiple eyelids
Vlas '" Gils, fins, tails instead of legs, other fish traits.[/ic]

Glossary: G through L
[ic Hadan]A garment resembling a long cloth poncho with a large hood, typically made from eku and of drab color. Commonly worn by niyam of Kyal-Yabazu Nobanu.[/ic]
[ic Hysyt]A plant named by the niyam of the southern isles, more commonly called eku.[/ic]
[ic Jakmatazu Zami]The Bay of Bones, a large inlet on Nadatu island. Jakmatazu Zami also serves as the home of port of the totwimi city of Thitae. It is called the Bay of Bones because it is said that it was originally the graveyard of mighty sea monsters. All bones have since been removed from the waters and traded to many peoples, but it is said that there are still more bones to be found deep under the sands.

Roughly thirty years ago, there was an epic battle on the Bay between the Covenant and pirate invaders. Some say that the pirates were led by Juzoe Toyakumoe, the dread pirate, while others insist that he was the only pirate on the bay. Regardless, the pirates sunk the entire Covenant fleet in a stunning victory and proceeded to sack Thitae. The Covenant ships have never been found since, adding to the haunted feeling of the murky locale.[/ic]
[ic Kamawuni]An abstract quazi-goddess respected by the totwimi. Translates from Morimikan as 'mother-ocean.' In totwimi legend, kamawuni gave birth to the omaku and later sacrificed her consciousness to seal the great rift.[/ic]
[ic Kin](KEEN)

The first trickster. Youngest son of Loihu and father of Twimi and Jamim.

Kin is a legendary trickster who is present in many different cultures and ranges from deep respect to downright hatred. Of all the stories regarding the first age, the stories of Kin are perhaps the most common and the most diverse. It is generally accepted, regardless of tale, that Kin was very small, clever and musically talented. In most tellings he fathered two sons by a wind spirit and died or disappeared shortly thereafter. The minayans insist that Kin found an entrance to the spiritworld and managed to cheat death, but the morimikan totwimi hold that he was transformed into a swarm of Kinmathae (Hawln).[/ic]
[ic The Kyal-Yabazu Nobanu]A large chain of volcanic islands in southern Phaedorás, home to the jachkamital, morimikan totwimi and niyam of Uyamim. Translated from Morimikan as The Fire-Mountain Islands.[/ic]
[ic Linui](lee-NOOEE; rhymes with ennui)

The first woman. See Loihu.[/ic]
[ic Loihu](LOY-hoo)

The first man. Along with his wife, Linui, he was the first omaku. The myths and tales regarding the beginning of the omaku peoples are diverse and inconsistent, but nearly all of them have some form of Loihu and Linui. In the tales, Loihu and his wife had seven mighty children which became the seven principle bloodlines of Phaedorás.

Despite - or perhaps because of - their universal place in the creation myths, Loihu and Linui are very rarely described physically. Instead, they are usually described only by personality or action, representing paragons of parenthood.[/ic]

Glossary: M through Q
[ic Nistha Pha]The island-niyam name for Kyal-Yabazu Nobanu. Roughly translated as "The Spine of Rock" or "The Spinelands," the name originates from an old myth that tells of the islands being the back of some great beast which sleeps beneath the waves.[/ic]
[ic Niyam](NEE-yahm)

A bloodline of omaku said to be born from the union of Rone and Phsaen, the anima of the Moon. Niyam are a diverse people, cursed to live nocturnal lives in fear of sunlight.

Niyam stand approximately five and one-half feet tall, weigh, on average, 120 pounds and have a lean, tight-muscled frame built for speed and agility. The body of a niyam is covered with fur ranging anywhere in between white, black, red, gray, and tan, with stripes of contrasting color not uncommonly found along the limbs and spine. Niyam have stiff, semi-prehensile tails, aiding greatly in balance and acrobatics. Unlike other omaku, the hands and feet of the niyam are not tipped with hard, overlarge nails, but are instead home to thin, extendable claws, sharp as knives and long as the last digit of the finger. The niyam face is human in shape except for their large, leaf-shaped ears and overly-large canine teeth. Niyam longhair (the hair on the scalp) is fast growing and almost always worn long and free. Niam do not have facial hair.

Niyam have amazing senses, including the ability to see in very low light. Daylight, however, is deadly to the niyam, as it causes a horrible itching which eventually builds into body-wracking convulsions that transform the niyam into a monster with amazing strength, fangs, giant claws and perfect reflexes. This transformation occurs faster when sunlight is entering the eye, and looking directly into the sun causes a nearly instant morph. While beasts, niyam have no memory of their lives and will attack the nearest creatures with an insane bloodlust.

Niyam live all over Phaedorás. The largest pureblood niyam civilization is that of the phsaedonai, who live within the Shadowlands and are ruled by the demon queen Yaiguul. Phsaedonai speak Echryn. Larger than the phsaedonai, the Southern Kimuk civilization of Minya which includes a good proportion of niyam and totwimi-niyam crossbreeds. Minayans speak Yamini. North of Minya lands are the Kimuk Highlands, which are home to various niyam tribes. Highland niyam speak either Hokutch or Lunan (northern). On the other side of the world, on the western edge of Tobinu, there live many tribes of savage niyam which have become incorperated into the culture of the vuu and consequentially speak vuun. Lastly, the islands of the south seas are home to a number of small, primitive niyam tribes. The language of these tribes has no name, and is not taught to outsiders.[/ic]
[ic Omaku](oe-MAH-koo)

The solitary sentient species of Phaedorás. Omaku, while technically a single race are so physically diverse that they are rarely though of such. Omaku are always very humanoid, though they can easily be classified as 'feral humanoids,' sharing many characteristics with animals and beasts. Omaku can be generally grouped by bloodline, though crossbreeds are fully possible. Omaku lifespan varies based on body size, but is usually around 25-65 years. Omaku typically reach adulthood at around 10 years.[/ic]
[ic Phaedorás](FAY-doe-ras)

The world of the omaku. Used interchangeably with 'the known world.' Someone from beyond Phaedorás might thus be a sailor from beyond the great seas.[/ic]
[ic Pholur]A skirt reaching from the waist to the feet or knees, typically made from eku and of drab color. Worn by the niyam of Kyal-Yabazu Nobanu, and intended for both men and women.[/ic]

Glossary: R through T
[ic Rin](RIN; rhymes with pin)

A reed native to the Deep Swamps and southern Tobinu. Found in rivers and wetlands, rin is the staple crop of Melseh Ubau, representing approximately 60% of the average diet of an imperial citizen. Rin has a verity of uses in addition to producing a highly nutritious cereal. Dried rin has many different applications, including clothing, mats, flutes, baskets, and papyrus.[/ic]
[ic Spirit]A broad category encompassing fey, ghosts and essences, all of which being generally called spirits.

Fey are the guardians of the world. Living within the spirit realm, the fey are magical beings, which watch over specific domains in the physical realm. Larger domains warrant more powerful fey. Fey watch over all plants, flames, bodies of water and winds. Fey rarely use their magic in obvious ways, but instead are said to curse those who interfere with their domain. When bound in a totem, fey are the most destructive of spirits. Animas are the most powerful of the fey, and are said to rule the spirit world. Non-anima fey are said to appear to spiritwalkers as female omaku of the bloodline of the viewer who exhibit characteristics of their domain (fiery eyes, green hair, etc).
A typical fey: Spirit of that kabratu tree on the beach.

Essences are the spirits of dead animals. When an animal on Phaedorás dies it's essence returns to the spirit realm where it waits to be reborn in the flesh. While in spirit form, an essence possesses the wisdom and knowledge of all it's past lives, though they will rarely bestow wisdom on a mortals, and even when they do, it is often cryptic and vague. The magic of an essence typically effects the body, though they rarely work their power without a spiritbinder present.
A typical essence: Essence of a balakae.

Ghosts are the spirits of omaku that persist after death in the spirit realm. Little is known for sure about ghosts, especially regarding the fate of those who cannot be contacted after death. Like other spirits, ghosts posses limited magical power, though the power of a ghost seems to depend on the love they are shown by the living. Ghosts of legendary figures are mighty indeed, while lost souls are typically weak. Ghosts typically remember significant events about their lives and possess great wisdom, which is often sought by shamans. Additionally, the magic of ghosts effects the mind.
A typical ghost: Spirit of Loihu[/ic]
[ic Takuba]A legendary spirit which wanders the world in the form of a two-headed kulu with golden eyes. Takuba's right head has the power to look into the past, while the left head can see the future. Takuba appears in several myths as a guide or councilor and is well known in the south. Perhaps most famously, Takuba helped the vuu find their "paradise" by instructing Val-Okk, king of the vuu, upon the summit of Mt. Aitaix. Takuba, while a generally helpful figure, never says anything obvious, but instead speaks in riddles to help the hero find his or her own path.[/ic]
[ic Totwimi](toe-TWEE-mee)

A sub-race of omaku born from Kin's bloodline and the protection and guidance of the anima Khovas. Totwimi are a sailor-people characterized by their fierce spirits, small stature and love of the open ocean.

Totwimi stand around three and one-half feet in height (females a bit shorter) and weighing around 45 pounds. Their short, thick fur ranges from black to tan. The totwimi face is almost entirely human in shape, except for their large, leaf-shaped ears and overly-large canine teeth. Totwimi longhair is identical in color to their fur. It grows rapidly and tends to be straight or wavy. Totwimi do not have especially long facial hair, though the men have much longer sideburns than females. Lastly, totwimi possess thin tails at the base of their spines which help with swimming and balance. Totwimi tails average at about eighteen inches.

The word totwimi in Morimikan means 'son/daughter of Twimi.' Other omaku often casually refer to the totwimi simply as 'twimi' though this is mildly derogatory.

The Kyal-Yabazu Nobanu are home to the 'morimkian totwimi' which are the most common. These totwimi can be found in most ports and riverside towns, especially along the Kunoviera. Not surprisingly, morimikan totwimi speak Morimikan. In southernmost Kimuk, there live a separate group of totwimi and totwimi-niyam crossbreeds called the minayans. Minayans are biologically totwimi, but are held separate by nearly everyone. Minayans speak Yamini.[/ic]

Glossary: U through Z
[ic Wusodu Wumozuki](woo-SOE-doo woomoe-ZOO-kee)

A small totwimi port in the Kyal-Yabazu Nobanu. Wusodu Wumozuki translates from Morimikan to The Port of Mirrored Waters. It draws this name from the high concentration of bashozuku on it's beaches and the effect of viewing it through the shallow water surrounding the island.

Wusodu Wumozuki's exports are bashozuku and obsidian, though most wealth is obtained from the services provided to ships and sailors who stop at the port. Niyam savages are major antagonists to the settlement.[/ic]

[ooc]List of pending bestiary entries:

Balakae
* Olumai (wolfbat)
* Kianae
* Lakurae
* Adauran
* Uladae (fish)
* Kyalotwae (fish)
* Joshitwae (fish)
* Zihadae (fish)
* Abrax
* Yatwae
* Kinmathae (see Hawln)
* Hawln
* Shatajulu (tree)
* Bashozuku (glitter sand)
* Bashisini (sand flower)
* Hizashudatae (hissing spiderclaw)
* Kabratu (tree)
* Sikasae (screamer bird)
* Wythul (tree)
* Thesilin (tree serpent)
* Yelan Plant
* Amyth Plant
* Shakinu (Seaweed)
* Lilik
* Ghaluth (Gargantuan Vine)

[/ooc]

Bestiary: A through F

Bestiary: G through L
[ic Karythak]Another name for jhokaigul, used by the niyam of the Kyal-Yabazu Nobanu.[/ic]
[ic Kokylu]The name islander niyam use to refer to zihadae.[/ic]
[ic Kulu]The kulu is a quadrupedal animal that most closely resembles a deer or antelope. It's fur is a very dark blue-grey, with the exception of a white crescent shaped mark on it's brow that's points curve over the kulu's eyes. The kulu may share a generally deer-like body, but it's three-toed feet and long, cat-like tail give it a more predatory appearance. Two jet-black horns shoot up from over the kulu's eyes, long and curved like that of a sable antelope. At the shoulder, the average kulu stands eight feet tall, granting an additional three feet to the top of the horn. Kulu can climb, in dire need, but prefer to leap away at high speeds. Kulu males are identical to females except for a mane of black hair around their neck, not anywhere near that of a lion, but still noticeable.

Despite their big size, kulu are entirely herbivorous and can be quite friendly when tamed. As nocturnal animals, kulu have amazingly good senses of smell and hearing and can see quite well, even in starlit jungle. The kulu's nose is especially powerful, and niyam of the shadowlands often keep kulu as alarms to alert them to the presence of other beasts. Though kulu are both docile and large enough to carry a person, they move by bounding and leaping and any rider will quickly fall off in the calmest of situations. Kulu make no cry, though as children they can make a clicking noise with their tongue to call for help.

Kulu are plentiful on Kyal-Yobazu Nobanu, as well as all of southern Tobinu. Kulu are one of the few natual creatures to thrive in the shadowlands, though it is unknown where they find food or water. Kulu are also found, with less frequency, on the slopes of the Tobinu Crags, where they rarely grow to more than six feet.

Though they do not move as a group, kulu form herds which stay generally near one-another. During the day, kulu find a sequestered spot and congregate to rest. The number of individuals in the group helps ensure safety, and kulu can wake instantly at a single whiff of a hostile scent, alerting their kin. The kulu is a favorite game animal wherever it is found, though males in heat easily go berserk and try to gore hunters. The horns and pelts of the great animals are quite valuable, and a single kulu can provide for an entire tribe of omaku. In Melseh Ubau, nobles will often arrange great hunts for the animals, driving them again and again from their sleep until they can be caught unaware.

In legends, kulu represent wisdom and benevolence. Kulu are also typically associated with Phsaen and with the moon. The niyam tell of how Matal, their ancient king and father, was carried to safety as an infant by a kulu to the shadowy corner of the world. Many Tobinu cultures also tell of Takuba, an ethereal kulu with two heads and golden eyes. Takuba's right head is said to see nothing but the past, while the left sees nothing but the future. In the vuun story of their great pilgrimage to the southlands, they say that their leader, Val-Okk, found the true path for his people by receiving the council of Takuba upon Aitaix Mountain.

Kulu spirit-magic gives speed and enhanced senses and can be warped into causing fatigue and weak bones.

[spoiler My Cruddy Picture]
[spoiler B&W][/spoiler][/spoiler][/ic]
[ic Kyalazae]The Morimikan name for Unikaal[/ic]

Bestiary: M through Q
[ic Nyni]The name for bashisini in the language of the islander niyam.[/ic]

Bestiary: R through T
[ic Rys]The name for tawinae that is used by the niyam of the Nistha Pha (Kyal-Yabazu Nobanu).[/ic]
[ic Teyan]Name for Kulu in the tongue of the niyam of Kyal-Yabazu Nobanu.[/ic]

Bestiary: U through Z
[ic Unikaal]The unikaal I've given the English name 'fire serpents,' though they evoke a much more draconic feel. Imagine a snake roughly four feet long covered with rough, thick scales colored like red brick with black splotches, now add 24 pairs of centipede-like legs along it's body and two huge bat-like wings spanning over six feet on it's back. Unlike the centipede, an unikaal's legs are supported by an internal skeleton, but they still end in a single tiny claw, rather than foot. The unikaal's wings are supported by two pairs of "limbs" which leave the spine shortly after the skull and again halfway down the body. Each limb has a number of fingers, like a bat, and the unikaal's skin is stretched between them. Unlike a bat, the unikaal lacks the muscle mass to gain altitude, and is limited to gliding down from trees or rock ledges. The unikaal's head is blunt and covered by the same stiff, dull scales. Within two sunken pits rest the unikaal's slitted, red eyes, ever hungry and unblinking. The unikaal, unlike a snake, does not have the power to unhinge it's jaw, and it's mouth is filled with small, serrated teeth rather than fangs. The unikaal are related to the larger thelisin of Lun, though their wings and mystery hold them apart. Unikaal gender is indistinguishable.

The feeding habits of the unikaal are as fantastic as their physiology. Carnivorous, the unikaal's many legs give them supreme agility when hunting prey and their tough bodies are built for combat with large animals. Amazingly, the unikaal is a pack animal. Congregating in swarms consisting of four to twenty individuals, the unikaal will lurk upon a precipice or within the upper canopy of jungle trees and wait for a large animal to pass by before swooping en masse to kill the larger animal. Cold blooded and capable of waiting extreme periods of time between meals, unikaal hunt whenever there is available food, day or night. Only able to see motion and lacking eyelids, unikaal have even been known to spot prey while asleep. Even more fantastic is the unikaal's primary means of attack. While swooping, the unikaal will belch up a stored pocket of gas and exhale quickly while generating a tiny spark with an organ at the end of their tongue producing a stream of concentrated flame that lasts around four seconds and can reach two feet in length. This rapid exhalation is almost always accompanied by a horrifically loud screech. The entire colony will thus glide in from above and breathe fire upon the startled animal before landing on or around it and biting at it's face or burrowing into it's belly.

Unikaal, being highly social, are surprisingly intelligent and can communicate with a whisper-like hissing or, during mating season, by screaming. Happy to attack omaku, even in small groups, the worst sound to hear in the jungle in the low hissing of an unseen swarm of unikaal about to swoop.

Unikaal are only found on the Kyal-Yabazu Nobanu.

Despised as terrors by the totwimi and jachkamital, the unikaal are sacred to the niyam of the islands. According to their high-priestesses, the unikaal will not attack those who are pure of heart, body and mind, and those who have been made into priestesses seem to be able to control unikaal swarms through force of will.

After the jachkamital surrendered and became part of Melseh Ubau, ubin nobles have occasionally taken special trips out to the isles to hunt the monsters. Most never do so again. Because of this, the unikaal pelt as a status symbol fetches a very high price on the imperial market. The liver of an unikaal is also said to heal heartburn and it's blood can be mixed into a poultice to heal burns.

Unikaal spirit-magic gives protection from fire and can be warped into causing sores and blisters.

Unikaal, in the niyam tongue, means Fire-Monster.[/ic]
[ic Wakabae]Morimikan name for Kulu.[/ic]