Arja

"Our people are known for one thing only - the flower that sits on our heads. It's not as inconvenient as it sounds."

— Ezra Kashani, Academic Scribe

  Arja are a solitary species that are adapted to mountain life in the New World. They live in Natamil Mountain in the north, or the Maizipo Range in the west. Some Arja have emigrated to Asmara in the south, or to Veskuaga, a friendly country. They almost never go to the forest floor, unless they are collecting food or are moving to other parts of the world.
 

Growth Stages

Arja are known for having two growth stages. The first stage encompasses their childhood and adolescence. During this phase, they seem indistinguishable from their peers of other races. But the second stage is when they become adults. This happens when they are about 25 years old, as that is when the Arja start to change physically and become someone new.
  First, the skin of an Arjani will change and will start to turn green. Their hair becomes more plant-like, and they will grow plant shoots on their skin. The second phase usually happens around the Season of Blooms. During this time, teenage Arja feel the flower on top of their head opening and wanting sunlight. This process makes them extraordinarily sleepy, so the Arjani will find an isolated place to be and sleep until the petals are fully open.
 

The Flower

Arja are born with a small bud on top of their heads, which will grow into a flower once they come of age. The flower is usually one found in the Jade Rainforest but some Arja are born with flowers found elsewhere in the world. During childhood and adolescence, the flower is dormant and its petals are closed. To most people, the flower is like a little bulbous hat. Some people's flowers are camouflaged on the Arjani's head and are barely noticeable.
  When the flower grows during the Season of Blooms, its petals open and cover the top of the head. Once fully open, it is up to the Arjani to take care of it. If it dies, then the Arjani will die too. They take care of it by looking after themselves, but they also need to be sure they get a lot of sunlight and water during the day.
  During the night, their flowers close to protect themselves. If the Arjani is in the north, then their flower will close more often as night falls faster. When the flower closes, the Arjani feels sleepy and will also go to bed, as they do not function as well when the flower is closed.