Marogo

Before the world froze in the Ice Age, the seas’ temperatures dropped to dangerously low levels. Many humanoids in Maridago were not used to the colder climates, so they had to leave. The first of these refugees called themselves the Marogo. Even after the ice had fully thawed, the seas did not go back to their usual temperatures, so the humanoids could not return. Now it is common to see more Marogo on the surface, but they rarely explain where they are from or who they are. They simply exist in the surface world, as if they don't fully belong.  

Current Communites

Most Marogo live in the Old World, since it is the closest continent to Maridago. The largest population is on the Marogo Islands, which were relatively uninhabited until they arrived there. The Marogo also live in the Sunlit Horizon, alongside their cultural cousins, the Settlers. They live by the coast, so they can go into the water whenever they need to refresh themselves. There is also a small Marogo community in the Jade Rainforest. They live on the coast of Veskuaga and go into the sea more frequently since it's warmer.   The Marogo prefer to stick together, despite encompassing many species. This is partially because wherever they go, they experience discrimination for being aquatic humanoids. So the Marogo are careful not to reveal too much about their origins to outsiders.  

Marogo Cuisine

However, they are still happy to share their customs with others. The Marogo are known for their unique cuisine. They prefer their food lightly seasoned, rather than too spicy or salty. They don't want to overload their senses. Instead, they think each component of a meal should be easily identifiable. Most Marogo do not eat meat, but depending on their species, they eat fish and vegetables.  

Respecting Nature

"You know, you have said the word kami more times in a week than most of us say in our lifetimes."

— Kitani Futoshi to an outsider

  The Marogo have a deep respect for all living and non-living things. The respect comes from the belief that the world becomes aggressive if it is harmed. Many think that the Ice Age was a reaction to humanoid activity. So the Marogo prefer to leave things as they are and simply observe the world around them. This means they are often seen as passive by the Tochito, who see the environment as theirs to use.   They also respect and fear spirits, which they call kami. They do not worship the Dragons, but consider them spirits to be respected. The only Dragon close to being a god among the Marogo is the Hydro Dragon, and that is because he is connected to all sea creatures.  

Avoiding Water

Many Tochito have observed that Marogo avoid water, especially when they are around outsiders. They do not drink in front of people, nor do they go to the beach. Some even avoid going outside entirely when it is raining.   This is because Marogo can change into a form equipped for land and can change their skin colour too. But their power only works when they do not touch water. As soon as they come into contact with any liquid, their aquatic features return. Their true form has led to them being discriminated against in the past, so they only go into water within their community. This also means that being in water has become a social activity among the Marogo in their communities.