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The Quori People

Hailing from the small continent of Nevitash, the Quori people stand apart as descendants of human lineage that possess a unique magical attunement, unlike the majority of humanity in Eastrix. This innate magical connection stems from their ancestral ties to the Primordial Powers, echoing the mystical nature of the Yorin race.   Historically, the Quori have been largely rooted in Sorashana, once the main continent and homeland of their kind. Here, they established Qantar, a vast country sprawling across the continent. However, the passage of time has seen these people, once plentiful in Sorashana, retract into smaller, isolated communities. Striving to preserve their cultural identity amidst the turmoil that has seized their once peaceful lands, they resist the encroachment of the conflict that now infests their homeland.   Despite their shared heritage, the Quori encompass a range of ethnicities. From the outside, these differences can seem so stark that the Quori might appear to belong to entirely different species. Yet, to the Quori themselves, all share the same roots, regardless of skin color or physical build. Among these, the People of Yor constitute a dominant ethnicity. These individuals resemble humans in most respects, with the exception of a few distinct features, including entirely black eyes, naturally white hair, and exceptionally pale skin.   The Quarn, another ethnicity among the Quori, are often viewed as rarer, due to their more prominent dark features. Known for their deep connection to Styx, some claim that these individuals can even sense the river itself. The Wanajak, considered blessed among the Quori, have a less prominent connection to Styx and are therefore spared from the horrors often endured by their kin. Lastly, the Qintar are believed to have been chosen by the great Yor for ascendance, a mysterious and undefined process that has puzzled historians for centuries.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The Quori people, like most humanoids, possess a standard bipedal form with two arms and two legs. Despite their common ancestral lineage with humans, certain distinct physiological characteristics set them apart.
Starting from the top, the Quori people's eyes are an arresting feature. Unlike the typical colors found in human eyes, the Quori exhibit completely blacked eyes, with no discernible difference between the iris and the pupil. This striking feature lends them an exotic and somewhat otherworldly appearance.
The Quori possess a skeletal structure that is quite similar to humans. However, they tend to be slightly taller and leaner, with an average height around 5'8" to 6'2". Their bone density is slightly higher, granting them a robustness and durability that belies their slender appearance.
In terms of muscular structure, the Quori exhibit a lean, wiry strength, with well-defined muscles that do not bulk up as much as a human's would under similar circumstances. This gives them a somewhat graceful, streamlined appearance, somewhat akin to an elf but with a sturdier build.
Their skin, as fair as fresh-fallen snow, is an inheritance from their magical attunement. This distinctive pallor, combined with their common hair color of white, gives them a spectral or ethereal quality that further distinguishes them from their human cousins. However, there is a diversity of skin tones within the Quori populace, with the Quarn presenting darker, almost ashen shades, whilst the Wanajak maintain a complexion closer to that of ordinary humans.
Regarding limbs, the Quori people adhere to the standard humanoid configuration of two legs used for bipedal locomotion, and two arms capped with hands featuring five fingers each, including an opposable thumb for tool use and manipulation. However, their fingers are somewhat longer and more slender than a typical human's, allowing for precision in tasks, a trait that likely serves them well in their interaction with ancient relics and the execution of their innately powerful magic.
Overall, the Quori people are a graceful and somewhat enigmatic race, their physical form hinting at their innate magical abilities and unique ancestry.

Biological Traits

Quori people, like humans, display a range of variations in terms of lifespan, height, weight, and other physical characteristics. Their life expectancy tends to be longer than humans. Their increased longevity is believed to be linked to their connection to Styx, the river of souls.

Genetics and Reproduction

Reproduction among the Quori is akin to that of humans, involving sexual reproduction between males and females. The gestation period for a Quori is approximately nine months, again much like humans. However, Quori children, referred to as 'Soulkin,' are born with a faint aura, a visible sign of their connection to Styx, the river of souls.
Quori grow at a pace similar to humans, transitioning through life stages of infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age. Each life stage is marked by a deepening of their connection to Styx, with the Soulkin's abilities becoming more pronounced and complex as they mature. By the time they reach adolescence, most Quori have gained reasonable control over their extrasensory capabilities and can interpret the soul auras they perceive. As they grow older, their aura may begin to wane, a sign of their nearing transition into the afterlife. Elder Quori are revered as 'Soulseers,' individuals with a profound understanding of the soul's journey and the mysteries of life and death.

Ecology and Habitats

The Quori people are found primarily in regions close to their ancestral homelands of Nevitash and Sorashana. These lands, rich in ancient Quori sites like the Ruins of Khalstari or the Tree of Khamus, hold great cultural and spiritual significance. These sites are believed to be powerful nexuses of soul energy, enhancing the Quori's connection to Styx.
Though Quori can survive and even thrive in a variety of environments, they have an intrinsic preference for locations with a strong connection to their ancestral roots and spiritual heritage. They have a unique bond with their habitats, with each community often tasked with the stewardship of their local ancient sites.
These communities are frequently built around or in close proximity to such sites, allowing the Quori to live in harmony with their surroundings and maintain a deep spiritual connection with their history and the land. The Quori are known for their minimal impact on their environment, striving for a balance between their needs and the preservation of their ancestral grounds. They build their dwellings using natural materials and prefer to cultivate the land for sustenance, supplementing their diet with foraging and hunting when necessary.
The Quori are known for their rituals that celebrate their connection to the land, the souls that inhabit it, and the endless cycle of life and death. These rituals, often held at the ancient sites, are a central part of their cultural identity and further reinforce their strong bond with their environment.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Quori society is organized around a loose collection of communities, each one centered on a significant ancient site. The communities are often led by the elder Soulseers, who guide their people in spiritual matters and mediate conflicts. The Quori value cooperation and mutual support, with each individual contributing to the community's wellbeing according to their abilities and interests.
The Quori have a deep respect for all forms of life, and their society is fundamentally egalitarian. Both males and females share equal rights and responsibilities, and roles are often determined based on an individual's spiritual calling rather than their gender.
However, due to their unique abilities to perceive souls, the Quori have a unique role in their society and Eastrix at large as humaniod intermediaries between the living and the dead. This brings both great respect and fear towards the Quori from other species, forming a unique social dynamic that shapes their interactions.

Facial characteristics

Quori facial features are delicate yet striking. They have high cheekbones, almond-shaped eyes that radiate a soft glow, and narrow, well-defined lips. Their most defining feature is their completely black eyes, a sign of their innate connection to Styx.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

The Quori primarily inhabit regions near their ancestral homelands of Nevitash and Sorashana, with large concentrations around ancient sites such as the Ruins of Khalstari or the Tree of Khamus. However, small communities can also be found scattered throughout Eastrix.

Average Intelligence

Quori people are generally highly intelligent compared to a regular human, with a deep understanding of the spiritual realm and the cycles of life and death. Their education is intertwined with their spiritual development, which often leads to a heightened wisdom and a profound understanding of the metaphysical world.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

The Quori possess all the standard sensory capabilities that humans do, such as sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. However, these conventional senses are augmented by their unique connection to Styx, the river of souls, giving them a range of extrasensory capabilities not seen in other races.
The most profound of these is their ability to perceive souls. Due to their close link with Styx, they can see the ethereal forms of souls as they depart from the physical plane, a sight invisible to most other beings. This extrasensory perception manifests as an aura around living creatures, visible only to the Quori. As the life force weakens or when death is imminent, these auras undergo subtle changes, fading or flickering, which a Quori can interpret with startling accuracy.
These souls, seen by the Quori as ethereal wisps of varying shades, are visible regardless of physical barriers or distance, adding a spectral layer to their world view that can be both awe-inspiring and deeply sobering. This perception of souls extends not only to their fellow Quori but to all life forms, giving them a unique perspective on life and death.
Their link to Styx also heightens their empathy and intuitive understanding of others' emotions, as they can sense the vibrational shifts in a soul's energy. This empathic sensitivity can be both a blessing and a burden, as they are often subject to the emotional highs and lows of those around them.
Another notable attribute related to their link with Styx is a heightened sense of 'soul-orientation.' Quori individuals can sense the direction and distance of significant souls they've previously encountered. This connection fades over time and distance, but it can be a powerful tool for tracking or locating specific individuals.
However, these extraordinary abilities come with their own set of challenges. The constant perception of souls and the emotional undercurrents they carry can be overwhelming, leading many Quori to live in relatively isolated communities. Furthermore, the ever-present reminder of mortality can lead to a somewhat melancholic or contemplative outlook on life. Despite these challenges, the Quori cherish their unique sensory gifts as an integral part of their rich cultural heritage and identity.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

The Quori naming tradition reflects their spiritual belief system, emphasizing the transient nature of material existence. Since they believe all beings eventually become souls, individual identity is viewed as a temporary state before rejoining the universal spirit stream.   For male first names, they commonly adopt monikers that evoke elements of their spiritual journey or connection to the River of Souls. Examples include 'Stykan', 'Yorim', 'Khalstari', and 'Qurin'. Female names often carry a sense of grace and tranquillity, symbolic of the peaceful transition they believe in, such as 'Sorasha', 'Nevani', 'Yorana', and 'Qintara'.   Last names among the Quori are less personal, usually linked to the ancient sites, geographical features, or the ethnic group they belong to. Some of these last names include 'Wanajak', 'Quarnveil', 'Yorling', 'Khamusroot', and 'Qintarmyst'.   While the Quori don't place immense importance on names, they uphold a ceremony where each newborn is introduced to the community and given a name that reflects their future role or the parent's aspirations. This ceremony is a significant event, marked by communal gatherings and blessings.

Average Technological Level

Despite their innate magical abilities, the Quori don't shun technology; instead, they incorporate it to serve their spiritual pursuits. While their technology isn't as advanced as some Eastrix civilizations, they've developed specific tools and devices to aid their interactions with the River of Souls. These include ceremonial items, mystic glyphs, spectral conduits, and elemental resonators.
Their architectural styles also reflect this harmonious merger of technology and magic, with structures that integrate natural elements of their environment, utilizing ancient ruins and natural formations to enhance their magical practices.

Common Etiquette Rules

Quori society values respect for all souls, reflecting their belief in the ultimate unity of existence. Their etiquette practices largely involve acknowledging this shared destiny and respecting the temporary individual identities that each being possesses.
A typical greeting involves a gentle bow, symbolizing the bowing of one soul to another. Sharing experiences related to the River of Souls is considered an intimate form of communication and is reserved for trusted friends and family. The Quori also maintain a culture of community support, often gathering to help one another and share in their spiritual practices.
Another significant aspect of Quori etiquette is their respect for death and the departed. They view death as a transformation rather than an end, and as such, their funerary customs are centered around guiding the departing soul towards the River of Souls and celebrating the life that was lived.

History

The Quori people, though united in their connection to the River of Souls, Styx, were not always categorized into the distinct ethnicities that we recognize today. Their differentiation into four distinct groups - the People of Yor, the Quarn, the Wanajak, and the Qintar - stemmed from both geographical and cultural factors. The tribes of the Quori were originally scattered across the continent of Sorashana, each settling in different areas suited to their unique ways of life. Over generations, these tribes developed distinct characteristics based on their geographical locations, spiritual practices, and interactions with the mystical elements around them. This diversification led to the establishment of the four Quori ethnicities.
The Wanajak, burdened by their spiritual connection to the River of Souls, yearned for a life more akin to the majority of Eastrix's inhabitants. They sought to distance themselves from the metaphysical world, striving to integrate into the 'normal' societies scattered across the continent. The Wanajak, in essence, aspire to lighten the spectral weight they carry, hoping to lead more mundane, peaceful lives. Their presence in human societies is typically marked by their tireless efforts to assimilate and their subtle disconnection from Styx's relentless current.   Contrastingly, the Quarn embraced their spectral lineage, seeking to strengthen their bond with Styx. They valued their unique ability to interact with the soul stream and endeavored to enhance their innate magical capabilities. This quest often led the Quarn into deep isolation, where they could freely practice their rituals and communions with the River of Souls. The Quarn's practices and beliefs set them apart from their Quori brethren, manifesting in their darker features and rare occurrences within Eastrix's populous regions.   The People of Yor hold an unwavering devotion to the enigmatic entity, Yor. As the guide of spirits from Eastrix to the River of Souls, Yor plays a crucial role in their belief system. The People of Yor, as Yor's chosen, believe in fostering a balance between the material and the spiritual realms. They act as mediators, maintaining the flow of souls to Styx, and preserving the delicate equilibrium that Yor established eons ago.   The Qintar, veiled in mystery, remain the most enigmatic group among the Quori. Guided by an arcane purpose known only to them, they pursue a path separate from their counterparts. Their motives remain a subject of intrigue among Quori and other Eastrix races alike, further perpetuating their reputation as cryptic wanderers of the Quori. As they seemingly act in their own interests, the Qintar's actions often influence the greater dynamics within the Quori and across Eastrix, adding yet another layer to the intricate history of the Quori people.

The Plague Wars, The Quori Civil War.

 
The Plague Wars marked a significant and catastrophic period in Quori history. During this time, the Quori people were nearly driven to extinction as their connection with the River of Souls was abruptly severed. This disconnection led to widespread panic and chaos among the Quori, with some viewing the sudden peace as a blessing, while others perceived it as an omen of doom. The lack of unity among the Quori during the Plague Wars escalated into what many scholars refer to as the Quori Civil War. Families, tribes, and entire communities turned against each other, driven by fear, loss, and a desperate struggle for power. The conflict ravaged the Quori lands, leading to a significant decline in their population and their subsequent retreat from many regions of Eastrix.
 The Grey Years following the Plague Wars was a time of desolation and despair for the Quori people. Many Quori retreated into small, isolated communities, preserving what little they could of their culture. However, this period also marked a time of introspection and transformation, fostering a renewed understanding of their spiritual connections and their roles within Eastrix. The Quori, hardened by their past, stand as a testament to their resilience and commitment to their spiritual heritage, forever shaped by their complex history.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Origin/Ancestry
Aurayorins
Lifespan
120
Average Height
An average height of about 170-180cm (5'8" - 6'2") for males and 165-170cm (5'5"-5'9") for females.
Average Weight
Their average weight ranges from 65-80kg (150-180 pounds) for males and 60-70kg (130-160 pounds) for females.
Average Physique
The Quori possess a slender yet sturdy physique, much like well-toned humans. They exhibit a natural elegance in their movements, reflecting their spiritual connection and mindfulness.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Quori skin tones range from pale white to a rich cream color. Their hair is typically white and can range from platinum to snow-white hues. Some Quori people bear intricate markings on their bodies, usually in the form of tattoos. These markings often represent their spiritual journey and their personal relationship with Styx.
Geographic Distribution

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