Velari
Velari is the traditional name for Changelings, and many people still associate it with them now. Long ago, around the Sixth Millennium (about 6000), the Velari established Valairing, a strong and enigmatic empire.
The exact history of Valairing is clouded in mystery and loss. What is known is that the great changeling kingdom fell, its lands shattered, and its people dispersed over the earth.
In the aftermath, the surviving Velari formed separate groups, typically preferring seclusion over visibility. They mastered adaptation, merging into other cultures and lifestyles in order to survive. Despite their outward changes, many ancient customs, ideologies, and ways of life were secretly passed down through the years, leaving echoes of Valairing that still exist today.
To be Velari is more than just changing form; it is also about carrying a legacy. Every mask conceals a secret thread of their past whispers of a broken kingdom and the persistent resolve to remember.
Valairing's downfall, however, was not the result of internal turmoil or abuse of its citizens. In reality, by many accounts, it was a well governed and equitable realm. The true cause was fear of what changelings could accomplish.
Changelings were frequently hired for their amazing talents, which included infiltration, espionage, assassination, persuasion, and trickery. Many of Valairing's neighboring kingdoms relied on them for delicate political employment, yet the same skill set prompted widespread suspicion among those same kingdoms.
Rumors circulated about hidden spies, political manipulation, and deep seated mysteries. With changelings capable of impersonating anyone, many foreign leaders considered Valairing as a menace disguised in flesh, goo, and falsehoods, rather than a nation. Tensions grew until, finally, fear spilled into violence.
Several neighboring countries launched a coordinated and destructive onslaught, attempting to eradicate Valairing and its people from the earth. The kingdom fell, with its towns broken, its court ruined, and its legacy almost completely gone.
However, not all was lost.
Many changelings fled in fragmented groups, disappearing into the wilderness and foreign lands. They eventually separated into two groups: those motivated by vengeance and those determined to survive and protect all they could.
The vengeful rarely succeed. They might change the power changed, but the world remained hostile. Most survivors decided to build silently, founding clandestine groups and adopting new customs while passing on remnants of their lost heritage.
These survivors adopted the ancient name Velari, commemorating Valairing's history. Despite being scattered, they constructed a new life based on shared memory, adaptation, and a dedication to protecting their people's with secret and shadow.
The exact history of Valairing is clouded in mystery and loss. What is known is that the great changeling kingdom fell, its lands shattered, and its people dispersed over the earth.
In the aftermath, the surviving Velari formed separate groups, typically preferring seclusion over visibility. They mastered adaptation, merging into other cultures and lifestyles in order to survive. Despite their outward changes, many ancient customs, ideologies, and ways of life were secretly passed down through the years, leaving echoes of Valairing that still exist today.
To be Velari is more than just changing form; it is also about carrying a legacy. Every mask conceals a secret thread of their past whispers of a broken kingdom and the persistent resolve to remember.
History
The Velari's origins can be traced back to the once-mighty Kingdom of Valairing, which was rich in culture, history, and subtle beauty. During its peak, Valairing was a rich and vibrant kingdom noted for its artwork, magical expertise, and strong sense of identity.Valairing's downfall, however, was not the result of internal turmoil or abuse of its citizens. In reality, by many accounts, it was a well governed and equitable realm. The true cause was fear of what changelings could accomplish.
Changelings were frequently hired for their amazing talents, which included infiltration, espionage, assassination, persuasion, and trickery. Many of Valairing's neighboring kingdoms relied on them for delicate political employment, yet the same skill set prompted widespread suspicion among those same kingdoms.
Rumors circulated about hidden spies, political manipulation, and deep seated mysteries. With changelings capable of impersonating anyone, many foreign leaders considered Valairing as a menace disguised in flesh, goo, and falsehoods, rather than a nation. Tensions grew until, finally, fear spilled into violence.
Several neighboring countries launched a coordinated and destructive onslaught, attempting to eradicate Valairing and its people from the earth. The kingdom fell, with its towns broken, its court ruined, and its legacy almost completely gone.
However, not all was lost.
Many changelings fled in fragmented groups, disappearing into the wilderness and foreign lands. They eventually separated into two groups: those motivated by vengeance and those determined to survive and protect all they could.
The vengeful rarely succeed. They might change the power changed, but the world remained hostile. Most survivors decided to build silently, founding clandestine groups and adopting new customs while passing on remnants of their lost heritage.
These survivors adopted the ancient name Velari, commemorating Valairing's history. Despite being scattered, they constructed a new life based on shared memory, adaptation, and a dedication to protecting their people's with secret and shadow.
Culture
Common Etiquette rules
Handshake Tradition
When two Velari meet and exchange a handshake, they do so in their disguised forms but within the gesture, a hidden truth is shared. At the moment their palms touch, a small portion of each changeling reverts to their natural, gelatinous form and shake each other, hidden within the grasp.This subtle interchange is a sacred custom that echoes an ancient practice from Valairing. When changelings greeted one another, they would fully shift their hands into their actual, fluid condition, symbolizing trust, respect, and shared identity. Even as the world has evolved, this intimate gesture remains a simple statement of who they are beneath the mask.
Common Customs, traditions and rituals
Morphic Day
Morphic Day is a beloved holiday that originated in the ancient Kingdom of Valairing and is still celebrated by Velari around the world today. It is a day of celebration, self-expression, and remembrance a time to recognize their shapeshifting nature and the fact that, despite their capacity to transform into many different things, they are always themselves.Morphic Day commemorates the beauty of metamorphosis and the limitless possibilities of form. It is a statement of pride in their versatility, adaptability, and individuality. On this day, Velari assemble not only to commemorate their roots, but also to embrace the power of transformation.
Execution
The celebration usually begins in a hidden or sacred spot, away from prying eyes. Changelings can expose their actual gelatinous bodies without fear. The location is adorned with food, drink, and vivid decorations, but the focal point of the party is artwork.
These artworks, presented or created by the participants, depict exotic and odd creatures anything that contradicts the typical the bipedal form. They may be painted, sculpted, or discovered naturally. They provide inspiration, adoration, and a reminder of Velari's limitless potential.
Throughout the day, changelings will socialize, tell stories, and demonstrate their shapeshifting abilities by imitating various forms inspired by the artwork or natural objects. Some even organize informal tournaments or challenges for fun.
Two Key Events
At the center of the celebration are two major events, each held at different times depending on the town, but always in the same order.
1. The Great Telling
The assembly pauses to hear the story of Valairing the Velari's lost kingdom and why they opted to live in secret. This narrative is holy, passed down through generations, and serves as a reminder of the community's common past and strength.
Participants are then invited to share personal stories funny, dramatic, or inspiring about their biology, shapeshifting experiences, or moments of self-discovery. It is a time for connecting, cultural exchange, and appreciating the route that led them here.
2. The Morphoic Challenge
Young changelings anxious to demonstrate their abilities can enter the coveted Morphic Challenge. Unique and unusual objects some organic, some crafted are revealed. Each contender must morph into the forms represented by these goods, one after the other, attempting to resemble them as closely as possible.
Judges assess the precision, originality, and control of each metamorphosis until just one champion survives. This winner then competes in a final shapeshifting battle against the previous year's champion in a fast-paced back and forth transformation challenge. The last one to consistently shift into the correct form receives the title of Morphic for the year.
The new Morphic receives bragging rights, a prize chosen by the community, and the honor of choosing one of next year's challenge forms. Their victory is celebrated with shouts, dancing, and a lavish feast to conclude the celebration.
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