Aj'Ra

Aj'Ra are mostly humanoid from the waist-up, with two arms and five fingers on each, as well as a humanoid face. From the waist down, however they possess a lengthy serpentine tail. This tail remains the most distic

Aj'Ra reproduce through intercourse, wherein the female will eventually develop and lay 1-3 eggs after a gestation period of ten months. These eggs hatch after six weeks, and develop beside their mother.

The aj'ra develop rather quickly, spending almost a year dependent on their mothers. After that they quickly grow as children until they enter teenagerhood around eight or nine years of age. Though it varies, they typically enter adulthood around age fourteen during a process known as the Shedding, though there have been cases of these happening as early as twelve and as late as eighteen.

Aj'ra have more humanoid teeth and mouths, and thus have a wider variety of foods to eat of, including vegetables, and more tough meats. However, they typically choose softer foods so as to not break their teeth and soft fangs.

The aj'ra regularly have to shed their skins once a year as children and twice a year as adults. This process typically takes about a day, though there is considerable build-up as old scales flake off and new ones come on.

Smooth and rounded, the an aj'ra's face is roughly humanoid, though closer inspection reveals some unique characteristics. Their eyes are narrow and slit, like a serpents, their noses are small and flat, more serpentine in nature. In addition, they have tiny ears small scales, especially colored ones above their forehead. They also have twin extendable fangs and a small forked tongue.

The aj'ra can be found in several areas in Telreymor and Sothakar, but these are mostly traders, merchants, or workers of other kinds. Almost all other aj'ra are found in their homeland of Ajara.

The aj'ra are very intelligent, having already designed a math system based on the prime digits and very advanced in field such as magic, technology, geology, astronomy, etc. The average aj'ra is typically seen as smart to the other races, and often has some education.

Aj'Ra have sensory abilities almost the same as other races of Telarith, but are specifically unique due to their serpentine physiology. They have small forked tongues that are able to "taste" the air around them, which is interpreted as heat signatures. Due to this, aj'ra are able to see the differing heat signatures and temperatures of different creatures and areas.

The aj'ra names tend to be more graceful and flowing, as well as full of vowels, as compared to the aj'va.   Some male first names include: Sakellis, Trassaka, Sesetlatal, Loshessakess, Kdassikass   Some female first names include: Klakssa, Skassakis, Kossondra

The most important political entity of the aj'ra are the dynasties that rule over them. These are powerful royal families that have exerted dominance over the empire and rule over them, some benevolently, others tyrannically. Several royal houses exist and vie for the emperors favor, with many lines falling and new ones arising.   Besides the royal houses and dynasties, there exist several other important organizations, such as the Sess'reka, the most powerful magician organization. Many aj'ra follow the path of sciences or histories, and thus join government orders such as the Institute of History or Mathematics. Besides such open and widely respected groups, there are more reputed ones, namely the infamous Reseda Marketmen, an illegal organization that has roots all over Ajara, and sells and transports all sorts of underhand items and materials.

An aj'ra with a long tail and soft scales is considered attractive, as are fair-faced and long-haired females. They value grooming, and well-kept faces, thinner physics, elaborate dresses and clothing, and cleaned scales are all idealized and admired.

Aj'Ra technology is one of the most advanced on the planet. They are known to see art and mechanics as one thing, crafter smooth and curved metallic machines that are powered by arcane energy. The greatest achievements of the aj'ra has been in knowing to gather and store large amounts of magical energy and use it to power anything they design. In addition, their knowledge of mathematics and physical make-up of reality allows for precise calculations and primitives types of magical A.I.

Rissji is the native tongue of the aj'ra, part of the Ajini family language. It was formed due to the long periods of separation the aj'ra had from their racial cousins. Modern Rissji has developed from Old and Middle Rissji, as well as various smaller tribal tongues. Due to centuries of imperial codification and implementation, all aj'ra know Rissji, and there are no differing dialects or accents between region.

Aj'Ra are more revealing than other cultures, wearing revealing and thin gowns that races such as the teryns or the oliogga would find risque outrageous. Still however, the aj'ra have certain ideals for dress, and generally wear elegant or elaborate robes and dresses that are woven around their bodies and tails, embroidered with colorful materials. Long hair is spun into many various designs and held by ringlets, while golden rings and earrings adorn their bodies.

The aj'ra descend from a group of people who ventured further than all others, who peered into ancient ruins and first unlocked the powers of the arcane. Their long and often glorious history is deeply imbedded into the minds of all aj'ra, and they all have a general sense of superiority and magnificence. They view magic as their birthright, and investigations into the realms of science and magic as worthy paths.   Aj'ra culture exonerates those who are intelligent and crafty, wise with their words and their deeds and those who discover new things and push known boundaries. There is also a great value placed upon the pursuit of prosperity and unified progress, as well as loyalty towards their empire. The paths of knowledge, be it in war or mathematics or any other fields, are intended to propel the aj'ra race forward to a glorious future, where Telarith is united and guided under their rule. While sometimes arrogant or naively optimistic in such a vision, many aj'ra earnestly seek the betterment of all Telarith.   The Aj'Ra are also a philosophizing people, with many major schools of thought that have sprung up over their long history. One of their most important ideas is known as the Mvall'sotans, or "The Dynastic Cycle." This is essentially a political theory, that states that all political entities and structures will inevitably collapse. The specific Dynastic Cycle specifically relates to the multiple dynasties that have governed the aj'ra over their history, with one dynasty falling, another replacing it, aging, and falling again. The aj'ra have even designed their political system to allow the rise of another dynasty after the fall of the previous one based on the Dynastic Cycle.

While not as obsessed with ordered affairs and organized structure as lithryns, the aj'ra nonetheless still prefer more organized and neat spaces. They dislike very chaotic messes, but even dislike unknown or unrecorded histories the most. History is something to learn from, and so they have some of the most in-depth and well-recorded annals of historical event, many of which do not even concern their races own history. Evidence and record of the past are seldom and only begrudgingly destroyed, with most data recorded in the Great Libraries of Aj'Snaga.   But most of all they detest barbarianism and what they considered primitive living. Civilizations and advancement is considered the greatest hallmark of their race, and all aj'ra actively despise more primal and tribal races, namely the oroc'mac and the aj'va.

Aj'Ra Ancestry and the Great Shedding

  When the ancient Guardians wiped out any remaining Oldspawn through the aid of the race of the raqui, they blessed different portions of that race, forming several new races. Ishra, the Life-Giver and Mistress of the Green, blessed the peaceful and naturalistic Aji'n, and those who followed him, who would become the aji. They were tasked with the maintenance and nurturing of jungle.   For countless millennia, the aji held their charge faithfully, but eventually, one group of aji were called further and further south. Their elders and shamans saw visions and dreams of great power and ancient ruins, and over generations moved beyond their homelands and travelled further south. The most important, and last, of these shamans was the young Rass'al Vis'sarzu, who had visions and dreams calling her to a new home for her failing tribe. She led them on a long journey, fraught with danger and trials, but finally they ended up within the shattered ruins of Canaynor, ironically the home of their races' progeniter, Ishra.   There, Rass'al peered into the ancient tombs and arcane machines, and the leaking great anchor of the city. For many years her tribe settled and built their own domains, as the leaking arcane energy of the anchor changed them slowly. After many years, Rass'al discovered the many secrets and lost histories of the city, and became the first mage of Telarith, casting a powerful spell. This was the Great Shedding, which changed the tribe themselves, and forever connecting them to the magic of the arcane. Rass'al led her tribe into a future of rebuilding and knowledge, with rapid advancements in technology and magical arts. The people name the city Aj'Snaga ("Aji's City") and themselves the aj'ra ("Chosen of Aji").  

First Dynasties: Sarzu and Eassah

  For a long period of time, the aj'ra spread out from their humble city, that developed and grew into a true capitol, and founded other settlements and villages, forming many tribes that remained divided and disparate. However, even early in their history, there were some attempts to unify the aj'ra people. The first was the Sarzu Dynasty, who claimed to be the descendants of Rass'al. They formed an early empire in central Ajara during early 7500s BD that lasted for over 500 centuries.   The Sarzu were thrown over by the Eassah in 6924 BD, and greatly expanded the borders of early aj'ra imperial rule. They greatly expanded upon the technology and organization of aj'ra, and helped to form the basics for modern aj'ra culture. They developed a specific form of writing on and developed the early aj'ra langauge. There borders would would expand and reach a height during the seventy-seventh century, but would steadily decline and fluctuate for many centuries, as barbarian tribes and weak leadership tore at the empire from within and without. The last emperor of the Eassah was Scucsat IV, whose death around 6007 BD caused a total war between his many sons and daughters, and a disintegration of the dynasty and empire.  

Vying States Period

  The immediate period after was known as the Vying States Period, which lasted from around 6007 BD to 4899 BD. Thousands of states formed in the region of Ajara, some mere cities, others mediocre territories, but each paltry and constantly at war. Natural disasters, wars, and invasions continued to lead to a constant state of disunity and conflict. While during some periods, larger states emerged, in the end all the principalities would eventually fall apart and lead to another cycle of war.  

Hajiar Dynasty and the Aj'snagian Empire

  The Vying States Period ended when the Hajiar Dynasty finally forcibly united all aj'ra for the first time in 4899 BD. Under the First Emperor, the state of Haja (one of the seven major states of the time, and from where the name Ajara originated from) was formed by his cunning skills in war, strategy, and politics. He established a closely organized empire, with over twenty imperial provinces governed by their own leaders that bowed to the First Emperor from Aj'Snaga. This was the birth of the Aj'Snagian Empire, ruled by the wise Hajiar Dynasty for almost a thousand years.   Under them, the aj'ra were united by tongue, religion, and culture, and great advancements in the magics and sciences propelled their civilization forward. Art and architecture flourished, and many canals, strongholds, and road networks were built during this time. Perhaps the most impressive of all was the Great Ass'ryikk Wall, first built by Emperor Ass'ryikk I "the Great" and slowly expanded by his successors. This wall was built across the norther border of Ajara, and served to defend their borders from aj'va and wild oroc'mac clans, using advanced technological inventions and defensive spell towers.  

Ugasi Dynasty

  All dynasties fall however, and the great Hajiar Dynasty was betrayed by Ss'orsis Ugasi, a tactful if ambitious and cruel, man who established his own dynasty in 3770 BD. Unlike the Hajiar, the Ugasi greatly sought to expand and reform their nation into a true unrivaled power. They expanded their borders and organized the military into an effective fighting machine, while boosting their trade routes, sailing to the farthest lands and growing reach off of many oversea colonies and rich trade. Investments into magic led to unparalleled creations that astounded and awed all. The Aj'Snagian Empire became the unchallenged and unrivaled power of the world, constantly growing, especially in the 3600s-3400s.   While the Ugasi would suffer from much civil and political infighting, they would remain the ruling dynasty of the Aj'Snagian Empire, though they would almost falter from many civil wars. However, decadence and depravity would take root, with many leaders and nobility becoming lazy and greedy, or harsh and cruel. The nation would grow increasingly fractured, divided, and disorganized, and many nobles (and even commoners and peasants) would form and join mystery cults to please themselves.  

The Great Darkness and the Fall of the Empire

  When the Great Darkness descended upon the world, the aj'ra erected many magical barriers and thus shielded themselves from many negative effects of the Void and the Day of Night. But many houses and nobles, believing all was lost against so great a force that fell upon their world, willingly submitted to the twisted magics of the void and the demonic powers of the fel. On the Night of Burning Scales, many nobles willingly accepted demonic pacts and twisted those near them into servants of the Burning Legion.   Despite such internal problems, the Aj'Snagian Empire was vital in the First Alliance that successfully defended and defeated the darkness on Telarith. However, the Great Darkness was merely the final nail in the coffin for the great aj'ra imperial rule, which finally ended after the Fourth War of Brothers shattered the the empire into several different states.  

Broken States Period

  Thus began the Broken States Period. Following the collapse, several different princedoms formed. By 700 AD, three different kingdoms had developed, the nations of Sess, Moczis, and Ss'hu. Each would frequently go to war against each other. In 957 AD the Thuza Dynasty of the largest state of Ss'hu conquered the others, forming the Thuza imperial rule of the aj'ra.  

Thuza Dynasty

  The Thuza Dynasty ruled from 957-1639 Ad and is most known for establishing peace and for enabling a flourishing of arts. Some of the greatest art and architectural developments were created at this time. This was also when aj'ra calligraphy reached its zenith, as well as the creation of many wondrous works of literature and poetry.  

Warring Twins Period

  However, the Thuza Dynasty fell apart following a civil war between twin brothers who fought over there the kingdom after the death of their father in 1639 AD. These resulted in the Warring Twins Period, between the northern kingdom of Sian and the southern kingdom of Akkass'. Both kingdoms would be dredged into long period of conflict for over 800 years, as well as facing off from barbarian attacks from the north.  

Sithnis Dynasty and the Second Ajaran Empire

  The Twins were finally subdued in 2266 AD by the Ss'uss' Sithnis, a genius tactician and politician who managed to become emperor of Akkass', then kill of the Sian empress and would proclaim himself Emperor of the Ajaran Empire and first of the Sithnis Dynasty. This empire (often referred to as the Second Ajaran Empire since it is considered the second great empire of the aj'ra) was small and paltry at first, but quickly expanded once again, conquring Sothakar. During the early 4th millenium, the Second Ajaran Empire conquered Telreymor and extended aj'ra rule to as far is it had ever been.   After the Great Teryn Rebellion and sever overtaxing of the people, the aj'ra citizens overthrew the dynasty, and established the Council Period. This pseudo-democratic government was managed by the elite, and for the first time the aj'ra were not governed by rival states nor any strong dynasty. The Council Period lasted until the 3300s, as weak leadership, natural disasters and diseases, invasions, and rival infighting led to the complete collapse of the Ajaran Empire in 3339 AD.  

Shattered State Period

  The Shattered State Period that followed was grim and dark. Most nothern aj'ra were subjugated by either warlords or barbarian tribes, while pathetic fiefdoms ruled in the south. The Broken Period lasted from around 3339-3497 AD.  

Shaga Dyasty and the Third Ajaran Empire

  However, once again the aj'ra ascended, under Ve'shadu Shaga, who formed the Third Ajaran Empire ruled by the Shaga Dynasty. Once again the people prospered and extended their rule, becoming the dominant force of Sothakar and the south. Yet, recently the oroc'mac and the aj'va, in an attempt to remain free, have allied together and threaten the aj'ra's empire. Thus, the aj'ra fight for the Great Union, and will undoubtedly be a major force in the shaping of Telarith's future.

Aj'Ra myths typically center around legendary heroes from before record where so keenly kept. As the aj'ra are a more factual race, they are often skeptical of even their own legends and rather preserve them for cultural and philosophical reasons. To them, their ancient legends serve as attempts of understanding the primal truths of reality, or the embodiment of their idealized heroes.   Many myths center around their races' progenitor, Rass'al Vis'sarzu, with many various oral and written traditions detailing her life, visions, and history. These were all compiled and organized into Lays of Rass'al, an epic poem and the great masterwork of Restsa'k Veikosh. Other legends about imperial leaders and early heroes, such as Tisrakan Vssahdu the Demon-Slayer or Nadissi Soss'garmo the Brooding Prince, were spread, and many regional tales were told. In time, many poems and lengthy written myths would be written down by great authors and scholars of the ages, who delved not only into the legends they wrote about but also the many themes and issues the aj'ra dealt and questioned with.   One particular written epic perplexes many scholars. Oris Vessa is a lengthy collection of various legends about many intertwining characters, as well as detailing early historic events and battles. It has no known author, is one of the earlies written texts known. Scholars know it was read as early as the Sarzu Dynasty, but none can trace who wrote it, or exactly why.

Aj'ra believe themselves, in many ways, as above the other primitive races. They were the first species do develop civilization, master arcane magic, and create early empires, and thus are more stigmatic towards simple races such as the oroc'mac, the aj'va, the oliogga, the dreor, and sometimes the chippa. That does not entail that they entirely discount them, but generally view them as primitive barbarians or uncivilized peoples.   Teryn, and particularly lithryn, relations are much better, despite the sometimes conflicted history between the two races. The aj'ra generally value and respect the might and faith of the lithryns, who have created their own unique society and kingdom. Both races, while sometime enemies, have also been close allies, willing to respect and aid the other against common foes.