| Zoraï | |
|---|---|
| |
| Keepers of the Wild | |
| Faction: | Kami |
| Locale: | The Jungle |
| Capital City: | Zora |
| Form of Government: | {{{gov}}} |
| Trait: | Spiritual |
The Zoraï are feared mystics from the dark and hidden jungles who zealously serve the living planet. In their search for spiritual enlightenment, the Zoraï have grown close to the mysterious Kami.
Over the centuries the Zoraï have built up a relationship with the Kamis and started to proudly wear the Kami mask of kinship which distinguishes them from other homin races.
Following their society's three governing principles of Wisdom, Spiritual Accomplishment, and Respect for Nature, the Zorai have searched for knowledge where others have searched for personal gain. The Zoraï were the first to write the spoken word so that the knowledge of their ancestors could prevail. Their society became structured around magnificent temple-cities where grand ceremonies were orchestrated to drive back the flora devouring cancer which the Kamis were powerless to repel themselves.
Since the devastating swarming of kitins, they have once again expressly chosen their new sites in the middle of the enchanting jungle where pollution of the Goo is rife.
Now they seek to recover the magnificence of their former dynasty and make it shine as a beacon of wisdom. They are keen to share spiritual awareness throughout the world so that all hominkind may attain eternal bliss.[1]
Contents
History
The first Zoraï were a mysterious group of people who lived in the ancient jungles in the region known as Zoran south of the river Ti-aïn. It is not known exactly when the Zoraï settled in the area but it was probably somewhere between 2199 and 2205. The first Zoraï set up camp in the jungle when a tribe of them came into contact with the Kami. Given to mysticism, the Zoraï built up mysterious temple cities centered around the worship of the Kamis. The goo infested area the Zoraï had claimed was not prized by other people and their civilization was able to quickly expand becoming a force to be reckoned with. Led by a dynasty of spiritual chieftains, they were able to annex jungle land easily fending off Fyros attacks on their impregnable temple cities.
Under the Cho dynasty they undertook a campaign of territorial expansion to house their ever increasing populations. They began to set up settlements to the north nearer to other homin civilizations. On witnessing what they saw as barbarous acts of cruelty they began the construction of a great wall delimiting their territory to preserve peace and harmony within and to keep undesirables out. This policy enabled them to steer clear of futile and soul destroying acts of violence and to keep out of the scourge of interracial warfare that continuously ravaged the ancient lands.
In the cover of their vast protected provinces, they were able to develop a form of writing and gave themselves to spiritual enlightenment. However, in 2481, under the authority of Min-Cho, the great dynasty crumbled like a house of cards with the kitin onslaughts which, in their self-imposed segregation, the Zoraï were powerless to counter.[2]
Physical Traits
Zoraï are tall beings and have blue skin. Their hair often resembles grass and leaves and comes in a variety of natural colours. The Zoraï, being worshippers of fervent worshippers of Ma-Duk, have masks infused onto their faces.
Mask of Kinship
Each Zoraï wears a mask. They are not born with this mask, rather it is placed on the faces of young Zoraï by the Kami during an adoption ritual. These are living masks and act as the face of a Zoraï for the remainder of their lives. The masks are made from bone, cartilage, flesh and sap[3]
Region
The Zoraï have established their enchanting towns and villages in the jungle where the Sap flows in abundance and nourishes the thriving flora. Despite the welcoming and colorful labyrinth of plant life, the perils are manifold. The jungle in many areas is beset by the pestilent goo - a cancer that nibbles inexorably at life ravaging habitats, plants and bearing forth hideous monsters. However, the experienced explorer will be rewarded by the many beautiful resources that can be found here like precious amber.[4]
Climate
The climate is variable, the perfect tranquility may be suddenly broken by the clash of thunder and raging storms.
Government
The Zoraï are governed by a council of Sages and a Great Sage. The current ruler is Mabreka Cho.
List of Previous Great Sages