Beluosu
Size/Catagory: Medium Humanoid
Stats:
Mind: Untrained 20
Body: Skilled 14, Expert 11 for Chain Commanders
Magic: Untrained 20, Expert 11 for Chain Mothers
Number of Attacks: 1
Damage/Attack: By weapon
Special Attacks: None
Special Defenses: None
Special Abilites: The offspring of the mother will have a born in bio-psychological loyalty to the mother of a near extreme level.
Magic Resistence: Nil
Stats:
Mind: Untrained 20
Body: Skilled 14, Expert 11 for Chain Commanders
Magic: Untrained 20, Expert 11 for Chain Mothers
Number of Attacks: 1
Damage/Attack: By weapon
Special Attacks: None
Special Defenses: None
Special Abilites: The offspring of the mother will have a born in bio-psychological loyalty to the mother of a near extreme level.
Magic Resistence: Nil
Climate/Terrain: Beluosu live in moderate temperatures, preferring to build upon mountain sides or in valleys.
Frequency: Rare
Organization: Non-unified Matriarchies
Activity Cycle: Diurnal
Intelligence: Above Average
Language: Common
Alignment: Often considered evil do to their warring nature and the lack of concern for those not of their species.
Description:
The Beluosu appear human, save for a few abnormalities, such as the lack of any large concentration of hair on their bodies. Having only a thin layer of hair about them, they appear practically bald. Their eyes consist of varying shades of brown, yellow, or green. Their teeth consist mostly of incisors and fangs, with a few molars in the back. Occasionally a Beluosu can be seen with the eyes of another species.
Belluosu half breeds vary according to the father, primarily taking after the mother. Most half breeds, especially the half-orcs, remain untouched by magical modification. Others are modified in the belluosu's current artistic crazes. Limbs, eyes, wings, torsos and other parts of the half breeds are replaced with those of another person or creature. This can provide an incredibly varied array of possibilities.
Their clothing consists almost exclusively of chain mail. A silk cloth is commonly worn about the waist, as a skirt, loin cloth, or other manor of clothing. The Beluosu soldiers wear leathered armor of various hides underneath their chain mail.
Frequency: Rare
Organization: Non-unified Matriarchies
Activity Cycle: Diurnal
Intelligence: Above Average
Language: Common
Alignment: Often considered evil do to their warring nature and the lack of concern for those not of their species.
Description:
The Beluosu appear human, save for a few abnormalities, such as the lack of any large concentration of hair on their bodies. Having only a thin layer of hair about them, they appear practically bald. Their eyes consist of varying shades of brown, yellow, or green. Their teeth consist mostly of incisors and fangs, with a few molars in the back. Occasionally a Beluosu can be seen with the eyes of another species.
Belluosu half breeds vary according to the father, primarily taking after the mother. Most half breeds, especially the half-orcs, remain untouched by magical modification. Others are modified in the belluosu's current artistic crazes. Limbs, eyes, wings, torsos and other parts of the half breeds are replaced with those of another person or creature. This can provide an incredibly varied array of possibilities.
Their clothing consists almost exclusively of chain mail. A silk cloth is commonly worn about the waist, as a skirt, loin cloth, or other manor of clothing. The Beluosu soldiers wear leathered armor of various hides underneath their chain mail.
Combat:
Beluosu have a long history of war and bloodshed. Using short swords and small shields that barely covered the for arm, the beluosu military fought primarily in close combat. Their units were well organized, and well trained, though missing creativity and diversity. Their tactics were often straightforward, march towards the enemy until they were close enough to charge. For fear of arrows, forests were used whenever possible. Guerrilla tactics, which would've worked well for them, were largely ignored, save for the occasional ambush or suprise attack.
After the uprising of the Chain Maidens, tactics changed. As the makeup of the military became more diverse, the pure blooded beluosu soldiers were elevated to the ranks of officers. The Chain Mothers' new children became the infantry, and later the cavalry as well. As the Chain Soldiers' ranks became more diverse, so did their tactics begin to diversify as well.
Beluosu bred half-orc became a major part of the military's infantry, using the same tools as their predecessors, save for the lack of chain mail. As calvary units were born and created, a faster tool was formed. These units were often few in number, largely used to destroy or distract an enemies archers, allowing the infantry to move with fewer casualties. Specialized units were formed and given various tasks fitting their forms.
With diversification the beluosu were able to spread into territories previously untakable, reducing infighting amongst the houses. With the conquering of new lands, new units were born. The beluosu have become experienced in change, but the relative straightforwardness of their tactics still remain true. Units can still be found marching in highly organized lines as they approach their enemies.
Beluosu have a long history of war and bloodshed. Using short swords and small shields that barely covered the for arm, the beluosu military fought primarily in close combat. Their units were well organized, and well trained, though missing creativity and diversity. Their tactics were often straightforward, march towards the enemy until they were close enough to charge. For fear of arrows, forests were used whenever possible. Guerrilla tactics, which would've worked well for them, were largely ignored, save for the occasional ambush or suprise attack.
After the uprising of the Chain Maidens, tactics changed. As the makeup of the military became more diverse, the pure blooded beluosu soldiers were elevated to the ranks of officers. The Chain Mothers' new children became the infantry, and later the cavalry as well. As the Chain Soldiers' ranks became more diverse, so did their tactics begin to diversify as well.
Beluosu bred half-orc became a major part of the military's infantry, using the same tools as their predecessors, save for the lack of chain mail. As calvary units were born and created, a faster tool was formed. These units were often few in number, largely used to destroy or distract an enemies archers, allowing the infantry to move with fewer casualties. Specialized units were formed and given various tasks fitting their forms.
With diversification the beluosu were able to spread into territories previously untakable, reducing infighting amongst the houses. With the conquering of new lands, new units were born. The beluosu have become experienced in change, but the relative straightforwardness of their tactics still remain true. Units can still be found marching in highly organized lines as they approach their enemies.
Habitat/Society:
Belousu prefer to live in city's of smooth stone, the exact stone varies depending on the region and social preference. The cities are littered with sculptures and carvings. The most common themes are war and beauty.
There are no markets in Belousu towns. Food is distributed according to status, making such locations an unnecessary blemish. Belousu's buildings are large and expansive, often tall as well. Few buildings are ever found to be small in nature, unless they serve some decorative purpose. They're sculpted walls are short, and are little more then decor. The space in between buildings is wide, allowing fourty men to walk side by side.
They're structures dig deep into the earth where-ever possible, often linking to other nearby structures. These links are often heavily decorated, as if one estate were competing with the other. The largest buildings have an entrance large enough for sixty men to enter in a single step. These doors are often built into the side of a mountains. These doors are rarely used, their primary use being the trade in large beasts.
Food and other goods are transported between the structures through the use of large hand carts which require the use of two to four people to draw and pull the cart. Half-Orcs can often be seen guarding entrances to structures, or patrolling the outer regions of the city. Pure-bloods can often be seen amongst the artistry of the city, occasionally accompanied by a favored pet.
The beluosu(Beh-Loo-Soo) were originally a patriarchal society. The military, consisting purely of males, held official sway. Women and artisans directed society back home. However, The whims and cares of the general's wives often dictated policy.
Pets, sentient or otherwise, were often taken from battles as gifts to wives back home. It was one of these pets which set beluosu society onto the path of change. It was a daughter of an adluo sea elf whom had married a human long before. The result was an interesting mix of skin and scales which had the beluosu society entranced. Such pets became high in demand, but there was little supply, even with an increase in raids.
During these raids, beluosu females began to tag along, hanging back at the rear of the fights. Sitting in large hand carried carriages, they watched for potential pets. Over time the enemies of the beluosu began calling them the 'Chain Mothers', because of the extensive decorative chain mail they wore. Overtime males also gained similar titles.
Elluisha of the house Csiriucs is credited with being the first to find an alternative. Laying down with a full blooded adluo sea elf, she used her pet to create her own hybrid. Months later she gave birth to a gilled and scaled beluosu half-breed. The scandal was quite the topic of conversation.
Adultery wasn't much of an issue in beluosu society. Any offspring created from such unions simply weren't of high social standing, and had no inheritance. Often they became servants to the half brothers and sisters.
It was the notion of a beluosu half-breed which was contraversial. It had simply never been done before. Most of the males quickly opposed the notion, feeling threatened. The other females were quick to support, even if their gossip was rife with words of insults for the pioneer. Few were against the notion, and these were quickly quieted.
A great period of unrest came over the beluosu society. The males were swayed between those strictly against such a act, and their wives who saw a way to create living art. During this time more hybrids were born, some for their strength rather then beauty. The two sides became more and more polarized, and tensions rose. Decades after the first hybrid, the first blood was spilt.
It happened much to fast for anyone to truly remember what happened accurately. The fight was over quickly. Beluosu mothers and their children have a strong connection. Few were willing or able to oppose them, and those that do were dispatched by soldiers and orc-beluosu half-breeds. The shift in power was finally finished, leaving the females at the head of the table.
As time progressed, the males kept their positions as head of the military. The half-orcs, however, took the primary infantry position. Pure bloods became officers, focusing more on tactics then they were previously able, and leading considerably longer lives.
The half-breeds were treated at the same level as the rest of the beluosu pets. Some were locked away in rooms to be visited when the mother's whim hit her. Others were given to the military, and could advance in prestige and rank to a moderate degree. Those that were trusted, but perhaps not worth flaunting in front of society, were sometimes made servants to their pureblooded siblings. The more favored pets were allowed to walk around with their mothers.
Over time the hybrid beluosu began to fade, losing their luster. The Chain Mothers were not bored of the concept of the half-breeds, but they wanted more control, more possibilities. Trophies from a recent skirmish with the adluo became the answer.
Fights between the Beluosu and the sea elves had escalated. The Chain Armies began encountering new units which the adluo had been without in previous clashes. These new foes could call forth waves of great size from the sea, manipulate coral tools of warfare, and command the immense crustaceans upon which they fought. With them were brought books, books of magic.
It was found, once they were translated by "adluo pets", that these books consisted primarily of spells. Others spoke of magic, and theories of magic. It was from these that the Chain Mothers began to understand the next step in their new art. Now knowing for which they searched, the beluosu scoured the regions of their control for more books of magic. Scouts and spies, units which had previously barely existed, were employed as raids turned up little.
In the end only thirteen books were recovered. Of these, eight are believed to have been useful in the continuation of the Chain Mother's Art. Utilizing these books and a great number of their children, they began their experiments into the world of magic. Relliana of the house Ffilcsen, was the first to create a successful spell. The 'Spell of Exchange' was completed after the death of 182 beluosu deaths. The total number of deaths resulting from all the Chain Mother's experiments is unknown.
The 'Spell of Exchange' exchanged the living tissue of two creatures. The Chain Mother had to visualize the line upon which the two parts would be exchanged. The two subjects stood upon circular symbols engraved into the ground. Chanting, the Chain Mother magically exchanges the two objects of flesh. A light appears to move along the two objects, transporting the one to the other and vice versa. It is said that this process feels as if your flesh is being seared away. Once the exchange has finished, the unwanted subject is decapitated. This is to make the exchange permanent. The Engraven circles glow with the touch of blood magically binding the flesh to it's new body.
The 'Spell of Exchange' had a couple flaws, the exchanged flesh was not always the same shade, or even color, as the original flesh. This created lines which allowed one to clearly see where the exchange was made. The spell also didn't work well with some spells, especially those that dealt with the enlargement or shrinking of flesh. These flaws kept the belousu searching for new methods, even as they enjoyed their achievement.
During this time the taking of eyes became quite popular. Opponents believed to be fierce opponents, or possessing beautiful eyes, would be captured and taken to the Chain Mothers. Later, during a social party, the captured's eye would be exchanged with the Chain Mother's. Either a relative or the Chain Mother herself, would perform the ceremony. The exchanging of eyes was not taken up everywhere, and some houses found the act disgraceful. Two eyes were never exchanged, lest the Chain Mother be mistaken for a pet.
Three Millennia passed before the next method was found. Csellaneh of the house Ulnecsaff is credited with the creation of the 'Forging Daggers'. Utilizing spells and techniques discovered at a temple of healing during a raid, she spent several hundred years developing the spells and equipment needed.
What she created was an enchanted tool. A blade properly enchanted would create flesh which would combine readily with whatever flesh was introduced to it. The blades, which after the enchantment gave off a light mist of purple light, would be used to cut off limbs and other parts to be changed. The flesh intended to combine with the subject is also cut. The flesh must be alive when it is cut, or the enchantment will not work. From these fresh cuts the flesh grows and becomes crimson. It can be described like the flesh growing tentacles. These twist and writhe, searching for flesh. The tendrils do not combine quickly with skin, which allows subjects to be properly positioned by hand. Finding their own kind they will bond quickly, making timing important when multiple subjects are being used. The tentacle like flesh merge together, fitting together the two bodies. Natural flesh is formed, bones are fitted together, organs connect, and blood circulates.
Children grow up with their mothers until they no longer breast feed. They do not leave their mother's side for more then a moment until then. At this point the child is given their own room with the rest of their family. A tutor instructs them in the ways of art, and another in war. A half brother or half sister may act as servant and playmate, staying at their side for most if not their entire life.
No matter the age a child is still a child until they are married. Until adulthood they are forbidden from producing children. The consequences of such an act vary with the house, punishment handed down by the mother.
Pet children are not breast fed. The half-breeds are given to nursemaids until they are old enough to begin learning their place. Except in special cases, or in those of high favor, there will be no interaction with the child's father. They will then spend the rest of their lives in service; either as pet, soldier, or servant. Some will gain favor, rising in rank and prestige, but always they will remain in one of these three roles.
Beluosu society is held together by blood and prestige, with no central power governing them. Their government is little more then the high societies of some human cultures. The women visit, hold parties, and generally try to impress one another. Favor, respect, and admiration are the most important commodities, far above any gem. None of these are guaranteed, save for the attachment of children to their mothers. Sisters are often great rivals, competing for their mother's affection and the respect of their peers. Outright confrontation is rare, competition primarily focusing on art and war. Since the exchange of power, males have little need for rivalries. Some do compete over the attentions of the mother, but this usually fades as the children get older.
Some rivalries may lead to deaths. Where children or pets are involved, the judgment falls to the mother. Half-siblings are rarely favored, and half-breeds even less so. It is rare to find a half-breed able to escape it's mother's wrath for the death of an heir. Pets without relation, are more commonly forgiven then relatives. Looked upon more as beasts then people, some slaves grow in high regard, but never does one become more then a pet.
Art focuses primarily on sculpture. Methods and materials vary with the artist and region. Art discovered amongst enemies or the newly conquered, is a great find. Foreign artists are held in high regards in comparison to other pets, and can sometimes be found teaching their art to the beluosu. With sculpture, art also spreads into the fields of architecture and gardening. Buildings themselves become great works of art, as well as serving as a gallery.
Art is one of the ways the beluosu use to worship their gods. The beluosu serve the twin gods, Csaelatura and Baritus. Csaelatura is the goddess of beauty. From her it is believed that inspiration and new life are brought to the world. Baritus is the beluosu god of war, bringing victory and death.
It is believed by the beluosu that from these two deities, all things were formed by their conflicting wills. Often Csaelatura is credited with creating, and then Baritus is believed to bring change and further development. Csaelatura is believed to have brought water, life, and warmth. Baritus took these and made storms, death, and fire. While the sister is believed to bring life, and the brother death, neither is considered evil. It is quickly apparent by looking at their society, how much they sought to imitate this relationship.
Only a small percentage claim to have had heard from either god, but those that do have yet to conflict in their stories. Csaelatura is described as a beautiful woman, sculpted of smooth stone. The color of the stone often seems to shift with her mood. Her eyes are a glowing white, and her voice sweet.
Baritus is seen with near equal beauty as his sister, were it not for his many scars. Were one to count them it is believed he would have 1000 scars upon his body. In his back are two wooden spears. From one bleeds molten lava, and from the other a biting wind howls. His eyes are black, obscured by a dark fog. Baritus does not speak, instead most often seen pointing to new lands, or visions of some future event.
The eyes of Csaelatura and Baritus are believed to be portals to new lands. Upon death the beluosu will be looked upon and judged. Those of favor will find themselves staring into Csaelatura's blinding gaze. They will awaken in a new world with a new body much like their old. Those of ill favor are looked upon by Baritus, blinded in darkness. They also will awaken in a new world, but one filled with conflict and pain, where they may again try to prove themselves. This is often the tale told of a house's origins.
Belousu prefer to live in city's of smooth stone, the exact stone varies depending on the region and social preference. The cities are littered with sculptures and carvings. The most common themes are war and beauty.
There are no markets in Belousu towns. Food is distributed according to status, making such locations an unnecessary blemish. Belousu's buildings are large and expansive, often tall as well. Few buildings are ever found to be small in nature, unless they serve some decorative purpose. They're sculpted walls are short, and are little more then decor. The space in between buildings is wide, allowing fourty men to walk side by side.
They're structures dig deep into the earth where-ever possible, often linking to other nearby structures. These links are often heavily decorated, as if one estate were competing with the other. The largest buildings have an entrance large enough for sixty men to enter in a single step. These doors are often built into the side of a mountains. These doors are rarely used, their primary use being the trade in large beasts.
Food and other goods are transported between the structures through the use of large hand carts which require the use of two to four people to draw and pull the cart. Half-Orcs can often be seen guarding entrances to structures, or patrolling the outer regions of the city. Pure-bloods can often be seen amongst the artistry of the city, occasionally accompanied by a favored pet.
The beluosu(Beh-Loo-Soo) were originally a patriarchal society. The military, consisting purely of males, held official sway. Women and artisans directed society back home. However, The whims and cares of the general's wives often dictated policy.
Pets, sentient or otherwise, were often taken from battles as gifts to wives back home. It was one of these pets which set beluosu society onto the path of change. It was a daughter of an adluo sea elf whom had married a human long before. The result was an interesting mix of skin and scales which had the beluosu society entranced. Such pets became high in demand, but there was little supply, even with an increase in raids.
During these raids, beluosu females began to tag along, hanging back at the rear of the fights. Sitting in large hand carried carriages, they watched for potential pets. Over time the enemies of the beluosu began calling them the 'Chain Mothers', because of the extensive decorative chain mail they wore. Overtime males also gained similar titles.
Elluisha of the house Csiriucs is credited with being the first to find an alternative. Laying down with a full blooded adluo sea elf, she used her pet to create her own hybrid. Months later she gave birth to a gilled and scaled beluosu half-breed. The scandal was quite the topic of conversation.
Adultery wasn't much of an issue in beluosu society. Any offspring created from such unions simply weren't of high social standing, and had no inheritance. Often they became servants to the half brothers and sisters.
It was the notion of a beluosu half-breed which was contraversial. It had simply never been done before. Most of the males quickly opposed the notion, feeling threatened. The other females were quick to support, even if their gossip was rife with words of insults for the pioneer. Few were against the notion, and these were quickly quieted.
A great period of unrest came over the beluosu society. The males were swayed between those strictly against such a act, and their wives who saw a way to create living art. During this time more hybrids were born, some for their strength rather then beauty. The two sides became more and more polarized, and tensions rose. Decades after the first hybrid, the first blood was spilt.
It happened much to fast for anyone to truly remember what happened accurately. The fight was over quickly. Beluosu mothers and their children have a strong connection. Few were willing or able to oppose them, and those that do were dispatched by soldiers and orc-beluosu half-breeds. The shift in power was finally finished, leaving the females at the head of the table.
As time progressed, the males kept their positions as head of the military. The half-orcs, however, took the primary infantry position. Pure bloods became officers, focusing more on tactics then they were previously able, and leading considerably longer lives.
The half-breeds were treated at the same level as the rest of the beluosu pets. Some were locked away in rooms to be visited when the mother's whim hit her. Others were given to the military, and could advance in prestige and rank to a moderate degree. Those that were trusted, but perhaps not worth flaunting in front of society, were sometimes made servants to their pureblooded siblings. The more favored pets were allowed to walk around with their mothers.
Over time the hybrid beluosu began to fade, losing their luster. The Chain Mothers were not bored of the concept of the half-breeds, but they wanted more control, more possibilities. Trophies from a recent skirmish with the adluo became the answer.
Fights between the Beluosu and the sea elves had escalated. The Chain Armies began encountering new units which the adluo had been without in previous clashes. These new foes could call forth waves of great size from the sea, manipulate coral tools of warfare, and command the immense crustaceans upon which they fought. With them were brought books, books of magic.
It was found, once they were translated by "adluo pets", that these books consisted primarily of spells. Others spoke of magic, and theories of magic. It was from these that the Chain Mothers began to understand the next step in their new art. Now knowing for which they searched, the beluosu scoured the regions of their control for more books of magic. Scouts and spies, units which had previously barely existed, were employed as raids turned up little.
In the end only thirteen books were recovered. Of these, eight are believed to have been useful in the continuation of the Chain Mother's Art. Utilizing these books and a great number of their children, they began their experiments into the world of magic. Relliana of the house Ffilcsen, was the first to create a successful spell. The 'Spell of Exchange' was completed after the death of 182 beluosu deaths. The total number of deaths resulting from all the Chain Mother's experiments is unknown.
The 'Spell of Exchange' exchanged the living tissue of two creatures. The Chain Mother had to visualize the line upon which the two parts would be exchanged. The two subjects stood upon circular symbols engraved into the ground. Chanting, the Chain Mother magically exchanges the two objects of flesh. A light appears to move along the two objects, transporting the one to the other and vice versa. It is said that this process feels as if your flesh is being seared away. Once the exchange has finished, the unwanted subject is decapitated. This is to make the exchange permanent. The Engraven circles glow with the touch of blood magically binding the flesh to it's new body.
The 'Spell of Exchange' had a couple flaws, the exchanged flesh was not always the same shade, or even color, as the original flesh. This created lines which allowed one to clearly see where the exchange was made. The spell also didn't work well with some spells, especially those that dealt with the enlargement or shrinking of flesh. These flaws kept the belousu searching for new methods, even as they enjoyed their achievement.
During this time the taking of eyes became quite popular. Opponents believed to be fierce opponents, or possessing beautiful eyes, would be captured and taken to the Chain Mothers. Later, during a social party, the captured's eye would be exchanged with the Chain Mother's. Either a relative or the Chain Mother herself, would perform the ceremony. The exchanging of eyes was not taken up everywhere, and some houses found the act disgraceful. Two eyes were never exchanged, lest the Chain Mother be mistaken for a pet.
Three Millennia passed before the next method was found. Csellaneh of the house Ulnecsaff is credited with the creation of the 'Forging Daggers'. Utilizing spells and techniques discovered at a temple of healing during a raid, she spent several hundred years developing the spells and equipment needed.
What she created was an enchanted tool. A blade properly enchanted would create flesh which would combine readily with whatever flesh was introduced to it. The blades, which after the enchantment gave off a light mist of purple light, would be used to cut off limbs and other parts to be changed. The flesh intended to combine with the subject is also cut. The flesh must be alive when it is cut, or the enchantment will not work. From these fresh cuts the flesh grows and becomes crimson. It can be described like the flesh growing tentacles. These twist and writhe, searching for flesh. The tendrils do not combine quickly with skin, which allows subjects to be properly positioned by hand. Finding their own kind they will bond quickly, making timing important when multiple subjects are being used. The tentacle like flesh merge together, fitting together the two bodies. Natural flesh is formed, bones are fitted together, organs connect, and blood circulates.
Children grow up with their mothers until they no longer breast feed. They do not leave their mother's side for more then a moment until then. At this point the child is given their own room with the rest of their family. A tutor instructs them in the ways of art, and another in war. A half brother or half sister may act as servant and playmate, staying at their side for most if not their entire life.
No matter the age a child is still a child until they are married. Until adulthood they are forbidden from producing children. The consequences of such an act vary with the house, punishment handed down by the mother.
Pet children are not breast fed. The half-breeds are given to nursemaids until they are old enough to begin learning their place. Except in special cases, or in those of high favor, there will be no interaction with the child's father. They will then spend the rest of their lives in service; either as pet, soldier, or servant. Some will gain favor, rising in rank and prestige, but always they will remain in one of these three roles.
Beluosu society is held together by blood and prestige, with no central power governing them. Their government is little more then the high societies of some human cultures. The women visit, hold parties, and generally try to impress one another. Favor, respect, and admiration are the most important commodities, far above any gem. None of these are guaranteed, save for the attachment of children to their mothers. Sisters are often great rivals, competing for their mother's affection and the respect of their peers. Outright confrontation is rare, competition primarily focusing on art and war. Since the exchange of power, males have little need for rivalries. Some do compete over the attentions of the mother, but this usually fades as the children get older.
Some rivalries may lead to deaths. Where children or pets are involved, the judgment falls to the mother. Half-siblings are rarely favored, and half-breeds even less so. It is rare to find a half-breed able to escape it's mother's wrath for the death of an heir. Pets without relation, are more commonly forgiven then relatives. Looked upon more as beasts then people, some slaves grow in high regard, but never does one become more then a pet.
Art focuses primarily on sculpture. Methods and materials vary with the artist and region. Art discovered amongst enemies or the newly conquered, is a great find. Foreign artists are held in high regards in comparison to other pets, and can sometimes be found teaching their art to the beluosu. With sculpture, art also spreads into the fields of architecture and gardening. Buildings themselves become great works of art, as well as serving as a gallery.
Art is one of the ways the beluosu use to worship their gods. The beluosu serve the twin gods, Csaelatura and Baritus. Csaelatura is the goddess of beauty. From her it is believed that inspiration and new life are brought to the world. Baritus is the beluosu god of war, bringing victory and death.
It is believed by the beluosu that from these two deities, all things were formed by their conflicting wills. Often Csaelatura is credited with creating, and then Baritus is believed to bring change and further development. Csaelatura is believed to have brought water, life, and warmth. Baritus took these and made storms, death, and fire. While the sister is believed to bring life, and the brother death, neither is considered evil. It is quickly apparent by looking at their society, how much they sought to imitate this relationship.
Only a small percentage claim to have had heard from either god, but those that do have yet to conflict in their stories. Csaelatura is described as a beautiful woman, sculpted of smooth stone. The color of the stone often seems to shift with her mood. Her eyes are a glowing white, and her voice sweet.
Baritus is seen with near equal beauty as his sister, were it not for his many scars. Were one to count them it is believed he would have 1000 scars upon his body. In his back are two wooden spears. From one bleeds molten lava, and from the other a biting wind howls. His eyes are black, obscured by a dark fog. Baritus does not speak, instead most often seen pointing to new lands, or visions of some future event.
The eyes of Csaelatura and Baritus are believed to be portals to new lands. Upon death the beluosu will be looked upon and judged. Those of favor will find themselves staring into Csaelatura's blinding gaze. They will awaken in a new world with a new body much like their old. Those of ill favor are looked upon by Baritus, blinded in darkness. They also will awaken in a new world, but one filled with conflict and pain, where they may again try to prove themselves. This is often the tale told of a house's origins.
Ecology:
Beluosu live for centuries. Csela of the house Rehnoln is credited with living the longest of the Beluosu. She has been dubbed the Millennial Mother, living for 1098 years. Half-breeds enjoy this long life also. War often swallows the soldiers of the beluosu, however, steeling this gift.
Chain Mothers are able to conceive of any sentient humanoid. Their birthing cycle lasts for four months. During this time they eat more, putting on weight as the child grows. With proper nutrition and the assistance of their servants, the period of pregnancy is not unpleasant. The birthing process itself is little more then a short discomfort, and a few minor pains. The exception to this is in the giving of birth to children abnormally large. Most commonly this occurs with large half-breeds.
Beluosu leave their mark in regions under their influence. Statues litter the ground and stone buildings delve deep into the earth. Stone roads are an occasional result of their craft, decorated with statues along the way to another city or common war path.
Wild life can become over hunted in some regions, creating a lack of food. Though rare this sometimes provides opportunity for their farming neighbors to convince them to look in other places for war and glory. Such neighbors become known as pets, and the territories recognized as Beluosu. Such pets often regret their generosity, having placed themselves in uneasy servitude.
Beluosu live for centuries. Csela of the house Rehnoln is credited with living the longest of the Beluosu. She has been dubbed the Millennial Mother, living for 1098 years. Half-breeds enjoy this long life also. War often swallows the soldiers of the beluosu, however, steeling this gift.
Chain Mothers are able to conceive of any sentient humanoid. Their birthing cycle lasts for four months. During this time they eat more, putting on weight as the child grows. With proper nutrition and the assistance of their servants, the period of pregnancy is not unpleasant. The birthing process itself is little more then a short discomfort, and a few minor pains. The exception to this is in the giving of birth to children abnormally large. Most commonly this occurs with large half-breeds.
Beluosu leave their mark in regions under their influence. Statues litter the ground and stone buildings delve deep into the earth. Stone roads are an occasional result of their craft, decorated with statues along the way to another city or common war path.
Wild life can become over hunted in some regions, creating a lack of food. Though rare this sometimes provides opportunity for their farming neighbors to convince them to look in other places for war and glory. Such neighbors become known as pets, and the territories recognized as Beluosu. Such pets often regret their generosity, having placed themselves in uneasy servitude.
