Talodari Society

Mystic Elder Rep! : 19 Location : Los Angeles, California

The majority of the world's population (about 70%) is made up of normal humans. Most humans live their lives without ever knowingly encountering a Talodari, a race of humanoids with the ability to perform a process called the "Merger". Talodari, who make up the other 30% of the world's humanoid population, are inherently gifted in terms of physical attributes and often in terms of mental capacity as well. Talodari also recover and heal faster than normal humans and live up to 3 times as long with an average lifespan of 225 to 250 years. These enhanced natural attributes make Talodari highly sought after by both the human powers across the land as well as the power structure within Talodari society.

In most scenarios, the Merger occurs when a spirit finds a suitable Talodari that they wish to bond themselves to. The spirit chooses them and if the Merger is successful, they grant their host access to the spirit's mystic or magical powers and further enhanced abilities. The Talodari Consciousness is ALWAYS dominant. That's what makes the Kotada special and not just a possessed human. They have the affinity to control and contain the spirit. Some Kotada are rumored to be half-breeds born out of the rare coupling between a spirit and a Talodari, but most believe this to simply be a fairy tale told to children. Some are made by ritual of summoning the spirit to the Talodari by a village. The process is usually assisted by a Kedi, a Spirit Guide. The Kedi is generally an elder with a very strong bond to their own spirit. When a Talodari completes a merger, they are given the title of Kotada, the Chosen, and are always referred to as such within Talodari Society. There are usually subtle physical changes where the Kotada gains certain distinct features of their spirit. For example, a Kotada that is bonded to a cat spirit might emerge from the Merger with a tail and/or retractable claws or with feline eyes. Kotada are not a separate race.

The power of a Kotada is directly tied to their Spirit. The Kotada of a Fire Spirit will hold an affinity with fire and often will be resistant and over time they can even become immune to fire. Aside from elemental powers, some spirits bestow heightened physical attributes or senses. Others grant defensive or healing magic. Some grant mental enhancement in the sense of greater capacity for learning, genius caliber expertise in specific areas. Raw spiritual energy can also be bestowed. A Merging with a raw energy spirit often serves as a major gift and hindrance for the Kotada. While it is highly unlikely that a "Water Kotada" will ever drown, a Kotada who utilizes raw spiritual or mental energy does not have such protection. A "Psychic Kotada" can be attacked mentally and is still susceptible to natural headaches and/or migraines. Just as a "Raw Kotada" can be hurt by spiritual energy attacks.

One significant aspect of Kotada powers is that dark powers do not make an evil Kotada. A Kotada that has necromancy powers doesn't have to be a death worshipper and the type to want to raise an army of skeletons to take over the world. They don't even have to think that the Underworld is a desirable place. Their powers could lead them to want to find ways to heal people and protect them from unnecessary deaths. Same would go for those who tap into dark energy, demonic or shadow powers, I want the lines between good and evil to be set by the individuals. Now some humans will still fear necros and Kotada of "dark spirits" but amongst the Talodari, but they wouldn't shun them because they are still Kotada.

Within Talodari Society, about half of the Talodari (15% of world population) are unbonded Talodari living their lives. Most of them do not live privileged lives. It is very rare for a Talodari to be raised outside of a Talodari village or city, but for those that are, they live very normal human-ish lives simply seeming like a gifted human if they never complete their Merger. In every generation, roughly a quarter of the unbonded Talodari will never undergo a Merger in their entire lifetime. In any generation, a third of the Talodari become Kotada. Talodari and Kotada are basically like the samurai of Talodari Society in the sense that those trained to utilize their gifts are respected and protected for the most part. At the same time, since they can access the mystical, mythical, and/or magical powers of their spirit creature, they are also utilized as elite troops, so they tend to be "collected" when they are discovered. Kotada are often forced to give up their previous lives in order to begin training to use and harness their powers and abilities.

Immediately following their training, the Kotada are often assigned to positions befitting their new status. Their families and villages are compensated for producing a Kotada, but the Kotada becomes a vassal to their region. Luxury and power are theirs to enjoy, but servitude is the cost. The Talodari are not always a peaceful people and so conflicts erupt between the different regions on a regular basis. Thus, most Kotada don't actually enjoy the extended lifespan or newfound status given their utilization as warriors. Many of these duels and battles have led to the deaths of many Kotada. However, most territories have Kotada with the ability to heal their wounded.

Mystic Elder Rep! : 19 Location : Los Angeles, California

Talodari territories are typically run by the Nobility Class of the Kotada, which account for approximately 13% of Talodari Society and 4% of the world population. A noble is generally born to Nobility Kotada as they tend to bond with stronger spirits. Families that consistently produce Talodari progeny often become upper nobility of their territory or village. Several generations ago, the Talodari create a classification system for all spirits ranging from Class D, which is the weakest and most plenty of the spirits, to Class S, which generally only bond with the most powerful of Talodari Society. There are occasions when higher class spirits bond with non-Nobility Kotada, but that is rare. Among the Nobility it is rare for their unbonded Talodari to undergo the Merger with a spirit that is not Class B or Class A, as their family heads will generally prevent a Kedi from completing the ceremony. It is also customary for Nobility Class Kotada to marry and procreate within the Nobility Class. Their hope, which is typically the case, is that the offspring will possess the affinity needed to attract and bond with a high class spirit. The elite among the Nobility Class and all of Talodari Society are the Royal Kotada. They are dynastic power with direct bloodline ties to the Eilol Syli, the supreme governing body of Talodari Society.

The Royal Class Kotada all bond with S Class spirits or powerful A class spirits. Royal Kotada also possess the ability to reap a spirit, which is forcefully "un-Merge" a spirit from a Kotada. Royal Kotada marry those with S Class and powerful A Class spirits ONLY. They often take lovers from the lower classes, but procreation with a lower class is very taboo. These bastard offspring are almost never legitimized by their royal parent. While the nobility oversee the numerous territories across the lands, the Royal Kotada wield true power. All Royal Kotada belong to one of 4 Regions, which are run by one of the Royal Branch Clans. The Leader of the Clan holds the rank of Warden, the overlord of the region. The power and authority of a Warden is seldom challenged and their word is law within their region. A Warden is always merged with a S Class spirit to ensure that their authority goes unquestioned. A Warden generally holds their position until their death or incapacitation. For a Warden to be confirmed or to relinquish their position requires permission to the only power even the Wardens submit to.

Each of the Royal Branches are descended from the Eilol, the ancient dynasty who created the structure of Talodari Society and the Region System. The Four Wardens answer only to the Eilol Syli, often referred to simply as the Syli, the Throne. The Syli is the ruling family with the most direct lineage to the Eilol. The ruler over all of Talodari Society is the Tylas. The Syli live in the capital, which is said to be on an island in the center of the land hidden in the area known as the Shroud. The area is surrounded by a mystical mist than cannot be penetrated unless one is summoned through it. No one outside of the Syli seem to know exactly where the Capital is or how large the Capital is either. The power wielded by the Syli is only spoken of in legends and heroic tales told by minstrels, but all of the Wardens seem to know well enough to respect it. While most Kotada dream of getting to meet a member of the Syli, a summonance to the Capital for anyone other than a Warden is often met with dread.

There have only been four or five times in recorded history where a human has been allowed inside the Shroud to formally meet with the Syli. It is far more customary for a human ruler to meet with Kotada Nobility to discuss trade or engage in diplomacy. In times of a great conflict between human territories and Talodari territories, a meeting with a Royal Kotada might be arranged to resolve the matter. Although Talodari are normally far more powerful than their human counterparts, most Talodari do not incite or bully humans as all Talodari are taught at a young age that humans greatly outnumber the Talodari and the two races and societies depend on one another.

Mystic Elder Rep! : 19 Location : Los Angeles, California

Population Breakdown
Human = 70%
Unbonded Tyrael = 15% (50% of Talo Society)
Kotada = 10% (33% of Talo Society)
Nobility Class Kotada = 4% (13% of Talo Society)
Royal Class Kotada = 1% (3% of Talo Society)

Lifespan Comparison
Human Generation = 75-80 years
Tyreal Generation = 225-250 years

Spirit Class Breakdown
D Class Spirits = 40%
C Class Spirits = 30%
B Class Spirits = 15%
A Class Spirits = 10%
S Class Spirits = 5%

Kotada Nobility Ranking
Lower Nobility = Col (Knight)
* This title is given to first generation Kotada or those from bloodlines considered weak who have yet to prove themselves. They are the basic lieutenants and squad leaders of the military.

Mid Nobility = Boryl (Viscount)
* Most of the military captains and Lt. commanders. Most of the Boryl run strongholds and fortresses or camps.
Upper Nobility = Tyl (Count)
* They oversee the territories and larger cities. For major disputes with human factions, the Tyl is the one to resolve it. In the military, they usually serve as Commanders and Vice Generals depending on their skill level.

Royalty = Taser (Marquis)
* most Royal Class Kotada hold the rank of Taser. Military rank of General
Royalty Overlord = Peji (Duke)
* The successor to the Warden is almost always a Peji. Typically no more than 4 or 5 at a time.

Mystic Elder Rep! : 19 Location : Los Angeles, California

Clan Sokru
Symbol: Shield with a crown protected within it
Colors: Green and white
Location: Southeast
Terrain: Coastal and plains
Climate: Warm-Hot and humid most of the year

Clan Sokru is more strictly loyal to the Syli than most other Clans, which some attribute to the fact that the current Tylas is wed to the Sokru Warden's sister. The Sokru are highly skilled at preventive warfare and internal defensive warfare, armorsmithing, diplomacy and politics, and commerce. Their territory has the most developed transportation system with well-paved and guarded roads, waterways, and a developing teleportation system. The Sokru breed some of the best horses and mounts in the realm. They are also known to make some of the best armor in the Four Regions. They export their bulkier, heavy armor to the humans and Fenteri. After generations of armorsmithing, the Sokru started making very strong and durable medium and light armors that could absorb as much damage as their heavier counterparts.

Primary Weapon of Choice: Sword and Shield
Secondary Weapon of Choice: Spear and Shield
Primary Military Unit Type: Mounted

Mystic Elder Rep! : 19 Location : Los Angeles, California

Clan Tankir
Symbol: A bow with 3 arrows
Colors: Forest green and brown
Location: Northwest
Terrain: Forests, hills, wetlands; very treacherous to cross
Climate: Cool about 75% of the year

* Tankir is a beacon for extremely skilled craftsmen and smiths. They are arguably considered the best in the Empire when it comes to their designs and creations, be it domestic or militaristic. They are extremely creative Talodari. It is said that there is nothing the Tankir can't make. The Tankir love nature and always making the most of the things they have to destroy in order to survive. A lot of their Kotada are merged with nature and earth spirits. They are the best archers in the realm and love to craft things. A well-known rite of passage in Tankir families is for the young to make their first weapon before a hunt. Upon reaching a certain age, Tankir youths must go out and hunt together with the weapons they craft and return with food for their respective village.
Focus: 4, 5, 7, 14

Primary Weapon of Choice: Ranged Weaponry
Secondary Weapon of Choice: Short swords, daggers, one handed axes
Primary Military Unit Type: Archer

Mystic Elder Rep! : 19 Location : Los Angeles, California

Clan Fenteri
Symbol: A hammer with ram horns
Colors: Ice Blue and Grey
Location: Northeast
Terrain: Mountain
Climate: Cold-Cool most of the year

Often called the Exiled as their open disdain for the current Tylas has weakened their standing with the Eilol Syli, but they are well loved by the humans in their region. Their Warden is a former General who has done very well for her territory in peace-time, but she seems to long for a return to battle. Their society is set up much like Spartan society where strength is respected above all and the weak are discarded. They are very skilled with weaponmaking, both enchanted and normal. They have a lot of mines in their hills and mountains that are rich will metal ore deposits. The Fenteri are believed to be the strongest clan in terms of military prowess, however, their conflicts with the Sokru often end in stalemates. While the two need one another for trade, they have a fierce rivalry due to their opposing stance on the current Tylas.

Primary Weapon of Choice: Blunt/Bludgeoning Weapons
Secondary Weapon of Choice: Shield
Primary Military Unit Type: Infantry

Mystic Elder Rep! : 19 Location : Los Angeles, California

Clan Yujia
Symbol: A bird with twin curved swords as wings
Colors: Sand brown, gold and white
Location: Southwest and island chain off the coast
Terrain: Coastal, jungle, forests, deserts
Climate: Tropical; warm year-round with heavy rain season in the winter months

Clan Yujia is the wildcard as no one seems to know where their allegiance truly lies and they are the master spies. Their intelligence network is embedded into all of the other regions, both in human and Talodari cities and villages. Everyone knows it, but can't prove it. While the occasional conflict arises, it is always an isolated incident as no one ever makes a real move against the Yujia. The most powerful figure in the leadership structure of this region is actually not the Lord, who is said to be a cousin to the Tylas' rival cousin, who rumor has it, the Fenteri want to see as Tylas, nor the Lady, who is in fact the Yujia Warden and niece of the current Tylas. The person most feared in this region is the enigmatic Heir Apparent of Yujia. Since Yujia is rarely involved in the major conflicts, their main commodities are information and secrets and mercenaries, assassins, bodyguards. Yujia Talodari are trained in a variety of martial arts from childhood so that any Yujia Taledori can defend themselves at all times. The Yujia are a wild, fun-loving bunch who, while well-versed in politics and diplomacy, generally avoid it as best as they can.

Primary Weapon of Choice: Martial Arts/Unarmed Combat
Secondary Weapon of Choice: Dual wielding
Primary Military Unit Type: Assassin/Mercenary/Bodyguard

Mystic Elder Rep! : 19 Location : Los Angeles, California

Currency
Keep it simple with coinage system on escalations of 10. Primary method of commerce is the barter system backed up by coinage system. Since non-metropolitan villages and stronghold are less inclined to use coinage as some don't fully understand their value, trading goods for goods or goods for services tends to be very straightforward. Each territory will prefer certain commodities over coinage (e.g. magic/science province preferring payments in conducive gems. In villages and strongholds of greater mercantile wealth and affluence, coinage is used more commonly than in more rural areas. Also, political hot spots circulate a larger amount of coinage as it makes favors and payoffs more difficult to trace.

Copper Shields (value of 1) - the most common currency. These coins are used for everyday transactions like groceries/food, short range transportation.
Silver Sceptres (value of 10) - less common than shields, but still in normal circulations. These tend to handle mid-sized transactions or bulk purchases of everyday goods.
Gold Thrones (value of 100) - thrones are used for large purchases. Average merchants rarely see gold thrones let alone transact with them. Smaller villages and strongholds pay their taxes and tributes in thrones. Most wealthy people own thrones as well. Armies are typically paid in gold thrones and then the currency is converted into smaller currencies at their regional treasury.
Platinum Crowns (value of 1000) - only governments, provincial institutions and the SUPER rich tend to have platinum crowns. Crowns are used to pay provincial taxes and tributes. They are also used for institutional transactions.

Mystic Elder Rep! : 19 Location : Los Angeles, California

While Talodari and Human societies have been in existence for many millenia, the start of current era is designated as nearly 5200 years ago when the Kaer Eilys (Great Accord) was struck between the Four Wardens of the Talodari acting on behalf of the Eilol Syli and the Eleven Human Monarchies. The Kaer Eilys covered everything from broad trade agreements to the Talodari guarantee that despite them having powers, the humans would never be their slaves and servants. The humans made similar pacts to try and limit aggression between the two races. It also established a means for the human factions and the Warden, or representatives of each faction, to gather together to address major issues or conflicts at a Regional Tribunal. While they were not given specifics, the humans were assured that legitimate concerns and threats to the Kaer Eilys would always be dealt with swiftly and decisively.

After the Kaer Eilys, the two societies would come to interact more and more and the human factions discovered that the Talodari kept their word and removed Talodari Overseers who threatened the accord. It was understood that conflicts would arise, but they were always to be contained and resolved quickly and if at all possible, peacefully. As both sides prospered from the increased trade and sharing of ideas, the Regional Tribunal would serve as a means for both societies to resolve their differences and restitution would be paid out to the villages that were endangered. Every five years, a Grand Talodari-Cestal Summit is held which gathers all of the ruling bodies together.

Even as human nations have risen and fallen, they all attend the Summit and cease-fires are honored during it. This policy was established in the 600 KE century when two human factions that were at war brought their animosity and violence to Taelar Malesia, the Central Neutral Zone, that is actually southwest of the Shroud, the Talodari capital's region. It is located in one of the desert oases and protected by the Talodari. It was originally controlled by the Yujia, who relinquished their claim to the territory to make it neutral territory. Aside from the Shroud, this is considered one of the safest territories in all of the realm.

The year when the story begins will be 5193 KE.