Morusi: Difference between revisions

{{center|Painting of a Morusi Woman in traditional dress ca.769}}

|Introduction=The '''Morusi''' are a race of humans who inhabit the swamp realm of Payalwa. Like all humans, they are descendants of the [[Ankasa]], the original humans who inhabited the realm of [[Orethil]] and who originally lived on the island of [[Awenelir]]. Following the [[Great Migration]] that drew most humans away from Awenelir around the year 0 of the Modern Era (ME), the ancestors of the Morusi were among the peoples who eventually dispersed across the wider world'''.''' The Morusi themselves arrived in Payalwa around the year 201 ME, settling first in the town of [[Tabe]] before expanding throughout the region and founding their capital, [[Harrowmere]], in 210 ME. Today they are organized under the [[League of Payalwa]], a government noted for its secretive governing structure.

|Origin and Nature=The Morusi share the common ancestry of all humans, descending from the Ankasa. Like the other human races, they trace their origin to the period following the Great Migration of the early Modern Era, though their settlement of Payalwa came roughly two centuries afterward.

|History=The Morusi first came to Payalwa around 201 ME, establishing themselves in the town of Tabe. From this initial foothold they expanded throughout Payalwa, a process that brought them into repeated conflict with the Olsendi, the native inhabitants of the region. The consolidation of Morusi settlement was marked by the founding of the capital city of Harrowmere in 210 ME, nine years after their arrival.

|Biology and Physical Traits=The Morusi complexions tend to be cool-toned and pale. The face is typically broad and strong-featured. Eyes are most often light in color, ranging through pale blue, grey, and green. Hair tends to be light in coloring, is commonly straight or only lightly waved and fine in texture.

The Morusi tend to be taller than the average human. Males typically range from 5'9" to 6'0" in height, while females are slightly shorter, generally ranging from 5'6" to 5'10". Their builds, in both sexes, are generally sturdy and broad-shouldered.

|Abilities and Osia=Like other humans, the Morusi possess no innate Osia powers. However, their proximity to the Ascendant Spirits [[Moevre]], [[Tragget]], and [[Jirna]], who all live in Payalwa, gives them an advantage should they seek to learn the domains associated with these spirits.

The Morusi have a distinctive governing structure. Almost all of Payalwa is controlled by the League of Payalwa, which is in turn controlled by a secret society known as the [[Society of Truth]]. Membership in and induction into the Society are closely guarded secrets, and the Society governs through edicts issued by figureheads placed at all levels of government. The identities of its members are not publicly known, though they are thought to be prominent figures drawn from both the merchant and political classes. None of the Society's members are believed to engage directly in politics, and a clear separation is maintained between the public figureheads and the members of the Society themselves.

 

=== Temperament and social life ===

While not isolationists, the Morusi tend to be close-knit and highly loyal to their villages, towns, and local communities. As a consequence of the opaque governing structure, the general population tends toward apathy regarding the government, and most individuals are disinclined to enter politics, particularly given the absence of elections or democratic reforms.

 

Owing to the influence and proximity of the Ascendant Spirit Moevre, the Morusi are widely characterized as somewhat conspiratorial and secretive. This same inclination to keep secrets and mysteries close also fosters a strong drive to seek out answers and truths wherever possible, a tension that is held to produce conflict both internally, among the Morusi themselves, and externally, in their dealings with others.

|Notable Individuals={{See also|Notable Morusi}}