Aria were a dark-minded, intelligent humanoid subrace of the Anaqua, who once populated the eastern coastal towns in the Vüdos region of the Wildlands. These semi-aquatic humanoids were not inherently evil, yet their relationship with the more peace-loving humanoids of the Wildlands was often volatile. Despite this, most Aria maintained a neutral stance on matters beyond their homeland, Vüdos.
The Aria were renowned for their sea-faring skills, which included mastery in sailing, shipbuilding, and naval combat. They crafted both sea and air vessels and thrived in the open waters. They also excelled at farming, particularly tropical fruits like the Chime, which was one of the most widely traded and consumed foods worldwide.
Description
The Aria Anaqua, though resembling humans in many aspects, bore aquatic features such as fin-like ears and patches of scales along their neck, shoulders, forearms, chest, and thighs. The rest of their skin was smooth, akin to human skin, but their coloring ranged from light blue to greenish-grey. They were generally lean and slender, with little body fat. Unlike their Calypso cousins, who had hair, the Aria grew thick tendrils from the sides and back of their heads, resembling fleshy locks. Their eyes were a striking green, blue, or gold.
Anaqua and Humans
The relationship between the Anaqua and humans was tumultuous, marked by periods of cooperation and conflict. Despite their volatile differences, the two races engaged in trade, particularly involving sea vessels and goods like the Chime fruit. However, distrust lingered between them. The Anaqua’s neutral position in the political sphere of the Wildlands, as well as their secretive nature, often caused tensions with human societies. Yet, in times of crisis, they stood together against common threats from the Wildlands, temporarily bridging their differences.
medium
6'
humanoid
75-90 years
neutral
arca'non pantheon
shades of pale beige, pink
green, blue, gold
white or grey
coastal, oceanic
Sky and Sea
While the Aria lacked gills, they could dive deep beneath the ocean’s surface, holding their breath for up to two hours. Their swimming abilities were exceptional, allowing them to navigate waters faster than other humanoids. The Aria possessed vast knowledge of the sea and its many creatures, often identifying various marine life with ease and understanding their abilities.
Air Ships
Beyond traditional sea vessels, the Aria were skilled in the construction of elaborate airships. These sky vessels were used for transportation, sport, and combat, a testament to their advanced craftsmanship and understanding of both sea and sky.
History
The Anaqua were a mysterious and seafaring people who emerged from the coastal regions of the Wildlands long ago. Though semi-aquatic in nature, their influence reached far beyond their watery domain. Skilled in both seafaring and the building of sophisticated airships, they were a force to be reckoned with on both water and sky. Their craftsmanship was unrivaled, and their agricultural expertise, particularly the cultivation of Chime fruit, made them essential traders in global markets. Despite their insular nature, the Aria forged a reputation as neutral players in the political conflicts of the Wildlands, though they occasionally aligned with humans and other races when the need arose. Their complex history was one of mastery over both sea and sky, punctuated by moments of alliance and discord with the broader world.
Notable Aria Of Anaqua History
Vireis “The Sea Warden” Cala’th
Vireis Cala’th, known as “The Sea Warden,” was a legendary admiral and tactician who commanded the largest fleet of Aria warships ever assembled. Renowned for her strategic brilliance and ability to navigate the most treacherous waters, she defended Vüdos from several invasions by rival coastal factions and sea raiders. Her most famous victory, the Battle of the Shattered Isles, saw her outmaneuver a vastly larger enemy armada using the shifting tides and hidden currents, solidifying her reputation as an unparalleled naval commander. Vireis was also a fierce advocate for Aria independence and neutrality, refusing to be drawn into external conflicts despite pressure from neighboring human kingdoms. Her legacy is one of stoic leadership and mastery of both the sea and war.
Eraldos “The Sky Forger” Talithar
Eraldos Talithar, often referred to as “The Sky Forger,” was a brilliant engineer and the chief architect behind the first successful Aria airship fleet. His innovations in sky vessel design revolutionized not only Aria air travel but also airship combat. Eraldos introduced the concept of hoverstone sails, a unique blend of arcane technology and natural buoyancy stones found deep within the sea, allowing airships to navigate both air and water seamlessly. His work made the Aria the most formidable airship builders in the Wildlands. Though a reclusive genius, his creations were coveted by merchants and militaries alike, and his designs were instrumental in the defense of Vüdos against aerial invasions. His creations remain a cornerstone of Aria craftsmanship, and many of his apprentices carried on his legacy long after his death.
Nalira “The Tide Whisperer” Venra
Nalira Venra, famously called “The Tide Whisperer,” was a renowned diplomat and sea oracle. Gifted with the ability to commune with the ocean’s currents and the creatures that dwelled within it, Nalira played a key role in negotiating crucial trade deals with various human kingdoms, securing Vüdos’ status as an essential player in the global economy. Her reputation as a peacekeeper was cemented during the Stormbreaker Treaty, where she successfully mediated between rival human factions and the Aria, preventing a full-scale war over contested sea routes. Nalira’s deep connection to the ocean also made her a powerful voice in environmental preservation, and she was one of the earliest advocates for maintaining the balance between the land-dwellers and the sea’s creatures. Her legacy is that of a diplomat, protector, and spiritual guide, whose wisdom shaped the future of Aria-human relations.
These three figures were not only pivotal in Aria history but also in shaping their legacy as master navigators, builders, and diplomats, remembered for their far-reaching influence on the world around them