#ghiasuli

I'll... try to keep this simple. >.> Disclaimer that I'm still working out some of the finer details of Anryuu biology.

Although Anryuu assume a physical form that looks human most of the time, that's not their real shape. Their "true form" is the dragon one— but for all three species, shapeshifting is part of their early physiological development. The "secondary form" typically learned in looks human (as the cultural idea goes, because early Anryuu learned that the shape was the most convenient and functional), but their physical function is very, very different.

Similar to synapsids, Anryuu are "mammal-like reptiles". They maintain a constant body temperature mostly through body size (gigantothermy), and don't reproduce through live birth. The presence of their Aura system allows for a variety of physical traits that defy the logic of non-fictional creatures, and is also a core feature of many of their physical, sensory, and magic-related abilities. They mature much faster than humans in their early years, both physically and psychologically, and are much, MUCH stronger/more durable than humans, even in their secondary form.

Also since they are reptilian do they have specific places for sun bathing/warming up? Like have they made up for some of their needs in their architecture?

(This all sounds super cool omg i might have to deep dive this blog)

The alternate forms commonly used by Anryuu look more or less "human", yep! Their ability to shapeshift develops early in their youth, and they end up spending most of their time in their secondary forms as a matter of convenience, social decency, etc.

However, there are some indications of species that stand out even in an Anryuu's secondary form: Dzlethians retain the horns on their head, Ghiasuli have pointed ears, and Giants (a theorized sub-species/relative of the Dzlethians) have both the horns on their head and a second pair located near the lateral end of the clavicle.

Map time! This is... probably nowhere near "complete", but the general layout of all three countries (divided by the rivers) and locations of major cities/ritual sites is here, at least! :D

I have art! It is not exactly good art, but it's good enough! >3>

Ghiasuli —> Daryan —> Dzlethian

Ghiasuli are the "tallest", but they're nowhere near as sturdy/solid as Daryans. Their limbs are thinner and they don't have as much muscle mass, but they have large ribcages and massive wings that make them the best fliers of the three.

Daryans are a similar shape, overall, but much thicker/stockier than Ghiasuli. Their wings are proportionately smaller, and not designed for long periods of flight.

Matriarchal/patriarchal

Dzlethian society is female-ruled. They have a strict caste system with a queen on top, and common households are led by a matriarch as well. Males are generally treated well and have a good degree of rights, but they're not allowed to have much social power or control over their lives. Their system is highly culturally embedded, and deviations from it are seen as unnatural and wrong.

Ghiasuli society is male-ruled. However, their structure is "softer", in the sense that it's considered "for the greater good of the species", not something as innate or unquestionable as the Dzlethian way of doing things. Ghiasuli females tend to have slightly more control over their lives than Dzlethian males, but standards for their treatment are lower, and far more are outright abused.

Daryans don't have a dominant sex in their culture. Rather, they hardly see gender as a factor at all. Their determination of power is based on lineage and ability instead, and their culture doesn't have any particular distinction between male and female roles— which has been a subject of much disagreement with the other countries.

Mercy and kindness

Ghiasuli are the most likely of the three to see mercy and kindness as strengths— though it's in a very self-serving way. Their culture involves a lot of social strategizing and putting on a polite, presentable mask, so behaving kindly and mercifully in ways that benefit oneself is definitely seen as a good thing. Being kind, forgiving, and tolerant of others is important in their culture, but it's a surface-level practice that involves the balance of looking good and still protecting your own interests above all else.

Dzlethians are the most likely to see mercy and kindness as a waste of effort, if not an insult to others. Since their culture holds individuals to such high standards, being granted mercy would often be taken as condescending, not kind. They're far more fond of taking care of themselves and proving their power than being shown pity by others. Their culture also tends to encourage a sense of selfishness that would prevent such acts of kindness, in the first place.

The Ghiasuli kingdom is the worst off by a good gap. Their country is the smallest and has the least resources/population, so they tend to be on the weaker and poorer end of things among the three. While the Ghiasuli did have significantly more power in the past, currently, they're usually at a disadvantage compared to their two larger, more powerful neighbors. During the 300-Year War, in particular, they got caught up in the conflict between the other two and suffered economically for it. And of course, this historical disadvantage has left the country bitter and resentful toward those with more.

The Daryan country may be the most directly powerful of the three, but it does tend to hover around the same level as the Dzlethians. Daryans by far have the most land, resources, and people, and the sheer size of their country (and its large amount of usable land) means that they have a natural advantage over the other two. However, while they have a lot of power, most of their people aren't particularly wealthy— mostly due to the recurring problems with organizing society and maintaining any form of order.

Top Characteristics

Presentation

Social Status

Productivity

Charity

Summaries

1. The number one thing that matters in Ghiasuli society is how one is seen by the world. Looking good is far more important than being good, and proper social conduct is required at all times. It’s understood that people have two faces (the one they show others and the one they show themselves), and so long as one behaves properly, who they are behind the scenes doesn’t matter as much. It’s all about putting on the correct act.

2. Ghiasuli also highly value social status. One’s place in society is very important, and things like rank and title are paid careful attention to. Roles are very strictly defined in everything from occupation to gender. Having a high status is an important trait to have, and those with power in society are much more respected than those of lower positions. The way people are treated directly ties in with how they’re perceived by others.

3. Productivity is considered very important as well. However, this isn’t in the sense of creating things so much as it is being industrious and never idle. Sitting around and doing nothing is considered lazy, and it’s expected that people have something to occupy them as often as possible. This doesn’t have to be strictly “work”, though. Hobbies such as artistry, studying, and athletics are also considered productive uses of time.