Tatsukoi are a Closed Species by Eggomancer!They are semi-aquatic dragons with remarkable adaptability and an innate sense of adventure driving them to climb The Cascades, the spire of waterfalls that they call home.Scroll down for species info, traits, and lore!
Traits!
Tatsukoi traits come in two varieties, Layer Traits and Artificial Traits! You can find all traits here!
Species Guide:
Tatsukoi are the most prominent species in the Cascades. They are semi-aquatic dragons with air sacs on their necks and large tails built for traversing aquatic environments. Tatsukoi are curious creatures by nature, and this nature is what compels them to climb the spire they call home. They are able to quickly adapt to their environment, even being able to morph their bodies to be able to better survive the individual challenges of each layer.Tatsukoi are androgynous creatures, they display no physical distinctions between sexes. However, gender expression is still a very prominent thing with them. Each individual is free to present themselves as they see fit.Fully grown Tatsukoi can be anywhere between 3 - 8 feet tall. Tatsukoi generally age at around the same rate as humans, the only major difference being that they generally live to be around 130-150 years of age. Tatsukoi are generally considered elderly at age 110-120. There are, however, rare cases where they can live to be up to 200 or even 300, though this typically only happens in the Isles of Elysium.Newly born Tatsukoi are often sent to the Deep Basin after their birth. It is commonly believed that it was the birthplace of the species, and that every Tatsukoi should follow in the steps of those before them and climb the falls using their own strength. There are always exceptions to this though, some choose to raise their young with them on the layer they currently reside. This is however somewhat rare.
Layer Traits:
Traits of Layer One:
- Horns (Any type or length)
- Shells (Any kind)
- Claws (Must be short, they are retractable)
Traits of Layer Two:
- Spikes (Any length)
- Saber Teeth
- Body Fins (Any size or shape)
Traits of Layer Three:
- Scale Plates
- Color Change (Can switch between different colors, pattern must remain the same. Does not have to affect the entire body)
- Tentacles (Can replace hair and/or tail)
Traits of Layer Four:
- Multiple Eyes (Most commonly only on face, but can appear anywhere on the body)
- Bioluminesence
- Transparent Body (Can be only a small part of the body or all of it)
- Extra Limbs (Can only effect arms, legs, tail, and ears)
Traits of Layer Five:
- Eye Shields
- Wings (Feathered, Dragon, or Bug wings)
- Climbing Talons (On arms and feet)
- Gliding Membrane
Traits of Layer Six:
- Plant Growth
- Iridescence
- Aesthetic Wings (Can be anywhere on body)
- Crystal Growth
Artificial Traits:
Artificial traits are traits that are not inherit to any layer, rather they are developed through magical means, or sometimes passed on from parent to child.Artificial Traits can be broken into two categories: Enchantments (which are often times used by the buyer to unlock beneficial or aesthetically pleasing traits) and Curses. (which are mostly bought to use on another Tatsukoi, as the traits are unsightly or even sometimes painful)Artificial Traits can be obtained by purchasing either an enchantment or curse scroll in the shop!---ENCHANTMENTS:Elemental Body: After being imbued with the energy of one or several elements, part (or all) of your Tatsukoi's body now features elemental traits! This enchantment's rules are very loose, as it can manifest in many ways. Some examples could be: a Tatsukoi with a body made of water, a Tatsukoi with flaming horns, a Tatsukoi who's fur begins to turn into wisps of air at the ends, and more! Feel free to experiment with this trait!Mechanical Installation: Some of your Tatsukoi's body is now comprised of mechanical parts! These parts must appear to be made of metal, glass, and/or plastic!Long Body: Part of your Tatsukoi's body is now extended longer than usual! Can effect the neck, torso, arms, and legs! (Can effect all of them at the same time, or just specific parts)Stitched: Your Tatsukoi's body is now made (partially or fully) out of fabric! Seams, buttons, ribbons, and stuffing can now be found in and on their body! You can also add clothing features like pockets, zippers, hoods, etc!
CURSES:Pierced: Your Tatsukoi's body has been pierced with sharp objects! The objects do not hurt, but they are uncomfortable.Body Rot: This curse may be one of the most gruesome... but it doesn't actually hurt the cursed individual much if at all! This curse can expose the insides of a Tatsukoi's body, such as muscle, bones, organs, etc. This curse can only affect up to 50% of the body, and should not be too gorey! Tatsukoi with this curse may have a blurred image on the masterlist, as to not make those not comfortable with seeing gore / exposed innards uncomfortable.Sentient Limbs: Adds a mouth and (if wanted) set of eyes to the end of up to two limbs. Can mimic other creatures but should not directly be that creature.Plagued: Many small creatures or animated objects buzz around your Tatsukoi, whether they are docile or hostile is up to the curse giver.
The World of Mare Noctis
Mare Noctis is a planet composed of almost entirely water. The world is shrouded by darkness, with the sun being visible for only a third of the day. Terrestrial life is rare, but it does still exist in a few places. One such place is the Cascades, a spire that rises from the ocean with several waterfalls cascading down its length. There are six defined layers of the Cascades, each with its own environment, challenges, and culture. The most prominent species making its home here are Tatsukoi, a species of semi-aquatic dragon. They are very inquisitive and adventurous creatures, which compels them to try to make their way to the top. There are populations of Tatsukoi scattered all over the falls, most of them having climbed from the bottom, as is tradition for the species.---The Cascades of Mare Noctis:
The Cascades, as said before, is comprised of six layers. Each layer is separated by waterfalls extending down the sides of the spire. These falls become more and more difficult to scale the higher you go, which causes many Tatsukoi to remain in the relative safety of the first three layers. However, many seek to reach the utopia of the sixth layer. Those who wish to conquer the entirety of the falls often meet an untimely fate, but for those who can power through each of the layers, a world of peace and beauty awaits.Each of the individual layers (as well as Tatsukoi society and the magic of the world) have info written about them, you can click on the buttons below to find out about whichever you're interested in!
The Deep Basin, the First Layer
The first layer, the Deep Basin, is a peaceful and tranquil place. Small ponds, gentle streams, and soft rolling hills scatter the landscape. Newly born Tatsukoi are often sent here, as it is believed to be the birthplace of their species. Tatsukoi hold the belief that all individuals should follow in the footsteps of those before them and ascend the spire through their own strength. Of course, there are exceptions to this tradition, and some young Tatsukoi do remain in their birth layer, although it is considered rare. The population of this layer consists of many young Tatsukoi, however there is a large population of Tatsukoi who have returned to this layer in their older years. This older population are often the ones who raise the younger generations. There are of course exceptions to this of course, there are many Tatsukoi at all stages of life who reside here. Some never left the layer, some have tried and failed, and some simply prefer the cozy atmosphere of this layer.This layer has a few larger cities, the largest one being Sanctuary, it is a very pleasant city with a comfortable and artsy vibe. The majority of this layer is composed of many smaller villages. The most common type of home on this layer are small and cozy cabins built into the hills. The residents of this layer have very tight knit communities, but are usually very hospitable to visitors. This layer’s land is very fertile, many of the crops found for sale on other layers were grown on this layer. This layer is run by a council of elders, who oversee that everything on the layer is running accordingly.An example of the type of home you can expect to see on this layer.
The Falling Spines, the Second Layer
While the climb to this layer may not be too difficult for the young Tatsukoi of layer one, those not equipped for the layer itself will find themselves struggling. This layer is the first of many dangerous layers that anyone attempting the climb to the falls must face. The Falling Spines is named for the sharp spines filled with ore that cover it. There isn’t much space to walk between the spines, making it difficult to traverse. Luckily, there are many bridges built on the spines by the residents that have made this layer their home. While this layer does not have nearly as much of a population as layer one or three, there are some fairly large cities on this layer. Many of them were built as temporary camps while the spines were mined, but eventually the residents of these camps grew to enjoy the views of this layer and made the decision to make it their home. The Spines have some of the best views of the ocean surrounding the Cascades, making it very popular for sightseeing. This layer does not have anyone in particular in charge, instead there is often an overseer of each town that maintains the order of their area of the layer.This is what I imagine the landscape of the spines looking like!
Third Haven, the Third Layer
The falls leading up to this level are usually quite difficult for novices to climb. The sharp spines of layer two jut out of the falls, making mistakes on this climb can easily end in injury or even death. But those who make it to the layer are greeted by a layer full of bustling cities and towns. Third Haven is easily the most populated layer of the Cascades. There are several massive cities on this layer. This layer is run by a royal family, however there is a council of common folk that also give a say on how the layer is run.One of these cities is Aurelion, a city well known for its college of the arcane arts. It has the largest library in all of the falls. It is a very gorgeous city with much of the architecture that could have only been built with the help of magic.Blackpool, which is the largest city in the entirety of the falls, also resides on layer three. It was once a trading outpost, but people from every layer began to gather here to sell their wares. Before long the small outpost had grown into a village, then a town, then the massive city it is today. The city still has a massive trading population that comes and goes from every layer. You can find just about anything in Blackpool, from layer one all the way up to layer six.Outside of the cities of this layer are lush, temperate forests. There are often paths in these forests between each town, most are warned to keep to these paths, as it is easy to lose your way in the foliage. Many Tatsukoi wanting to stay away from the hustle and bustle of the cities can also be found in these forests.This is what I imagine Aurelion looking like sort of! Just a bit more fantastical.
The Labyrinthe Caverns, the Fourth Layer
Layer four is quite difficult to get to. The falls between layers three and four are fast, they have strong currents that can easily sweep any unprepared Tatsukoi away. But if one cannot conquer these falls, they have no chance of making it any higher in the falls. It only gets more challenging from here. The fourth layer is not a comfortable place to be for most Tatsukoi. It is a dark, damp place with winding tunnels and steep caverns. Those who don’t know where they’re going can easily get lost in the twisting tunnels causing many to never make it out of this layer. Some eventually find their way out, but they are often changed by the experience. The overwhelming isolation of this layer is difficult to handle, and causes many to lose their minds.There are no real towns in this layer, but there are some small outposts! Many of these outposts take in lost Tatsukoi and try to set them on the right path. There are many Tatsukoi in this layer that are not so nice though. Many of the residents of this layer came here to separate themselves from society, and while some of them may just prefer isolation, there are some that are hiding out for a reason. This layer is a lawless land, there is no governing force.Rumors of treasure and secrets make many try to navigate this layer. The walls of this layer sometimes contain rare gemstones, which is what some are after. But there are also rumors of a place hidden within the falls, many believing the entrance to it is hidden in this layer. Many have tried to find it, but there has been no luck so far.An example of what I think the tunnels of this layer would look like.
The Summit of Storms, the Fifth Layer
Many never find the falls hidden within this layer, but those that manage are greeted by yet another challenging climb. The falls start as a narrow chute that quickly expands into a wide, frothy cascade that crashes onto jagged rocks below. Those unprepared have no hope of making it past. But for the few that do, the treacherous Summit of Storms awaits. It is a difficult layer to inhabit. It is plagued by raging thunderstorms and sudden gusts that can throw any unsuspecting Tatsukoi around like rag dolls. These storms let up for only three days every month. The layer is scattered by snow and ice as well, it is quite cold. To ascend to the final layer, you must be prepared to combat all the challenges this layer provides.This layer is very mountainous and steep. There is not much flora on this layer, but evergreen trees and shrubs can be found dotting the landscape. This layer also features the most prominent Noxwyrm population within the falls. They can be very dangerous creatures if you do not know how to handle them, it is best to steer clear of them. This layer is run very similarly to the first layer.Due to the harsh nature of this layer, there are very few inhabitants. There are a few small villages, but most of the inhabitants of this layer tend to live alone. Among the few villages however, is a town known as Northchill. The town of Northchill has found its home in one of the few parts of the layer that aren’t nearly as harsh. The folks living there are kind, it is a common rest stop for those trying to make it to layer six. Northchill is also the birthplace of a winter holiday celebrated all throughout the falls known as the Midwinter Giftings. The holiday is celebrated on the final day of the year. On this day, friends and family gather to exchange gifts to begin the new year with the joy of giving and being around loved ones. However the entire week before it is often filled with feasts and overall festive cheer. Northchill has one of the largest celebrations of the holiday, they host a festival in the city every year. Many from every layer will gather here during this time of year.An example of the terrain of this layer. / / How I imagine Northchill would look!
The Isles of Elysium, the Sixth and Final Layer
This is the final destination for those climbing the Cascades. Only about a third of those who attempt to climb these falls will ever make it to Elysium. The falls leading up to this layer are a harsh and overpowering downpour. Sharp rocks and crystals made of ice line the walls of it, making injury nearly inevitable. The storms of layer six will not spare those who try the climb either. The harsh winds can easily toss those climbing off with great ease. But those chosen few who manage to pull off the impossible climb are greeted by the utopia that are The Isles of Elysium.The landscape is covered by beautiful greenery and gorgeous shimmering crystals. Sparkling ponds of crystal-clear water nestle themselves between the foliage, with small gentle waterfalls falling into them. Vibrant wildflowers cover the landscape painting it a rainbow of colors. This layer offers peace and respite for those brave few who make it to the top of the Cascades.The population of this layer is not massive, as it is extremely difficult to get to, but it is not small either. A decent amount of Tatsukoi who manage to make it to this layer break tradition and do not send their young to the first layer, leading to this layer to having a larger population than most other layers of younger Tatsukoi. There are two major cities of this layer, Dawntide and Duskmoor. Each of the major cities has a monarch that helps govern the layer, the two of each working together to sustain the peace.Dawntide is a beautiful city decorated by nature. It has many gardens built in the city. One such garden is the Botanical Archive, it keeps at least one of each of the plants growing in the Cascades. The archive even has some plants that no longer grow in any other part of the falls. A lot of medicine and potions found in other parts of the falls come from Dawntide, as they have easy access to any ingredients they may need to make them.The city of Duskmoor is surrounded by a lake. The iridescent crystals of this layer grow out of the lake, speckling the surface of the water with rainbow colors. Many of the residents of the city are scholars, some coming here from the college of Aurelion. Duskmoor and Aurelion have a lot of history with each other. The royalty of Duskmoor have a shared lineage with the royalty of the third layer’s royal family, which still live in Aurelion. The library of Aurelion and the large library of Duskmoor commonly exchange knowledge as well. Duskmoor’s main research is of the crystals scattering this layer. They have a mysterious property that directly opposes dark magic, but researchers believe that they may have more to them.The views and aesthetics of Elysium.
Tatsukoi Society
Tatsukoi society is as fluid as the sea that surrounds them. They embrace the fluidity and unpredictability of life, while making sure to maintain their traditions and remember their history. Generally, Tatsukoi society tends to be peaceful, with conflicts being resolved through diplomacy rather than violence. However, each layer has its own way of life, and while some do maintain the peace commonly found in Tatsukoi society, others may be more prone to chaos and conflict.Tatsukoi culture places great emphasis on creative expression, buildings and other structures are commonly decorated with paintings and intricate carvings. They have a deep appreciation for nature, and lush gardens can be found throughout their cities. Music, art, and storytelling are also important aspects of their culture, with artists, musicians, and bards held in high regard.Each layer has its own culture, dialects, and general way of life. You can get a better idea of how each layer is by reading its respective description!
The Nuances of Magic and Tatsukoi
In Mare Noctis, magic is the raw energy of life itself. When a living being dies, its spirit passes on into the Sea of Spirits where it will remain. A soul that passes on is able to live a life in the heaven it provides until it one day decides to be reborn back into the mortal world. The cycle of death and rebirth creates an abundance of magic that can be woven into spells to enrich the lives of mortals. Magic exists between the mortal world and the Sea of Spirits. It is not visible to mortalkind.Tatsukoi souls seem to be able to weave magic more easily than other creatures found in the Cascades, most being able to cast beginner level magic at least. (ex. Cleaning a surface, igniting a candle, etc. [Essentially just look up Prestidigitation from DnD 5E, anything that spell can do]) Many can at least learn how to wield intermediate magic through training. Common examples of intermediate magic include small-scale elemental magic (summoning fire, shaping water, molding terrain), minor healing magic (non-lethal wounds, poisons, etc.), minor skill and/or strength enhancements, and more!Mastering magic past the intermediate level is a difficult task that takes several years to learn, and many more to master. Many give up and settle at the intermediate level. Examples of advanced magic include teleportation, major healing magic (lethal wounds, limb regrowth, etc.), transformation magic, major scale elemental magic, and more! There are several taboo spells that fall under this category as well, such as resurrection, animating the dead, and mind control.Anything past advanced magic is near impossible and only a handful of Tatsukoi in recorded history have been noted as doing anything past advanced magic. Most occurrences of this type of magic are in a moment of immense desperation, and often take a physical toll on the user, sometimes killing the user after the spell has been cast. This type of magic is often referred to as miracle magic, as its effects are typically only something that could be perceived as a miracle. The only known living user of miracle magic is Cyrus, who used it 200 years ago to shatter a meteor threatening to impact the falls. Many believe this may not have been his first time wielding this type of magic, as it did not affect him in as major of a way as previously recorded in other miracle magic cases. Cyrus denies any suggestion of this.