The Fereg

A mature Eka can span as long as 3 and a half feet, weighing up to 50 pounds. Externally, the only obvious features of the Eka would be 'spines' which protrude from their back. Their skin varies from rough and calloused, to smooth and silky, contingent upon the environment the Eka inhabits. Skin color also varies depending on the individual Eka's diet. Additionally, if Eka feed off of a certain metal or mineral for many years, they begin to be imbued with the properties of that resource, resulting in things such as toxic Eka that have fed off of Navium for years.

Eka eat by secreting powerful acids, which emulsify any material that they make contact with. This emulsified liquid is ingested through the Eka's pores, which enlarge to accommodate particles of varying sizes. Their unique form of digestion result in certain interesting byproducts. After an Eka has consumed an inorganic material, the waste product varies wildly on what that resource once was. Most stones result in the excretion of a cement-like paste known as Pathara. This paste solidifies after a short amount of time, and the sturdy final product has been used to create structures, though mainly to reinforce tunnels. Metals result in a different waste product, known as Nisteja. This waste product usually takes on the appearance of the metal the Eka has fed on, often with a duller luster and a weakening of integrity. In the case of metals with abnormal properties, such as Mithril or Navium, the waste product’s properties are lessened as well, allowing certain toxic metals to be handled somewhat safely. An unusual byproduct of this procedure comes into play when an Eka feeds on two types of metals, resulting in the waste product becoming a hybrid of the two. These Nisteja Alloys are weaker than the original metals, but the unique nature and ease of accessibility of these alloys make them relatively valuable, based on the products of course. Nisteja Alloys are the common construction materials for Fereg armors.

Eka sense their surroundings via a series of advanced organs that line their interior known as 'Tympanic Nodus', or 'Drum-nodes". These nodes are richly dense nerve-clusters designed to pickup minute vibrations in the ground, allowing the Eka to respond to possible threats while underground. When on the surface, the Drum-nodes inverse, appearing as fleshy spines which respond to vibrations in the air. Ostensibly this makes the Eka blind to stationary threats, although this process is rarely done, as the Eka naturally are inclined to live at extreme depths.

Eka reproduce through two different processes. The first requires multiple Eka, in which the Eka cut a small portion of themselves off using strong acid. These individual 'nubs' are placed into large stones, chunks of ore, or metals, and then sealed. These nubs find corresponding nubs, and once healed, begin to burrow their way out. Upon exiting their protective 'egg', they begin to consume the rest of it to gain a boost of energy and mass. The second form of reproduction is similar, however is done with only one Eka. The single Eka forms its own 'egg', and seals itself inside. Entering a sort of trance, the Eka divides itself into as many pieces as possible, with some being able to be separated into 20 pieces. These 'nubs' reunite, and form separate Eka. Due to the lack of diversity, and the amount of damage done to the single Eka, this process takes longer, and is generally unfavorable.

It has been assumed that the average Eka has the rough intelligence of a rat, or a well trained dog. As such, they are incapable of understanding complex ideas, but can be trained to respond to different vocal cues. They have also demonstrated an extreme amount of empathy for fellow Eka, often guiding starving brethren to mineral deposits. It is believed that this behavior is the first step in the formation of a natural Fereg colony.

Alap are the simplest and largest form of Fereg colonies, residing exclusively underground. These colonies are the closest to resemble Pre-Dawn Fereg, and as such, are considered some of the most powerful. Alap consist of no less than 10,000 Eka, and have no upward limit, though few decide to taunt Shar by growing to that size. Alap colonies typically form a central cluster, by which the rest of its body spreads out. It does so by forming massive tendrils, which burrow through the ground, splitting off into more tendrils as needed. The network of tendrils an Alap colony creates can spread for miles. In this state, the Eka's natural ability to detect vibrations allow the Alap colony a sort of omnipresence deep below and above the ground it spans through. In addition, the scale of the network allows the Alap to move and shift the ground should a need arise, allowing it to respond to threats, or to allow ease of access for more tendrils. Megacolonies are the ultimate form of Alap, reaching a size that permits them a sizable influence on the land around them, as well as access to the potential force of millions of colonies. Today, only 3 Megacolonies exist, with some Hajo rivaling the size and power of a proper Megacolony.

Dof are colonies that were formed with anywhere from 10 to 70 Eka. These colonies sometimes exist in small clusters underground, but more often than not, gain the confidence to wander the surface of Aeria. To do such a task, Dof often hollow out large rocks, and use this as a sort of shell. They move across the surface, prodding into the ground to find rich mineral and metal deposits. When located, the Dof plant their shells firmly into the ground and dig down. These forms possess the intelligence of a child, and are fixated on the singular goal of finding and consuming more minerals and metals. When formed naturally, the Dof are seen as a formidable and resilient pest, as dealing with one can have fatal results, with the new increase in numbers allowing a Dof colony to exert a fair amount of strength while their rocky exterior makes them hard to damage. If formed by a large colony, Dof tend to fulfill a role as scouts, scavengers, and workers. Their ability to blend into their surroundings is unparalleled, as any inorganic object or material can be hollowed out to form a new shell for the colony, permitting Dof to hide in ambush, or provide reconnaissance during times of war.

Vandor colonies are the first of the surface colonies to gain enough Eka to become fully sentient, and their intelligence is that of an average humanoid. Their form also is that of an average humanoid, as they attempt to inhabit, or produce armor of stone, metal, or other materials in order to achieve the form-factor of a mortal. These colonies are formed from roughly 80-90 Eka, any more would necessitate an increase in form-factor. These colonies are perhaps the most recent to be formed, designed almost exclusively to interact with mortals, be it diplomacy, trade and cooperation, or annihilation. As such, these forms are not found naturally and must be created from a larger form.

The Szaz were the Fereg's first defensive form. Purely surface dwelling, the Szaz are formed with anywhere from 100 to 1000 Eka, but larger Szaz are not unheard of. With this increase in scale, is also an increase in intelligence, resulting in very skilled warriors. Szaz were originally a naturally produced, if not rare, form. When an environment was particularly hostile, Dof colonies would be inclined to live underground for a time, reproducing until they gathered enough size to inhabit larger formations of rock. In doing so, the original Szaz would be massive stone beings, generally hostile as a result of their environment. This role however shifted, as Alap colonies began to create Szaz for their own needs. While almost always created for protection or war, Szaz colonies have been created in the past to interact with mortals, much like how Vandor fill this role today. When a negotiation requires more muscle, or a better representation of a colony, a Szaz will be sent.

The largest of the terrestrial forms, a Hajo is formed when an Alap colony surfaces for any number of reasons. In doing so, the colony is extremely vulnerable, and it's first action is to form a protective layer of armor, often done with stone or metal. These forms will then either try to find a new location for the colony to settle, or they retain this form, allowing the colony to travel the land and gather resources while maintaining a surface presence.

'Specialized Eka", the Cabieka are the result of Fereg that are purposely altered with Truminium to change forms, and gain certain abilities. In most colonies, the Eka's natural limitations may prove to be a hindrance, and as such, Cabieka are formed to fill these gaps and surpass these failures. A common form of Cabieka is one that has grown visual organs, allowing them to see. Any number of Cabieka have been created, and all fulfill unique roles in a colony. The process by which Cabieka are formed result in them becoming sterile, and as such, they are considered a valuable resource among colonies.

Grievaneka are simply colonies that have attained the ability to use weave. While Alap colonies naturally weave to alter their environment and prevent underground disasters, weaving is typically difficult for the Fereg to do. Grievaneka however, learn to weave either from first-hand experience, or conventional teachings, and as such are some of the most important colonies in Fereg society. There is no limit to what variation of colony can become a Grievaneka, only that they must have received this knowledge personally, rather than it being passed down instinctively.

The aquatic equivalent of the terrestrial Eka, Bhijeka have adapted to the waters of Aeria, and feed off of its inorganic materials. The Bhijeka persist in colonies, much like their surface brethren. However, when Bhijeka form colonies, their sacred fields do not unify, but rather they swim very close to each other much like a school of fish. Communication and coordination is done through a series of secreted chemicals and light-based cues. These colonies can dig into the seabed and through most materials, but also form large 'schools' that sift particles from the water itself. The Bhijeka are known for creating coral structures, which often are the home for not only themselves, but varying sea-life, including the Cecaelia. It has been rumored that the Bhijeka once constructed a massive coral vessel, permitting the Almusafirun to cross from Karak Zigil to Sida.

While in Cabieka, Truminium is used to merely mutate and alter the Eka, Bisbasaghataka are altered entirely by Truminium, allowing them to assume any form. In doing so, not only is the resulting form infertile to other Fereg, they are no longer Fereg. Becoming a Bisbasaghataka fully solidifies the Eka's sacred fields, preventing them from ever separating. Therefore, they cannot assimilate into other colonies, or break off into smaller ones. This truth has resulted in the Fereg naturally shunning and abhorring the Bisbasaghataka, as they have abandoned everything that makes them Fereg and have murdered all the potential colonies that could have formed and the ones that had once formed them. Considered abominations of nature, the desire to become a Bisbasaghataka is often tied in with the desire for power, as a colony altered in such a manner is significantly stronger than its standard counterpart. However, colonies will sometimes become a Bisbasaghataka as a sacrifice to a greater good, often to assume a powerful form to protect more colonies. Only two colonies were ever known to become martyrs through this process, Aajaadee and Zahar Maut, and they were known as the 'Dhaatu Vaale", or 'The Metal Ones", and served as generals in the Fereg War of Independence.

The Fereg alongside Dorifium and the Dragons, are the natural byproduct of the world-storm's existence. They persisted underground throughout the juvenile Aeria, spreading over nearly every corner of this young world. They formed vast networks of themselves, serving as the land's nervous, musculatory, and circulatory system, allowing the land to respond to threats and also facilitated the transportation Truminium. During this period, the Fereg was a singular being, serving witness to the events of this world, seeing the rise of the Dragons, Ancients, and other beings. The Fereg, was essentially the framework for the juvenile godhead. Aten and Shar's war against the Ancients would affect the Fereg forever, as while the Ancients were cursed to become mortal, the Fereg were divided into trillions of individual beings. In doing so, Aeria became a static, non-living and inhospitable land. Unconnected and dying, the only way for the land to be saved would be Kielm sacrificing his body to take the place of the Fereg. While the Fereg would make attempts to recover, their fracturing had shattered their identity, implanting a natural fear of becoming unified again, and they were reduced to the most basic of lifeforms, unassuming worm-like beings, a final insult by Shar. With the composition of Aeria shifting with Kielm's sacrifice, the Fereg were forced to adapt to new materials and resources that had appeared, mainly, metals.

While consuming metals, the Fereg were at this point the only race capable of acquiring Truminium, something the Dragons would become desperate for. While a multitude of Fereg colonies chose to live in Kar’Rasa, providing Truminium in exchange for other metals, some Dragons would take the initiative to enslave swathes of Fereg, using them to find more Truminium so that their race would survive. These Dragons, considered rogue by their own kind, would continually use the Fereg as a slave race, all the while continuing onto conquer more races. In a bid for independence, the Fereg across Aeria would begin to revolt in conjunction with the other slave races, amassing their forces to combat the Dragons as best as they could. These Fereg, would independently form two Bisbasaghataka known as the “Daatu Vaale.” These two ‘Metal Ones’, Aajaadee and Zahar Maut, were able to fight off the Dragons in conjunction with the other Fereg colonies and slaves. After killing more than a few rogue Dragons, those who remained conceded, and allowed the Fereg to be free. The Fereg however, were not yet done with the Dragons, and when the God War came, the crippled Dragon population sparked the Fereg’s natural drive for self-sacrifice and preservation, resulting in colonies flocking to Kar’Rasa, joining the already loyal colonies. Seeing how fragile the Dragons were, and how without Fereg-derived Truminium they would surely die out, these colonies formed up into a singular Megacolony named Ghosala, meaning ‘Garden’ in Dragon-tongue. Ghosala would form the founding member of the Bageecha Order, a quasi-religious organization consisting of loyal Dragons and Dragonkin dedicated to the survival of Dragon-kind. As for the newly freed Fereg, they would flock to the mountains in seek of a new free life, and the memory of what the Fereg once were would fade from the minds of mortals and only their most primitive and animalistic side would be seen.

Many centuries later after the Fereg attained freedom, the first mortal race to truly have an interaction with the Fereg, albeit a hostile one, were the Dverfar. The Dver's natural usage of metals for implants and their mighty works of engineering would prove to make them a target for opportunistic Fereg. The fear of combining had been diminishing in the Fereg for years, and colonies became larger and larger. At this point, just east of Karak Zigil, the singular megacolony that dominated the mountains was named "Kharrnvel Vaar". It policed the mountains for years prior to the Dver's rise to civilization, and it continued to do so despite the Dver's disdain for the individual Fereg feasting on their infrastructure. The Dver would suddenly disappear from the Karak Zigil, which would prompt more adventurous incursions by the Fereg until all of the Dver cities were infested with them, and continually consumed. Upon the Dver's return they would be shocked and appalled to see their lands devastated by this virulent species. In turn they would engage in a full scale eradication of the species from not only their land, but from the mountains that bordered Karak Zigil. What was once seen as a simple pest control issue soon escalated to a full war, as the Fereg amassed large armor-clad colonies, providing a stalwart defense. Still, the Dver's advanced technologies and magic proved to give them the advantage, and they would push the Fereg back into the mountains, where they would then attempt to flood them out. In an attempt to survive, Kharrnvel Vaar would divide into two Megacolonies known as Kharrnvel Teevr and Kharrnvel Atal, with the other scattered and divided Fereg forming their own smaller colonies. Kharrnvel Teevr and Kharrnvel Atal would move north through the mountains, settling just south of Pycheko, east of Vale, and west of Talibar, and directly above Rahna respectively. The other scattered colonies would move across the mountains into Sida, prowling the deserts as nomads known as the "Almusafirun".

For a time, the Fereg would do little but continue their subsistence-based lifestyle, with a few Almusafirun travelling on their own to conduct trade and interact with mortal races. The demonic invasion of the Sultanate of Seljuk however would be the spark that ignited the Almusafirun desire to leave Sida and return to their original colonies. The half a dozen Fereg colonies that sparked this movement were called the "Yuva Shakti", and they would personally guide the other Almusafirun through mortal lands and to the north to find the Kharrnvels. While this group established contact once more to the Kharrnvels, an envoy was sent to the Karak Zigil to request an audience with the Dver. After much deliberation and discomfort, the Dver reluctantly permitted the Fereg to return to the mountains surrounding Karak Zigil, additionally allowing them permission to establish themselves on the surface, inhabiting a few abandoned Dver cities. The stipulation however, was that the Fereg must support the Dver's war efforts against Marcus Olm's Empire, as well as supply resources to the Dver and its allies. The Fereg agreed to all terms, and quickly made their move to inhabit the mountains, as well as establish a few trade posts near the base of the mountains, typically a post in every major nation.

Fereg religion consists of a two-part system, the first of which praises Kielm, and by extension nature itself, all the while reminiscing of his glorious past and what he originally was when he existed in his complete form. The second part of their system is a general admiration and respect for the actions, enlightenment, and patience of Akash. This two-part religion stemmed from the Fereg’s initial existence, with the slight hints of memories reminding them of their past, as well as their common interactions with Dragons. The Fereg aren’t seen as being particularly religious, however they do hold the core values of their religion close to them, and allow it to affect their actions. Fereg, even down to individual Eka, have been seen protecting areas of land that are threatened by mortal expansion, though these conflicts are few and far between.

    The most difficult aspect to grasp with the Fereg, is that seemingly large clusters of them, can easily be a singular being. With a race consisting of a handful of individuals, a standardized social trend, or even a cultural trend becomes difficult to develop, and almost changes based off of personal preference. What is deep-rooted in Fereg society however, is the unrivaled respect for those who propel their race forward, or assist in their survival.
    The Fereg’s natural design of merging with one another comes with the promise that that individual colony may or may not ever exist again, and their individual consciousness is torn from them and added to this great reservoir within the new colony. As a result, the Fereg do not fear ‘death’ in the sense of the loss of oneself, but rather fear it as the loss of a large colony, or their entire race. By extension, the Fereg sacrifice themselves without much qualm, as long as they feel their actions enhance their race and promote further survival. The greatest legends of the Fereg race are ones stemming from self-sacrifice, and furthering the race’s cumulative survival, in a sense explaining their great admiration for Kielm, who's sacrifice the Fereg honor. With this instinctive respect for those offering great sacrifice, the warrior colonies are considered the top of the social chain, despite the larger more powerful Alap having an influence on most activities.
    For the Fereg, an Alap colony is seen as a massive ‘civilization’ in its own regard, and when a colony stems from an Alap, it simply accepts that is has been born out of need, and then fulfills that need as best as it can. This dynamic leaves the Alap with all the power, but places more respect on the individual colonies who make the day to day sacrifices, and occasionally the Alap is praised for its leadership, though this is almost seen as narcissistic. This unusual dynamic, where each individual colony sees its respective Alap colony as an extension of itself, makes for a culture where individual deeds or merits eventually contribute to the whole of the colony, and personal glory is rarely pursued merely for the purpose of attaining this glory.
    There have been some outliers in Fereg history however, the most significant being the Almusafirun, which consist of hundreds of individual colonies tying their heritage back to Kharrnvel Vaar. While in most cases, a relation to an Alap colony results in the individual colonies feeling a need to serve them, the Almusafirun almost universally consider themselves ‘abandoned’ by their rightful colony, ostensibly making them veterans of a war fought long ago, still unable to return home. As Kharrnvel Vaar no longer exists, these individual colonies developed their own personalities and beliefs, with some doing the only thing they knew how to do: conquer. These Almusafirun who turned to violence would fight their fellow brother colonies and forcefully absorb their Eka, becoming larger and stronger. Oddly, as a result of Fereg nature, the more that these colonies consumed, the more the original colonies began to have sway over them. Eventually all the warlike Almusafirun would reach a critical mass, where the new surge of Eka would bestow upon them the knowledge and emotions the previous colonies had, leading to universal regret and shame. These colonies, having damaged the consciousnesses of their conquered colonies beyond repair, are unable to bring life back to their subjects and instead live lives as minimally as possible, consuming materials, and moving to find more. While these colonies began to atone for their deeds, other colonies began wrangling feral Eka, amassing power and mass without the fear of regret. These colonies grew the largest, and form the most heavily defended and powerful of the Almusafirun. Some colonies managed to avoid the fates of both of these types of colonies, and continued to exist in smaller colonies, living minimally as well. Of these, some made contact with the mortal races of Sida, and would often trade their resources to them, usually in exchange for processed metals, seen as a delicacy and luxury amongst Fereg. It was these colonies, combined with their knowledge of mortals, and the influence of Ghosalia, that made the push among the Almusafirun to unite into some form of a nation, and become relevant in Aeria.

Bageecha Prime is located within and on top of a mountain, with the Bageecha Order residing inside while civilians and unaffiliated Dragonkin live above. Within the mountain, the Order tend to the needs of Ghosala, who in turn surfaces Truminium into pools for use in Dragon reproduction. In addition to the pools, there exists a large and heavily defended hall of nurture, where partially-created Dragons wait to be finished. Below the city, exists Ghosala’s primary trunk, which he extends outwards for miles, allowing the city to be alerted to developments or raiders days before their arrival.The city of Bageecha has the Order’s defense force to guard both its interior and exterior, as well as occasionally dealing with affairs unrelated to the city. The force consists of Dragonkin, and Fereg Szaz, Vandor, and Dof, and is led by both Aajaadee and Zahar Maut, who became loyal to Ghosala after the God War. The importance of Bageecha to the survival of the Dragon race is reflected in their participation in Kar’Rasian affairs, often being called into the same circles and meetings where Elder Dragons debate and quell over the future of the race, and handle any conflicts. In recent history, the Bageecha Order lent both Aajaadee and Zahar Maut in defense of the Library of Akash, where they served to cull the number of swarming demons who attempted to enter. Additionally, the movement of Almusafirun in Sida was believed to have been assisted with the help of colonies sent from Kar’Rasa by Ghosala.

There currently exist three Alap colonies that are large enough and influential enough to be classified as Megacolonies. The first is Kharrnvel Teevr, an isolationist colony that exists under the border to Pycheko, Vale, and Talibar. The second, Kharrnvel Atal, exists directly north of Rahna, and has been known to trade with the city from time to time, usually choosing to keep to itself unless in need of certain materials. The third is Ghosala, known for his loyalty to the Dragons, and his deep-rooted desire to see their race flourish again. Despite his apparent patriotism for Dragons, he still retains deep feelings for his Fereg brethren west of Kar’Rasa, and talks to his disciples of one day seeing their race join with the Dragons as they had in the past. In addition to the Megacolonies, two Hajo of exceptional size are considered to be on par with a Megacolony. These are Alfatih’ahmar, the ‘red conqueror’ known for his rusted exterior and former violent behavior, as well as Eimlaq’najma, who absorbed all of the feral Fereg that lived in Sida.

The Yuva Shakti, a group of Fereg with the goal of uniting their race under a common banner and forming a Fereg nation, consist of six notable colonies. The first is Nivida'kee Ghosala, a vandor colony formed by Ghosala with the intention of spreading his beliefs, and seeing to it that a Fereg nation forms. The second, again from Ghosala, is Motee'bhagavaan Ghosala, a Szaz sent to defend and advise Nivida'kee Ghosala. The third, Alkhayin'alqatil, is a Szaz colony notable for his great disdain of Bisbasaghataka, and is responsible for the deaths of many colonies which went through the process to become one. The fourth is Kadis'alththamin, a wealthy Szaz colony known for his expansive system of allies and trade partners. The fifth is Sharaf’ahmar, a former Szaz of Alfatih’ahmar, now chooses to use his tactical prowess to assist in forming the future of the Fereg nation. The sixth member of the Yuva Shakti, is Bzzots'Atal, a Szaz colony of Kharrnvel Atal, who believes his derivative colony desires to form more permanent trade routes, only available through the formation of a proper Fereg Nation.