Assoti

The Assoti (Scolipendra syltorus) are a race of sentient insects which inhabited the northwestern reaches of Syltör. Their population was mostly within the City-State of Rugo, while some remained in Haven and Nieden. However, there were many displaced Assoti from the Canan tribe that traveled the world.

As Rathnir and Eldham were frozen, many migrated to Abexilas. They currently only inhabit the continent Kejafros. The Sanctum of Vulren is where a vast majority live.

History
The Assoti originated far west of Syltör in a distant continent. They were initially simple-minded animals, more akin to silverfish or bees than the various humanoids inhabiting Rathnir. They occupied massive, underground hives ruled by a single queen. When their queens mysteriously died off, the Assoti had no leadership nor a means of reproduction. Their populations either died of sickness and starvation or resorted to cannibalism. As they were at the brink of extinction, a select few gained independent, complex intelligence akin to that of the humans. This small group of Assoti managed to escape the chaotic dogma that their hive had become. They migrated east to Syltör and found refuge in the ruins of a partially subterranean fortress, which would later become the city of Rugo.

Dwarven Rivalry
Due to competition for mountainous living space and vast cultural differences, Dwarves and Assoti have a long-standing hatred for each other. Both races are guilty of committing hate crimes against each other. This continues to the present day, despite amends made by both races during the time of the Motheyeví to stop the conflict.

The Tragedy of Rugo
Due to the Devrim tribe's incompetence. Rugo fell into disarray and was able to get captured by a squatter nation calling themselves "Divine." They completely flattened the city, destroying the hive and bulldozing the mountain. They rebuilt the town in their different building style and erased all Assoti remnants, except for a few remaining Devrim tribe members, including Adashi Cornaro, who would later form the Canan tribe.

Appearance
The Assoti are insectoids that possess a complex, hard exoskeleton that can range in color depending on gender. Black/Grey and Orange being only seen in males, while Green has only been seen in females. They possess formidable mandibles and mouthpieces near the bottom of their elongated, triangular heads. They have two large eyes which aid them in traversing the dimly lit catacombs that made up their hive, and alongside their large eyes, they also have two large antennae that act as a form of long-distance communication between Assoti. They possess a pair of large, primary arms and a second pair of arms that is located near the center of their torso. They range drastically in height, some measuring a mature height of 6 feet, to some measuring a towering 9 feet. Assoti age much faster than humans and have shorter lives.

Assoti Queens
the mature queen has a greatly distended abdomen and may produce 40,000 eggs a day. The abdomen increases the queen's body length to several times more than before mating and reduces her ability to move freely; attendant workers provide assistance. Compared to other Assoti their stinger is much more durable, as it serves as a means of storing larvae and due to the much more frequent use. Their mandibles are also larger than other Assoti. Since Assoti are compatible with most creatures and require them for the process otherwise, it would be reasonable (and evolutionarily smart genetics-wise), for a Queen to have "suitors" of other species, if not multiple, along with a male King. Queens tower over other Assoti at around 12-14 feet tall and live around 300 years.

Culture
The sequence of cultural groups and their affiliation with the assoti as a whole proceeds as the following:


 * 1) Ancient Devrim Tribes: before the mass death of assoti queens
 * 2) Proto Devrim Tribes: before the establishment of Rugo and after the mass death of queens
 * 3) Modern Devrim Tribes: after the establishment of Rugo and before its fall
 * 4) Canan Tribes: after the establishment of Iabet and before the death of Adashi
 * 5) Motheyeví Tribes: after the indoctrination of Skarn and before the end of Ratham
 * 6) Taren Tribes: after the end of Ratham and continuing to present day

Ancient & Proto Devrim Assoti Culture
The Assoti were initially deeply religious, reactionary, and traditional. Ancient Assoti culture was based around a strict caste system, and each Assoti was born with a certain body plan to fit certain roles. There were two primary types of Assoti; Grunts, and Elites. Grunts were usually weaker, smaller, and more submissive than their Elite counterparts. Grunts possessed only a single pair of arms and were usually mentally stunted at birth, to ensure they would not commit acts of insubordination against their leaders. The Elites on the other hand tended to be stronger, larger, and vastly more intelligent than their Grunt cousins. Elites possessed 2 pairs of arms and they could harness ancient nature-based forms of magick as a result of their higher intelligence. Most of the Grunts died off or gave way to the Modern, more sophisticated, and intelligent Assoti after the collapse of the Ancient Assoti civilization. Most of the Elites survived but some still clung on to their elitist, decadent, and reactionary values, plotting and scheming ways to return to their former glory.

Canan Culture
But with the Guidance of the Great Brood Mother, they'd taken a shift into the right direction.

They also sometimes stole tools and food. Assoti colonies and Bugtowns were well known for having loosely defined ownership, with most tools and objects for survival being switched between hands consistently, largely due to the lack of a trade economy in the original colonies having a transformation into their modern version. There was sometimes trade with items and food, but this is much less common.

However they were well known for trading objects around and accidentally stealing objects, especially shiny ones for decoration (partly to remind their instincts of the deep caves with jewels which makes them feel a natural sense of home and also because they’ve actually been allowed a wakening into consciousness with the Great Brood Mother so they can for once appreciate beauty)

Motheyeví Culture
Most Motheyeví are composed of descendants of Canan who fled Rugo and Iabet after the death of Adashi. After her death, Canan remnants formed nomadic tribes. They would often be absorbed into other cultures, including those of the following continents: Nieden, Haven, and Syltör, all of which contained assoti populations prior to the exodus. However, Farthorni emissaries brought news of Skarn, a new assoti queen. So, some emigrated from their respective nations with little resistance. Other Canan remained in their respective tribes.

Taren Culture
Taren picked up where the Motheyeví left off. Their cultural group began as a continuation of the Motheyeví on Abexilas, however, it slightly deviated. This was largely because the new generation of Assoti grew up in an entirely different environment than their predecessors, being born on rocky shores rather than in a landlocked corner. Their love for kelp, glow berries and community brought about a new love for nature that did not only focus on land but also the sea.

There are still Canan and Motheyeví groups that remain separate from the main Taren culture. They make up the conservative majority of Assoti.

Clothing
Clothing is only worn for utility or status, as their tough exoskeleton protects an Assoti from the enviroment.

In rare instances, the carapace of an Assoti may be turned into armor plating for individuals of status.

Koruma
A single bladed glaive with handles that allow for easier control with an Assoti's many arms. At the bottom of the weapon is a blade or hook used to catch smaller opponents. They are appropriately sized for an Assoti warrior, leaving them unwieldy and inefficient for a standard humanoid to use.

Floret
The floret is an attachment made for the Koruma that was first produced during the Devrim Resurgence War. The gift of fire magic by the Paxian Spirit Izendium gave Assoti the necessary abilities to use new technologies. The attachment is a cylindrical device of various materials ranging from wood to crude iron that links a wielder's fire magic with a magic-infused amethyst crystal. Jets of purple fire spurt out the end of the tube when it is fired. It was used extensively during the Resurgence War for scorched earth tactics, where Devrim units would often burn captured villages before fleeing.

Modern Devrim Society
The primary Assoti nation was the City-State of Rugo, which was a semi-theocratic co-ruled monarchy. Rugo was ruled by both a King (who deals with diplomatic, legislative, and international affairs) and the High Priest (a religious head who deals with internal and judicial affairs), alongside a council of various political officials, including The Representative, the primary diplomat of Rugo who deals with foreign affairs, The Warlord, a military leader whose purpose was to train and lead a powerful standing army and The Architect, who dealt with the layout of the various settlements and the designs of the buildings inside of the settlements. Assoti society was racially and religiously based, with non-Assoti (particularly Humans) being treated as second-class citizens while Assoti and Celestial Elves were treated as full citizens. Humans could not officially own property in Rugo, and all property purchased by Humans were legally owned by the state instead of the individual. Humans, with the exception of a select few nobles, could not partake in local meetings and had essentially no political rights. Elves and Assoti tended to be treated as full citizens who enjoyed luxuries such as welfare, the ability to own private property, the ability to construct their buildings within the said property, the ability to serve within the military, the ability to choose their occupation and the ability to influence the outcome of bureaucratic affairs.

Due to incompetent leadership, Rugo was allowed to be wiped off the map by Bardonia. This event shaped Assoti for future generations, including those of the Canan and Motheyeví.

Canan Society
Canan society thrived in Iabet. Many of their societal practices differed from their Devrim counterparts, seeing as they were continents away from their ancestral homeland of Rugo.

After Adashi's death, most Canan Assoti lived among nomad tribes. It was hard for Assoti to find a place in nations due to their reputation as thieves and criminals. Many of these nomad tribes do still exist, but the Assoti presence in them is diminished.

Motheyeví Society
The Motheyeví lived in a more technologically advanced society than their predecessors. The development of Rugo's infrastructure, economy, and trade commenced a golden age that continued until the end of Ratham. However, the previous core cities of Adnan and Iabet were ghost towns, with very few inhabitants apart from expeditionaries from the Assoti Kingdom of Farthorn.

For the first time in Assoti history, individuals of other races were brought into the Motheyeví Cultural Group. The dual-citizenship pact between Vulpinia and Farthorn gave ample opportunity for a merge of culture and ideas. Interspecies marriage also became increasingly common, especially towards the end of Ratham, when many foreigners who stayed in Rugo after the Resurgence War married Assoti. Abexilan Motheyeví continue the practice of integration.

Taren Society
Taren use a mix of technologically advanced and traditional architecture. For instance, they show an expertise in stonemasonry, yet often use mud for buildings. They use the materials of the land in the construction of their cities, further cementing their affinity for nature and community.

Similarly to the Canan, Taren create bug towns where families live in close proximity to one another. However, the integration of many other races into these communities has made them more accepting to others. Most cases of integration occurred when soldiers from the Vulpinian Army married Assoti on Rathnir. Unlike most previous cases of interspecies marriage between Assoti and others, non-Assoti Taren are not forced to undergo the Ascension Process. Consequently, many Vulpur and humans live in hives along with Assoti.

Traditional Devrim
The Assoti as a whole used to practice the religion Sürkelism. Its primary beliefs are the practice of a strictly vegetarian diet, the belief that the Assoti are inherently superior to all other intelligent races, the inferior races can be redeemed and become equals through the means of "ascension," and the belief that close, emotional connections (I.E-Marriage) are a hindrance to the full potential of an individual Assoti and are inherently sinful.

Canan & Modern Devrim
Most Assoti of these groups practiced Rakauism and gave thanks to Rakau for sparing them from their species near extinction. They maintained the traditional vegetarian Assoti. Marriage was open freely; there were even examples of Assoti marrying other races that traditional Assoti would have shunned them for. Alcohol is considered sinful, as it clouds an open mind.

Small enclaves of Canan exist within the Motheyeví. Modern Devrim culture died out with the passing of nearly all members.

Motheyeví
Motheyeví have little consensus on religion due to the large numbers of immigrants originating from Canan tribes. However, the most prominent religions consist of: Soleannen, Twin Dragon, Asitir, and Nabu.

Taren
Taren are most often associated with their love for the Old Mothers, a concept largely propagated by Skarn Melithera. They developed a love for the assoti queens that came before them, a longing for the old. However, the congruency of the faith is incredibly loose, with most worship being conducted in home environments.

Some also practice religions from Rathnir and Eldham, being influenced by Motheyeví who had come across to Abexilas.

The Flowering
The spores from spore blossoms can take over an Assoti and compel them to cultivate an environment where spore blossoms thrive. A network of roots takes control of the muscles and chemicals flood their brain making sure they don't think anything is different. Once the parasite has had enough time to grow. Spore blossoms erupt from the body of the Assoti and start producing spores of their own.

Assoti infected with flowers are usually less frightening to humans, as well as other numerous other races, and are treated better as a result.

The spores do not affect mammals.

Montroig Plague
Due to Assoti similarities with silverfish, they can contract and spread the Montroig Silverfish Plague but show no symptoms.

Parental Oviposition
During Ancient and Pre-Ancient times, many Assoti queens laid eggs that hatched into the majority of Assoti during these eras. Whenever a queen died, her corpse released pheromones that triggered the transformation of another female Assoti into the next queen.

A single Assoti queen remains in modern times.

Ascension
This next section contains graphic content. Display Content Ascension is a technique that was controversial among Devrim Assoti, but essential if the species was to continue. The process starts with a female Assoti using her stinger to implant an egg into a Human or Elves sinuses. This can be extremely painful if not given a prior warning. The egg implant sprouts a nervous system along with basic capillaries to release pheromones into the brainstem and pituitary to create hormones that facilitate the transformation. The mucus gland production rate is increased due to this hormone production creating a slow build of a cocoon from this out of eye grit, etc. The victim's appetite will increase during a period of 4 weeks they will be completely turned into an Assoti. Attempts to forcibly cure the victim could possibly leave them disabled, with limbs or vital organs not fully converting.

Compatibility
While humans are the preferred victims to be Ascended, other races also can be affected but results may vary.


 * Lhuren: Dragon scales make up the exoskeleton
 * Goblin: The Assoti ends up smaller and the exoskeleton is softer
 * Crowfolk: Sharp limbs that can be used like talons, and downy feathers peek out of the side of the exoskeleton
 * Niedene: The Assoti keeps the Niedene's profeciency in magic.
 * Werewolf: If ascended while in the human form, the werewolf disease will be cured. However the new Assoti will have the same behavioral changes under the moon
 * Azeral: They have large pincers opposed to claws.

Incompatibility
Attempted Ascension on some races can result in injury to the Assoti or victim being Ascended


 * Djinn: The Djinn's spark fills the Assoti's body with fire and cooks the insect from within.
 * Lesser Demon: The Assoti ends up getting corrupted and subsequently dies. However, the stinger will remain in the demon and must be removed.
 * Moonfolk: Resistance of their bodies or breaks the Assoti stinger or, if aimed properly, the stinger breaks the Core and the Moonfolk dies
 * Vulpur: Due to a different skull shape the stinger will merely fatally wound the Vulpur without starting the ascension process. The same applies for most anthropomorphic animal species.