Kurota
Kurota are a closed species created by Halovana as a passion project, exploring the ideas behind where our dreams come from. This project is in the early stages of development, and is consistently evolving. To join the community, you can join our discord!
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Kurota are a humanoid species that have devoted their existence to creating dreams for every living species to exist. When they are not creating dreams and nightmares, they are community driven and incredibly proud of their world.
SERISI
Though you can refer to Serisi as a ‘World’ or a ‘planet’ it is really neither of these things. It is a plane of existence. Think of the way different religions speak of the Humans' ‘7 planes of existence’. The Kurota belong to their own, that is known by the name of Serisi. It is so expansive that it may as well be considered infinite, though the Kurota themselves have been gifted a flat, planet like realm within this dimension. A beautiful land surrounded by water that meets the vast expanse of a galaxy ridden space.Beneath Serisi's surface, large tendrils of energy roots sprout throughout the entire land, leading to the center where the now council temple lays. Back when the land was new, that temple was nothing but a large tree, but after the destruction of the war there was only the eternal flame left. when the temple was built, they built around the fire with a large marble fixture to protect the energy of the eternal flame. This now serves as the birthing place of new Kurota.
THE SUB-SECTORS AND THEIR LEADERS
CLICK THE IMAGES TO LEARN MORE
MERAKI
METANOIA
AMATÈ
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FLORA
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Serisi’s flora is as varied as its regions - Kismet, Dysania, and Abditory each nurture their own distinct plant life. Whether used in cooking, healing, or celebration, these plants are deeply tied to the flow of energy that shapes the land. Their growth and use reflect the unique cultures and needs of the Kurota who tend them.
SE'SUNN BERRIES
RAREONLY FOUND IN THE AMÈ COASTSe'Sunn berries show their ripeness through the stars on their skin. As the berries become riper, the stars form together into one star, where you can tell they are ready to be plucked and consumed.Consuming Se'Sunn berries before they are ripe can cause lightheadedness and dizziness.
LE'ARA WHEAT
COMMONONLY GROWN IN DYSANIAThis wheat is used to bake bread, pastries, and cook different foods. It is common practice for Metanoia to grow Le'Ara in their gardens to trade with the Amatè and Meraki for other goods that can only be found in Abditory and Kismet. Products made with Le'Ara carry it's beautiful blue hue with a slight golden glow.
KRA'AT FRUIT
UNCOMMONMOST COMMONLY FOUND IN THE TWINSKra'at is known to be one of the most delightful fruits Serisi has to offer. Unassuming on the outside, but hidden treasure within. Only the interior seeds are edible. It is common practice to split the fruit by pulling the points of the stars off and sharing it with friends. Squeezing the sweet juice out or eating the seed pods.
SHIMMERTONIA
COMMONFOUND THROUGHOUT SERISIThis flower is very common and found all throughout Serisi. Often kept as house plants used to decorate the interior of Kurota's homes. The slight center glow is captivating during Serisi's long nights.
LUNOOMS
UNCOMMONFOUND THROUGHOUT SERISIA soft, cloud like, airy texture, these mushrooms are found sparsely throughout Serisi. They are considered a cooking delicacy, as their small size packs large flavor. It also gives the dish an ethereal glow and sparkle that are often sought after in Kurota dishes.
HAL'OVA
COMMONFOUND THROUGHOUT SERISIThis plant is one of the most common throughout Serisi. Only found in cool color pallets. Their variegated pattern glows, and at night their bioluminescence is one of the brightest of Serisi's plant life.
LUNARDEW
COMMONFOUND THROUGHOUT SERISIThis flower is quite common in Serisi. At ripe picking, it's blue dewdrop like pods are harvested and the liquid inside is used in many pastries and sweets as a natural sweetener. Many bakers and households grow these in small quantities and keep them in their kitchen for easy access.
FAUNA
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Serisi’s wildlife reflects the strange beauty and danger of the realm itself. Some creatures form powerful bonds with the Kurota, while others remain wild and untamable. From companions that glow with shared energy to beasts that roam the forbidden edges of the land, the fauna of Serisi are as vital to its world as the dreamwalkers who live among them.
AHVI
COMMONFOUND THROUGHOUT SERISI
myo purchased onlyAhvi’s are a species of critters that Kurota often bond with. Their colors change by region and can only bond with their Kurota by receiving a specific necklace from them. When bonded their glow will match their Kurota’s energy color. (Size of small dog or cat)
LEUCOS
UNCOMMONclosed - not free to use/ownLeucos are a larger Species of Dragon-dog like beast that are often used to assist Kurota. Usually decorated with metal jewelry and beads as well as saddle bags or harnesses to carry items for Kurota, especially for those that set up shops at festivals to sell at a booth.
ANKY'LUME
UNCOMMONfree to use/own by kurota ownersApproach with caution, these small but mighty critters carry a painful bite and are always together in packs. Their stardust filled tails, show their level of happiness. The only way to tame an Anke'Lume is to feed them Se'Sunn berries from the Amè Coast.
HE'ALNA
COMMONfree to use/own by meraki kurota owners onlyHe'alna are used for their byproducts like leather, milk/cheese, meat. Products produced from He'alna have a pale hue that matches the color of the ridge of their backs. These cow like creatures come in three colors and are always kept in herds, the three colors' produce has a slight taste difference. They can only be found in Kismet, as this is the only suitable living place for them in Serisi.
NIGHTINGALE
COMMONfree to use/own by amatè kurota owners onlyNightingales are kept in Abditory by amate farmer. They are always kept in flocks and their wool and rarely their meat, are used as trading material. The dark wool that dresses them can be sheered and cold pressed in magical lehta, herb based mixtures to treat and color it for clothes.
TALAU
RAREclosed - not free to use/ownThese gentle giants are only found at night, floating gracefully in the skies over Serisi. They often travel in small groups of three. Kurota often enjoy flying high above the Talau to enjoy their beautiful starry back, and their slow dancing glide through the night.
✩ FAQ ✩
✦ Do Kurota have reproductive organs?
✧ Though Kurota can't reproduce, they can and do engage in sexual relations. Kurota have human like male and female anatomy when it comes to genitals, that glow the color of their core energy. More information on relationships will be covered in their own category.✦ Can Kurota interact with other species?
✧ For the fun and enjoyment of owning your oc you can have them interact and drawn with whomever you'd like, though it wouldn't be canon UNLESS they were to visit them in their sleep, and break the rules by reveling themselves to the dreamer. This does result in consequences in Serisi so they better be careful not to get caught by the council(;✦ Can I make my own Kurota?
✧ Please refrain from designing your own Kurota, as they are a closed species. You can adopt a Kurota or grab a custom when they are open!✦ Can my Kurota wear different clothes?
✧ Dress them up or dress them down, they are yours when you get them! You can put them in anything you would like. It is common practice for Kurota to have their clothes altered around their Inlay to show it off. Example✦ Will Imperia (infected Kurota) be adoptable?
✧ As of right now, Imperia will stay as NPC's... BUT later on I may release some Imperia adopts.✦ Will there be more world building released?
✧ YES!! This is going to be a long process, but any questions you may have help me continue touching on the lore you would like to see. I will be constantly working on the kurota and their world for the foreseeable future.✦ What do those gem looking bits feel like? Are they warm? Or are they cool like touching crystal?
✧ Kurota have window-like sections across their bodies, such as their horns, chest cavity, etc. they are made with a blessed glass and sealed to the skin with what we call Inlay, which can be any type of metal, crystal, bone, stone, etc. the window is warm to the touch, the swirly color you’re seeing is the kurota’s energy! they have no skeletal system and are purely energy based, magical beings. think of a lava lamp, how the liquid flows inside!! a lot like that.
HISTORY
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Serisi was born from the hands of a silent Entity, who shaped the land and breathed life into three stars - Atarax, Verena, and Eraya. Under their guidance, the Kurota thrived, until a sickness fractured their unity and sparked a devastating war. From the ruins, the Council was formed, and the world reshaped. Serisi’s history is one of creation, conflict, and renewal.
THE BEGINNING
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Before the dawn of creation there was an Entity... Unknown to anyone.. Alone.. Untouched..
Their time was spent wasting away among the stars of a silent existence.The palms of their hands pulled the galaxies together, compressing the pulsating light tight in their interlaced fingers. Time spent molding and forming their vision as it came to fruition, A land which they called Serisi floating in the heavens. They pressed the land with their thumbs, cracking it apart and filling the gaps with their own energy. Forming sparkling, color filled water that rushed over the sides of the land and melted into the stars.Beneath them rested their first creation, but the emptiness in their chest still ached. They reached out and plucked their favorite constellation from their universe- the one that kept them the most company in their silent millennia's. Three stars, one as golden yellow as our earth's sun, one a deep blue like our oceans, and one the brightest teal that they had admired for eternity. These stars became the Entity's children.The golden star melted between their palms first- Atarax Their eldest child. Meant to rule as a protector of their great lands. A guide and a warrior. They swirled the energy in their hands and blew a cool breath over their open palm. Atarax laid there, sleeping in the silence that swirled around them.Then the deep blue star, their second eldest, Verena. The challenger. The entity tugged at the star, rolling its energy, molding it like clay between their fingers and with another cool breath, Verena lay at their hands. She would be Atarax's opposite, testing the balance, weighing the scale to the other side, always there to push back, to keep her brother in check.Then the final star, a dimmer glow than the others but her sparkle was unmatched. Eraya their baby. The equilibrium. Meant to bring balance between her siblings. Spinning the star and pressing it gently into folds, with a soft breath, Eraya lay beside her siblings. A sigh of relief washed over the Entity as their job felt complete. They placed the three at the heart of Serisi, instilling in them that they are meant to rule the land together, create more, and finally; assign them to their purpose in this existence- dreams.One final breath over the land brought it all to life. Her three children, the land itself, and the portals in which they would use to share their lives with every other being in existence. Then with a gentle hum, the Entity melted into the stars. They keep watch over their creation, but in deep silence.For many millennia in the earliest years of the Kurota, Atarax, Verena, and Eraya were the only dream givers. tasked with bringing dreams to what species existed at that time. But as universes began, and others grew older, they needed more help- so they relinquished their role of the sole dream givers and began creating more Kurota. Years and years went on of them tirelessly, endlessly developing Serisi and it's people until they were final able to govern them. The leaders now refer to the Entity as The Divine or in their language the Fe'Hectal. The energy that swirled in their body gifted by them.Their people and their land though? That was the Divine's greatest gift.
THE CULLING
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Long ago the Kurota lived as one on their planet, mixed in together regardless of their race. Sharing and living together in peace. In the early years of their existence a plague spread across their universe, causing a sickness to twist the minds of those that became infected. When the break out took place it caused a large portion of the population to fall sick and eventually 'turn' into what we call the Imperia. The Imperia began killing other Kurota to feed on them, causing a retaliation to break out; birthing what was known as the great war.When war shattered between the Kurota, the Amatè's mentor, Verena and the Meraki's mentor, Atarax were at a disagreement. Do they kill the Imperia, or do they try to keep them alive long enough to develop a cure for the sickness that very may well be incurable? When the three leaders met to resolve this conflict, the Metanoia (Lucids) sided with Meraki (lights) in the final decision to attempt to save them. Unfortunately, this decision led to the Culling to take place.
The sickness spread, and the Imperia's numbers grew exponentially; causing the Kurota's number's to drop drastically. Months passed as the Imperia wiped out many of the living, spreading across the land. Leaving the healthy outnumbered and almost wiped out to extinction. The Metanoia's leader Eraya, took matters into their her own hands and took up arms beside Verena, the dark's leader to cleanse their homes of the Imperia... or so they thought.Now, many years later the Kurota's numbers have recovered with the help of the Metanoia's healing hands. The Imperia is few and far between now, hiding themselves in hopes to escape the prying eyes as they linger in the shadows.
THE SPLIT
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After Eraya took to helping Verena against the three leader's concerted decision, the Meraki's leader Atarax felt betrayed by the two of them. This eventually led to an eruption between the three leaders. Years of anguish spilt them apart, the great war furthering the splintering of the three leader's factions.The three of them went full force into war when their numbers had recovered from the culling. This war lasted for many months- the slaughtering and bloodshed relentless until the Meraki eventually conceded. The three leaders met in an attempt to come to a resolution; tired of the useless killings. After 6 days, they came to the decision that they would step away from leading their people directly, and form a council. It took years for the construction of the system that they have today, to actually fall into place. They decided it to be best to split their people and spread them to opposite sides of their World allowing space and time to heal, thus their homes were born. The Meraki claimed their land, naming it Kismet. The Metanoia naming their home Dysania, and the Amatè calling their home Abditory.A large temple was built in the center of the three lands where the Council would reside and work. The free land surrounding the temple was known as the "Maganti" meaning 'in-between'. It was told that these lands had healing energy, and many of the clans leader's decided to stay and build their homes in the in-between.Many Kurota began to bring the council offerings; from spare energy crystals, to dream lamps, or bountiful harvests. They became more than just leaders over time, as the current Kurota refer to them as deities due to the sheer power they have obtained over the many many years.
LORE
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The Kurota connect to every soul through a 'bridge'. This is the liminal space of travel, from their field of existence, to our minds at night when we fall asleep. When the Kurota travel across this bridge, they are left vulnerable; as they're energy lingers until they have fully crossed into the dreamer's mind. After the Culling took place, there were some Imperia who still lingered in existence, hunting the Kurota. The safest time for them to hunt is when a Kurota is crossing the bridge either into a dreamer's mind, or leaving it.
COMMON LORE
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✧ FALSE AWAKENINGS: If the Imperia are too early in their attempt to snatch a Kurota as they attempt to return, we as dreamers experience what is called a false awakening. This is when you are fully convinced that you have woken from your sleep, while in reality you continue to sleep.✧ INSOMNIA: When a Kurota is attacked and killed mid transfer into the dreamer's mind we are left with what humans refer to as 'Insomnia'. A dreamer's bridge can be damaged or become fragile this way, which is why many people who suffer from Insomnia, find it to be a long term problem. Things like melatonin and certain herbs or medications can temporarily mend the bridge to bring sleep, allowing the Kurota to reach them for the night.✧ REOCCURRING DREAMS: For those that experience reoccurring dreams or often have similar dreams, it is because the dream walker (Kurota) becomes attached to the dreamer and likes to visit them more often than they are scheduled to. They will steal visits from other Kurota enable to see the dreamer again, which often triggers similar/the same dreams to take place.✧ COMA: When a Human falls into a coma for seemingly no reason, a Kurota has developed an obsession with a human. They lock the human in sleep in order to be with them and refuse to let them wake up.✧ WET DREAMS: A Kurota's fondness of a dreamer can become an unhealthy obsession, leading the Kurota to break or bend rules they maybe aren't supposed to. Rarely, one will use their powers for something a little more mischievous.. like bringing the dreamer pleasure at night, delving into parts of the dreamer's minds and desires they are meant to steer very clear of. (Often tends to be Metanoia.)
KUROTA LAWS
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There are certain rules that the Kurota must follow when they become dream walkers at the age of 20. These rules are taught to them as they are raised by guided leaders while they discover their gifts and find what working sector they will be assigned to. These rules are solidified by their leaders, ensuring they follow them; they threaten to purge them if it is discovered that a rule is broken.
✧ The Kurota must NEVER let the dreamer be aware of their existence. (tell the dreamer they are a dream giver)✧ When they are assigned to their working sector, there is no changing to another. The assignment is there for a reason, they are watched closely by leaders as they grow to ensure their powers will be used to the best of their abilities when they come of age.✧ Rebels to the system will be banished and purged.✧ The council makes the final decisions
SOCIETY
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Kurota society is built on structure, connection, and ritual. Upon their creation, each Kurota is assigned a guide - an elder who mentors them through their early understanding of dreamwork and their place in Serisi. While each sub-species holds its own customs and ideals, all Kurota share a culture rich in celebration, discipline, and deep respect for the Council that watches over them.
THE COUNCIL
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Kurota's relationship with the council is very formal most of the time. Kurota are welcome to visit the council on any given day, though some of the council members may be more willing to chat with Kurota day to day than others. Regarding speaking to the council about more serious inquisitions like body modifications, job sectors, complaints, etc. Kurota have to request a time for a meeting before the council. Meetings with the council are very hard to come by but the council tends to be quite forgiving when it comes to requests.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE COUNCIL:
GUIDES
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When Kurota are pulled from the flames they are assigned to what the Kurota call a 'guide'. The guides are elder Kurota that were dream givers before the council had formed, that have retired from dream giving and have stepped up to lead small groups of new kurota. They train them in their job sector and over look their work, they are also the main communication line between the Kurota and the council. Each Guide cares for 2-4 Kurota.
PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS
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Kurota are actively involved in each other's lives, from work to personal life; they spend a lot of time together. Kurota are known to be socialites, they party often in festivities, enjoy the company of others, and will find any excuse to celebrate and enjoy life outside of working, though their differences can often cause strife in their relationships with others.The Meraki are well known to be the rule followers, they tend to be categorized as the stuck up individuals. This usually results in Meraki and Amatè coming to disagreements in personal views. Meraki do tend to enjoy the company of Metanoia though, as they share a similar state of peace and enjoyment of the world around them. They ground each other in their connection to Serisi and work together well inside the minds of dreamers.The relationship between Amatè and Metanoia is where it gets fun. Amatè bring out the fun and wild side of the Metanoia, usually leading to nights of parties and getting into trouble. When it comes to working, they can feed off each other's powerful energy quite heavily which can lead to either a really good time... or a really bad time for the dreamer.When it comes to closer relationships, the Kurota tend to openly indulge in promiscuous acts often. They are usually very sexual beings, dancing and partying the late nights away together, and going home with a new companion to keep them company. They rarely find themselves in serious long term relationships but when they do, they don't hold any special events to announce their union like humans do. Instead, they gift their partner a small jewel the color of their energy set in their inlay. This is usually in the form of a necklace, bracelet, or ring.
MERAKI
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Guided by the disciplined hand of Atarax, the Meraki - known as the Lights - make up the heart of Kurota society. With glowing hues drawn from sunrises and natural skies, they serve as dream weavers, memory stealers, and world builders through the sectors of Lacuna, Elysian, and Iterum. Grounded in structure and compassion, Meraki are devoted to order, carrying out their roles with quiet strength and unwavering care.
ITERUM - ARCHITECTS
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Iterum are the only sector that works with all others. They create the dreamscapes - the structures, environments, and visuals within the dream. Their job is fast-paced and high-volume; while others may remain in a dream for extended periods, Iterum build the setting and move quickly to the next assignment.
ELYSIAN - DREAM GIVERS
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Elysian provide everyday dreams. They cannot grant lucid control, but they bring warmth, emotion, and narrative to the dreaming mind. They work alongside Iterum, who create the setting before the Elysian arrives. Though their jobs seem the simplest, they tend to make up most of the Kurota's population as they provide the most common form of dreams.
LACUNA - DREAM THIEVES
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Lacuna arrive at the end of a dream - whether peaceful or terrifying - to capture it. They cannot create dreams but can observe and subtly influence their direction just before collection. Some may risk bending the rules, such as revealing themselves to a dreamer, though doing so is forbidden. Lacuna carry custom containers - lanterns, orbs, bubbles, and more - to hold the dream essence. Once collected, a portion is offered to the Council to help create new Kurota; the rest belongs to them. Lacuna tend to be the main vendors at festivals, often selling dream essence in the form of Lehta crystals, Lehta pods, raw dream essence, or other lehta/dream laced products.
IN-DEPTH LOOK
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Meraki are referred to as the "Lights", they make up the most of the Kurota's population.
They tend to dress in minimalistic simple clothing as they believe the council will respect them more if they prove their humility. Their colors tend to fall under those of the sunrises and sunsets or natural color pallets. Meraki have feathered, bird like wings.The Meraki are known to follow the rules by the book. they tend to be the more ‘stuck up’ of the Kurota but also tend to be the kindest and gentlest of the bunch. they are always willing to offer a helping hand or a shoulder to cry on. When Meraki are hurting, their glow tends to dim a bit with their mood and they are very expressive with their emotions, loving with their whole hearts.
MAGIC ABILITIES
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The Meraki have the power of Telepathy and Telekinesis. Many use this to read the dreamer’s mind and prepare/plan for the dream that they want to set for them. this is helpful to larger groups of Kurota to make the job go smoother. Some use their power outside of the dreamers minds on other Kurota, though that is highly frowned upon. (Some believe it’s why many kurota get caught breaking the rules.) They do tend to be very responsible/respectful with this power though.
METANOIA
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Radiant, rare, and endlessly powerful, the Metanoia - known as the Lucids - channel the vivid beauty of dreams into healing, prophecy, and wonder. Under the guidance of Eraya, their vibrant leader, they work through the sectors of Eunoia, Cozen, and Toska, crafting lucid journeys, supernatural visions, and drifting daydreams. With their delicate insect wings and spirited nature, the Metanoia bring color to Serisi and chaos to convention - balancing freedom with grace.
EUNOIA - LUCID DREAMS
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Eunoia grant the rare experience of full lucidity, allowing the dreamer to take control of their own dream. While remaining completely hidden, they follow closely - shaping and adjusting the dream in response to the dreamer’s thoughts. Eunoia don’t lead or direct; instead, they act as unseen facilitators, quietly translating the mind’s desires into reality. They are the only Kurota capable of offering this level of conscious dreaming.
TOSKA - DAYDREAMS
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Toska visit dreamers outside of the sleep state, initiating what humans experience as daydreams. They sometimes arrive as a dreamer begins to drift off, and are the only sector permitted to interact with minds outside of standard sleep. Toska also collaborate with Iterum to ground their visions in constructed settings.
COZEN - PROPHETS
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Cozen bring supernatural dreams - premonitions, visitations, shared dreams, and prophetic insight. They serve as messengers, communing with spirits or ancestral energy through deep meditation. Before entering a dream, Cozen may delay their arrival while connecting to the source of the message. They do not create dreams, but alter existing ones to deliver their revelations. Cozen primarily work with Iterum, but may also appear alongside Moranas or Elysian depending on the dream’s structure. They do not collaborate with Toska and rarely with Atrament.
IN-DEPTH LOOK
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Metanoia are called the "Lucids". They are the most powerful and the rarest of the species. They tend to rank the highest among Kurota due to the sheer amount of power they possess.
Their colors tend to be intoxicating, bright, multicolored, and often swirly. Metanoia have see through, bug/fairy like wings. They tend to dress in very gaudy clothing, jeweled from head to toe as they love to decorate themselves.The Metanoia are known to be care free and wildly spirited. They enjoy the company of both the Meraki and the Amatè but for very different reasons.
The Meraki keep them grounded, encouraging them to lean into their emotions and be open about themselves, while the Amatè encourage their freedom and wild spirits.
Either way they enjoy the company of other Kurota.
MAGIC ABILITIES
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Metanoia have the power of healing. Many spend a lot of time in the Meganti outside of the temple because they feel it connects them to Serisi, strengthening their powers. Many use their hands to heal, though there are other practices like herbs and elements that they may learn to harness their abilities.
AMATÈ
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Shadow-walkers and shapeshifters, the Amatè - known as the Darks - thrive in the liminal edge between beauty and fear. Led by the fierce and revered Verena, they serve as bringers of nightmares, reapers, and terrors through the sectors of Cruors, Atrament, and Moranas. Bat-winged and volatile, the Amatè are born rebels - drawn to solitude, intensity, and the freedom to follow no path but their own.
CRUROS - REAPERS
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Cruors are the only Kurota capable of killing dreamers within the dreamscape - severing their connection to life. They do not enter the real world, but instead infiltrate the mind during any dream type (except daydreams) and end the dreamer’s life from within. Their presence explains cases of death during sleep. Cruors commonly wield weapons crafted from their inlay material and are known to be deeply bonded to them, carrying them at all times. While other Amatè can create dreams where the dreamer "dies," only Cruors can cause real-world death through the dreamscape. They work alongside all sectors except Toska.
ATRAMENT - NIGHT TERRORS
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Atrament specialize in inducing sleep paralysis. While all Amatè are shapeshifters, Atrament are particularly skilled at taking on terrifying, otherworldly forms. Their chest and horn inlays remain unchanged in appearance - only shifting in size - making concealment a key part of their illusion. This illusion is only possible by Atrament and only within dreams. They often hide these features within dreams to sell the experience of a true night terror. Atrament typically work alongside Iterum, who construct dreamscapes that resemble the dreamer's room or familiar spaces, making the paralysis feel real. In some cases, Atrament will enter nightmares created by Moranas to deliver the paralysis effect.
MORANAS - NIGHTMARES
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Moranas are responsible for ordinary nightmares - those strange, unsettling dreams common to the human experience. They work alongside Iterum, relying on them to craft the dream’s setting. While they cannot induce sleep paralysis, they bring fear through storytelling and emotion within the dreamscape.
IN-DEPTH LOOK
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Amatè are often referred to as the "Darks, they tend to be the most vicious and relentless of the Kurota. Their colors tend to fall under those of the night sky and galaxies above. Amatè have leathery, bat like wings and usually do not wear clothes, as they are shape-shifters. They can conceal their body however they desire.Many Amatè believe that Verena is the all righteous being, birthing a cult of followers. She had her wings and spinal blades cut at the base when she took on her role as the leader of the Amatè. This has led a small few that worship her religiously, to follow in her footsteps, having their blades and/or wings cut. It is also a common practice to paint human skeletons onto their skin to mimic Verena's chest inlay pattern to honor her.The Amatè tend to be very standoff-ish, as they usually enjoy being alone, but if they are around others they are often seen with other Amatè or members of the Metanoia clan. They are the rule breakers and the rebels. Those that don’t religiously and blindly follow Verena, often disagree with the councils reign. The Amatè tend to take up more intimate relationships with Metanoia, as they seem to fuel each other’s fire.
MAGIC ABILITIES
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Amatè have the power to shapeshift. Many use this power to exceed in their nightmare creating abilities, and others use it for personal preference. though they’re not limited to the shapes they can take, they tend to lean towards the more terrifying, unearthly type beings. the only things that stay in their shape change is their core color, and chest and horns inlay. these can be “hidden” or “covered” in the dreamers mind but outside of a dream and to anyone else they are visible.
FESTIVALS
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Kurota have year long festivities, the most common being regular festivals when a new kurota is brought into Serisi, celebrated with markets, dancing and Lehta! They also celebrate different holidays throughout the year to honor the importance of community within their culture.
⋆✩SPECIAL EVENTS✩⋆
SUMMER FESTIVAL
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This is a time where Kurota celebrate the life of Serisi and all that it offers for the Kurota. The festivals are bigger and more lively during this time & run all through the night! It is tradition for ALL kurota to use body paint during this festival(not just amate), but instead of skeletons they use glowing paint to cover their bodies in swirling exotic patterns! During this time Kurota also tend to dress themselves in feathers and flowing, sheer fabrics to sparkle under the beautiful lights of the festival!
FRIGHT NIGHTS
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They spend the month of Fright Nights decorating in spooky décor and mimicking their beloved human's aesthetic. Theming the dreams they bring to match the spooky vibe, carving pumpkins and making them glow with different colors of dream orbs, and most importantly preparing for The Hunt✦ The week of the Hunt- Kurota will label themselves as either Predator or Prey....,
✧ Our Predators wear masks- Usually inhuman looking, they can lean from as far looking as alien and sleek, to old and ancient gods... almost always adorned with feathers splayed out from the back of them. They spend the weeks leading up to the hunt making their personalized masks and maybe even creating a list of targets for their hunts...
✧ As for our Prey- they wear beautiful beads to accentuate their bodies. While the Hunters make their masks, the prey make their jewelry.When the week of the hunt begins, every night at sunset after enjoying the spooky themed festival enjoyments, the prey line up at the edge of the forest that surrounds Ma'Tar... The Predators lined behind them. The Hunted have a 15 minute head start- as soon as the sun is hidden behind the horizon, the hunt begins..
Run.. Hide.. or dont.. that is up to the prey- just know that when you are caught... you belong to your hunter for the night.
This happens every night for a week- could be an interesting way to get to know someone you may have not had the chance to prior to fright nights... or a way to enjoy your favorite person for a week straight of enticing thrills.
LUNAR BOUNDS
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For three months of the kurota's year cycle, it is said that Fe'Hectal blesses the sky's for her children to enjoy. This is known as 'The Divine's Blessing' or more commonly known as Lunar Bounds!
During Lunar Bounds, a total of 20-30 moons can visit at a time!! It is a brilliant sight to see. The stars dance with the moons as bright vibrant colors fill the sky during this time. Kurota have built many very special tradition for Lunar bounds. They decorate their homes with celestial decorations and spend almost every evening gathering with their neighbors and friends to watch the skies. It's never promised what moons will show during Lunar Bounds, so the kurota find joy in charting the visits and waiting to see their favorites.
Many Kurota have a tendency to pick a favorite moon and will await her arrival on the nights she is scheduled to arrive. If they share a favorite moon, it is often that kurota will wait together and celebrate her arrival with Lehta and dancing under her light. Many of these moon's cycles overlap often, having multiple visitors at one time... but nothing like the nights of Lunar Bounds.
The kurota say, that if you wish on your favorite moon she will bless you with a star fragment. And indeed... she will Kurota that spend time wishing for their beloved moon will be gifted a star fragment. Often found on their front stoop or on their roof in the morning. These star fragments are sacred and very very special to the Kurota. It is a very treasured item as you can only gain ONE a year. Many kurota decorate their homes for Lunar Bounds with fragments they have received in the past years. With this tradition, comes an even more special one... Kurota who grow a very very strong attachment to another kurota will gift a fragment as a way to say 'thank you for being a part of my life this year'. These are not gifted often, as it means a great deal to receive a star fragment from someone.Lunar bounds is the only time of the year that festivals aren't as prominent in their society. During the two months that it takes place, kurota spend this time with their loved ones or with their community in smaller groups. It is more intimate, and a time to reflect on themselves and their year. They often take this time to cook for others and have guests over for special meals, this time is meant to show your love and appreciation to those in your life.
LEHTA
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✧ Lehta is created by Lacuna's stolen dreams and processed into different form. The most common societal uses are intoxicants.
✧ Kurota's version of an intoxicant (aka their version of alcohol, drugs, etc.) Comes in two forms, gas (gas mask) and edible crystals. Depending on the way you take it will change the outcome of the way it makes you feel. Gas causes a high ecstatic feeling, crystal causes a chill feeling. Only used at festivals and celebrations.
✧ When using lehta, the colors consumed will flow through the kurota’s system and be visible through their glass while it’s active!
✧ Lehta is also often used as a medical grade substance! If a Kurota has a small wound it can help boost their healing speed and seal it. It is a regular practice for warriors to keep gas masks loaded with lehta in case of emergency. It can also be used to keep a kurota alive until seeing medical staff with larger wounds.
✧ It has also become common practice to use Lehta in cooking, herbal mixtures, potions, and other household uses for it's health benefits.
KEBABS
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Kebabs are the most common and sought after food at festivals and kurota celebrations. It has become a tradition to purchase kebabs for the companion you attend the festival with. They come in plenty of different types and are always bursting with flavor.
BIOLOGY
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Though the sub-sectors carry unique traits, each and every kurota on Serisi have the same internal biology and similar structure to their anatomy.
INTERNAL BIOLOGY
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Kurota are without a skeletal system or internal organs. Instead their insides are purely magical based. That bright flowing liquid inside is what keeps a Kurota's life source. Much like a lava lamp, the hot, bright liquid flows and circulates through their bodies with ribbons of strong white energy throughout. When a kurota bleeds, it is this hot liquid dripping from their body. Their 'blood' holds the glow of their magic for a few seconds after leaving their body but will quickly become a dull base color of their energy without the glow or white strands that the rest of their body contains. When a Kurota suffers a large wound, this liquid will pour out and threaten to drain the kurota to death if not attended to as quickly as possible. A nearby Kurota would need to attach a Lehta mask to the injured Kurota's face and rush them to Tefta in hopes to keep them alive long enough to have her seal their wounds or replace their limb. The Lehta forces the kurota to breathe in dream essence which helps keep their energy flowing, stopping the significant lava loss.
SHARED TRAITS
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INLAYS
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When a Kurota emerges from the eternal flame, they’re usually emanating incredible energy.The council has a small staff of nurses and a blacksmith that live in the east wing of the temple that stay on hand to assist the three council members in forming the new Kurota’s inlay. Their chest cavity’s and horns are covered/capped in a blessed glass material that is blown using the eternal flame causing it to be see through yet strong enough to contain the energy and stay almost indestructible to protect the Kurota. Where the glass shows their essence, such as the horns and chests, are warm to the touch. Technically their inlays, shape, style, and material can be changed but it RARELY happens due to the sheer process it would take. it would be a very painful process, and a very long recovery and prep time. If a Kurota were to undergo an inlay change it would take months to get a seating with the council to ask and even longer to get in with the blacksmith. the healing process would be agonizing and they would be out of work for a long time. this is usually the reason the council is less adamant about allowing these changes to happen.
SPINAL BLADES
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Every Kurota's spine is lined with sharp blades. These blades can vary in numbers and length, as well as sharpness. On rare occasion Kurota can have capped energy where their spinal blades usually are, or in the case of Amate; sport fully removed blades.
WINGS
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Though each sub sector of the Kurota have different kinds of wings, all of them share the trait of carrying them on their backs. These wings vary drastically in colors, shapes, and even numbers. Occasionally kurota will have multiple sets, or even have them altered with inlay. Though their wings are used to travel, the Amate often have them removed to honor Verena.
BODY MODIFICATION
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LIMB REPLACEMENT
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It’s a common practice for Kurota to do body modification. This procedure is almost as painful and extensive as changing an inlay and is VERY expensive. This usually includes a Kurota choosing a portion of their body that they want removed and replaced with the same inlay material and glass as their chest.
extra limbs, windows in the body, or full replacements of extremities are often practiced. These Body modifications as well as anywhere that contains the blessed glass windows to their essence as warm to the touch.
SEALED WOUNDS
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If a kurota receives a deep enough wound, or if they are lucky enough to recover a removed limb it can be sealed up in a kintsugi style surgery. These are only for life threatening wounds that can't be sealed or closed by consuming Lehta.
TATTOOS
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Tattoos are a very rare, cultural modification that are used to signify an importance in the Kurota's life. Using dream essence, the skin has a hard time receiving the essence in a liquid form, and may reject the 'ink'. As of now, only some Elder Kurota are seen with tattoos. Those that have been around since the years of Serisi when the tree still lived and breathed. These particular Kurota have sworn to the eternal life of a dream giver, and surpassed the age where most Kurota retire to take on the role as a mentor. Those that have retired from their job sector and have taken on the role as a guide, do not receive these tattoos. They are used to honor the bravery and commitment that the Kurota has taken for the rest of their existence.
ILLNESSES
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OVERWORKING SICKNESS
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It is imperative that Kurota take breaks from working. Though their lives surround their assignments, the festivals and hobbies that are a large part of kurota's culture, are actually very important to their health. Their energy can burn out quickly, causing the kurota to fall sick, forcing them to take a break and rest.
IMPERIA CORROSION
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This infection is deadly. It has a rapid growth rate. If not amputated immediately upon contact, it will kill the kurota within ten seconds and the Imperia will take over. Post amputation, if performed correctly, there is still only a 3% chance of survival.
BURNING TEARS
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This sickness is caused by intense heartbreak, the immense pain causes tears that burn the Kurota’s eyes and skin. This often causes temporary or permanent color blindness and if severe enough, can cause full blindness. Heartbroken Kurota can treat burning tears by surrounding themselves with friends and loved ones. The social gatherings can help subside the pain and slow the tears.
REPRODUCTION
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Kurota are brought into existence fully developed, as they can not reproduce.
Their universe runs streams of energy underground in root like branches leading to a sacred land in the very center of Serisi where a large tree once sat. Long ago, Kurota were formed in cocoon like structures at the base of the tree that were spun with roots, grass, and vining plants. Unfortunately, during the great war the tree was demolished, and Serisi was scorned in the sacred land. Where the tree once stood an eternal flame now burned, fed by the flowing energy beneath.When the council finally came together all those years later and built their temple, they surrounded the eternal flame with a beautiful hand carved structure to protect the flowing life and energy.Now there is a ritual when new Kurota are ‘birthed’. The Lacuna that collect dreams, bring them as offerings to the council in the form of crystals. The council will consume most of the dreams as energy and use a fraction of the crystal to birth a new Kurota.
One sliver of the crystal from a collected dream into the flame is all it takes for a new Kurota to form. The crystal thrown in changes the color of the eternal flame, leading to the color of the new Kurota’s essence.A celebration is usually thrown to greet the new kurota as they come into existence, and they are welcomed to their new home with festivals and feasts as they emerge from the temple.
DEATH
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Though Kurota are technically 'immortal' they are not immune to the evil that spread across Serisi, known as Imperia.The infected. Kurota who are attacked by Imperia rapidly deteriorate by the sickness. It overcomes the full body of the Kurota and they become what others know as The Imperia. The form of the Kurota's horns is one of the only recognizable features that stay between the transition of the Kurota to the Imperia. Their energy is burned to a pure white and as their body is overtaken by the dripping ink, their chest cavity cracks open. It's an unendurable pain for the Kurota, and by the end of the infectious transition the Kurota is no longer themselves. They are incredibly aggressive and hunt down stray Kurota. Nowadays many attempt to hide under heavy cloaks and live in Ve'Katis. This land has become forbidden from other Kurota for their own safety. As their numbers have drastically dropped in the recent years, what remains of them still attempt to attack Kurota who are using the Rune Gates to enter dreamer's minds.