Ogris

Created by Mantalune, the Ogris are known as the Moon Species because their biology is intrinsically tied to the lunar cycle of Andromeda. Their existence is governed by a dramatic metamorphosis divided into two distinct phases. During the moon's Waxing Phase, Ogris enter their Magic Phase: their skin turns a pale white, their eyes glow with luminosity, and their breasts swell, overflowing with raw magical power. Conversely, during the Waning Phase, they shift into their Physical Phase: their skin darkens to a deep red, their breasts recede, and their magical aptitude diminishes significantly; however, this loss is compensated by a drastic increase in physical strength and agility, even while retaining their slender frames.

This binary rhythm rules their lives, causing their society to fluctuate with the calendar rather than maintaining a static structure. When the moon fades during the Waning Phase, the Red Council presides, and society shifts to a state of calm. Magic use is dimmed down to leave more room for schooling, reflection, and quiet work, while heavy-duty tasks continue using physical power instead of magic. When the moon rises is in its waxing phase, the White Council takes over, and society becomes active; plans are executed, and magic is used in all its might. The days of the full moon and new moon are celebrated as holidays marking the transition, known as the Switch. Ogris are masters of planning, drafting blueprints during the quiet Red phase and building their structures during the active White phase.

Spiritually, they refer to the moon as Undal, believing the celestial body to be the physical manifestation of the father-god himself. Their temples are open-roofed observatories, built on the belief that by studying Undal, they can understand the balance between the Chaos of the Red phase and the Order of the White phase. Despite their somewhat demonic appearance, the Ogris are a deeply civilized and peaceful people. They are renowned philosophers and mages who excel in spellcraft, valuing emotional mastery and maturity above all. Their natural affinity is with fire, a magic they master in many forms to craft glass, stone, and metal, or to fight when necessary. Originating from the scorched expanses of Mantalunia, they utilize this fire magic with sand to create masterpieces of glass. It is their biological duality that shapes their worldview; they are the only race that truly understands both the frailty of the weak during the Red phase and the arrogance of the powerful during the White phase. This perspective makes them excellent diplomats and judges, rivaling even the Eltars, with whom they share a close bond based on a mutual value for science and knowledge. However, while they prefer peace, they are formidable when roused to defend a just cause.

Ogris males are subject to a parallel cycle. Their Waning, or Red phase, grants them the same physical prowess as the females, an equality in strength that, coupled with their philosophy, has bought them a relative freedom unique among many races. During this time, they serve as primary laborers, earning respect through sweat and training. However, their Waxing, or White phase, manifests as a biological heat where fertility skyrockets and their genitals double in size to accommodate high reproductive output. During this time, while most control themselves, overzealous men may be placed in confinement for the rest of the phase. Generally, they become keener toward women, making Ogris females the only species that enjoys a form of seduction from the male party. This peculiarity makes Ogris men highly desirable targets for other species, particularly female Satyrs who often hunt them during the waxing moon. Consequently, the border between Mantalunia and Tansaia is a tension zone where Ogris militias constantly fight off Satyr raiding parties. Despite these external threats, Ogris men enjoy a relatively free status within their own societies, particularly in the cities of Pyraos and Arkanos in northern Anainia and throughout Mantalunia.