Mussuba (mu-ssuu-bah)

Summary

A variant of the nuhara, the two-armed mussuba are a puzzling predicament in their ancestral lineage. Originally they were considered a distinct species due to significant differences from the nuhara. But, archaeological and scholarly study of their history revealed the same hallmarks of a progenitor culture like the nuhara. The direct implication, and generally accepted evidence, is that the mussuba are from the same root civilization as the nuhara themselves.   The exact prior relationship they had, however, remains a mystery. Some have proposed a sort of speciest-class divide, with one being the ruler, and the other, servile. Some different pondering went toward a more literal 'magical and physical' divide, as the mussuba have far more magical talent than the nuhara. There's also something to be said about their choice of climates: mussuba prefer humid and wet environments, like Etzli Cuauhtla, over desert/arid regions like Dorvar.   Strangely, a distinct divergence did arise. While they acknowledged some ancestral head goddess, the mussuba had nothing resembling a directive or guardianship as the nuhara did. That fact along proved difficult to discern, as many mussuba live alongside nuhara when the opportunity arises. Ergo, if they did at one point have a distinct mission, it became lost. A not too difficult feat considering the vague sense of time and history involved.   Ultimately, the mussuba went down their own path of development, one that saw them at odds with many others. Their unique magical arts, exotic venom, and esoteric knowledge made them targets for greedy individuals. Given their particular cultural ways, and how easily misconstrued they can be, it proved a disastrous recipe for the mussuba.   Much of their recorded histories involved struggles and wars to defend themselves from exploitation and slavery. Their budding civilizations were forced into outlandish and wild regions, places no others would willfully bother with. The mussuba cared little for such difficulties, and bore a deep resentment toward the many who ostracized them. Though they weren't without allies, such peoples could be counted on one hand at best.   Those in Etzli Cuauhtla formulated the Dresxi Enclaves, while others formed reclusive cities within the likes of Honokom, Lophern, Aerthen, and Nerzin. Their reclusiveness engendered an almost mythical aura around them, though one that frequently painted them as evil spirits or types of Forsaken.   Such deep-seated mistrust festered for generations, and so the mussuba didn't readily look to the outside world much at all. Still, they refused becoming cold hearted or cruel, for such wasn't readily in their nature. They would, in their own ways, reach out, explore, and live amongst others who held little regard for them.   In a rare reversal of fortune, the Great Darkness became a defining point in their history. Their reclusive living and well-fortified cities made for, essentially, excellent survival bunkers. The mussuba opened their doors, and took in who they could. Though such harsh times demanded hard answers of its peoples, countless lives were ultimately saved by the mussuba. When the skies cleared and the survivors left to build their homes once more, the mussuba were invited along with.   So it seemed, much of their ill-gotten reputation cleared away just as much.   Though most mussuba initially stayed within their territories, the open invitations attracted many of them out. In time, they too became embroiled within the politica of their lands. By their nature, the mussuba didn't readily create conquering civilizations like others. They were quite fine to keep to their territories, or to live among friends instead. It has made them appear historically somewhat insignificant as a result.   Those who more studiously observe the mussuba do tend to notice their far reaching influence. They've ever been keen to capitalize on trade, political mediation, and all the services of a 'trusted but neutral' third party in numerous affairs. Knowledge and wealth alike are something they hold a grip on, guiding it like many rivers through their cities. It can be quite the precarious balancing act, but one the mussuba have turned into an art form.   There are those, of course, closer to the nuhara way of things than that of others. The Dresxi Enclaves of Etzli Cuauhtla embody the ferocity of the nuhara the most. Fighting against all the dangers of their bloody homeland, the mussuba are steadfast warriors. For them, the defense of their homes, and that of people, is the most worthy of purposes to commit toward. A brutal, and daunting task when faced against the Relentless Herds and Packs.