Dvati

Arising in the cold hills and plains of Aurelia, the Dvati are a race of twin-minded and twin-bodies individuals. Meaning, a single Dvati is made up of two physically and mentally separate individuals whose spirits are intertwined. Created by the goddess Mor-Rioghain in the image of her own dual nature, the Dvati rank among the oldest races on the face of Tevian. They rose to create an empire whose name was known across the face of the world and famed heavy infantry that was equal parts feared and respected. However, with the events of the Gods Plague and the Arrival, the Dvati's empire has long since collapsed with only small kingdoms and nomadic clans remaining.

Description
As stated previous, a single Dvati individual is made up of two bodies and two minds that are tied together through a single spirit. These bodies are perfectly identical except for any changes purposefully made by the Dvati or any physical damage. Both bodies are of the same gender and share half the life force of the single Dvati. If one body dies, the other will slowly deteriorate and die within the next week. It is possible to delay this process through healing magic but the repercussions of this are not documented. During this time, the other twin will be almost completely incapacitated.

Strangely, aspects of the Dvati seemed to be linked in a way which defies reason. If one twin eats, the other twin is satisfied in the same way. If one twin is to be with child, regardless of any contact the other twin will also be with child. On that note, Dvati who mate with other compatible creatures are known to produce either a new Dvati pair or twins of the other species.

History
Existing since the early days that mortal feet set down on Tevian, the Dvati found themselves in close contact with the Minotaur and the Leonin. The proximity of these individually powerful creatures seemed to amplify the Dvati's propensity for harmony as a large empire soon arose. The exact founding date and for how long this Empire stood is unknown but its legacy remains tangible. Dvati Disciples, arcane warriors whose skills were forged by the old Empire, passed down their teachings to those who would learn. Dvati Heavy Infantry, which clashed time and again with their foes, would be mimicked by the Hobgoblin kingdoms on the continent of Ireok, known to the Elves as Adora.

The Arrival
Occurring sometime before the Gods Plague, the Arrival has less of an effect of the Dvati than it had on their southern, goblinoid neighbours. Unlike, Ireok, Aurelia possessed few paths to the Zelwind and even fewer connections to the collapsing Archefyre. However, the arrival of the Elven kind to Tevian would have repercussions which were not felt until the Gods Plague.

Gods Plague
It was during the Gods Plague that the goddess Mor-Rioghain was devoured by the dragon goddess Thelhem. Sensing weakness, the Elven people of Aurelia gathered under new banners and kingdoms as they struck out against the Dvati Empire. Utilizing their own brand of magic to beat back the Dvati heavy infantry and mercenaries from among the barbarous Leonin. In an attempt to save their empire, the Dvati made a pact with the barbarous Minotaur as wars and battles raged. However, the devouring of the Minotaur god Orbrino by Tiamat proved an irreversible turning point. Like the continent of Ireok, Aurelia was now split between shattered Dvati Kingdoms clinging to a semblance of independence and new Elven Kingdoms.

Dragons Bane
As little of the fighting during the Dragons Bane occurred on the shores of Aurelia and Ireok, the Dvati participation proved very limited. A few legions of Dvati mercenaries, trained in the style of the Imperial Heavy Infantry would partake in the war, travelling across the Onghoz Sea and landing on the shores of Rosh. However, most Dvati remained pre-occupied with the troubles of their own kingdoms or with minor Draconic incursions.

Goblin Rising
While the Goblin Rising raged across Ireok, many small wars raged across Aurelia as Dvati Kingdoms sought to regain lost territory from times long past. It is also known that some Dvati mercenaries, again styled like the old Imperial Heavy Infantry, partook in the war on the side of the Goblinoids.

Society
Over time, Dvati society has fractured into two distinct groups who share a common legacy but whose reaction to the end of that legacy forms the main difference. What is certain about all Dvati societies, however, is their strong sense of harmony and cooperation. Likely originating in their own biology, Dvati pairs are known to be abnormally diplomatic and amicable. Many of their proverbs speak of the importance of cooperation and acting together in harmony. Dvati are also known for their clan behaviour, similar to races such as the Dragonborn and Shifters. In keeping with their harmonic nature, each Dvati clan is headed by two Dvati pairs, appearing to the outsider as a council of four.

Dvati Clans
The basic unit of Dvati society is the Clan, rather than the family or the individual. However, Dvati Clans are not expressly familial in their nature. Instead, Clans are sedentary organizations with a reigning head and a fluid membership. To the Dvati, familial bonds are formed throughout life and are changed through interaction, inclinations, and persuasion. Dvati Clans are, at the end of the day, political frameworks which organize and mobilize their members for social and economic reasons. Typically, the foundations of new Clans in new regions is rare but will often stem from a Clan in a nearby region. The migration of whole Clans is exceedingly rare but was known to happen when the Empire began to collapse.

Dvati Colonies
Found abroad throughout the civilized world, the inhabitants of Dvati colonies are the descendants of those who fled after the fall of their Empire. While these colonies vary in size, they are typically respected by the local inhabitants and often parlayed with by local lords to provide training for their own forces. These colonies are most commonly managed in the same way as a Dvati Clan but possess a more open membership and typically have a council of four Dvati pairs. Aside from their military capabilities, colonies are often known for producing high-quality end-products and luxury goods.

Dvati Kingdoms
Found across the continent of Aurelia in the most northern and hilly regions, the Dvati Kingdoms at first appear to be a departure from the harmonious nature of the Dvati. Individual Kingdoms are governed in a way similar to human kingdoms with a single Dvati pair acting as the monarch, although gender plays little to no important role. The society is highly ordered in a way which is reminiscent of the old Empire but each monarch is seemingly equivalent to an Imperial governor in rank. In truth, the Dvati Kingdoms were formed from the provinces of the Empire which did not succumb to Elven incursion. Their lack of harmony resulting from a lack of trust with each other that has waxed and waned over the years. Today, while the kingdoms still fight amongst themselves, they possess a defensive alliance which includes almost every Dvati Kingdom.