====== Luminymph ======

>  You may try to outsmart a Luminymph. You will probably not succeed.

----

Tall and graceful, Luminymph are a largely water-dwelling species, most often found in the Sea of Light. Some say that Luminymph are descendants of Mydreignites who moved to the Sea to find their fortune; others insist that the Luminymph were once common fish uplifted by the presence of a great guardian. 

Luminymph are bipedal, with retractable fins which are usually situated on the barbels((Sensory organs that emerge from the top left and right of the head.)), sides of the arms, and legs. While they are most at home in the water, they can breathe both underwater and on land, and can traverse the rest of Mydreign.

===== Society and Culture =====

{{ :luminymph.png?nolink&300|}}

Luminymph place particular importance on the pursuit of knowledge -- in abstract sense about the world, and in the honing of delicate craft such as weaving. It is not uncommon for Luminymph to dedicate years to the pursuit of a singular topic, however narrow; in fact, a Luminymph on a quest for knowledge is given a greater degree of respect.

Luminymph are a very expressive and emotionally complex species, and strongly prioritise community and connection with those around them. This is enabled by their anatomy: most of their emotion is shown using their long, flexible barbels, which in addition to sensing vibrations in their surroundings, also move around with emotion((It is possible to conceal one's emotions by consciously controlling barbel movement, but this requires constant attention.)). The tips of their barbels are strongly bioluminescent, and brighten and dim according to mood.

A strong sense of hierarchy tends to accompany Luminymph culture. Elders and authority figures are respected unconditionally, and respectability grows with age and acquired knowledge. Roles are determined by merit, with those found capable entrusted with more responsibility. Finer points vary with location: inhabitants of [[seaoflight#Fisher_Cove|Fisher Cove]] and vendors on the [[seaoflight#The Great Raft|Raft]] tend to be much more accustomed to other species, and are generally friendly and more informal in upholding social norms. Inhabitants of Koralia tend to be wary of outsiders in comparison, though most disagreements are largely due to a language barrier – there is a great deal of nuance in Koral mannerisms and social mores that are often overlooked, leading to misunderstanding.

In water, Luminymph usually wear garments made from braided kelp and fish leather; garments increase in complexity with rank, but the specific style is usually a case of personal preference. If on land, terrestrial clothing is adopted instead – usually something long and flowing in order to protect their delicate skin and fins.

Luminymph also wear a necklace, on which are charms denoting pacts or deals they have engaged in. Marriage, employment, debt, long-term subscriptions, terms of imprisonment or probation, and sometimes even friendships are kept track of in this way. Necklaces especially hold weight in Koralia, in which the type and number of charms reflect a Koralian’s connection and respectability in Koral society.

===== Creating a Luminymph =====
Most Luminymph have similar physical features. Their skin can be a range of colours -- usually one solid colour, with lighter shades on the front and darker on the back, although anomalies (e.g. splotches of a different colour) may occur. The number and shape of a Luminymph's fins may also vary; for instance, some Luminymph have dorsal fins, and others may have missing fins. A Luminymph’s necklace is also an important reflection of personal identity and relationships: some examples of charms would be a coral ring denoting marriage, a conch shell for specialisation in shell mosaics, or an iron bead for an ex-convict.

When creating a Luminymph, tell us:
  * how they would appear (skin colour/patterning, physical features),
  * which area of the Sea of Light (or elsewhere in Mydreign!) they are from, and
  * any beads you would see on their necklace (if worn).
==== Naming Conventions ====

Luminymph are traditionally named at a naming ceremony held on their twentieth birthday. Before this, they remain unnamed((The prevailing attitude in Koralia is that young Luminymph are still developing their sense of self and are therefore not taken seriously; they are instead mainly referred to by physical traits and relationships (e.g. "green-eyed student of [elder]". However, Luminymph living outside of Koralia are likely to take nicknames.)). Names generally take the format of a first name that represents what the individual is most known for (chosen by group vote), and a second name that represents a favourite item or place (chosen by the individual). For instance, a Mirthful Moon would be named for its lively and plentiful laughter((Luminymph laughter consists of rapid clicking sounds made with the fins.)) and penchant for surfacing at midnight to gaze at the moon.

In Koral society, being promoted into important roles also involves adopting official titles that are used in place of common names, the most famous example being the Grand Regent. Most Koralians have already forgotten his true name.

Luminymph raised far from home may, on rare occasion, adopt their own names, but they more often ask close friends or family to name them in an informal ceremony.

==== Traits ====

All Luminymph start out with the following:
  * You are able to breathe underwater, and are granted improved movement and perception while in water.
  * You start the game with an additional Gather point.