Monday 27 April 2015

Tlavatli Bodies

Queen of Wands

The Atlanteans are, although they would deny it openly, always somewhat afraid of the Tlavatlis. Part of that must be because of their size which, unlike the generally cowed Rmoahals, couples itself with a restless energy.


They're always moving, the Tlavatlis,  fidgeting, shifting weight from foot to foot, glancing around, tapping fingers, and even a Tlavatli who could otherwise pass for an Atlantean in every other way is easy to spot in a room full of the Third People.

Being about four or five cubits in height, a short Tlavatli is about the height of a tall Atlantean, and many have the golden brown skin, black hair and dark eyes of their neighbours. While the black hair is a constant, occasionally a Tlavatli might have skin of a deep fiery red, or some shade of deep grey or even pure midnight black, or eyes that are a striking green, yellow, or even white. Sharp, strong teeth betray a diet made mostly of raw meat and fish, occasionally supplemented with seaweed.

Tlavatli hair shines. Tlavatli skin catches the light. Tlavatli eyes glitter. If some Atlantean poets and writers idealise and objectify Tlavatlis, if Tlavatli slaves cost more than any other, is it any wonder? They are perhaps the most beautiful of the Four Peoples.

Tlavatli women enjoy beautifying themselves and use almost as much makeup as the Atlanteans do, emphasising their gleaming eyes with heavy kohl, their lips with deep reds and golds, and stereotypically wear long, figure-hugging dresses decorated with metal plates and gems.

King of Swords
When not at leisure, Tlavatli clothing tends to be practical. Men and women alike favour shirts, trousers and high boots, and on the cold seas layer themselves with kilts, cloaks, heavy scarves and hats - a wide-brimmed hat is the particular mark of a Tlavatli. Tlavatli weapons and armour are terrifyingly functional, made of brutally hammered iron and stone.

The cumulative effect of the Tlavatlis is that they might often be intimidatingly beautiful, but beautiful or not, they always intimidate.