Vosks

Vosks are a fictional humanoid species native to the archipelago of Voska in the eastern seas of the continent Therin. They live in coastal and riverine communities and are distinguished by a maritime orientation and adaptations that support boatbuilding, fishing, and inter-island trade.

Physiology: Vosks typically stand 1.6 to 1.9 meters tall. Their skin ranges from pale gray to copper, often with shifting dermal patterns that respond to mood or environment. Some individuals possess light gill-like folds along the neck and webbed fingers and toes, adaptations for an amphibious lifestyle. They breathe air but can remain submerged for extended periods.

Language and culture: The Voskan language comprises several dialects and uses a syllabary for records and sea charts. Oral tradition emphasizes narratives, navigation lore, and sea songs. Naming practices reflect family lineage and clan affiliations, reinforcing social ties across islands.

Society and economy: Governance typically blends elder councils with captain-led assemblies. Clans organize around fishing grounds and shipyards, while guilds regulate trade, navigation, and textiles. The economy centers on fishing, pearl diving, shipbuilding, and the production of resin and cloth, with extensive cross-island trade networks.

History and interactions: Contact with outsiders developed through long-distance trade routes, leading to cultural exchange, religious influences, and occasional tensions with pirates and rival fleets. In broader world-building and fictional contexts, Vosks are often depicted as skilled seafarers and traders whose inter-island relationships shape regional politics and culture.