Singular: Lumendra
Plural: Lumendra
Term for Youth: Luma (plural: Luma)

Creation and Arrival

Initially, before Faia was created, the deities created lumendra in order to aid the spirits in the Underworld. With their lantern lures, they were meant to light the paths of new spirits in order to guide them to their resting grounds.

However, due to their curiosity, mischievous nature, and high energy, they proved to be difficult to control, much too excitable, and certainly not horrifying enough to stand their ground in a world full of the wicked and damned (as well as the good and faithful, but perhaps they fit alright with them). As such, they were sent to Faia.

Lumendra were the first to arrive in Faia, at what is now Woodhaven. There is a wooden statue of a lumendra on what is supposedly the exact spot they were dropped off, as a memorial. Many lumendras find it culturally appropriate to take a pilgrimage to Woodhaven at some point during their lifetime, and pay their respects to their ancestors and history. It is a common practice to meditate next to the statue, and give it an affectionate cheek bump before they leave, as a farewell to the past, and onward to the future.

While this statue is duly tended to by the site’s caretakers, it being made wood means that it does not last forever. This wooden statue is newly carved as needed, when irreprable decay comes upon it. Although this statue technically is meant to represent the species as a whole, it is often commissioned with certain traits that may mimic recently great lumendras that have contributed to society. Retired statues are kept in the Great Library.

Anatomy and Physiology

Lumendras have the most curious anatomy of the main four species within Faia. They are invertebrae, lacking a spinal cord and bones, and have little technical structure to their bodies. As such, their species is incredibly diverse, found in many shapes, sizes, and lengths.

The most prized and cherished aspect of the lumendra is, of course, their lure. It is the source of their Light, and is their tie to their spirituality. It is in the worst of natures to try to harm a lumendra’s lure—no other lumendra would ever dare to attack it, unless they were among the most moralless of creatures. Baby Lumendras, called Luma, have their lures concealed by a dark substance for the first few months of their lives, before it eventually peels away. This is so that they do not accidentally attract predators.

Their weakness, ultimately, is their own bodies. They have a third of the lifespan of most faians, sitting at maximum, 30 years, but typically up to 20. They are fully mature physically at the age of two, but are culturally considered children until the age of four. Many visit Uvemora to face her trials by the great age of seven, but few no later than ten.

Lumendra are very sensitive creatures. While this partially makes up their lack of physical protection, it can prove to be overwhelming in modern culture. Additionally, it is difficult for lumendra to live in climates other than what they were made for. Their skin is highly permeable (much like frogs) and they require a good deal of moisture in their environment (although nowadays, both herbal ointments and magical cures are rampant). Their feelers and whiskers prove to be so sensitive to their environment that many are said to be able to detect oncoming weather.

Their diet primarily consists of leafy greens and small insects. More recently, soups and softened or ripe vegetation have become popular. Lumendra do not have teeth, so their stomachs take up most of the task involving digestion, meaning that anything tough will give their tummies a run for the night.

Lumendra are not quick creatures, so those that need to embark on journeys or live among faster creatures often enlist the help of companion creatures. Sometimes, individuals or families keep one; other times, communities share them. One of the most important and revised inventions of the time are companion saddles, constantly being reinvented for more comfortability or speed.

Accomodating With Others

Being the smallest of the four species, lumendra have a difficult time in places made for larger creatures. In cities like Sowara, where all Faian species live together, most things are optimal for candle noodles, size-wise. To reduce trampling, large settlements have sidewalks made especially for pedestrian lumendras, to prevent trampling. In seaside villages, such as Vence, lumendra are even advised not to get close to the water, as carnivorous fish lurking by the shore would delight in a mid-day snack.

In densely populated areas, lumendras wear bright, reflective accessories. Or, sometimes, they resort to the grumpier, more unpopular option: make a lot of noise, announce your presence, and even wear short-lived “sound accessories” popularly banned from most settlements.

Due to their small nature, adult lumendra are often treated like youth. Partly as such, many species have trouble being able to decipher their age. Some lumendra use this to their advantage, pretending to be more youthful in order to gain special treatment, or prove their innocence, which is useful when their mischief gets out of hand.

Cultural Principles

Lumendra are taught when they are young to live their lives to the fullest. It is incredibly enforced among Luma that the day ought to be filled with work, and laziness is not tolerated. However, it is rare for parents or elders to be strict on what a Lumendra can or should work on; so long as they are busy with what they do, and devoted to it, then it should be seen as Good and full of Light.

Due to their short lives, Uvemora’s trials often result in a blessing with multiple Luma (baby Lumendra). If not at the same time, it is not uncommon for lumendra to return to her temple and face her trials to receive another Luma to take care of. Therein, large families are a big part of Lumendra lifestyles. Many choose to stay in the areas they grew up in, tend to their elders, and continue on the legacy of their community. In Faia, the saying “stronger in numbers” certainly comes from their principles.

Because lumendra are incredibly clever, but not so strong, many choose to pursue creative, intellectual, cultural, and religious pathways as opposed to those rooted in physical labor or travel. Nowadays, the luxury of living in developed villages means that more and more lumendra can move away from the struggle of gathering and farming, and can instead move to culturally impactful pursuits. Education is encouraged, both in-school and out of it, and luma are taught to respect teachings from any elder.

Although their emphasis on traditional values is present, lumendra are, in nature, both full of cleverness, mischief, and energy. At any age, playful trickery is common, and their moral ground of right from wrong when it comes to fairness can be a bit wavering. Many believe in good faith and partake in contagious energy, so joy and lightheartedness tends to reign in communities.

Many lumendra are renowned across Faia for their technological, medicinal, and magical developments, and are leading scholars and philosophers. Woodhaven, aside from it being a historically and spiritually significant location for the species, is also a cultural hotspot to all of Faia, being the chosen location of leaders in almost every field. The Great Library rests here, which compiles extensive histories, developments, and many salvaged pieces of history from ruins.

While spirituality is important to their culture, they do not focus on expressing this through great temples or obvious forms of worship. Instead, worship is considered to be done through their actions—living lives full of love for others, respecting what is around them, and leaving a positive legacy for few or many. Disdain and judgement comes to those who are selfish, lazy, and disrespectful to others and the environment.