Zadim

The Zadim were, for centuries, believed to be creatures of myth. Hidden beneath the sea, they experienced a world divided from those above land. Yet, over time these maidens of the waves have come to be known as elusive and mysterious friends to those in need, or vile temptresses luring those lost into the deep and watery deeps that spawned them.

As a whole, the Zadim are believed to be masterful musicians, whose orchestral choirs can cause people to pause in awe of their beauty. In order to walk on land, they must abandon one of their senses and gain legs that though clumsy will carry them with relative ease. By resting in the water for a night, they will regain their fins and the sense lost.

Origins

As legends hold it, the Zadim are the spawn of the fallen god Selach and Princess Laksa of the Zadi, a Nirvan noble house. Selach was a guardian of the deeps, sworn to the loneliness of his duty. Though he longed for the beauty of the moon, whose rays filtered down to him, he knew that he would never be able to hold it. This changed when Princess Laska, whose father had been killed by Djinn and was to be sold to a brutal elemental lord, wept upon the voyage across the sea. Her pure love descended to the depths and lured Selach forth, who promised to protect her in exchange for her love.

The Zadim are believed to come of their union, a great and joyous occasion as it was. But in so acting, Selach was forced to abandon his divinity, which he did willingly. Agora, his mistress, did not see reason to punish him for choosing love, and bade him safe journey in the days to come.

Organization
Among the Zadim, all young women are born as princesses. They are invited to lives of leisure, which the males of their society must uphold. Because Selach renounced his godhood for love, the sons of the Zadim must renounce their possessions and instead look to their good works as befitting the colony.

Zadim live in numerous colonies, with the largest known as Fathom. Fathom spans further than any terrestrial city and is protected by a magical barrier, obscuring it from the eyes of many. Lesser colonies lack this defense, but Zadim often flee to Fathom if they are endangered.

Selach, unlike other gods, is visibly a part of the lives of his children. He rules from the Pearl Throne, keeping order and ensuring his children live free of overt danger. Because of their naturally empathic nature the Zadim society tends to be one that seems almost too cheerful and bubbly. This could be as deceptive though as calm waters over the dangers lurking deep below.

Military
Zadim divide their military roles into castes. Females tend not to engage in combat though their songs can distract enemies and they are fairly talented with spears. The men serve as more active warriors, using their agility and strength to thwart the advances of their eternal enemies: the sahuagin.

Enemies
The sahuagin are aquatic people, older than the Zadim. They claim that much of their land was stolen from them and seek to enslave and kill sahuagin that encroach upon any further. Though they have assaulted Fathom, they have never been able to destroy it. They serve a dark god that few comprehend.

Religion
Naturally, Zadim favor their god-father, Selach. In addition for Agora’s boon they revere her as their grandmother.

Historical Significance
Zadim have not had a great deal of influence on other cultures, though tales of their beauty and grace has led sailors to folly. It has been said that they will steal men away and take them to their colonies, where they use them to whatever purpose they need. After that the stories differ: some say they let them go and others claim they devour them.

Zadim did not take part in the Dread Tumult, though they have rescued sailors in recent years. Often, they float them to safety and leave without need for thanks. A few have approaching terrestrial cities, though they rarely remain longer than a day.