Springsingers are named after the first song they sing after metamorphosis. They pick a word or phrase from it to become their name, which, in newer style names is then translated to the common tongue. Older names are not translated. Their names are usually forces of the jungle or actions (ex. Breeze, Sunshine, Hopper), local plants or animals (ex. Jaguar, Mango, Hummingbird), or a mix (ex. Sundance, Currentfish, Rollingthunder).
To make an older sounding name derive a word from this generator. For example, Edj -> Edej, Ktotuw -> Kototuw, Yzrx -> Yuzerx, etc.
Springsingers have a very loose naming system, so as long as they generally follow one of these two systems, they won’t stand out.
To make an older sounding name derive a word from this generator. For example, Edj -> Edej, Ktotuw -> Kototuw, Yzrx -> Yuzerx, etc.
Springsingers have a very loose naming system, so as long as they generally follow one of these two systems, they won’t stand out.
Underneath springsinger colonies there are insect hills in which the bodies of the deceased are left in. The deceased’s family will return to the hill in a few days and pull the bones from the hill with their bare talons, allowing the insects to bite them. It is rather taboo not to, and only if it is very dangerous for an individual to do so (due to allergies, illness, extreme youth or age, etc.) will they wear protective gloves, or not participate. Many choose to risk it anyway.
Afterwards they keep the bones, some of which are carved or otherwise made into decorations or jewelry. It’s rather popular to hollow bones out and plant small flowers, airplants, or other plants in them. Only those who are incredibly close to the deceased are allowed to alter their bones, with one very rare exception. If the deceased has no family the bones are taken in by artists who will only decorate or grow plants in them. This is seen as a way to honour the deceased and as a symbol of Jhudsur’s Cycle. If someone dies in a colony that is not their own, springsingers will search far and wide to find the deceased’s family. In the meantime they will keep the body as long as possible, but if it starts to rot they will feed it to insects and save the bones to bring to their family.
Afterwards they keep the bones, some of which are carved or otherwise made into decorations or jewelry. It’s rather popular to hollow bones out and plant small flowers, airplants, or other plants in them. Only those who are incredibly close to the deceased are allowed to alter their bones, with one very rare exception. If the deceased has no family the bones are taken in by artists who will only decorate or grow plants in them. This is seen as a way to honour the deceased and as a symbol of Jhudsur’s Cycle. If someone dies in a colony that is not their own, springsingers will search far and wide to find the deceased’s family. In the meantime they will keep the body as long as possible, but if it starts to rot they will feed it to insects and save the bones to bring to their family.
Typical springsinger colonies are messy and always in progress. Houses half-consumed by trees, new homes built onto older foundations, and random perches are things that are found in every colony, usually in abundance. Homes are built onto the sides of trees and hanging off of or between large branches. These are constructed out of branches, leaves, dried mud, and live plants. They are usually just a floor, roof, and a few supports (besides any flair the inhabitants have added). It’s rather common to find other animals living amongst more herbivorous springsingers. Sometimes neighborhoods are connected by ladders, rope bridges, and/or platforms, but many prefer to just jump or fly home. Springsingers like to hang things in the canopy with vines or rope, and often use them as perches. Despite the general lack of architectural advancements most colonies seem to have, there are aqueducts that lead from springs in the Overgrown Mountains to every last colony. These aqueducts are made of dried bamboo and flow into pools held by vines. From there citizens can drink, or bring water home in buckets. The aqueducts were under construction for more than half a century and the youngest is 32 years old now.
Art is highly celebrated in springsinger culture. Anything they have the materials for they will make. Paintings, performance art, sculptures, weavings, poetry, music, jewelry, and more can be found in the jungle. Though supposedly other forms of art have been increasing in popularity, singing is still by far the most popular art form. Springsingers even have a group called Paradox, where any springsinger can come to learn, teach, meet other artists, and find the resources to create.
Many springsingers wear nothing, preferring to let their natural beauty shine through. Though many others do enjoy dressing themselves up. Regardless, springsingers will often put extra care into straightening and shining their scales, and grooming their fuzz. Other than that they will make accessories with reeds, bark, wood, feathers, pelts, pebbles, bones, seeds, small minerals and gemstones, clay, and shells. Basically anything they can put on a string. Springsingers use small pouches made from wood, clay, bones, or leather to keep plants living, and thus wearable. Springsingers can also temporarily paint or permanently tattoo colors and patterns onto their scales. Springsingers make fine silk-like fabric from moth larvae. It is a rather popular fashion choice, as it shows off some of the scales beneath. Trinkets from other dragon species are also popular, but are not frequently worn since most are too large for springsingers to comfortably wear.
A bored Springsinger will try anything at least once. Most of the jungle is edible anyway (to a springsinger). Springsingers mostly feed on fruit, berries, seeds, and nectar, but they will also eat leaves and animals such as birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, arthropods (bugs + crustaceans), and small to mid-size mammals. As well as these, springsingers eat a wide variety of prepared foods. It’s typically not a food, but Springsingers make a variety of poisons (and alcohol) from toxic plants and poisonous/venomous animals.
Springsingers like to cultivate plants to grow in and around their homes. Some are for decoration or to supply for items for creating art, but most are for food.
Springsingers like to cultivate plants to grow in and around their homes. Some are for decoration or to supply for items for creating art, but most are for food.
The major feat of springsinger architecture is their aqueducts, which run from springs in the Overgrown Mountains to even the farthest and smallest colonies. Made from dried bamboo, the aqueducts are held up by vines or rope when in the trees, or when close to the ground by arches and walls. The aqueducts run, sometimes in groups tied together, to fountains or pools in the colonies where the water can be used by citizens. Water-born disease is rare because the aqueducts are closed and swiftly replaced when somehow damaged.
Springsingers use tools made of things found in the jungle, usually wood or bone, to make art. Some are also used to harvest, catch, and process food. Weapons made of the same materials are rare and usually for show, but spears, knives, and basic armor do exist. There is no metalworking in the jungle, but traders from outside kingdoms can supply metal tools and jewelry.
Springsingers most commonly use medicinal plants to treat wounds and illnesses, but do have more complex medicine in the larger colonies. It’s not uncommon for sculptors to make decorated prosthetics for amputees for little to nothing in return. Though working prosthetic tails and wings are incredibly difficult to make, especially without some kind of magical or electrical aid. Springsingers also use songs to comfort and heal the ill or injured. Mostly they’re only used similarly to anesthetics, but singers are able to aid the healing process.
Springsingers use tools made of things found in the jungle, usually wood or bone, to make art. Some are also used to harvest, catch, and process food. Weapons made of the same materials are rare and usually for show, but spears, knives, and basic armor do exist. There is no metalworking in the jungle, but traders from outside kingdoms can supply metal tools and jewelry.
Springsingers most commonly use medicinal plants to treat wounds and illnesses, but do have more complex medicine in the larger colonies. It’s not uncommon for sculptors to make decorated prosthetics for amputees for little to nothing in return. Though working prosthetic tails and wings are incredibly difficult to make, especially without some kind of magical or electrical aid. Springsingers also use songs to comfort and heal the ill or injured. Mostly they’re only used similarly to anesthetics, but singers are able to aid the healing process.
The springsingers’ society is very chaotic in nature. Unlike other nations with their own organized governments, the springsingers lack one. Usually in small colonies, one can make their own decisions, unless it affects too many members, then a small get-together between the affected party is required. In much larger colonies, organized anarchy is prevalent. The members of these colonies govern themselves and usually solve things on their own. Similar to small colonies, when an issue is big enough the affected members come together to resolve it. This unfortunately results in a lot of vigilante justice and artists using their popularity to get their way.
There is a springsinger organization called Paradox. Paradox is based in the colony who shares its name, and made for artists to teach and learn and have a place to work and share their creations. Anyone is allowed to join and to create anything they can think of. Paradox often puts on events and shows where artists present their work to those outside of the organization. Many, if not all, famous artists who have lived within the last century and a half have been members of Paradox. Paradox operates similar to the rest of springsinger society: small groups and individuals organize themselves. However, there is a sort of unofficial council made up of the most popular artists who use their influence to organize what they can (usually to put on shows, charity, or spread information).
Paradox used to simply be a place to share information, but lately one singer named Fogsong has been using his influence to collect resources from around the jungle and keep it for the members of Paradox to use. It is becoming increasingly common for Springsingers to leave their colonies and families to join Paradox.
There is a springsinger organization called Paradox. Paradox is based in the colony who shares its name, and made for artists to teach and learn and have a place to work and share their creations. Anyone is allowed to join and to create anything they can think of. Paradox often puts on events and shows where artists present their work to those outside of the organization. Many, if not all, famous artists who have lived within the last century and a half have been members of Paradox. Paradox operates similar to the rest of springsinger society: small groups and individuals organize themselves. However, there is a sort of unofficial council made up of the most popular artists who use their influence to organize what they can (usually to put on shows, charity, or spread information).
Paradox used to simply be a place to share information, but lately one singer named Fogsong has been using his influence to collect resources from around the jungle and keep it for the members of Paradox to use. It is becoming increasingly common for Springsingers to leave their colonies and families to join Paradox.
Springsingers do not believe in fate or destiny.
They believe that things cannot be created from nothing, and cannot be utterly destroyed. To them, the world always has been, and always will be. Despite their disregard for fate, Springsingers do believe in the powerful deity Jhudsur.
Jhudsur is depicted/described as a massive dragon-like serpent, with many limbs (including wings) and even more eyes. Their tongue has multiple prongs on it, and her tail often splits into three ends. She is covered in plants and flowers - notably the Illumia Vine (see the Bestiary). Jhudsur’s eyes are said to be Illumia buds, which bloom, fall out, and regrow yearly. Inside Jhudsur is said to be an infinite, ever-changing power. It can manifest as water, fog, wind, fire, light, electricity or sound (thunder, etc.). This power often flows from Jhudsur’s mouth and collects around his talons. It is what makes the world run. Not intentionally, though. Jhudsur will simply be somewhere and things will happen. With one step a species can split into two, and with another a different species will become stone in the ground.
Jhudsur’s Cycle is the name for this, the cycle of life dying and being sustained again by what’s dead. It is said that earthquakes are Jhudsur dancing. Jhudsur is depicted with any (including no) gender, so feel free to call them whatever you please. Jhudsur represents change, forces of nature, rebirth, life and death.
They believe that things cannot be created from nothing, and cannot be utterly destroyed. To them, the world always has been, and always will be. Despite their disregard for fate, Springsingers do believe in the powerful deity Jhudsur.
Jhudsur is depicted/described as a massive dragon-like serpent, with many limbs (including wings) and even more eyes. Their tongue has multiple prongs on it, and her tail often splits into three ends. She is covered in plants and flowers - notably the Illumia Vine (see the Bestiary). Jhudsur’s eyes are said to be Illumia buds, which bloom, fall out, and regrow yearly. Inside Jhudsur is said to be an infinite, ever-changing power. It can manifest as water, fog, wind, fire, light, electricity or sound (thunder, etc.). This power often flows from Jhudsur’s mouth and collects around his talons. It is what makes the world run. Not intentionally, though. Jhudsur will simply be somewhere and things will happen. With one step a species can split into two, and with another a different species will become stone in the ground.
Jhudsur’s Cycle is the name for this, the cycle of life dying and being sustained again by what’s dead. It is said that earthquakes are Jhudsur dancing. Jhudsur is depicted with any (including no) gender, so feel free to call them whatever you please. Jhudsur represents change, forces of nature, rebirth, life and death.
Paradox Festival
Once a year, usually just before the hot season ends, the Paradox organization puts on a festival for artists to showcase their work and sometimes trade it with other members of the colony. It’s quite common for those outside of the organization to take advantage of the event, trading and showcasing their own creations along with Paradox members, though due to new policies in Paradox outside artists have been banned from doing so.
Illumia Bloom
In the hottest time of the year Springsingers switch to a nocturnal schedule, napping away the late summer sun. Many spend this time preparing for a massive festival that starts once the Illumia flowers bloom. They adorn themselves with the flowers and dance, sing, feast, and share art. This festival is known for being energetic and loud, sometimes even those outside of the rainforest can hear it and see it’s lights.
Rain Games
When the rains are the heaviest Springsingers will band together to build temporary pools, slides, and even elaborate instruments that use the rain to function. Once this is done they play in them, and hold tournaments of various games. Races - be it swimming, toy boats, or sliding - are very popular, but other things like Who Can Make The Biggest Splash are always played as well. These usually spawn rivalries that can outlive the rain, but in the end it’s all in good fun.
Xivipa Contest
Just after the rainy season ends the Xivipa colony hosts an art contest that anyone can join, including other dragon species (though it’s still less common for them to win). They have events in every subject imaginable, and draw dragons from all over the world. The winners of the contests all get something different every year, usually it’s rare art supplies that are incredibly hard to come by. Winning itself is really prize enough, as dragons from all over the world will flock to them to trade for their art. Even just entering is usually enough to gain quite a few new fans.
Springsingers primarily speak the common tongue for convenience, despite it rarely being the first language they learn. Springsingers have a unique language of whistles, trills, and chirps that they use for singing. This language is sort of gibberish, and is usually just called “Singing”. It is also usually a Springsinger’s first language.
Springsingers also have sign language that was popularized after the death of Fogtongue. Most, if not all Springsingers still know this language. It has been adapted to accommodate other dragons’ differing number of fingers, but not all know this updated version, and it’s not nearly as common in other parts of the world.
Springsingers do not have a written language, and instead record events either through song or through a series of pictures that are painted or carved. Really old families often have important events carved into their walls. Sometimes bones are carved to record that Springsinger’s life.
Springsingers also have sign language that was popularized after the death of Fogtongue. Most, if not all Springsingers still know this language. It has been adapted to accommodate other dragons’ differing number of fingers, but not all know this updated version, and it’s not nearly as common in other parts of the world.
Springsingers do not have a written language, and instead record events either through song or through a series of pictures that are painted or carved. Really old families often have important events carved into their walls. Sometimes bones are carved to record that Springsinger’s life.
Springsinger’s only formal education can be found in Paradox (see Class System). Otherwise most Springsingers learn while traveling in their first few years and/or from their families.
For springsingers romantic and sexual attraction are viewed as different things, and it’s fairly uncommon for them to overlap, though not unheard of. These are often symbolized with leaves (romantic) and fruit (sexual). When they overlap flowers are used, but some may not understand this reference. These symbols are often used in art or in bouquets. Springsingers rarely keep up constant and/or close relationships with sexual partners.
Thus, a springsinger’s genetic family is rarely known, and none of them seem to care. In fact, it’s rather taboo for the genetic family to claim their young. It is believed young Springsingers need to travel and find their own way, and for any dragon to force them into their family is strange and wrong.
It is however very common for springsingers to make their own families. Older springsingers love to provide homes and company for younger generations, and polyamorous partners often prefer live in the same place, even if not all parties share the same attraction.
Thus, a springsinger’s genetic family is rarely known, and none of them seem to care. In fact, it’s rather taboo for the genetic family to claim their young. It is believed young Springsingers need to travel and find their own way, and for any dragon to force them into their family is strange and wrong.
It is however very common for springsingers to make their own families. Older springsingers love to provide homes and company for younger generations, and polyamorous partners often prefer live in the same place, even if not all parties share the same attraction.
Springsingers don’t have currency, so most of what has to be done to keep the colony running is done as a group and isn’t paid. This is very easy in small colonies, but problems tend to go unnoticed or are disregarded as “something somebody should get around to sometime” in large colonies.
Just because they don’t have currency doesn’t mean Springsingers don’t have jobs. Usually Springsingers will specialize in a certain thing that other dragons will go to them to get, sometimes even going to different colonies to get better services.
These include things like:
Sometimes Springsingers will collect items that they don’t have a use for in hopes that they can trade it for things they do use. This results in a lot of houses being very cluttered and families having hoards that were started countless generations ago.
Just because they don’t have currency doesn’t mean Springsingers don’t have jobs. Usually Springsingers will specialize in a certain thing that other dragons will go to them to get, sometimes even going to different colonies to get better services.
These include things like:
- Repairmen
- Doctors
- Artist
- Farmers
- Hunters
- Cooks
Sometimes Springsingers will collect items that they don’t have a use for in hopes that they can trade it for things they do use. This results in a lot of houses being very cluttered and families having hoards that were started countless generations ago.