Aziza


The Aziza are one of the most beneficial faeries of the Emere. They emerged from the tales of the Dahomey people of West Africa. There these changelings were renowned as the patrons of hunters and survivors, and the protectors of good-spirited people and their kin. That legend is not false: the Aziza are indeed benign and well-intended. Living in the forests, they pass on practical and spiritual knowledge to their faithful people from the spirits.

Most Aziza act from an altruistic impulse. A few demand payment in return for their assistance, especially if caught in their Night aspects. This basically good nature, however, has inflicted its toll on the Aziza. While hardly a naïve Family, they are easily taken advantage of. They are forbidden from directly acting on behalf of their wards and friends, and this is often a source of frustration for the noble-hearted Aziza. Not surprisingly, in relatively recent history, these fae were infuriated when the local peoples were sold into slavery. Many of their kin were dragged off to America; most died there, and the few family the Aziza lost to the slavers were surely Undone.

So these fae choose their friends and allies carefully. Many learn the fine arts of subtlety and indirect action to discreetly aid their companions and protectorates. A few instead choose to adopt an entire setting, a section of woods or savanna, and aid whoever enters that domain (if they prove worthy). All Aziza understand the danger that the Emere are facing in the growth of Westernization and act against it by teaching only traditional yet effective methods of wood lore and hunting.

Appearance


The Aziza appear as perfectly lean and supple versions of their respective kin,, whether they be Dahomey, Ewe, Fon, or other folk of West Africa. They are typically somewhat slighter of build than their kin, however. Their hair as a Family rule is cut short (so as not to be a hindrance while hunting). Their dress includes antiquated skirts and tight cloth around the chest, usually of neutral or dark hue to better blend into surroundings. Not infrequently, the Aziza run naked, finding no shame in that state. Of course, clothing is donned when actively hunting, so that nothing gets in the way of swift action. As is often the case for the fae, the Aziza’s telling feature are the eyes: they are as bright as stars.

Seemings


  • Omode are still getting in touch with their wild sides. They spend most of their days running around the woods, learning all that they will need to learn to pass onto others.
  • Eniyan are the active heroes of the Aziza, doing their best to help other people. They often stay close to their home villages and towns, dwelling on the fringes and waiting for their opportunities to do right.
  • Alagba have seen much good and bad in the wilderness and can tell who’s worthy of their aid better than most. Many Alagba-aged Aziza stake out a territory to call their own rather than any particular people.


Lifestyles


Most Aziza exist in simple, even primitive conditions as hunter-gatherers. They make it a point to survive in the dangerous forests, jungles, and savannas of Africa. A few do become professional guides for visitors, travelers, and tourists. In particularly undeveloped lands, an Aziza’s hunting predilections may actually be a career choice that allows him to assist the village from where he came.

Affinity: Prop

Spirit Wrath: Aziza gain a –1 difficulty on summoning Spirit Wrath whenever actively hunting prey (or an enemy).

Birthrights


  • Bounty of Nature -- As the “Little People” of the woods in West Africa, Aziza were responsible for blessing worthy people with nature’s bounty. This always took the form of an Aziza using a little magic to bring another hunter good fortune. With this Birthright, the Aziza can cause a rabbit to dart out in front of a focused hunter or for a hungry child to find a bush of scrumptious berries to eat. Enacting this talent requires an Ase (Glamour) roll at difficulty 6. It can be done at will, but using it for selfish reasons will earn the Aziza Banality.
  • Eye of the Hunter -- Aziza are naturally accomplished hunters themselves. They gain a –1 difficulty to all Survival/Hunting rolls and can never botch such rolls. Additionally, an Aziza begins with an extra dot of Dexterity, even if this raises the trait above 5.


Frailties


  • Subtle Hands -- Unfortunately, while the Aziza can benefit mortals, they cannot directly assist them. An Aziza can use Bounty of Nature to summon an antelope for a mortal hunter to bring down. But if that hunter finds himself competing with a hungry Simba, there’s nothing the Aziza can do to help. They find themselves physically unable to do a thing to directly intervene in any situation confronting other people. However, if they are personally threatened, they can take action. Thus, if the Simba reared up on the Aziza, he could take action to defend himself (and thus, hopefully the mortal too).


Quote: “When you care for nature, she sends us to care for you in return.”

Outlooks


    Opeyemi Bamidele perches on a rock and looks over the land and its folk.
  • Ekwu -- Decent folk, but they seem too afraid of the woods.
  • Hai-uri -- Like mad rabbits, they are elusive but tire quickly.
  • Negoogunagumbar -- Nothing but animals!
  • Neiterkob -- They try to be beneficiaries of the people, too, but are quick to hold themselves so lofty.
  • Tikoloshe -- They are beasts, but are easily avoided.
  • Kithain -- They have no real respect for Ase or the people that can provide it.