Akvatari Rewrite

[Keene Ward]

Hello hello!

While not explicitly told to do so, I have asked and wish to work the the Akvatari race to give them more of a place and substance in the world of Mizahar. Firstly, I'd like to let everyone know that I really just want to get any sort of discussion rolling above all else. I know there are a few Akvatari PCs around, and I hope that all of you will contribute your own understanding and ideas about the race so we can all work together to create a more substantive lore behind the race.

First off, the lore page itself seems as though it is lacking definitive statements and detailed explanations behind the race itself. It gives many quirks and oddities that I think make the race fun, but there are too many bones to really make them seem more than just a strange sort of artist's archetype. I don't know what the general opinion of the Akvatari is, exactly, but it does seem as though people take them as jokes or angsty comic relief more so than a cultured, relatively young race. While I don't think this image is necessarily a bad thing, I'd like to either expand upon it - give it more depth and life - or move away towards something else.

Initially, when I read up on the Akvatari, I thought they were absolutely ridiculous. Seal bodies with butterfly wings that only make art? Yeah ok. But the more I thought about them, the more they appealed to me. By far, the most drastic idea I've come to so far, is the advent of bard. With Rhaus' gnosis developed and in play, I think it provides the Akvatari with an interesting state of affairs. While originally contrived as tactile artists, I believe it could be possible to expand them beyond the studio arts and into the fine arts as well. Whether this is something that should be pursued or not, of course, it depending on people's opinions, staff guidelines, and the like, but that's what I'd like to get going: ideas. No ideas are bad! I think the state the Akvatari are in is a good starting point, but I do believe they need to be pushed farther as race.

Really, I'm mostly seeing who all is interested in a revitalization of the Akvatari race!

Here's the link to the lore. Please do keep in mind that, for now, the city of Abura is also of interest, but the race itself is the main point at the moment.

Thank you very much!

[Eleret]

Socially and culturally, I think the Akvatari have a really interesting concept, and it would be neat to have them gain a larger role in the game. Indirectly, obviously, by providing more for players to work with in the lore. Anyway. It seems reasonable to me that they would take an interest in music as well. They like linguistic games, music can be considered an elaborate play on language... plus it's an art and a means of potentially very poignant expression. It fits. I would like to see a section on the general Akvatari opinion of and/or relationship to other races and societies. Not necessarily itemized per race, but -- here you have this people whose social attachments are loose, whose civil structure is basically nonexistent, who need nothing but kelp and fish and the inspiration for their art to survive. Their cultural identity seems practically a non-identity, unlike any other race/city in the game. So how does that influence their views and opinions of others, the many things that other races get hung up on and/or see as essential everyday matters but are entirely frivolous to the Akvatari? Also, what is the typical Akvatari perspective on 'stuff' (i.e. property)? If they don't need much of it, again, that should influence their outlook. A little more about their childhood could be useful. They don't seem to have 95% or so of the things that other races' kids would get into trouble around (cookfires, tools other than the artistic, etc.), they both swim and fly so falling off a ledge isn't much concern, food supplies itself, and it's indicated the parents aren't exactly invested either. So, swimming/flying around loose and with few cares in the world, what do Akvatari children typically do with themselves? For that matter, where did their social structure come from? If the council of six is elected, who elects them? Why, and how often? Though I suppose that might be more of a city question... but if they're individualistic, have no competition within or without for resources, and have minimal crime, what inspired a civil structure to be formed and maintained at all? What does this council do for the Akvatari that they both need and can't accomplish for themselves as individuals?

[Keene Ward]

It seems reasonable to me that they would take an interest in music as well. They like linguistic games, music can be considered an elaborate play on language... plus it's an art and a means of potentially very poignant expression. It fits.

Yes! I was also thinking that it would be interesting to add a little bit more detail into the sort of style of art of the Akvatari as well. From their personailities, I can see heavy amounts of Fauvism, Avant Garde, Surrealism, and other sort of "out there" styles, if that makes sense. The forms more commonly associated with a display of emotion rather than technical talent (of course, not that emotion can't be convey through other art styles haha)

I would like to see a section on the general Akvatari opinion of and/or relationship to other races and societies. Not necessarily itemized per race, but -- here you have this people whose social attachments are loose, whose civil structure is basically nonexistent, who need nothing but kelp and fish and the inspiration for their art to survive. Their cultural identity seems practically a non-identity, unlike any other race/city in the game. So how does that influence their views and opinions of others, the many things that other races get hung up on and/or see as essential everyday matters but are entirely frivolous to the Akvatari?

Hm... That's an interesting point. Instead of focusing on the fact they don't have much of a culture and trying to alter/adjust that, you're suggesting looking at that lack as their culture and how that affects them? I think that that is an important part about them I definitely overlooked. Philophers have often talked about how culture is what separates humans from animals, and the relative newness of the Akvatari and their less-than-human appearances are both really good factors to play into the idea of a developing culture, rather than an established one - though with a twist, as they're not super interested in it, like you said, they pretty much have what they need and don't want much more.

I imagine they're a bit more oblivious to differences, in the sense that the differences may be interesting or inspiring, but not off-putting? In a land that is primarily dominated by their own race, and with the creative, introspective nature of the Ak, I can see them taking an interest in the outside world in the sense of newness and inspiration, searching for muse, so to speak. I think that, currently, their lack of culture is a bit of an off-putting thing in the sense "They have what they need in Abura, and don't have much of a reason to leave" where it could just as easily be "With the advent of trading with foreigners, inspirations and interests have been sparked" making them more travel prone than most characters. It's something I've been thinking about, as they can fly for a good while, and be pretty quick at it. So it could open up an avenue of a "traveling race", though it would have to be carefully done (like the Drykas travel, but are in a large group, stick to one area, etc.).

Also, what is the typical Akvatari perspective on 'stuff' (i.e. property)? If they don't need much of it, again, that should influence their outlook.

Hm... A race not focused on material gain. I wonder if they value to the idea of something over the actual something? Like... It's less about what an object does and more about what it can be made to do or made into? Sort of like... Assemblage art? Haha that could be interesting. It's not about what the object is, but what it can be, which could in turn be a reflection of their own sort of lack of culture: potential over properties.

A little more about their childhood could be useful. They don't seem to have 95% or so of the things that other races' kids would get into trouble around (cookfires, tools other than the artistic, etc.), they both swim and fly so falling off a ledge isn't much concern, food supplies itself, and it's indicated the parents aren't exactly invested either. So, swimming/flying around loose and with few cares in the world, what do Akvatari children typically do with themselves?

For that matter, where did their social structure come from? If the council of six is elected, who elects them? Why, and how often? Though I suppose that might be more of a city question... but if they're individualistic, have no competition within or without for resources, and have minimal crime, what inspired a civil structure to be formed and maintained at all? What does this council do for the Akvatari that they both need and can't accomplish for themselves as individuals?

Bahaha. I can just see a buncha babies swarming around the island like meandering seagulls. heh. They tend to mature fairly quickly, so I wonder if instead of a "childhood" if instead they have more of "learning years" where they're allowed free reign to find their artistic "voice"? Similar to apprenticeships but with a fluidity that would allow them to switch around until they find something they like? A large part of childhood is learning who you are and how to function in society; Akvatari don't have much to learn in the aspect of history or even social conduct, as both of them aren't super important to them, which would then leave open to question: What is the typical social interaction an Akvatari follows?

I think the origin of the structure is super important. Honestly, I'm still thinking about it, and if you have any ideas that would be awesome. The council, as the race is now, seems a bit silly. You're totally right in that they don't really want or need to have a civil system in place, as they're more similar to animals than humans in that regard. I wonder if, instead, the Akvatari have a loose hierarchy organized by artistic talent? Creators of art usually have an appreciation of it as well, but rather than the technical, perhaps they're more drawn to the innovation of display of deep and meaningful content than the actual piece itself, if that makes sense? So then, the opinions of those Akvatari are held a bit higher than others? Hm. I think as things are now, the council should be something else or non-existent. What do you think?

And thank you for your thoughts! I'm glad you're interested as well.

[Eleret]

Instead of focusing on the fact they don't have much of a culture and trying to alter/adjust that, you're suggesting looking at that lack as their culture and how that affects them? Yes, after reviewing the current lore, I think that would be the most interesting approach. Most other cities have culture and community; the individualism sets the Akvatari apart. I do think that as artists, the Akvatari would find a lot of inspiration with foreigners, and it makes sense for at least some to travel to broaden their horizons. It'll be good to recast the culture with that light. Regarding their reactions to others -- It's not so much that I expect they'd find differences off-putting, but that things other cultures take for granted will sometimes be strange and even nonsensical to the Akvatari. More 'that's silly' or 'huh well whatever' than 'you're doing it all wrong!'. . I wonder if they value to the idea of something over the actual something? Like... It's less about what an object does and more about what it can be made to do or made into? Or maybe they have a concept of something like an Ideal Form or True Essence. See Plato's Theory of Forms for an example of what I mean -- in brief, the Ideal Form is the core essence which unites all things of a certain kind. All tables are but reflections and interpretations of the Ideal Table, all apples are imperfect shadows of the Ideal Apple, etc. The Ideal Form is the purest, truest essence and definition of what a thing is, but it is also transcendent, beyond the physical world; reality only approximates the Ideal. I think a similar idea, with art as the medium intended to capture the True Essence behind their subjects, would make a good echo of djed as the identity/essence of things. An artistic philosophy rather than a magical understanding, but approaching similar tenets. And a central philosophy like that might help with firming up their racial tendencies, culture, and society. Bahaha. I can just see a buncha babies swarming around the island like meandering seagulls. heh. They tend to mature fairly quickly, so I wonder if instead of a "childhood" if instead they have more of "learning years" where they're allowed free reign to find their artistic "voice"? Similar to apprenticeships but with a fluidity that would allow them to switch around until they find something they like? I'm sure some sort of 'learning years' would have to happen, where young Akvatari find mentors whose art speaks to them. These may or may not be their parents. It might even make more sense for Akvatari to fall out of their family groups much earlier -- as soon as they start progressing out of that swarm stage into a proto-artist stage. They fall in with an artist and become as the artist's child and student both. It could even be that the 'swarm' stage is looked after more communally, by whomever feels like keeping an eye out for the kids of the block that day, rather than by specific parents. Perhaps it's a rotating job of 'apprentice' types. In any case, communal child-watching would free up parents to focus on their art, which seems like the appropriate goal of Akavatari parenting methods... 'Family' might have much more to do with shared art styles than blood relations... maybe they're headed for developing a social system similar to the Drykas clans or Avanthal holds, but centered around art disciplines rather than blood ties. Probably it hasn't truly taken shape yet, because they don't have need driving them to associate (and artists tend to not be as cohesive, in aggregate), but the beginning impressions could be there. The council, as the race is now, seems a bit silly. You're totally right in that they don't really want or need to have a civil system in place, as they're more similar to animals than humans in that regard. I wonder if, instead, the Akvatari have a loose hierarchy organized by artistic talent? I thought about it some more last night, and I concluded that democracy of any sort really doesn't fit the Akvatari. Democracy requires investment of the populace to be effective; the Akvatari have practically no individual investment. So the whole framework of elections and vetos and collectively-decided rules just doesn't make sense for them to have. I wouldn't necessarily say they're "akin to animals" in the social regard. It doesn't have to do with their youth as a race. It's more that they just aren't subject to the major driving forces that bring and hold polities together -- e.g. scarcity/competition, control/greed, fear/danger, and (in some degree) nationalism. An artistic hierarchy makes sense. It is probably completely impractical, but conditions do not really require the Akvatari to be practical. Status as a reflection of artistic expression, with the art type that's 'in vogue' changing every so often. I could see an "election" being a poll of who's the most popular / well-received / innovative / expressive artist of the season or year or whatever. There could be an exhibition each season, maybe, and standing based on either one specific season or the aggregate performance over all four. Then, what does 'status' mean for them? Better working areas, more supplies, more young Akvatari happy to be 'apprentices' or just plain go-fers? The ability to set 'fashion' in their art discipline (by way of influence, not fiat). Are off-island supplies considered particularly valuable? Perhaps the top artist in each field has first dibs on trade with any foreign merchants that happen by. Maybe instead of the island being a free-for-all with regards to housing, there are areas that would be better-suited to artistic work. Better lighting, closer to pigment materials, protected from the wind and spray, etc. These are in high demand and go to artists with higher status (and perhaps their apprentices). Artists who are less well-received (more derivative? just plain outre to Akvatari sensibilities?) then have to struggle with sub-par studio conditions. Or work somewhere that is not where they sleep. Perhaps there's a communal area for some arts, and unloved artists have to eke out their own working space within it? Or have to choose between doing so and working somewhere sub-par for their discipline.

[Eleret]

An additional thought that got stuck in my head and needs to be shared: What if the different artistic disciplines make up a "Spectrum", with each one a "Hue". The Hue of Painting, the Hue of Music, etc. Probably with more clever names than those, but for brainstorming purposes these work. Then each style is a "Tint" or "Shade". Like the Shade of Abstract Gothic Impressionism (for sake of example). I'd imagine there's no formal system of these, because all it would take to start a new 'style' is for any given Akvatari to declare "my art belongs to the Tint of Modern Blue Expressionism" or whatever. Whereas the Hues would be defined by the materials worked in, so they're finite. Just as hues of color are relatively few, but their variations are myriad. Maybe art and status are judged within a Hue, so that similar implementations are compared to one another, and the current 'top' artists of each Hue make up the 'offices' of the Spectrum and get whatever perks. And of course, there are no restrictions on a artist changing Hues or working in multiple materials, and Tints/Shades may cross disciplines as well. But this would provide a framework for recognizing both, as little or as much as Akvatari choose to.

[Keene Ward]

Regarding their reactions to others -- It's not so much that I expect they'd find differences off-putting, but that things other cultures take for granted will sometimes be strange and even nonsensical to the Akvatari. More 'that's silly' or 'huh well whatever' than 'you're doing it all wrong!'.

Hm... Think that would be a really important thing to add to their psychology. Because they're so individualistic, I imagine the more communal a trait, the more confusing. So hunting, city layouts, taverns, the idea of comrades (not to say they don't have "friends", but I imagine the social ties among Akvatari to be pretty loose), government and authority especially... And probably a lot more. Moving back to the idea of an art-centric race, I think it would lean more towards "that's silly" than apathy regarding anything that interests them, with more of a "well whatever" for things that are strange but don't really affect them? -An example being an Akvatari really interested in jewelcrafting may find people wearing a whole bunch of them to show status as silly because it takes away from the whole composition by being too busy; whereas an Akvatari disinterested in the idea of clothing may just think, "wow, what a waste of fabric/what a strange thing to do" you know, depending on their personality. I think this is a really, really important part of who the Akvatari are! Good catch. xD

Or maybe they have a concept of something like an Ideal Form or True Essence. See Plato's Theory of Forms for an example of what I mean -- in brief, the Ideal Form is the core essence which unites all things of a certain kind. All tables are but reflections and interpretations of the Ideal Table, all apples are imperfect shadows of the Ideal Apple, etc. The Ideal Form is the purest, truest essence and definition of what a thing is, but it is also transcendent, beyond the physical world; reality only approximates the Ideal.

I think a similar idea, with art as the medium intended to capture the True Essence behind their subjects, would make a good echo of djed as the identity/essence of things. An artistic philosophy rather than a magical understanding, but approaching similar tenets. And a central philosophy like that might help with firming up their racial tendencies, culture, and society.

Oh. My. Lanta. That is so good! With the pursuit (or expression?) of Ideal Forms, the Akvatari suddenly have a reason for being drawn towards art. And they themselves, are a whole slew of different animals, an approximation of the Ideal of Life. So, instead of having religion like most other cultures, they're more philosophical (as the lore already suggests) and tend towards the actualization of the Ideal Forms. It would help link up a lot, give them a believable social structure that isn't government, and I think it could help the dilemma of children: parents aren't necessarily disinterested in them, but there's a belief that an Ideal can only truly be expressed by someone, not forced on them. So the little babies have free reign and carte blanche to fly around and figure out what their interpretation of their own Ideal Form is. If that makes any sense. I think using this as the central basis behind the Akvatari culture is really strong, though it would certainly require an actual history for out little winged and furred friends haha. Which I also think would be nice to have, since it's currently more like, "They're new and not much is known about them." By creating art, the Akvatari should have a history that has spread itself throughout Mizahar as they've traded.

I'm sure some sort of 'learning years' would have to happen, where young Akvatari find mentors whose art speaks to them. These may or may not be their parents. It might even make more sense for Akvatari to fall out of their family groups much earlier -- as soon as they start progressing out of that swarm stage into a proto-artist stage. They fall in with an artist and become as the artist's child and student both.

It could even be that the 'swarm' stage is looked after more communally, by whomever feels like keeping an eye out for the kids of the block that day, rather than by specific parents. Perhaps it's a rotating job of 'apprentice' types. In any case, communal child-watching would free up parents to focus on their art, which seems like the appropriate goal of Akavatari parenting methods...

Swarm stage. I was totally joking, but that's actually fantastic. Wild and crazy for a few years, each Akvatari baby (and I imagine the timeframe would be a little flexible) reaches an "existential crises" which the pushes them towards a specific art. The idea that biological birth has little to do with family is also really interesting. I wonder. I know the lore currently states family ties are loose, so developing a master/apprentice relationship that is relatively open in the sense that the apprentice can break off and do his/her own thing totally would flow well. It would also support the idea of Ak being independent, without making it like... Angsty teenager leaves indifferent mother.

I like the idea of an overseer for the baby swarm, but I think the way we're currently approaching their psychology and culture, it would actually make more sense for the babies to just fly free. I think they might benefit from a pre-swarm stage where they learn to swim and fly, but I can't imagine that being longer than about two or two and half seasons after their born since their naturals (unless they're born more like butterflies in the sense that their wings just have to dry out before they can fly). I agree I was a little off on thinking they were closer to animals than humans, but they could still have "hunting" instincts in that when they're hungry, they go fishing/kelp eating. The more self-sufficient the better, I think. But either way, the parents would have more time to work on art. lol. Oh Akvatari.

An artistic hierarchy makes sense. It is probably completely impractical, but conditions do not really require the Akvatari to be practical. Status as a reflection of artistic expression, with the art type that's 'in vogue' changing every so often. I could see an "election" being a poll of who's the most popular / well-received / innovative / expressive artist of the season or year or whatever. There could be an exhibition each season, maybe, and standing based on either one specific season or the aggregate performance over all four.

Hm. I think you're right in saying they're not really democratic, which would make the... I don't, massive art critique as a bit too organized for them. Maybe it would make more sense for them to just have open studios. If the Akvatari are more prone towards curiosity and appreciation of art rather than jealousy, open studios would make sense. If the whole race is working towards expressing the Ideal, and that is what binds them, one of the things artists have always done is "steal" techniques, ideas, etc. If the Akvatari actively share them though, they would progress a lot faster, building off of each other. I think that the "Hierarchy" would be more of an unspoken appreciation for specific artists. In deference, maybe pieces would carry the "Inspirer's" name? Like, the Akvatari attribute "status" to those they think deserve it, so there could be anywhere from five to fifty "Inspirers" depending on who you ask?

Then, what does 'status' mean for them? Better working areas, more supplies, more young Akvatari happy to be 'apprentices' or just plain go-fers? The ability to set 'fashion' in their art discipline (by way of influence, not fiat). Are off-island supplies considered particularly valuable? Perhaps the top artist in each field has first dibs on trade with any foreign merchants that happen by.

Maybe instead of the island being a free-for-all with regards to housing, there are areas that would be better-suited to artistic work. Better lighting, closer to pigment materials, protected from the wind and spray, etc. These are in high demand and go to artists with higher status (and perhaps their apprentices). Artists who are less well-received (more derivative? just plain outre to Akvatari sensibilities?) then have to struggle with sub-par studio conditions. Or work somewhere that is not where they sleep. Perhaps there's a communal area for some arts, and unloved artists have to eke out their own working space within it? Or have to choose between doing so and working somewhere sub-par for their discipline.

Hm. I think that the only real status differentiations should be between "adults" and "children", where the rite of passage is to find the "voice" and follow it?

I think actual physical reward wouldn't align with their psychology. Maybe they get the better spaces because the other Akvatari are more interested in what the (we'll just call the Akvatari of states "Inspirers" for now) might create in a space they request? And, continuing the idea of subjective appreciation, some Akvatari may be more influential with others? So there's some politics, but they're creative enough that if the space they request is full or not available, they'd just move on; very internally driven, so to speak. If they're like that, trade goods could be placed in a communal "art room" where they can grab what supplies they need? I'd like to think there are a few Akvatari that take the creation of the materials (instruments, pigments, papers, etc) as an art form in and of itself, so a lot of what they have is made there?

Hm... I think it would be easier to get rid of the free-for-all housing, but then again, giving Inspirers better picks seems a little too competitive, if you know what I mean? Maybe (as you said later on), there are specific buildings that have become the domains of Hues based solely off of which work better for what medium? So then if you're from the Hue of Music, you'd go to the more cavernous spires with the best acoustics; Hue of Sculpture may be in the underwater caverns where clay stays moist etc. That way, there's organization to their housing, but not based off of status? (Or loosely based off of it if you think of Hues as status roles).

As for the communal area... There's the art form of Interior Design and Landscaping, so there could be an open forum-like area where Akvatari from those Hues set up exhibitions of artwork they've collected from the other Hues? And that might be one of the ways the Akvatari choose their own Ispirers and such?

What if the different artistic disciplines make up a "Spectrum", with each one a "Hue". The Hue of Painting, the Hue of Music, etc. Probably with more clever names than those, but for brainstorming purposes these work.

Then each style is a "Tint" or "Shade". Like the Shade of Abstract Gothic Impressionism (for sake of example). I'd imagine there's no formal system of these, because all it would take to start a new 'style' is for any given Akvatari to declare "my art belongs to the Tint of Modern Blue Expressionism" or whatever. Whereas the Hues would be defined by the materials worked in, so they're finite. Just as hues of color are relatively few, but their variations are myriad.

Maybe art and status are judged within a Hue, so that similar implementations are compared to one another, and the current 'top' artists of each Hue make up the 'offices' of the Spectrum and get whatever perks. And of course, there are no restrictions on a artist changing Hues or working in multiple materials, and Tints/Shades may cross disciplines as well. But this would provide a framework for recognizing both, as little or as much as Akvatari choose to.

I love this. I think this is an awesome solution to government! Though, again, I'm not sure about the perks... but I do think this would make it more like "the top five Inspirers from the Hue of Poetry" or the like. The perks being that their respective hues tend to be based off of their art until a paradigm shift that results in a new movement. I'm personally a little loathe to give them too much of a "get this position and get rewards", but maybe there could be...

Like "Shades" are the individually declared, personal subcategories of a hue, while "Tints" are Akvatari specific - say Adcren creates a form of air ballet so unique and inspiring, the other Akvatari decide to dub it the Tint of Adcren, while Adcren may still refer to it as her Shade of Post Modern Aerodance. If that makes sense? So the best artists get honored, but most in name or appreciation only, as the art being created is more for the personal benefit of each Akvatari rather than the money driven market of the larger art world today?

Finally, do you think we should pursue a more reward based system or keep the free-flowing creativity they seem to have now?

[Liminal]

A discussion thread for my wingaling babies! I'm gonna have to read this.

[Ayviss]

Hey there. Very interesting ideas you both had for the Akvatari race. It'll certainly be nice to see it rewritten. They certainly deserve more love.

Other questions and thoughts I got from reading the lore article and the discussion above (this are just my thoughts, and sometimes comments that I felt could help you in fleshing up the race, and some sections taken from other races' articles that aren't addressed for the Akvatari):

1. What are the possible colors for Akvatari's hair and eyes? Same as humans, or they have more "exotic" hair and eyes coloring?

2. The clothes the Akvatari use can be expanded in the article. I mean, they can create an art in their clothing the same way they create it in a canvas, or write a song, so their clothes can be an art form in itself. Even if they just use only a single band of clothing like the article states, they can create wonders with it. So it might be nice to expand on that, since clothing is an important part of a culture.

3. Similar to clothing, what are Akvatari's hairstyle? That too can be considered an art form if you make a complex enough hairstyle. However, since this is a lot less lasting, I don't know if the Akvatari would lose their time from doing other types of art to braid they hair. Probably not, but even then this can be addressed in the article.

4. What are Akvatari's view relating to war/fights/etc? They aren't prone to violence, because they are thinkers, but how they view it? As useless, a waste of time, or simply something not so important to focus on? They are artists, but why? They view art as a form of expressing oneself? The search for the Ideal Form (like you both have said) propels them? But why? What they believe they will achieve once they know what the Ideal Form is for them? Maybe they can only feel they know themselves once they know what their own Ideal Form is? Which would make sense for the existential crisis they may might go through their childhood.

5. How many time does it take for an Akvatari to give birth? They have a somewhat short period of fertility (9-10 years), and depending on how much time did it took for them to give birth, the number of child they can have will also vary.

6. When the Akvatari ages, do they lose speed and strength considerably, to the point where they cannot hold their breath so much under water, or travel so long and so fast in the air? Or do they retain most of it?

7. Like you already said, a Council for them wouldn't make much sense. Maybe they are more like Sunberth, no rulers, no people in charge. However, while Sunberth is chaos, the Akvatari would simply go on minding their own business. I agree that hierarchy based on artistic skills would be too complicated and competitive for them. However, a well-known and high skilled artist would have more prestige than a less known one.

8. Letting the babies go without almost no supervision could be dangerous. Yes, they know how to fly, so they won't fall. They don't get stoves to be burnt on, but even with instinct, some may have more difficult finding food, learning how to fly, etc, which would result in a very high child mortality rate for them.

9. Since family ties are so loose, maybe the "family" the Akvatari stays in is not his or hers "true family". Or, like you said, when an Akvatari has found their true voice in art, they chose a Hue to stay on. And, if they felt like it, they could easily change, since their ties aren't really strong with each other, most of the time.

10. In regards to housing, free for all makes sense for them. But maybe the island is divided in sections, and each section "belongs" to a hue, depending on their art form.

11. What kind of money do the Akvatari use? Or they don't use it at all? Trade might make more sense for the race, but then, what's considered valuable to be traded, and what's not?

12. What's Akvatari's diet? What do they eat? Do they eat it raw, or they have elaborated or simple dishes?

13. Akvatari could have a "rite of passage" when they come of age. It does not happen in a specific age, but rather it happens when the Akvatari has found his or her voice in art, and it consists simply in presenting a piece of their own creation (be it a music, a poem, or a painting).

There. I really hope you are able to go through with this. I'd love to see the Akvatari race rewritten! Good luck.