Airuz

Airuz (pronounced EYE-rooz) is a mysterious entity that dwells somewhere within Talgazan. Though its appearance and location are unknown - none alive can credibly claim to have seen it - Airuz is influential in the society of many Talgazan giant tribes. It is generally believed to be benevolent, if with its own often unclear motivations and interests.

Certain tribes of giants in Talgazan select members to "join" Airuz. Rarely an honor extended to more than one individual from a tribe at a time, at the absolute most, these giants meet with Airuz at certain ritual groves spread across the frigid northern landscapes. In the words of the giants this meeting is physical, yet outsiders who have observed the occasion report there is little to be seen. Regardless, after their communion with the creature, these individuals adopt the role of Murmurer within their tribe.

Murmurers rapidly undergo a series of changes following their contact with Airuz. Frostbite-like patches appear across their skin, slowly at first but then rapidly expanding, even as they become almost impervious to cold. Obvious signs of aging cease entirely, and Murmurers have been known to live for many hundreds of years past their expected natural lifespans. Murmurers speak nearly ceaselessly, hence their name, a steady stream of words and broken sentences in multiple languages, even those they did not know prior to communing with Airuz. This continues all day, every day, and all night as well, as Murmurers seemingly lose the ability and need to sleep.

Despite their shifts in physical appearance, it is the mental changes evident in Murmurers that are most remarkable. All develop an unusual detachment from the world and a seeming lack of regard for their own self-preservation, yet they also gain an ability to see all that is observed and understand all that is known by other Murmurers, a great boon to their tribe in an often unpredictably changing landscape. This comes at a significant cost, however, as the giant loses most of their previous personality, or at least suppresses it, becoming far more defined by their connection to Airuz than by their own past. Memories remain and can be recalled, but the Murmurers rarely recognize them as their own.

A Murmurer's role within their tribe is almost entirely mundane; they provide information about the movements of animals and other tribes, warnings about approaching dangers, and insight into the motivations of others, but no spiritual guidance. In fact, tribal shamans, oracles, and soul-dreamers often maintain a ritual separation with Murmurers under the belief that they are incapable of comprehending religious matters, and moreover that physical contact with a Murmurer severs any connection with the divines or ghost-spirits.

At rare times Murmurers may leave their tribes, setting out alone into the wilds of Talgazan to fulfill unknown goals. They are typically allowed to depart without incident, as is thought that they are called to other matters by Airuz. Often those that depart do not return.