Tzengua

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A Tzengua (plural: Tzengua) is a plant-like creature native to the Tazuké region of Mencu, but now found worldwide. It is a somewhat sentient creature that is popular with healers and ritualists. It is very intelligent, and thus is one of the most complex creatures on Mencu apart from the Serenghe themselves.



Physiology
Tzengua change significantly over the course of their lives, starting out as a bipedal, chick-like creature, and eventually growing into a full-on humanoid form resembling a wingless Serenza creature. Its large, root-like feet are formed in such a way that these creatures are surprisingly fast. These roots have extremities that work as powerful toes that can propel even the young ones a few feet in the air with a long jump. The chicks possess a leafy down-like covering over most of their body which also covers a pair of stubby, arm-like extremities that are often tucked in close to their bodies. The chicks also have leaves on their heads that are something like a crown. In the middle of it's "scalp" is a small bulb that will eventually grow into a large flower.

A Tzengua's body is similar to a bush insomuch that without all the leaves and flowers that it has as "clothing", it is little more than a stick person-shaped mass of roots and vines. The 'clothing' ranging from the leafy down on the chicks and juveniles to the full on 'skirts' that the adults and mature individuals possess, does grow back, and is part of their body. However, similar to how a plant can survive even after getting most of its leaves stripped, a Tzengua can usually survive without its 'clothing'.

As it grows, its arms and legs increase in size and thickness, and the juveniles and maturelings (Tzengua which are past the juvenile stage but not full adults) develop distinct arms that have a similar root-like structure to its feet. Because of this, it can easy perform a handstand.

It also possesses two eyes and a mouth, with which it can make facial expressions. While these creatures to not appear to be fully sentient the way Serenghe are, it has clearly expressed numerous kinds of emotions.

Adults are easy to distinguish from maturelings because the flower on their heads is fully bloomed. It is actually removable similar to a hat, and its petals are very sturdy. The sepals are even more dangerous, as they are sturdy and also sharp. The adult likes to use this flower as a weapon similar to a boomerang.

Of particular interest is that Tzengua are also affected by Zaderism. These Tzengua are more resilient than their normal counterparts, and their eyes shine red just like those of a Zaderic Serenghe. The bulb that makes up their head also has red vein-like lines that run over one side of their face. However, unlike Serenghe, Tzengua do not discriminate Zaderic individuals, and ironically, because of this, the Serenghe do not do so either.

Abilities
Tzengua are very intelligent creatures that have a myraid of abilities. While they may not be as complex or powerful as Serenghe, they are still very clever and resourceful creatures, able to perform several functions similar to the Serenghe themselves.

Forming
The Tzengua are slightly limited Plantformers, which gives them the ability to manipulate certain types of flora around them. Despite being constructed of plant matter themselves, they are unable to be manipulated by Plantformers just as Serenghe are not able to be manipulated by other formers (particular Waterformers or Earthformers), most likely due to their chi energy that they possess. Given that Tzengua have chi energy of their own, this is likely the reason why they cannot be manipulated like normal plants.

In rare cases, Tzengua have exhibited the ability to manipulate one of the 6 Mencuan Elements. These are usually older members of the species, and are considered very dangerous. While their elemental forming skills do not match up to most Serenghe, they can prove to be very dangerous towards younger or inexperienced Serenghe. However, it seems that they prefer to show these abilities off to their peers as opposed to using them for combat.

Weaponry
Tzengua are capable of utlizing objects to serve as weapons for them. Most notably, they will use large sticks as battle staffs, similar to the way Serenghe do,. It is believed that they got this concept from the Serenghe themselves. They also occasionally use sharp leaves or sticks as daggers, usually wielding one in each 'hand'. However, this too is mostly just for show, and they seem to enjoy sparring each other in this manner.

The flower that grows on the head of fully matured adults is also a weapon by itself. It has loose roots that weave through the grasslike 'hair' on their heads, intertwining to the point where it will stay on and receive nutrients along with the rest of the host, but it is easily detachable and because of the thick petals and knifelike sepals, it works similar to a giant round blade, or even sometimes a shield.

Ultimately, however, a Tzengua's best weapon is themselves; or more accurately, their hands and feet. They are rootlike extensions and extremities with which they can (and do) absorb the moisture or energy out of a target (or out of the ground), and this is one of their primary defenses. Since they are for the most part a passive species, they typically do not attack unless they are seeking nourishment the soil or sunlight cannot provide, or have been provoked into attacking.  

Other Abilities
A Tzengua's flower comes in varieties of colors and aromas. They as well as the leaves and grass that grow on the different life stages of a Tzengua make them valuable resources for healers and apothecaries, as well as delicacies and seasonings in some cases. However, obtaining these is not always as easy as plucking them off. Tzengua can get fierce if they feel threatened. The leaves and flowers, including the large flower 'hat' will grow right back if lost, although the latter grows back more slowly, taking about a week to do so. Most leaves can be regrown in a matter of hours; and the grasslike 'hair' on their head can return in 1-2 days. However, this usually requires a large amount of energy from the subject, which then causes them to want to sleep for a while after regrowing. Because of this, Tzengua leaves are best harvested in the evenings, particularly evenings with small crescent moons or a new moon.

Serenghe are not the only ones who recognize Tzengua as dangerous creatures. Many other creatures will not attack them in fear of getting their own energy drained, as that is one of many ways that a Tzengua gets it nourishment. It is not uncommon for a mother Tzengua to bring its chicks back a kill. Because of their similarity to plants, they can camouflage in with their environments and mimic other plants very well, especially in dense places like The Titans' Playground. they sometimes also hang from trees disguised as branches and drop onto their prey. They do not usually attack Serenghe unless provoked, however, as they have come to acknowledge not only the sentience of Serenghe, but more importantly, a Serenghe's own abilities.

Tzengua also possess something akin to competence with gardening, given how they tend to their young. Since they occasionally suck energy from larger plants and trees, they tend to those plants as well so that they can continue to provide energy for the Tzengua species.

Behavior
Tzengua are somewhat sentient insomuch that they have relationships with each other, and are somewhat familial creatures. A mother Tzengua protecting her chicks is a fierce force to be reckoned with, and it is known to attack Serenghe who wish to cause harm to them or try to harvest its leaves or flowers without its approval.

They are able to communicate, and do so very easily with each other, to the point of having full conversations in their "language". Serenghe can imitate this language with concentrated effort, although because of the differences in mouth structure, it usually comes out sloppy. Since Tzengua can express emotion, it is not uncommon to see them joke to one another about a Serenghe's sloppy "speech". They are very intelligent creatures, and some can understand some of the Serenghe Language if they hear it enough. However, they are unable to mimic it themselves. They are very good at acting out their thoughts and feelings towards Serenghe, and are acute at deciphering Serenghe who are willing to do the same.

Tzengua are typically diurnal creatures, although many will come out at night when the moon is more prominent. While they do not hibernate in winter or in the cooler seasons, they do tend to sleep more and eat less. Many of them store food and water during the warmer seasons in preparation for the cooler seasons.

In the wild in particular, Tzengua are also predatory when they need to be. The adults usually emit a strong aroma from the flowers on their heads, and some will even even put their flower out as a lure. Once an unsuspecting creature comes along, they spring from their hiding places and latch onto the prey with their root-like hands and feet and begin to absorb its energy. While larger creatures may be able to get away, they usually suck smaller creatures dry.

Apart from the predatory instincts that kick in when there is no fertile soil or large plants to absorb energy from, Tzengua are generally passive creatures, especially to Serenghe. They will generally try to warn Serenghe against attacking them, knowing that in a one-on-one, they would likely lose, but if forced into combat, they will put up a fight.

Of particular interest is that Tzengua will bury their dead. This is believed to be so that the nutrients from their leaves and bodies will return to the soil and thus improve the soil a little, although this is the only thing that could qualify as cannibalism either. While they will mourn their losses for a brief period, they do not mark the sites of their buried dead or honor them much farther than the period of mourning. They do, however, remember those that died, particularly if it is a parent having to bury a chick or a juvenile.

Habitat
Tzengua prefer to live in lush areas with rich soil, given their preferred diets. They prefer humid or tropical regions the bests, with forests and jungles being their preferred habitats. They are somewhat popular with royalty, and there are a few that live in the gardens and courtyards in certain nations. Most notably is Capital Ezirco, where Queen Zerviah has a few Tzengua in her palace gardens.

While they lack full-on 'societies', they do tend to stick together, or at least as family units. In cooler seasons, they will usually travel in small groups, huddled together and sharing body heat, so to speak. other times they will dig their feet (and sometimes their hands) into the ground to absorb any heat they can get from the soil.

It has also been observed that Tzengua can live in and around trees, attacking animals (or sometimes Serenghe) that might want to harm the tree in return for shelter and nourishment. these Tzengua will tend to the trees just as they would tend to any other home. They often use their root-like extremities to latch onto branches, and many will hang upside-down from trees like bats.

Their favorite regions in Mencu are the Titans' Playground, the Sezonzé Wilderness, and Munjang-Îue in Krippa. In more arid places, they tend to move up onto the mountains, where they feed off of the flora growing there, or off of the minerals found in the rocks of the mountains. In hotter regions, they are usually situated close to rivers or bodies of water to maintain the amount of moisture they need to flourish. Sometimes Tzengua can also live near Serenghe cities, usually found around hospitals, apothecaries, parks, and gardens.

General
Tzengua are technically omnivores, although because of the way they obtain and use their energy, they do not give off waste, utilizing only the things they need from the air, soil, water, and other flora and fauna. Thus, their mouths are more for communication rather than eating. They do need air to do this of course, but they do not 'breathe' the way Serenghe do.

In regions like Krippa, they are a bit more predatory, possibly influenced by the fierceness of Zaderic Serenghe, but will still try to absorb nutrients ambiently when they can, or from larger plants that they can help nourish and maintain. It has also been noted that they enjoy fruits and vegetables especially well, and these can also influence the way their leaves and flowers smell or taste.

Preference
Despite their predatory abilities, Tzengua prefer to get their energy the same way plants do: through the soil and by photosynthesis. However, because of the numerous ways that they can obtain food, it is very difficult for them to starve. If they were not beneficial for their grass, leaves, and flowers (and sometimes even friendship), and for the useful ways they helped other plants, the Tzengua species would be considered a pest and a nuisance, for they are very difficult to stop. It has few known predators, because the moment contact is made with it, it is able to extend its arms or legs to latch onto part of the attacker's body and begin absorbing energy and moisture from it, even to a debilitating point.

Reproduction And Lifespan
Tzengua reproduce sexually, with males producing pollen and females producing seeds (and thus offspring). Similar to the Zaderic Sex Ratio, there are many more females than males. Unlike most plants, a Tzengua was not produce too many seeds after being pollinated, usually only producing between 3 and 6 each time, some of which never end up growing. However, they can pollinate often, and so can still reproduce fairly well. Like most seeds, a Tzengua seed will remain dormant unless it is planted. When planted, it will grow like a normal plant for a couple weeks until it is ready to be 'harvested'.

It is very easy to tell when this point comes, because three thick-stemmed leaves will be poking out of the ground attached to a sturdy stem. Pulling this out of the ground will bring the new chick out from below the soil, where it will immediately begin hopping around. Often times a mother Tzengua will help dig its offspring out when they are ready to be plucked. If there is no one there to pull a chick from the ground, it will begin struggling to loosen the soil around it, where it will eventually be able to make its way out of the ground. the thick stem and the trio of leaves fall off after a few days, and unlike most other Tzengua leaves, these are of little use, and so are somewhat comparable to an umbilical cord. Apart from Zaderic Tzengua, their eye color will match the color of its flower, which can also be seen as an undeveloped bulb on the heads of chicks and juveniles, and as an unblossomed bud on maturelings who are not yet adults. The color of the flower does not affect how it will smell. However, certain colors appear more in certain regions than others, the most famous of which is the brilliant blue-colored flower that many Tzengua who live near North Serénes have.

Like Serenghe, Tzengua can live a fairly long time, with a lifespan of about 160 years. Some have lived past 200 years though, and the older they get, the more potent their flowers, leaves, and grasses will become. Chicks last about three months before being considered juveniles. The juvenile stage lasts approximately another 9 months; and the matureling phase lasts another year or so, with full adulthood being around 2-2½ years. However, most of their leaves to not become useful in medicines and remedies until about 4 or 5 years of age.

General
Since they are composed of plant matter, Tzengua are generally varying shades of green, although the bulb that forms their head is usually a lighter shade. Occasionally, even their flowers can be green, although their flowers, similar to their eyes, are much like the eyes and wings of Serenghe. These flowers can be any color, although some colors such as white, may be indicators of blindness, which, while very rare for Tzengua, does still happen. Underneath the leaflike clothing they wear and grow, their limbs and bodies are varying shades of yellow and brown. Most Tzengua, when fully grown, are about 1'6"-1'9", or about up to a Serenghe's waist. They are thus very light and easy to carry (some actually do enjoy being held by Serenghe they trust), weighing only about 14-19 lbs. Of course, size varies with the age of the Tzengua in question. The seeds they produce are about 2 inches in diameter and weigh about 1½-2 oz.

It should also be noted that there is a vast difference between female Tzengua and male Tzengua. While the females generally have leaves in varying shades of green, a male's leaves and flower will often be an assortment of bright colors. Similarly, a male Zaderic Tzengua has vividly colored leaves, and certain parts of them will glow the various colors along with their eyes. Because of this natural attention-grabber, the few male Zaderic Tzengua that exist are generally very introverted and prefer to be out of the spotlight.

Chicks
Tzengua chicks are about 3-4 inches tall and weigh only about 3-4 ounces as well. they are born with fuzz-covered leafy 'down' that can be removed just like the 'clothing' of older Tzengua, but it is of no medical or dietary use to Serenghe, and so it is usually left alone, even though removing it would not hurt the chick either. They have short legs with large root-like feet, though their arms have not developed very much yet, and so they seldom appear outside of the fluffy leafy down that covers them. Since their legs are very short, they prefer to use their feet to hop around, and have even been seen performing flips with their jumping skills. They scamper about, although usually look around hurriedly before hopping back to their mother's 'garden' (nest). Even at this age they know how to utilize the earth to get the nutrients they need, although they also rely a bit on their mother's guidance.

Juveniles
Juvenile Tzengua have more developed arms than their younger counterparts, although they are still short and stubby. Their legs have lengthened, and the fuzz on their 'clothes' has diminished, as the down begins to fall out and be replaced by full-on leaves that will give it the appearance of wearing a long skirt. The leaves on its head begin to open up to better reveal the bulb that will become its flower, and fine, silky grass grows around it and starts growing down the back of its head like hair. They are about 6-9 inches tall, and weigh about 1-2 lbs. Juvenile Tzengua still hop around, but will also begin to properly walk if they are not in a hurry. They particularly like to grip things with their hands as they learn to use their newly developed arms, although they do not use them to absorb energy except for occasionally from the air around them. Like the chicks, juveniles rely on their parents to get most of their nourishment.

Maturelings
Once a Tzengua has physically matured, the bulb on the back of its head will begin to emerge, and slowly start unfolding as it makes its transition into adulthood. its arms are much more developed now, and maturelings like to swing from tree branches with them. Its legs are also much longer, as are the leaves that make up its 'clothing'. Also in this stage, leaves begin to grow to cover its arms, turning the skirt into a full-on 'gown'. Maturelings are about 10-14 inches in height and weigh about 8-12 lbs. By this age, they are able to hunt on their own, and do not rely on their parents as much for water or nourishment. However, since they are not yet adults, they tend to stay with their parents for a bit longer. This is also the age where they begin practicing using leaf blades or stick staffs, and maturelings enjoy sparring with each other. It is also during the matureling stage of life that they learn to harness their forming skills, and usually practice by shooting vines or leaves at different things.

Adults
Adults are fully grown Tzengua, and weigh in around 14-19 lbs while standing between 1'6" and 1'8". Their head flower has fully bloomed by this point, and while it is detachable, they tend to keep it on unless using it as a weapon. While adulthood comes after about 2 years, it usually takes another 2-3 years for their leaves, grass, or flower to be of any medicinal use. By this time they are competent enough that they no longer need their parents to provide for them at all, although many of them do like to see and interact with their parents or families. These are the fiercest of the Tzengua, able to ambush and drain the energy out of unwary prey if the need grows high enough. It is also late into the adult phase that some Tzengua can learn to utilize their chi energy to manipulate one of the 6 Mencuan Elements that are part of The Anima Cycle. How this rare phenomenon occurs remains a mystery, although it is believed to be through aftereffects of certain magic.

Between Tzengua
Although they do not have names for each other, Tzengua do recognize different indiviauls, and some are more close-knit than others. They can make friends, rivals, and enemies, and will remember these relationships very well. While they do enjoy sparring, they seldom resort to killing one another unless they are left with no other choice. They reason with each other much more than Serenghe reason with each other, which results in less violence. However, they are also more passive than Serenghe, which may be another reason for this.

Tzengua appear to have a profound understanding of power and corresponding danger, which may explain why they try to avoid fighting with Serenghe. They do not have real "authority" figures amongst themselves, but generally the older and stronger ones get to shunt the younger ones around. However, this is more for protection and providence, as they do their best to teach their chicks how to provide for themselves, and the parents will also use their own abilities to keep their young safe from harm.

Tzengua communicate with each other using their mouths, through which they emit various clicks and whistles. They do therefore have something resembling lungs, although they are more like simple sacs used to inhale air in order to make the noises they do. They can babble, as not every sound they make is a form of communication, and they have also been seen laughing or giggling. The easiest way for a Serenghe to make them laugh is when they try to emulate the clicks and whistles of the Tzengua 'language'. Because of chicks and juveniles, Tzengua can also communicate through various movements and gestures, and this is the method of communication that they most often use to communicate and converse with Serenghe. Occasionally, they also express themselves through Forming various flora around them.

With Serenghe
The Serenghe and the Tzengua get along fairly well, as the Tzengua are considered very useful to Serenghe, their leaves, grass, and flowers being useful in many different types of medicines. Similar to how they are with each other, Tzengua can develop relationships with Serenghe, both good and bad. They will only willingly give up their leaves to Serenghe they trust or like. If a Serenghe they do not know tries to pluck the leaves from them, they will resist, and threaten to attack. If the warnings are heeded, a fight is almost always avoided. Conversely, if a Tzengua's warnings are not heeded, they will attack and attempt to inflict enough pain on a Serenghe to try and teach them a lesson. While they do not have a true relationship indicator like a Zaderic Keiza, they can usually tell when a Serenghe is being sincere with them or just trying to use them for their leaves.

While 'stripping' a Tzengua does not hurt them, the twisted vines and roots that form their bodies, as well as the bulbs that form their heads do have nerves of some kind in them, as they can and do feel contact. they do seem to enjoy getting their heads lightly scratched, and it is an easy way for them to warm up to a Serenghe, although like any relationship between sentient creatures, it is something that takes time and patience.

To harvest a Tzengua's leaves or flowers without causing them to react adversely, Serenghe need to essentially 'ask' them if it is okay and sometimes even coax or convince them of it. If the Tzengua and the Serenghe are in a good relationship with each other, it is a fairly easy task, and they will often willingly let their leaves be harvested. If the relationship is more neutral, it takes a little persuasion, and if the relationship is negative, they will most likely deny the request.

In Serenghe Society
Tzengua are respected for the things they provide, and are often found in cities and towns that are near forests. Many healers who run their own apothecaries have a Tzengua or two that live there with them, and selling adult Tzengua to other healers and apothecaries can produce a reasonable sum. However, this too almost always requires the approval of the parent, which is why the offspring are not sold until they are about 3-4 years of age and ready for their leaves to become useful for medicines. Offspring that are separated from their parents too early will usually run away and try to find their families, or will flee into the nearest suitable habitat and try to find fellows of their species.

Tzengua can be kept as pets too, (as demonstrated by Serenghe such as Zerviah and Medek) and are fairly easy to raise because of their independent ability to obtain the nutrients they need. Any Serenghe that can provide a large and decent enough garden space for them will find that they will stick around. If they are unable to find the habitat or nutrients they need, they will relocate themselves to a more suitable location. If a bond between a Tzengua and a Serenghe is strong but these conditions are still not able to be met (such as an extreme drought year or something similar), the Tzengua may disappear, but will usually try to explain to its owner where it is going and why, and when the conditions that drove it away in the first place are dispersed, it will usually return to the home its owner lived in. If during this time, the owner has moved, the Tzengua will try to seek them out if the bond is strong enough. They are very intelligent creatures with keen memories, and can pick out Serenghe they recognize even from large crowds.

Involvement
Tzengua did not appear at all during the events of The Crusade of Zulera, mostly due to the lack of any significant detail regarding most flora or fauna of Mencu. However, in the events of The Koldian and the Queen, Zulera is seen playing with some Tzengua chicks outside of Sezonze, and runs into an adult Tzengua outside of The Titans' playground.

A Tzengua chick is given to Zerviah during the events of The Koldian and the Queen. During one of the major timeskips, it grows into an adult and becomes a faithful friend and companion to Zerviah in many of her journies. Zerviah named it Bethany. After Medek opens her own apothecary, she obtains a Tzengua named Nini.