Ali

An Ali's natural shape is a slender humanoid of bark, leaves, and plantlike skin. Forest Ali tend toward golden hair and copper eyes, while water Ali show paler hair and grey, fishlike eyes.

Ali can change face, voice, race, complexion, and sex, though they cannot grow new limbs. Because of this, blood-oaths are common in Dia when people need proof that a stranger is not an Ali in disguise.

Most Ali prize independence above all. Many live alone in forests, avoid permanent bonds, and leave children early. City Ali often hide their true forms, taking work as actors, spies, or courtesans.