Todawa

Todawa (Singular: Todawa) are a race of humanoid creatures that inhabit various patches of territory across Tsominku, ranging from as far north as Sayenzi and as far south as near Kroggné. Their most notable traits are their affinity for darkness and other associated elemental magic, as well as their inherent ability to transform into canines, felines, and other mammalian beasts that roam the land. While these stories are what give rise to theories such as werewolves and other "were-beasts", most people simply call them "beasts" in reference to their animal transformations. This nickname, as well as their association with elemental darkness, do not actually carry any negative connotations on their own. Like other shapeshifting races of Mencu, Todawa are a Vartiz Race.

Origins
The Todawa descended from the Vartiz, a wild but proud race of people who took great pride in their different shapeshifting abilities. While none of them had power to the extent of the Jalenga, each of them possessed an inherent affinity for one of the six Mencuan Elements and an associated range of creatures into which they could transform at will. Gradually, the Vartiz divided into different clans based on elemental affinity, and those closely associated with the element darkness were the first Todawa. Not surprisingly, they were also the first ones to transform into felines, canines, and other four-legged mammalian creatures.

181st Age (Jalenga Wars)
The Todawa remained distant from most other races, up in their remote mountain clans. However, unlike the Shinzoka, they were not afraid to mingle with other people and races, but it was clear that they much preferred rural socities and cultures to urban ones.