Across the vast continent, there are many small communities, unidentified organizations, and denizens of ancient ruins. Due to distance, their insistence on independence, or because they are already wandering nomads to begin with, they do not belong to any power within the Astral civilization at all. They are "The Independent". Their appearance and clothing, way of life, and cultural customs vary. Some even remain unkown, such as the guards in certain ruins... some people here are part of: ⠀⠀⠀✩ courier union (oc must be a human-messenger bird mashup): the loosely-structured small guild is composed of skilled couriers and guides, each of whom is responsible for delivery in an area. they maintain little contact with one another, knowing each other purely by identity. ⠀⠀⠀✩ animal instinct: although they are each unique, these mercenaries, adventurers, and drifters all posess some animal characteristics and get along in harmony just like good friends should. ⠀⠀⠀✩ silent hunters: no one knows the former deeds of these heroes- all that remains of their past in this age are scattered legends. not even their real names are known, and the only thing certain of them is that they are mortal enemies of the eclipsite. ⠀⠀⠀✩ scarlet amulet companions (oc must be culturally japanese/inspired): on cloud island, a sea away from astra, a piece of scarlet red jade drew them into a fateful encounter that had them fighting as one, and when the dust settled, they became companions.