Silvaithian

Silvaithians are from the far eastern areas of Andara's surface. A generally matriarchial society, most others in Andara have only seen the males that leave the tribal areas while the females stay in Silvaithian territories for most of their lives. While possessing some inherent magical ability, only the females are trained in this art and most species are unaware that the Silvaithians have any magical talents. The dedication to the Great River, the source of mystic power, shapes all of Silvaithian society as they try to move themselves with the movement of the forces that shape the world rather than forcing their will on the world as is common in other races.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The Silvaithians have three clawed fingers and opposable thumbs. Their teeth are black and they have forked tongues. Unlike any other known sapient they have four eyes, two on the forward part of the face (where most sapients have eyes) and one on each side of the upper neck. Their eyes are generally green though variations can occur. Their feet have three claws, two large claws on the front and a polydactyl rear claw. Of all known sapients they are unique in many of their physical characteristics. They are slender with slightly elongated limbs that are stronger than they initially appear.

Genetics and Reproduction

Silvaithians reproduce through eggs that are cared for by Tenders.

Additional Information

Social Structure

There is a great deal of difference between the males and the females in Silvaithian society. While primarily matriarchal, each tribe is ostensibly led by a male selected by the council of female mystics. Females are generally non-combative in society at large though they are capable fighters who kill through stealth and surprise. Males do not have a great magical capacity but females have a stronger connection to the Great River, the source of all mystical abilities in the Silvaithians. The most powerful female mystics are blinded through the Opening of the Eyes and are believed to be able to see the future after this ritual. Afterwards their eyes are covered by a cloth and they are treated with reverence not only by their own tribe but by others.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

The Silvaithians live to the east of the Ondola Desert, living at the edge of the desert at a large oasis and eastward in the riparian areas near the eastern coast. They live between the border of the tropical ranforest and the temperate forests and floodplains and as far north as the Jagged Wall mountain range. It is rumored that a band of Silvaithians live in the eastern part of the mountain range but there has been no confirmation despite (admittedly few) attempts to find the band.

Average Intelligence

Silvaithians are of average intelligence though scholarship is not a high priority among the general population. Female Silvaithians who are selected for mystical training are also trained in history and theology.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Silvaithians have no visible ears or nose but have olfactory organs located just above the set of eyes on their neck. Not as sensitive as the noses of most species they have a limited ability to smell. Along the sides of their faces are bones that detect vibration and allow for hearing the differs from other races in subtle ways. While they may not be able to hear things as distinctly as other races they are able to hear a wider range of noises such as rumblings from the earth. They are able to pinpont the direction of these sounds but may not hear things as clearly and must be closer than most races to make out distinct words and other sounds that require accurate hearing. Due to their second set of eyes on their neck Silvaithians are rarely taken by surprise. They have a range of vision that extends to all but the very back of themselves and their vision is precise to a larger degree than most other races. Their sense of depth perception is enhanced. Further, they can see unto the infrared spectrum and to a lesser extent into the ultraviolet spectrum. The former makes them excellent trackers of warm-blooded creatures and the latter lets them see differences that other races cannot.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Most tribes try to balance their numbers and try to prevent growth or contraction of their population. Though this isn't entirely successful and the population of Silvaithians grows over time as some clutches of eggs are hatched outside of the supervision of the Tenders, hatching unauthorized clutches of eggs is considered a crime. As the population remains mostly static, as one member of a tribe dies another is soon hatched to take their place and names are recycled in keeping with the endless cycle of life and death.

Lifespan

100-110 years

Average Height

Five and a half to six feet

Average Weight

175-195 pounds with no significant sexual dimorphism.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Males are generally blue while females are generally red. This is not uniform and colors can vary between tribes and some rituals and initiations for the females leave them with a different skin color denoting their status. The young have a purple hue until maturity around the age of 12 and have yellow quills for defence. Most Silvaithians adorn themselves with tribal piercings and/or gem inserts.