Gendirl

Overview

A Gendirl, or Gendirlo in the plural, is an animal whose species falls into a certain classification, one which describes creatures that are native to Dosjorya and possess higher intelligence to the point that they have the ability to use language, develop culture, and study the world around them. There are twenty known species that completely fit the classification, though one such species, the Hahklemems, have been forced into extinction. There is debate as to whether or not humans should be considered a Gendirl species; except for their homeland, humans fit the classification and for the purposes of peace, the Gendirl Sacred Pact has been amended to include them. However, humans have many fundamental characteristics, chiefly how they interact with teh world, that set them far apart from other Gendirl species.

Common Characteristics

Most Gendirl species have evolved into a large size, with some exceptions such as the Failers, Jowlklo, and Vazdei. All species possess great intellect and are not fully dependent on their instincts to live day to day. In the past, most Gendirl species had their own language, though these have been replaced with a single unified language, Salimen, complete with a full writing system that had been replaced during the Age of Cooperation so that all Gendirlo, no matter what their physiology was, could easily use it.
With the exception of the Oundats, all Gendirl species have an average lifespan of over six decades. Even though they tend to live shorter lives, even Oundats routinely live over half a century. Long lifespans allow every individual to learn and contribute without worrying about having to rush to continue their species. This gives them all the freedom to devote time and energy to other tasks needed for themselves and for whatever social structure they find themselves in, if any.
All Gendirl species have clan structures, though for many, these clans are merely set up as a convenience for other species as well as for Innena. Every species has three clans designated as open for visitors, though the three clans of the Coloktialo are only open to Gendirlo. Those species that have any sort of gathering instinct will have countless other clans spread throughout their range, with those further away from Settled Dosjorya being more wild feeling and more hostile to human visitors.
Even though they all possess the intellect and ability to invent and use tools, build complex structures, and dramatically alter the land, all Gendirl species strive to live in harmony with their environment. They see themselves as one with the Maker of Gods, a nurturing force that creates and protects, as opposed to humans whom they associate with the Destroyer of Gods because of their destructive and world altering abilities. These associations with the gods are more as analogies that as real connections, though there are some Gendirl scholars that wonder if the gods have had a hand in shaping all intelligent species.
All Gendirlo possess the ability to form a bond with a human who also has the ability, further fueling the debate as to whether or not humans are a Gendirl. No Gendirl has ever bonded with another, only with humans, indicating that humans initiate the magical link. However, Failers have the ability to use the power of the God of Summer with their ability to exhale flames which is a unique trait, yet there is no debate about whether they deserve the classification.