Nyan'hari

Basic Information

Anatomy

They present a lot like humans but with cat ears atop their heads rather than human ears at the side of their heads. They can often pass as human if they wish. Many have natural birthmarks that draw lines along their cheeks. They have furry tails that descend from their tailbone and as such, Nyan’hari clothing often requires specific tailoring to accommodate that.
In very rare cases, some Nyan'hari, called Fullblood Nyanhari, present with far more features of cats than that of humans. These creatures often appear as lion headed, or tiger striped Nyan'hari, often with paws instead of hands and feet. They are capable of speech, though their larger teeth and tongues can cause speech impediments. These creatures tend to avoid cities and live more nomadic or reclusive lives.

Genetics and Reproduction

Nyan'hari reproduce the same as humans.

Growth Rate & Stages

As babies, Nyan'hari are quicker to begin to walk but slower to begin to speak than humans.
They reach physical maturity at the same age humans do.

Ecology and Habitats

The Nyan’hari are adapted to desert environments and as such, get cold easily when exposed to colder temperatures.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Nyan'hari are typically extra perceptive, and have particularly keen eyes and noses. They can see in the dark, and have excellent reflexes. Nyan'hari are on average more nimble than they are strong, and have a habit of landing on their feet.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

As Nyan'hari live mainly in Zul Garahn, their naming conventions are that of most Zahari names.  In rarer cases, some Nyan'hari choose names for their children based on an old tradition where the child is named for their favourite food.  
Nyan'hari Fullbloods and more tribal Nyan'hari folk will often choose names based on traits, circumstances of birth or local environments.  These names are often shortened to nicknames by those who befriend them.
Examples:
Male Nyan'hari Names: Kizu'li, Almond, Ose'to, Jidoh, Voyo, Barley, Rehka, Anjou, Basil
Female Nyan'hari Names: Nilah, Texia, Ifih, Nyami, Ymina, Brie, Safya, Olive, Anise, Clementine, Cocoa, Syra
Nyan'hari Fullblood Names: Lucky Feather, Patch in the Forest, Blank Canvas, Sand of the Beach, Ice in Summer

Beauty Ideals

Nyan'hari beauty ideals centre around standard ideals that humans follow: slenderness, large eyes, muscle, and face structure but they have the addition of tail shape and fur, face markings and ears.

Common Etiquette Rules

Touching a Nyan'hari's ears is considered rather intimate and is a privilege usually reserved for lovers.

Common Dress Code

Nyan'hari hats and helmets are tailored to accommodate their ears, and their pants, dresses and skirts are tailored to accommodate their tails.
Nyan'hari also tend to wear less clothing than humans, as they thrive in the hot climate of Zul Garahn and their skin doesn't burn under the sun's gaze. However, if a Nyan'hari were to move somewhere north of Zul Garahn, they would wear far more clothing than a human as they wouldn't be built for the colder climate.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Nyan'hari tend to worship Immus, God of Flame, as their patron deity.  They believe strongly in rebirth and believe that every Nyan'hari lives nine separate lives, reincarnating at the end of each life.  This is why they burn their dead, as they believe that the flame is what proceeds reincarnation.  Though they believe in rebirth, they have no way of knowing which of the nine lives they are currently in, and therefore pledge to live each life as though it is their last.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

There is often some culture shock for those that travel to Zul'Garahn, particularly in the funeral practices of the native Nyan'hari. When a loved one dies, the Nyan'hari believe it is respectful to consume a piece of the heart of the deceased. They believe that when they consume the heart, a part of their loved one will live on in them for the rest of their lives. When they perform this ritual, they are blessed with a vision of a single memory of the person whose heart they consumed. In this way, each Nyan'hari is comforted by the presence of their ancestors as they pass down the line.

Historical Figures

The Sultana of Al Zahar is a Nyan'hari woman named Thessaly Zubiria.

Genetic Descendants

• Nyan'hari Fullblood