Lunar
The Lunars are a human subspecies native to the fabled city of Lunalimina on New Generica's moon. Brilliant, aloof, and generally smug, the semi-mythical Lunars have had a unique impact on the intellectual heritage of the world.
Basic Information
Anatomy
At least externally, Lunars are morphologically recognizeable as humans with the exception of their unusual size. Lunars tend to be exceptionally tall and have slightly larger heads in proportion to their size, both results of slightly lower gravity allowing them to grow for longer. Among the residents of High Hedgemont, a seven foot tall man would be rare indeed; among Lunars, the same man would be considered on the high side of average. Lunars tend to have wide eyes and fair complexion because they live by twilight and candlelight, the usually toxic levels of solar radiation on the moon's surface being filtered out by whatever ancient magic keeps the city habitable.
Genetics and Reproduction
Humans and Lunars are able to interbreed, though the size of Lunars - especially their craniums - means that such offspring are more viable if the mother is the Lunar half of the expecting couple. Lunar traits are quite persistent; such heritage offers a possible explaination for the presence of 'noble' families in High Hedgemont despite the lack of a known kingdom to support them, as the traditional superior attitude of the Lunars (see Behavior & Psychology) is at least partially heritable.
Growth Rate & Stages
Lunars mature at human-like rates, live for up to 300 years, and tend to age gracefully. A Lunar near the end of his or her life is likely a powerful arcanist or invested with divine powers such that leaving remains behind is entirely optional. Many such individuals choose to simply 'vanish' into the depths of the library and 'transcend' to whatever state lies beyond the veil of death.
Ecology and Habitats
Unfortunately, because they otherwise retain human proportions at their size and spend so much time involved in intellectual pursuits as a matter of cultural norms, they are of somewhat weaker constitution than their human cousins, especially in temperature extremes or under the full weight of Generica's gravity. This may be why Lunars are rarely found in modern New Generica, though a few lineages are known to live amongst humans even in the chilly Great Lookout Mountains. Full-blooded Lunars are said to be much more comfortable in the fae courts, where arcane power can be channeled to give them the buoyancy they are more accustomed to.
Behaviour
Though Lunars are imbued with preternatural perception and intellect, even the most beneficent amongst them can sometimes come across like they know they are better than mere human stock. Lunars are somewhat justifiably prideful of their species' accomplishments, including great scholarship and the right to partake in the goddess Myraluna's vast sacred library of Lunalimina. Amongst themselves, simple gestures and the sharing of Lunar Glyph notes can insulate Lunars from one another's egos, but amongs other sentients, the superior Lunar attitude can prove unintentionally offensive. Hengeyokai and other nature spirits may hold Lunars in high reverence because of the disparity between their intellects, but humans typically rail against what they percieve as Lunars being patronizing even when this is not intended. This state of affairs is embarrasing for the Lunars as well, which may be why the famously studious folk have had little contact with humans in recent history.
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Lunars have excellent low-light vision and, with practice, can see in environments that normal humans would consider pitch dark.
Civilization and Culture
Relationship Ideals
Though they may lack for social graces among some other species (see Behavior & Psychology), Lunars generally have respect for anyone pursuing the cause of knowledge, science, or artisanship. As this respect grows, the condescending remarks of a Lunar start sounding more and more like praise, as the respected person is made to feel like they're 'on the right side of things.' Because their home city is a giant library in many respects, they often show respect by confering quietly or even completely non-verbally through the use of gestures and notes. Displays of affection between Lunars or with their other compatriots are often seen, but not heard.
Average Technological Level
Lunars are more advanced than most other humanoids on technological level, with many of them mastering multiple arts or sciences over the course of their centuries-long lives. Mechanics, architecture, alchemy, medicine, and mathematics are all among the Lunars' most adnvanced fields of study. Legends suggest that many of the clockwork and stablilized arcana effects present in Lunalimina may have actually been the work of early Lunars, not Myraluna herself. Lunars are also known to be skilled astronomers, navigators, and diviners.
by Hero Forge
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Geographic Distribution
People with a sense of superiority who hang out in libraries and communicate without speaking? Reminds of the Diogenes Club from the Sherlock Holmes stories. XD Seriously, though, I like how you thought out the communication processes of a species that lives in a library and took it to its natural end.