Originating from the sprawling Nazeerian Expanse, the Athyes are a versatile and nimble people with traits reminiscent of rodents. Though native to the Expanse, small communities of Athyes have migrated to other parts of the world, where they are often found living as traveling merchants, nomads, and traders. Their natural agility, resourcefulness, and adaptability make them well suited for lives on the move, as well as for the weather in the harsh deserts of their homeland or the more rugged terrains of Ikune.
Physical Characteristics
The Athyes are humanoids with two arms and two digitigrade legs, designed for nimble movement and quick navigation of their environment. Their agility allows them to swiftly scale cliffs, dodge predators, and move efficiently through dense underbrush, making them highly adept at survival in their native terrain. While their overall body shape is humanoid, they have distinctive rodent-like features, including fur-covered bodies, elongated muzzles, long tails, and large, expressive ears that often swivel to catch the faintest sounds in their surroundings.
Their fur comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns, often reflecting the diverse environments they inhabit. Browns, light greys, and blacks are common fur colors and occasionally come with patches of white. Some Athyes have more striking patterns, such as stripes or spots, which vary based on their lineage and region of origin. This fur not only serves to control their body temperature but also to provide camouflage in the wilds of the Nazeerian Expanse.
One of their most unique physical traits is the membrane of thin, fur-covered skin that stretches between their arms and legs. This membrane enables them to glide between high points, which they often use to access otherwise unreachable resources and as part of traditional rites of passage for young Athyes learning to navigate their environment. This membrane enables them to glide over long distances when launching themselves from high altitudes such as cliffs, trees, or tall structures. While not capable of true flight, their ability to glide gives them a distinct advantage in both travel and escape, allowing them to traverse difficult terrain with ease or flee from predators by leaping into the air.
Behavior and Instincts
Athyes are adaptable and communal people, typically organized into tight-knit familial groups or small nomadic tribes. They are known for their resourcefulness and opportunistic nature, often gathering and storing resources for later use. Their cheek pouches, a distinctive feature among their kind, are used for temporarily storing food or small objects. Both the cheek pouches and the gathering of resources lead well to their savviness, as they excel at making use of what they find, be it for their survival or to barter with those they come across.
Socially, the Athyes are highly gregarious and enjoy the company of others. They thrive in bustling environments, and their ability to charm others with their quick wit, combined with their inherent curiosity and natural dexterity, makes them excellent traders, craftsmen, and entertainers. Even those not found among the various markets have a habit of collecting friends wherever they go, as many enjoy the conversations of the social Athyes.
