Nephelim
The Nephelim are a people who are proud and powerful, especially when united. Their military presence, in the form of Kuvari warriors, is feared through the land. Beyond the race's large, muscular physiques, stony scale-clad and leathery naturally armored skin they are a race that is like a family, fostering rivalries in its people but still able to unite as one great force. Still, some of their practices and perspectives lead other races to give them a sideways glance- particularly the Efleim, who they have long standing issues with.
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Physical Attributes
The Nephelim are a race of striking, dark features and strength. Like the Efleim and Vaia, they have the possibility of living long lives with a natural lifespan of around 2,000 years. Much like the Efleim they age rather slowly, though not quite as much so as they aren't all entirely youthful in appearance for their whole lives. Also rather unlike the Efleim, Nephelim are more prone to dying of outside causes than living out their natural lifespan.
The race, being split between Land Dwellers and Sea Dwellers, do have some variations in their physical traits- However, there are some that are universal through the species as a whole. Most of the Nephelim have a leathery skin and a muscular physique to match their stony appearance and great strength. Their skin tones vary greatly, many even having very unnatural, brightly colored hues, and scale-like deposits of minerals like stones and gems may be found in patches of varying coverage and patterns across their bodies. Horns, fins, or fluffy tuffts of varying size, shape, and color are common as well as long, sharp nails - both of which are generally very sturdy.
Many Nephelim have strange eyes and may also possess some other more reptilian features such as tails, forked tongues, or even hands and feet better suited to a lizard. Whether and how these secondary traits manifest varies from one member of the race to the next. As dragon-like as they may be, please note that no full-blooded Nephelim will naturally possess wings.
The biggest difference between those of the land and those of the sea, aside from habitat, is in their secondary traits. While those of the land have a thicker, more durable and heat resistant skin, Sea Dwellers have webbed appendages and fins, as well as having the unique ability to breath under water. The ears of Land Dwellers are often triangular shaped and going off from the sides of their heads while Sea Dwellers tend to have more webbed, fin-like flaps to cover the holes which act as ears. Any Nephelim will take on the qualities of just one bloodline, regardless of their heritage, rather than a mix of both perks.
Nephelim are not particularly modest as a people, though their style of dress does vary greatly depending on the individuals taste. For the most part, they dress mostly in simple clothes with solid colors or occasionally certain symbols or patterns to mark them. How Nephelim dress and decorate themselves can show a lot about them from family history, life events, and accomplishments to feelings and personality. They mark themselves with paint, tattoos, and piercings to express themselves or show their accomplishments and status as well as proudly displaying any scars they may have gained in their travels. Even the style of a Nephelims hair can speak of them, most notably to even other races being its length. In Nephelim culture, it is common practice to cut off their hair and give it to those who have scorned them in a major way, often being considered issuing a challenge. It is also common for warriors to cut their hair before battle or in a special manner as initiation into the Kuvari. It is because of these practices that short hair is considered the mark of a warrior, the shorter the hair the more active and fierce or recent the battle. It is also because of these traditions that one who is able to grow out their hair can be considered a peaceful and patient person. Of course, some may style themselves based on how they wish to present- however, its not particularly common and is generally reacted to very negatively if found out. However, this is a more traditional practice which may be considered outdated to some extent by the average members of society. It is strictly adhered to mostly by more traditional families, those with high standing, and members of the Kuvari. That said, styling hair based on aesthetic alone is not at all unheard of either.
The race, being split between Land Dwellers and Sea Dwellers, do have some variations in their physical traits- However, there are some that are universal through the species as a whole. Most of the Nephelim have a leathery skin and a muscular physique to match their stony appearance and great strength. Their skin tones vary greatly, many even having very unnatural, brightly colored hues, and scale-like deposits of minerals like stones and gems may be found in patches of varying coverage and patterns across their bodies. Horns, fins, or fluffy tuffts of varying size, shape, and color are common as well as long, sharp nails - both of which are generally very sturdy.
Many Nephelim have strange eyes and may also possess some other more reptilian features such as tails, forked tongues, or even hands and feet better suited to a lizard. Whether and how these secondary traits manifest varies from one member of the race to the next. As dragon-like as they may be, please note that no full-blooded Nephelim will naturally possess wings.
The biggest difference between those of the land and those of the sea, aside from habitat, is in their secondary traits. While those of the land have a thicker, more durable and heat resistant skin, Sea Dwellers have webbed appendages and fins, as well as having the unique ability to breath under water. The ears of Land Dwellers are often triangular shaped and going off from the sides of their heads while Sea Dwellers tend to have more webbed, fin-like flaps to cover the holes which act as ears. Any Nephelim will take on the qualities of just one bloodline, regardless of their heritage, rather than a mix of both perks.
Nephelim are not particularly modest as a people, though their style of dress does vary greatly depending on the individuals taste. For the most part, they dress mostly in simple clothes with solid colors or occasionally certain symbols or patterns to mark them. How Nephelim dress and decorate themselves can show a lot about them from family history, life events, and accomplishments to feelings and personality. They mark themselves with paint, tattoos, and piercings to express themselves or show their accomplishments and status as well as proudly displaying any scars they may have gained in their travels. Even the style of a Nephelims hair can speak of them, most notably to even other races being its length. In Nephelim culture, it is common practice to cut off their hair and give it to those who have scorned them in a major way, often being considered issuing a challenge. It is also common for warriors to cut their hair before battle or in a special manner as initiation into the Kuvari. It is because of these practices that short hair is considered the mark of a warrior, the shorter the hair the more active and fierce or recent the battle. It is also because of these traditions that one who is able to grow out their hair can be considered a peaceful and patient person. Of course, some may style themselves based on how they wish to present- however, its not particularly common and is generally reacted to very negatively if found out. However, this is a more traditional practice which may be considered outdated to some extent by the average members of society. It is strictly adhered to mostly by more traditional families, those with high standing, and members of the Kuvari. That said, styling hair based on aesthetic alone is not at all unheard of either.
Government and Military
The Nephelim have a government system on both a smaller and large scale, having a system of rule for both individual provinces as well as having a separate but connected system to rule over all of their kind as a whole. Their people are ruled by a leader known as the Ilyei and then also by the Iagaei, or Great Councils.
The Ilyei, or Grand Ruler of Nephelim, has total power over the military and government alike. The crown, which is most often a simple metal headpiece, is passed down by bloodline. How the Ilyei rules is entirely up to them, however they may refer to the Iagei and Cirifi for guidance and advice.
The Iagaei are made up of 5 members who have been nominated by a Iagee or a number of people and then voted in by those within the village or town. Iagee are held in high regards within their respective villages and are expected to keep good relations with the people. Those within their village are considered to be under their guidance and protection, and so their job extends beyond making decisions and laws for their jurisdiction but also to helping those who need it with personal problems or giving advice. While the Iagaei must obey the commands of the Ilyei, they are free to run their city or town however they please outside of that. Members of the Great Councils hold their positions for their entire lives unless they are removed by motion of the rest of the Iagaei or by petition of the people. Usually, the member who has been on the council the longest holds a bit more power in their position, however this is not always the case.
At the Councils' command are the Kuvari, great warriors who act as guardians to their people as well as the army of their race. While there is no true ranking system, there is some semblance of commanding order. Newcomers or Initiates are, of course, the lowest rank. Those who have made it through their training are simply warriors. Chiefs, or Cirifi, are those who hold some power and command. There is one other notable type of member: though not necessarily a true rank those who hold the title of Firnix are considered of a legendary status and are held in extremely high regard- in order to achieve this, one must have accomplished a great feat which has been noted by the people. It seems this is not usually an officially awarded title, though it does happen, but instead is of a more cultural significance.
While few warriors will remain in their town and act specifically for it (much like police officers or peacekeepers), most join the Kuvari as a whole and go to Astrok where they can train daily and be sent on their quests or duties for the Nephelim people as a whole. Most Kuvari warriors prefer to work for the people rather than their town as it means they are celebrated by all...however, those who remain as guardians for their town alone are considered very trustworthy and loyal, revered by their townspeople.
The Ilyei, or Grand Ruler of Nephelim, has total power over the military and government alike. The crown, which is most often a simple metal headpiece, is passed down by bloodline. How the Ilyei rules is entirely up to them, however they may refer to the Iagei and Cirifi for guidance and advice.
The Iagaei are made up of 5 members who have been nominated by a Iagee or a number of people and then voted in by those within the village or town. Iagee are held in high regards within their respective villages and are expected to keep good relations with the people. Those within their village are considered to be under their guidance and protection, and so their job extends beyond making decisions and laws for their jurisdiction but also to helping those who need it with personal problems or giving advice. While the Iagaei must obey the commands of the Ilyei, they are free to run their city or town however they please outside of that. Members of the Great Councils hold their positions for their entire lives unless they are removed by motion of the rest of the Iagaei or by petition of the people. Usually, the member who has been on the council the longest holds a bit more power in their position, however this is not always the case.
At the Councils' command are the Kuvari, great warriors who act as guardians to their people as well as the army of their race. While there is no true ranking system, there is some semblance of commanding order. Newcomers or Initiates are, of course, the lowest rank. Those who have made it through their training are simply warriors. Chiefs, or Cirifi, are those who hold some power and command. There is one other notable type of member: though not necessarily a true rank those who hold the title of Firnix are considered of a legendary status and are held in extremely high regard- in order to achieve this, one must have accomplished a great feat which has been noted by the people. It seems this is not usually an officially awarded title, though it does happen, but instead is of a more cultural significance.
While few warriors will remain in their town and act specifically for it (much like police officers or peacekeepers), most join the Kuvari as a whole and go to Astrok where they can train daily and be sent on their quests or duties for the Nephelim people as a whole. Most Kuvari warriors prefer to work for the people rather than their town as it means they are celebrated by all...however, those who remain as guardians for their town alone are considered very trustworthy and loyal, revered by their townspeople.
Social Structure and Culture
The Nephelim have high standards for their people and are taught from a young age to be tough and self-reliant out of necessity, trying to avoid their race being snuffed out by others through building a fearsome reputation. That said, they also believe that strength goes beyond that of the physical variety and celebrate accomplishments of all kinds. At the same time, weakness is heavily frowned upon.
Though the common manner of dress for Nephelim is by no means modest and nudity is far from uncommon with public baths being such a major component in their culture, public displays of affection are generally not the norm and are instead done behind closed doors. Even so, bonds between people are considered powerful and sacred to the Nephelim, and perhaps it is in part because of this that affection is kept so personal and private.
Gender does not bear any affect on Nephelim society, all people being held to the same standards and allowed the same opportunities. Women and men alike serve in all walks of life and there is very little distinction between the two, aside from perhaps in regards to manners,chivalry, or courting.
Though the common manner of dress for Nephelim is by no means modest and nudity is far from uncommon with public baths being such a major component in their culture, public displays of affection are generally not the norm and are instead done behind closed doors. Even so, bonds between people are considered powerful and sacred to the Nephelim, and perhaps it is in part because of this that affection is kept so personal and private.
Gender does not bear any affect on Nephelim society, all people being held to the same standards and allowed the same opportunities. Women and men alike serve in all walks of life and there is very little distinction between the two, aside from perhaps in regards to manners,chivalry, or courting.