Iskai
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Iskai are a fictional race of cat-like humanoids created for the 1995 computer game Albion.
[edit] Biology
Iskai are very similar to humans, though their evolutionary path must have originated with felines. They are generally taller and thinner than humans, due to the gravity on Albion being 90% of what it is on earth. The body of an Iskai is covered with short, dense fur, with longer patches over the chest and waist area, and a slightly different colour hair covering their heads. The face of an Iskai is mainly cat like, with two visible canines. Iskai senses are better than those of humans, especially their sense of smell. Iskai are omnivorous.
[edit] Life Expectancy
The Life expectancy of an average Iskai is very short. Most do not live past forty, and some don't even reach thirty. This short life span means that sexual maturity has to be achieved at a younger age, around 10. Also to compensate for the short lifespan, Iskai have a very hectic lifestyle, sleeping very little and developing an abhoration of laziness.
[edit] Iskai Trii
One notable feature of Iskai is the organic and semi-transparent 'gem' on their foreheads. This gem, or 'Trii' as the Iskai themselves call it, is an organ that is vital to their functioning. The Trii closely connected to the brain of an Iskai and is primarily used for telepathic and empathic links between two individuals, due to the sensitivity and speed of exchange between the Trii and the cerebral cortex. Those finely attuned to the way that Triis work can also use this as an exchange of emotion and sense, for example Mellthas (Deaf and Mute) was able to hear just by touching Sira's forehead. However, those who are unfamiliar with Triis and those who are not attuned to the way Triis work will receive minor head and spine injury from the shock delivered from touching one.
[edit] Damage to the Trii
The Trii is, in effect, an extension and communication port to the brain. If the Trii is damaged or destroyed, the effects on the individual is devastating. Even minor injuries can result in amnesia, personality changes or a form of Alzheimer's Disease. Major injuries can cause paralysis, brain death, or actual death. There is no known cure among Iskai for major damage to the Trii, but minor damages usually heal by themselves, with an impact to the effectiveness of it during telepathic exchanges. This is usually very distressing for the afflicted.
[edit] Baby Triis
In the first two weeks of an Iskai youngs life, the Trii has an ability to receive and replace the baby's brain with one of an existing Iskai. This kills the baby's mind, as it is overwritten by the mind of the sender. This is known as the Sebai Ritual. It is highly illegal and considered morally wrong to do this without express permission of the Council of Jarinaar; however, most Iskai believe that a newborn has no personality of its own, and the ritual is seen as normal and acceptable when performed by someone deemed worthy of the honor.
[edit] Society
The Iskai are sentient creatures, and like humans, have their own culture, belief system and economy. While in some ways it parallels human society, there are a few major differences and discrepancies that make the Iskai unique.
[edit] Magic
Magic is an essential part of Iskai society, as it is literally the very foundations that the race's cities are built on. There are two main guilds focusing on magic in Iskai culture, whose headquarters are both based in Jirinaar.
[edit] Guild of the Dji-Fadh (Formers)
The Guild of the Dji-Fadh is the older of the two schools of magic. It focuses mainly on the construction of architecture and molding plants into plumbing, lamps and even entire buildings. Contrary to the Dji-Fadh they do this through a natural process without the aid of Trii-falai Seeds. Younger Iskai consider the Dji-Fadh stuffy and uninteresting.
[edit] Guild of the Dji-Kas (Magicians)
The Dji-Kas is a relatively new branch of magic users. By utilising Trii-falai seeds, they amplify their natural magic abilities allowing them to cast Spectacular spells, usually of a Destructive nature.
[edit] Economy
Not much is said in Albion about the economy of the Iskai, but on observation it seems to be mainly a democratic capitalist state, with dedicated hunters bringing in meat, farmers growing crops, and the proceeds being sold to the citizens. There is low unemployment in Jirinaar, with most iskai youths getting employed as hunters or Stiriik. There is no black market in the Iskai community - everything is open and honest. However, in Srimalinar, there is a hushed circle of prostitution. While this is legal, prostitution is taboo and often frowned upon.
[edit] Religion
[edit] Food and Drink
[edit] House of the Winds
[edit] Clans
[edit] The South Wind Clan
The only mentioned Clan within Jirinaar is the South Wind Clan.
