Anazcans

(Stats for Anazcan PCs in Elyrion can be found here for SWN)

The Anazcans (alt.: Anazcans) are an ancient race, having experienced hundreds of thousands of years of civilization. Dispersed far and wide throughout Elyrion and the vast expanse of the former Conclave and Kingdom of Oran, many groups nevertheless retain many common traditions - many a traveller has found themselves baffled by the utterly byzantine, yet apparently well-maintained etiquette and bureaucratic particulars of Anazcan society. Anazcans are a bipedal avian race with bright plumage and reptilian features, sturdily built and with affinities for magic and arcanomechanical engineering. While exceptions to the rule are present from time to time, Anazcans are known for their close adherence to tradition, and everything that comes with.

Origins

Originally hailing from Tazk'etaia IX, the Anazcan's pre-FTL history is long and rich, but their evolutionary origins are difficult to discern. Millenia of development and countless high-tech wars (including devastating orbital bombardments during the Ley Wars) have made archaeological investigation difficult. Genetic analysis of what life currently resides on their ancient homeworlds and terraformed colonies paints a partial picture of their evolution from savannah scavengers, with their closest living relatives being a species of brightly colored raptor-like creatures which have traditionally been kept as pets by the old Anazcan elite.

Biology and Appearance

Anazcans are bipedal tetrapods, typically standing between 6 and 7 feet from head to foot. Their scaly skin is covered by brightly colored feathers whose reflectivity can be altered by subtle changes in angle. The visual patterns created by rapid flashing of the more nimble feathers of the face is the basis for most ancient Anazcan languages. While capable of singing in a range of tones and pitches, surgery of the tongue and neck is required for them to be able to pronounce most common interstellar languages; this procedure is relatively straightforward, however, and most feel no need to employ linguistic cybernetics.

Culture and Language

Anazcans follow many ancient practices which they trace back to their pre-Silence and in some cases pre-FTL heritage. These traditionalists tend to cluster in communities largely closed off to outsiders, and are often supporters of hardline isolationist parties in polities of Aenaz and Mal Pacifica.

Traditionalist Anazcans are taught from birth the languages of their ancestors, many of which are mutually intelligible despite the prolonged separation of the Silence. Orani and Old Anazcan forms are by far the most common, differing primarily in the tonal affects and plumage shimmers used to complement the lyrical and silent forms of the language, respectively. It is common amongst such Anazcans to be able to communicate using both forms at once, effectively holding two conversations simultaneously; this skill is the basis of many social intricacies and jokes in traditional Anazcan society. Orani Anazcan dominates in Mal Pacifica and rimward regions, while Old Anazcan is predominantly used in Aenaz and the core regions.

Anazkans are known for their martial traditions; their species' natural strength and fortitude leads many of their traditional martial arts to require more strength than many other species can readily muster.

Regions of Prevelance

Anazcan populations are concentrated in Aenaz and Mal Pacifica, the territories of their people's former major empires.