Primarily found in the regions known as Aelfhem, on the continent of Ur, south of Ashdod.

Little is known about this race insofar as general knowledge. What is known is that they are vegetarians, and, whether or not they have magical powers, what legends there are often ascribe spell-working to them.

Since they have beaks, many Aquilans have some difficulty speaking Rephidim Standard. Their standard language is Vartan, although they call it "Aquilan". While some might draw comparisons in appearance to Vartans on some factors, they are different in many ways. For one, they are strictly carnivores, unable to eat vegetables, and having to swallow stones on occasion to grind their food. For another, they are very light-boned, and not particularly strong. (Not all are "weak", per se, but you certainly don't find Aquilan body-builders...)

The males, particularly older ones, grow large "racks" (antlers) on their heads, which are shed occasionally and regrown. It is said that one can tell how old a Cervani is by how many points are on the rack ... but this is a very inexact "science", and unreliable.

Many Cervani are known to have a certain mental resistance to magical effects, perhaps borne of their tendency to be found in areas close to the Forbidden Zone of Bosch.

The Eeee (also known as Bats, Batbats, Flappers, and (squeak) ) are plantigrade, bat-like humanoids with short bodyfur, large ears, head hair, human-like eyes, and a pair of wings sprouting from behind the shoulders. The Eeee are noted for their exceptional hearing, able to navigate in total darkness by a sort of "sonar", hearing the echo of their own voices off of objects.

However, they are also very fragile and often weak as far as most races of their size go, so they are not generally very impressive in hand-to-hand combat.

Most Eeee consider the Ashdod Territories -- especially the city-state of Babel -- to be their homeland. However, a sub-strain of vampiric Eeee (often bearing mutations, such as glowing red eyes) can be found in the Nordikan region of Sylvania. While most Eeee are omnivorous (having a diet high in bugs and fruits), the vampiric Eeee subsist off of blood ... and are often looked upon with disdain by their non-vampiric Eeee "cousins".

There is also a distinct sub-strain of "fruit bat" Eeee in the now independent state of Saskanar (formerly part of the Ashdod Territories). There is a very common mutation in these parts of Eeee that do not possess separate wings, but have forearms/wings fused together.

"Eeee" also refers to a language widely used by the race of the same name, particularly in Ashdod. (Sylvanian Eeee tend to speak Sylvanian instead.) This language, while it can be pronounced at a rudimentary level by other races, utilizes tones that are outside of the hearing range of many other species (and their ability to emulate). The end result is that non-Eeee trying to speak Eeee sound roughly as if they're lisping, and non-Eeee can't fully appreciate the intricacies of Eeee poetry and song.

Note: The "Babelite Alphabet" shown above is listed as a GM's tool and reference. While the "real" Babelite language would be quite unlike English, for the sake of simplicity (and so the GM and PCs don't have to learn a new, fictitious language), the above "language" -- used in some illustrations -- is nothing more than a letter-substitution code.

Fnerfs are primarily found in the Ashdod Territories and surrounding areas, living an agrarian lifestyle, typically shepherding herds of rughrats, which they depend upon for meat, wool and leather.

One other distinguishing feature about the Gigis is that they are prone to what might be called "jabberwockyisms". Though their native language is ostensibly Rephidim Standard, they freely invent new "slang" terms on the spot, the meaning of which is generally determined based upon the tone in which the word is said, and in the context of the situation. While such words are typically used once and may never be used (except by accident) again, it is considered to be a sign of some pride if a word invented by a Gigi is picked up by others. Hence, this peculiarity of Gigi communication plays a role in establishing and reinforcing the Gigi social order.

To outsiders, however, it is merely confusing and often annoying, hence the usage of the term "Gigi" to be synonymous with "nonsense" or "gibberish" in several other cultures in the region.

Most are tall, typically 5'5" to 6'5" in height, with no clear advantage of one sex over the other. Most are russet-furred, with slight variations and additions of white, gray, black, brown, and sometimes yellow. They walk on heeled feet and have hands with five clawtipped fingers. Their musculature varies by trade, but none can be considered burly. Normal sex differentiation otherwise applies.

Hekoye have mastered weaving in recent years, and their clothing employs both coarse burlap-like material and hides. The typical adult garment for either gender is a hide poncho worn with or without a hood, that drapes to the elbow, underneath which a cloth tunic dresses them to the knees. Most also wear sandals.

The stereotypical Hekoye is seen as being soft-spoken and reserved in passions, at least in normal discourse, compared to many other cultures. In Hekoye culture, pride as other races might know it is subdued, as is verbal angst. It is against Hekoye culture to complain about one's lot in life, nor to give sympathy for one who does so.

Some outsiders may grow frustrated with the time required to negotiate with Hekoye elders. According to Hekoye tradition, they devote time and pensive thought to any decision except those that involve the gravest threat to life, and solutions only come after shrewd consideration of all alternatives.

The tribes of the Hekoye are scattered across an area roughly defined as the Hekoye Nation, with their "capitol" being a meeting place known as Ihtoli Maqahamok, located up in the mountains.

Hookas are barely understood creatures that are quite alien when compared to most lifeforms on Sinai -- particularly sapient ones. They appear to be constructed of shelled modules that have concave "nodes" in multiple spots, and can be linked together to form the body of a Hooka. The essential component is the Hooka head, which has a long bottle-like snout (with a perpetually "O" shaped mouth) and two "eyes" that look like concave depressions similar to the "linking nodes" elsewhere on Hooka bodies. (It has been reported that some variations of Hookas actually have "googly eyes" in these sockets -- possibly another "breed" of Hooka, though it seems that both varieties are just as capable of seeing.) Hookas have their own language, which sounds akin to blowing over the top of a glass bottle partially filled with water ... though Hookas are also capable of making louder "honking" noises as well.

Hookas are actually capable of disassembling themselves and then reassembling into different forms. Body parts can be mixed and matched with other Hookas, and a head-less Hooka body can apparently perform some limited functions for a few seconds ... but the conscience of a Hooka resides in the head, and if a body part is removed from the head for more than a few seconds, it is unable to function (that function generally just consisting of trying to find the body again) until physically reattached.

Hookas have been found in the Wandering Roams, and have been reported on the planet of Arcadia as well. The Hookas in the Wandering Roams are of the "eye socket" variety, having shells the color of bone. Those of Arcadia are of the "googly eye" variety, and come in a wide range of colors in addition to the "bone" color. Little is known of how Hookas live on Sinai, but on Arcadia it has been reported that Hookas are grown (in the form of head plus a few modules) by an especially large "Hooka Queen". Apparently there is organic material inside of each module, and they are capable of growing. It is not known how additional "modules" are created, or if these creatures possess genders. They appear to eat plant material by sucking it in through their mouth/nose orifices.

In at least one incident on Arcadia, there was a report of malformed Hookas being born that had blackish shells. These "baby" Hookas would fall over, crack open, and then exude wormy growths that would link up with other such wormy creatures, to form larger beings that would prey upon (normal) Hookas and upon the environment. These monsters appeared to be able to drain the life from anything they touched, burning large paths through the Arcadian forest. No such monsters have been reported on Sinai, however.

The singular, "Jinga" is very rarely used, but "Jingai" refers to, as a collective, the various reptiloid sapient races found in abundance in the Nagai Empire, specifically excluding the Nagai themselves. This would include the Shigai, Rokugai, Kirigai and (excluding the Nagai) the Nigai. The plural (as in, referring to a finite number) would be "Jingas".

In the Nagai Empire, only Nagai and Jingai may be considered citizens. The Jingai are "second-class citizens" by comparison.

"City-Born Jupani" possess keen senses of hearing and smell, and many are possessed of impressive strength -- making them ideal guards. A majority of Rephidim Temple's (non-Zelak) guards are wolves.

2) A term applied generically to all wolf-like humanoid sapients found on Sinai, even though there are at least three separate species: the Himarian Jupani, the "City Jupani" (occasionally referred to as "Karnors" or "Carnors"), and the massive Titanians. Vykarins, despite somewhat wolf-like features, are not considered "Jupani".

The Kampfzengruppe is known to have a strong ideal of human superiority - That they have an alliance with the Khattas is no doubt largely due to the stereotypical self-effacing mannerisms of Himaat culture.

The Jupani analogues (humanoids with wolf-like features) to be found on the planet of Abaddon (as part of an organization known as the Expedition) are known as "Karnor" or "Karnors". By all appearances, they are genetically identical to "City Jupani" ( Jupani (City-Born) ) on Sinai.

It also happens that an obscure name for "City Jupani" on Sinai is "Karnor", pointing at common origins. "Karnor" is also the name of an obscure language sometimes used by City Jupani, and a variant dialect is in use on Abaddon.

Katthas are widely distributed across Sinai, though the largest concentrations can be found in the Khattan Emirate (Himaat), and in the country of Olympia in Nordika (northern Ai).

Kavis in the city are desperate for jobs that will keep their families in permanent good living conditions. They have little common sense, but an inordinate lust for the shekel; the last thing you want to hear is a Kavi looking at you speculatively and saying 'I've got an idea'... Kavis are found practically everywhere: shopkeepers, technicians, secretaries and aides, janitors and servants, and anything else that makes minimum wage for long hours.

Kavis out in the wild have reverted to a hunter-gatherer existence that brings them suspiciously close to feralness, often seizing upon a few central ideas and worshipping them to the point of total fanaticism and berserkly attacking anyone who dares to contradict them. A saying goes, 'No one's crazy as a Kavi'.

Note on Kavis as PCs:
You can take a '-1 Kavi rep' because people will tend to believe that you're shiftless and not smart enough (except for the occasional idea) to handle anything complicated -- yes, it's speciesist, but this is not a perfect and politically correct world. Also, you'll have a poor health for resisting things like hunger and thirst and sickness.

It should be noted that Savanites, while certainly felinoid humanoids, are NOT considered "Khatta", though the slang "cat" can still be applied to them. They are not popularly considered truly sapient beings, their lack of ability to speak often held up as justification for such claims, if tradition alone will not suffice.

Khatta are found in great variety in populated regions all over Sinai, not having any particular single region which could be claimed as their "homeland", except for the Khattan Emirate of the Himaat (the most noteworthy city being Abu Dhabi, on the western edge of Ai, by the ocean).

The plural of "Kiriga" is either "Kirigas" or "Kirigai" (used to refer to the collective "race" as a whole).

Korvs are sapient avian creatures, most of them looking much like greatly oversized crows (about four feet tall at normal stance) with claw-like hands sprouting from their wings. (There are, however, variations, such as Korvs who more closely resemble Jays or other corvites.) They are very lightly structured, not particularly strong (or durable), capable of delicate manipulation either with their wing-claws or feet -- though the former are not of much use while in flight.

Korvs do not have their own "race language", adopting either the tongue of the country they live in, or else that of the Vartans, since "vartanspeak" has become a fair standard among the "beaked" races, being designed for such speech.

Korvs are found in various regions, but are most concentrated in the Nordikan countries of Chronotopia and Sylvania, having fair influence in the affairs of both nations. Korvs from each country, however, bear little racial loyalty, as most of the multi-special Nordikan nations gain their identity more on nationality than species.

Kujaku do not have a language of their own, using the language of whatever country they are found in, though many also pick up the tongue of the Vartans, since it is especially geared toward use by the "beaked" races. Kujaku are not especially strong or dextrous, but many of them are found to have strong scholarly and financial aptitudes, meaning that they are often found in the upper classes of whatever country they are found in.

Physically they stand between four and five feet (in biped form) and might be mistaken for a Heyoke at first glance. They are digitigrade and their biped form still looks greatly 'animal like'. Unlike the Heyoke they have very short fur and a thin whiplike tail. They are often called 'stripe dogs' or 'tiger dogs' because one of their most distinguishing features are the stripes crisscrossing their rumps. Their fur color ranges from very light brown to yellowish cream while their stripes are hazel brown to black.

Lacinus are rarely seen outside of Lamu, but there have been enough wandering types noticed here and there to make seeing one a novelty, but not a great shock.

On the water-planet of Ashtoreth, Sinaian and Abaddonian explorers through the Gateway have encountered a species of "mer-cats" -- feline-like sapients with lower bodies resembling those of porpoises or dolphins, with sleek and streamlined bodies and stringy "head hair" (sometimes shaved off -- in the case of warriors -- for less resistance when going through the water). They come in a wide variety of colors, marked with tiger stripes, spots, rosettes and other traditional "wild cat" markings, and a few more bizarre examples.

Mariners have their own language that has some similarities in structure and word choices to Khattan, though many Mariner words are unpronuncable by most off-worlders. (Eeee can make a fairly close approximation, though.) In the years since initial contact with this species, many Mariners from a region known as the Abyss have learned to speak Khattan and Bosch, though only a few know Rephidim Standard or other Sinaian languages. (These particular Mariners are known as "Abyssinian Mariners" or just "Abyssinians".)

Mariners are mammals with considerable lung capacity, living near the few islands that dot the surface of Ashtoreth's planet-covering ocean, or else living in underwater areas that -- for one reason or another -- have oxygen supplies.

1. The term for the collective people known as "the Nagai", reptiloids that resemble snakes, but have semi-humanoid upper torsos, with two arms. Sometimes, the term is abused to refer to other, non-snake-like reptiloids often associated with the Nagai.
2. Short for "Nagai Empire". Refers to the collection of territories with boundaries that equal that of the Savan Territories (with the exception that Fetiss Sky Island is considered part of the Nagai Empire, yet it is not part of the Savan).
3. Major territory of the Nagai Empire, located on the east coast of the Savan Territories.
4. Capitol city (more specifically known as Nagai City) of the Nagai Empire, located within the Nagai Territory, on the east side of the Savan Territories.

Nagas are generally quite agile, and some have poisonous bites, though truly lethal poisons are a relative rarity among the various sub-types. They are reptilian and cold-blooded, and therefore are found in more temperate or warm climates, and almost never in the colder northern regions.

On the continent of Ai, Nagas can be found largely in the regions of the Savan, especially in the jungles. There are many Nagai settlements in the Savan, some with stone buildings dating several centuries old. On the continent of Ur, many Naga can be found in the Ashdod Territories, especially in the capitol city of Babel.

Nagas lay claim to a heritage that supposedly traces back eons, their "Nagai Empire" purportedly formed back in the age of the First Ones. Of what can be verified, though, the history of their empire can only be traced with certainty back to 4000 RTR, or, perhaps, closer toward 3000 RTR. Of surviving records (carved in stone, etc.) they are the first culture recognized to have had Savanite slaves. (Considering their widespread presence in the Savan, this would only seem natural.)

The Niton are a cold-blooded reptilian race, humanoid in general shape, but lizard-like in appearance. (A Niton can be easily mistaken for a Shiga.) So far, Niton have only been discovered in the vicinity of Sunrise City in Lamu, and are characterized by having very accelerated (and very short) life spans, going through their life cycles in a matter of weeks.

The Nohbakim sail across the sea of sand on large Sand Triremes and smaller Kooshkie Sleds, living a scavenger life and often a violent one as they fight amongst themselves and other desert denizens over scant resources. Scavengers as they are, their jewelry often consists of trash that they treat like treasure, and their mish-mash of patchwork attire (unique to each Nohbakim's body form) gives them an often colorful appearance.

For Rhian PCs, it is recommended that you have at least 2 points allocated to Strength ("Stronger than Average" -- Major, Novice). Rhians also have a -1 Disadvantage: Vegetarian.

The plural of "Rokuga" is either "Rokugas" or "Rokugai" (used when referring to the collective "race" as a whole).

They are natural-born sprinters. Unlike many feline races with claws, the claws on their hands and feet are non-retractile, and typically blunt, more useful for getting a grip in the soil than for combat. Most "wild" Savanites do not possess any special senses beyond human ability, relying more upon skill, group tactics and tools for survival.

Savanite communities, scarce as they are, are found in regions of the Savan (hence their name), either in the plains or the jungles. They live a largely primitive existence, and are unable to vocalize, thus relying upon sign and body language for communication. For this reason and others, they are considered as inferior by many sapient species on Sinai, and are considered a "slave race" by Rephidim and other major powers. Thus, communities in the Savan are few and scattered, since slavers frequently roam in search of new "commodities".

Savanites in slavery can be found on a much wider range, and most of them have been born to this life through so many generations that this is the only life they know ... and don't even consider "freedom" as an option.

In recent times, a settlement of free Savanites, the City of Hands, has been revealed in the region of Xenea (part of the Nagai Empire). Also, there have been attempts to introduce freedom to Savanite slaves in the Nagai Empire, although this has been fraught with complications.

The plural for "Shiga" is either "Shigas", or else "Shigai" (typically used when referring to the "race" as a group). Though not "proper", the use of the word "Shigai" when referring to a SINGLE Shiga is in such widespread use (at least among those who even know of the Shigai) that it is, in essence, interchangeable. (The same is the case for Chiga/Chigai, Rokuga/Rokugai, and Kiriga/Kirigai ... but woe to anyone who calls a single Naga a "Nagai"!)

There are legends that speak of the Silent Ones -- ancient ancestors of the cheetah-like Savanites, who predate even legends of a great Savanite Empire in the distant history of Sinai. The Silent Ones supposedly had great cathedral-ships that ferried them across the stars, and ruled a celestial empire, before they came down to Sinai. Their culture was one that revered the Star as a deity ... but portrayed this entity in a more warlike aspect.

Sirens are a sub-type of Mariner (mer-cat) found on the water-world of Ashtoreth. They are distinctive in that they have large external translucent membranes that some describe as "wings", which serve as gills, making them amphibious, whereas Abyssianian Mariners merely have considerable lung capacity.

It is a common myth that Sirens are all female, but each clan of Sirens is ruled by a male of their species, a Triton. Relations between the Sirens and other species are most often violent, thus little is known about them or their culture.

The Solus average 5'5 to 6'0. Physically they resemble a cross between an anthropoid feline and a hawk. Their skeletal and muscular structure supports their usable arms and strong wings, making them capable of short flights. The Solus are not capable of long distance flying or of carrying much weight while flying. They can carry their body weight plus a maximum of 50 lbs. The better flyers are more agile, can fly farther, and with heavier cargo.

Solus arms end in five prehensile digits which have soft pads rather than claws. Their feet are non-prehensile with digits that have retractable claws. The Solus have average physical compared to other races. They are long lived: 120 cycles is average. Their fur is short overall, except on their heads, where it is often worn long. Fur colors range from light to dark brown to golden.

Wings are covered with large feathers over a softer downy layer of feathers. Wing colors are typically pure white and are considered ceremonially important. Other colors are regarded as bad omens by the Solus and result in exposure (abandonment) of the young to Nature by the group. The Solus view this as handing the infant's fate over to the First Ones. Some cast out Solus have survived through the kindness of strangers, and others are rumored to be held in thrall by other races. Only a rare few (to date in Solus history: 4) have returned to Soultown, the racial capital. These are regarded with suspicion.

Eye colors vary, and are commonly green or yellow. Purple and dark blue are the most favored, being regarded as gifts from the First Ones.

Solus have long prehensile tails which are kept curled close to their bodies. Exactly how they reproduce is unknown, but their genetic system is highly adaptable and they have been know to mate cross species. This phenomena is extremely rare and viewed with neutrality by the Solus.

The Solus are a hearty people, not usually susceptible to disease. However, they do get a form of mites in their wings which incapacitate or even kill them.

Solus culture is structured around the ke'nai, a medium sized animal that resembles a llama. The ke'nai appear to be long lived, though their lifespan is not clearly known. The oldest live to about 60 cycles. The ke'nai represent a source of food for the Solus, as they are edible and the females provide a heavy milk. The animals represent wealth for the Solus, and an indicator of status, for all ke'nai are considered gifts from the First Ones. It is no secret that the Solus are obsessive and ruthless in their pursuit of the ke'nai, even stealing the animals from each other. Status is partially based on herd size, and partially on the blood lines of the ke'nai. The Solus maintain strict records of all ke'nai births, deaths and matings. In fact, there is an entire occupation devoted to ke'nai bloodlines. To possess the best bloodlines indicates very high status.

Ke'nai strength and intelligence is excellent. The animals are jealously guarded by the Solus, and the unsanctioned killing of a ke'nai is an offense punishable by death. Every Solus is given their first ke'nai at birth, and this animal takes a unique place in the Solus's heart. It forms the basis for their herd, and is in some senses a partner. Though the ke'nai can not speak, it is possible they can understand mental thought.

The Solus culture focuses on Soultown and the ke'nai. The Solus show little interest in the outside world, though individuals will freely trade for goods, information or technology if they think it will help them aquire more ke'nai. Ke'nai meat and milk is not as highly valued outside the Solus culture, though many view ke'nai products as tasty. The Solus very reluctantly trade live ke'nai with outsiders, and only slightly less reluctantly will trade meat, milk and cheese products. The Solus will readily trade ke'nai wool in any form (spun, unspun, woven, unwoven) and are well known for the wool and quality weaving. In addition to being weavers, Solus also trade their services as messengers and occasionally, warriors to those who require such services. Such a situation is almost always temporary. Solus under permanent employ are rare.

The Solus are devious, trusting no one but their immediate family members -- their "birth clan." The Solus are of above average intelligence and they often use it against the unwary if given the chance. However, for the most part, Solus do not seek out such opportunities.

Solus who migrate to the cities are uncommon. Once in the cities, the Solus undergo a drastic lifestyle change as the ke'nai do not survive long outside their native valley. Thus, a city dwelling Solus must find something to replace the ke'nai in their hearts and souls. This is usually not beneficial to the Solus in question as they become obsessed with such things as: chocolate, caffeine, gold, individuals of other races, plants, stones... almost anything to fill the gap. Some Solus have been known to obsess on poisonous animals or plants!

PC and NPC Notes for the Solus:

A Solus character in the city can take a -1 disadvantage as a result of leaving home culture (with obsessions as above).

A Solus must have at least average flying capability (4 points).

A large colony of Sphinxes (or Sphinxae) was discovered on the sky island of Paradys in very recent history, though they insist on calling themselves Vartans, claiming to be descendants of the ill-fated crew of Shokar's Silver Bell. Presently, a large contingent of them have migrated to Underside -- the flip side of Rephidim.

However, the majority of Titanians are members of a race of large bipedal, plantigrade lupines. Hence, the term "Titanian" is often used as a racial term rather than an indication of nationality. Lupine Titanians (also known as Titanian Jupanis) are very large, and are distinctive in having hairy manes as well as "fetlocks" on their forearms and sometimes legs. They are typically known as being very hardy and stereotypically dimwitted ... though somehow capable of considerable feats of engineering.

Vartans are known mostly for their love of shiny things, their distaste in magic and magic users, and their strength. They are probably the most powerful flying race on Sinai and are coveted as crewmembers for Airships and as guards. Typically, Vartans do not hold any type of high standing jobs such as craftsmen or nobles, although there's always a few exceptions to the rule. You will usually find Vartans employed as heavy labourers and other 'muscle' jobs. They are usually quite dilligent and honest in their labours... and can be bribed to work for less money than most with the offer of a few cheap shiny bits of junk.

Vartans come in a myraid of colors, ranging from white to tawny gold to red and blue. They can be solid in their coloration, or splotchy... or even striped or spotted, black feathers are fairly rare.

Adult Xients stand about 3-4 feet tall, and there are marked differences between the males and females. Males resemble armadillos, their backs being covered in leathery plates of natural armor. The females, however, resemble porcupines, their backs covered with sharp quills. Both males and females are capable of curling up into a ball, and are able to roll considerable distances that way. (It should be noted that while this works just fine in the open plains, it would be awkward at best in civilized lands, since it's hard to see where you're going when you're curled up in a ball.)

Xients have their own language, Xient, though dialects vary from tribe to tribe. Some of them may also know the hooting language of the Hookas, using musical instruments to communicate with the odd creatures.

Their most-often seen caste are the warriors, who are 6' tall and have long claws over their hands, and are six-limbed (two arms, two foot-hands, and two foots). Their chitin exoskeletons come in a variety of colors and patterns which identify the hive from which a warrior comes.

In appearance, a Zerda is a humanoid with the head, tail and fur of a fennec, and correspondingly large ears. They also tend to be fairly short by human standards, averaging four to five feet tall as adults. Zerdas are best known for their keen sense of hearing.