Yael
Yael - from the proto-Titanic phrase Yaha a Elathri (beasts of mortal frame) - is a collective term for those Mortal Lineages whose humanoid shape incorporates features from other animals. They are sometimes called 'beastfolk', but that term is deemed offensive by most Yael.
Featherfolk are Yael with birdlike features, including feathers, beaks and, in some cases, wings. They are an ancient race, considered Cardinal and Anagenic, having been - like the eladrin - creations of the Titans, intended to serve as their messengers. There are featherfolk with features from all manner of bird.
Smoothfolk have amphibian features, and favour wetland environments. Different groups of smoothfolk are considered Secondary or Tertiary lineages, and most are deemed anagenic.
Peltfolk have mammalian features. Must fall into the pashak lineage, who possess a range of feline features, but this category also includes yainah. The pashak are a secondary, Ethnogenic Line, while the yainah are a tertiary, ethnogenic, or arguably an agenic lineage.
Scalefolk are Yael with reptilian features. This includes the cardinal, ethnogenic scutors, and the secondary, ethnogenic petari, or Lizardfolk; the latter term is not considered derogatory, despite the fact that many of the lineage resemble snakes or crocodilians more than they do lizards.
Greatfolk is a term used for three especially large Yael lineages, in terms of individual stature: the Minotaur, the mathom or mastonda, and Centaurs. As well as size, they are all notable for blending humanoid and animal features, far more than than being an animal with eladrinate posture.
Some scholars also include the category of finfolk, but those included - merfolk, merrow and the like - are more usually classified as Seafolk.
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