Csillun

Csillun ( CHEE-luhn; children of the stars in Nyirnian) are one of the sapient species in Frasfu, originally coming from the Valley of Stars, in southern Nyirnia. Although most of them still live in Nyirnia, they are common in Mandor and Inkiarniqekia too. They can be easily identified by their colorful hair and the skin patterns known as starmarks, which give off a soft pulsating light.
It's said that they are touched by "the power of the stars" (whatever that means). And because csillun are not a very widespread species, they are generally regarded with respect and even reverence.

Their starmarks are intrinsic resonances, there's no doubt about this. But I'm still trying to figure out from which plane they resonate. Logic tells me they must come from their individual intrinsic planes, but with no csillun contacts on this planet, I haven't been able to fully study their nature.

— From Min-aniara Laita's travel journal.

Appearance

Standing about 1.90 meters tall on average, csillun are one of the tallest people in Frasfu, only beaten by the beihon. They tend to have slim and agile bodies, with relatively hairless and soft skin.

Coloration

Skin
Csillun have dark skin colors, usually with shades of brown, blue, or red.

Eyes
Their eyes are also dark, with shades of blue, purple, and brown.

Hair and starmarks
Both their hair and starmarks can be of any color, although they are generally bright. Their hair tends to have at least two different colors. When not lit directly, both give off a faint light that pulsates to the beat of their heart.

History

The Star Rites claim that the csillun were created by the stars. The Seven Faiths argue that Creation infused them with their light. In any case, the Valley of Stars is where most people point to as their original homeland —and it still is, to this day.
It's probably fair to say that they were once a separate country, but records of this hypothetical csillun kingdom have been lost to time. The Valley is now mostly under Nyirnia's control, with the western edge belonging to Mandor. However, rather than becoming an oppressed people, their culture expanded to the whole country long ago. They still are a minority species, but they have found their way into the high nobility anyway.

Lifespan

90 years

Average Height

1.90 meters

Cultural perception

Csillun are seen as exotic and regarded with curiosity anywhere on Frasfu except for Nyirnia, Mandor, and Inkiarniqekia. Fortunately for them, their physical similarities with jongyan, the most common sapient species, lets them live without fear of discrimination due to their species.
In fact, being the only sapient species with light-emitting bodies surrounds them with an aura of mysticism and wisdom. The name of the species itself is a clear example of that, considering that the Star Rites are the dominant religion in Nyirnia.

I've found that many cultures have mythological beings that embody ideals of nobility, wisdom, and fairness. For many people in Frasfu, the csillun fit this spot. Needless to say, the csillun are as capable of being idiots as anyone else.

— From Min-aniara Laita's travel journal