Libellon

Libellon ( lee-BEHL-lohn) are a sapient species from Frasfu capable of flight, with their insectoid wings. Most of them live in the White Spires, the mountain range between Nampyeon, Nyirnia, and Mandor, although there is a sizeable population living in the Red Chain (Dhuraifa) too.

Appearance

They look similar to jongyan, although their ears are pointy and have less rounded faces. Their body is also smaller and more fragile, and from their upper backs grow a pair of wings, similar to those of certain insects.

Coloration

Skin
Northern libellon have lighter skin tones, while those living in the Red Chain are darker. In both cases, even though they have similar colors to the jongyan, they're darker than their wingless cousins.

Hair
Most libellon don't grow body hair save for their eyebrows and heads, which they usually keep short (or completely shave).

Wings
Their wings are like those of an insect: thin, transluscent, and with a network of tiny veins. Some libellon have colorful butterfly wings, while others have thinner and monochromatic ones, like those of a mosquito. The kind of wing someone has is related to genetics, and it has a cultural impact, as colorful wings are seen as more desirable.

History

Libellon originally come from the White Spires, where they lived in tribes, likely united by their wing shapes. Eventually, the countries that surrounded the White Spires realized their military superiority and began conquering the territory. It wasn't easy, mainly due to the geographical challenges, but the libellon soon found their homes compromised.
Some of them, fearing for their lives, migrated to the Red Chain, in Dhuraifa, which had just achieved its independence. The new Dhuraifan government welcomed the refugees and gave the Red Chain some degree of autonomy under its rule. Meanwhile, Nampyeon and Nyirnia accepted the surrender of the White Spires, and the libellon that had stayed there became citizens of one of these countries.
Currently, the libellon live as a subjugated people in the north and as a nation in exile in the south. It's worth noting, however, that opinions on this are divided —the invasion happened many years ago, after all. And while libellon can't become government officials in Nampyeon nor Nyirnia, they have access to most services anyway.

Discovering the history of these people reminded me of the Sky Wars back home. I wonder if there's some psychological explanation behind the apparent need to subjugate people who can fly.

— From Min-aniara Laita's travel journal.

Lifespan

60 years

Average Height

1.60 meters