Kaimar

Basic Information

Anatomy

Humanoid - four limbs, walks upright. Medium to large "fins" on side of head, cartilaginous tapered protrusions with blood-colored webbing between. Slightly webbed but mostly separated fingers with thick claws/nails at the end. Skin tone can vary, all within human ranges, depending on location and habitat. Gills on ribs allow for aquatic breathing; they seal up on land to protect the fragile tissue and avoid oxygen oversaturation. Eyes are blood color, with catlike slits that adjust to accommodate light. Coldblooded semi-reptilian. Some can have patches of scales, and some have different amounts of webbing on extremities/fins. Fangs suited for raw meat tearing - generally carnivorous but can sustain off plants for short periods of time. At will, in water, the legs can transform into aquatic forms to enable better swimming. Forms can vary depending on caste and genetics. Generally, lower castes get more common forms and higher castes get more unique/weird forms.

Genetics and Reproduction

Egg-laying

Growth Rate & Stages

Longish lifespan - like 175 ish years? Concave life graph; high mortality in early life, but those that survive last a long time.

Ecology and Habitats

Marine, generally warmer equatorial waters, but there are a few groups that can live in much colder areas. Low castes live most of their lives underwater, but since colonies are based around volcanic islands, there is a significant above-ground portion where the higher castes live. Markets are around shore, castle above ground, low-caste homes below surface.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Generally carnivorous - raw or cooked meat is the main food source. Can subside off plants for short periods of time, but they require a lot of protein and fish-based nutrients for optimal health. Hunt with tools for their prey, usually groups of designated hunters per family/community. Minimal hunting for sport, but hunting for sustenance is sometimes treated as a game among the hunters. Plant foraging is rare, but generally individuals in a group will forage and then share their bounties with the group. Plants are used as enhancements for the main meal of meat - seasoning, decoration, or serving dishes etc.

Additional Information

Average Intelligence

High.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Slightly low hearing threshold, especially among low castes (hear better in water where sound travels better, dulled hearing on land). Excellent vision, sensitive to quick movements - and quick reflexes to match. Kinesthetic skills are high - sensitive to water currents, able to easily orient in water re: up and down, and find surface.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

High-impact, attention-grabbing sounds. Tend to be named after gods and natural phenomena.

Major Organizations

Royalty

Beauty Ideals

Things that resemble royalty. Physical fitness, muscle tone, bigger size.

Gender Ideals

None?

Average Technological Level

Not a lot of electronic technology is native, but there are plenty of tools built to channel magic and enhance its strength.

Lifespan

175 yrs, but early infant mortality