Chikaran
The Chikaran are a semi-humanoid, semi-aquatic freshwater species that live confined to Kamu Atsam in central-southeast Dalatsa. They have a high to very high range of intelligence, and are omnivorous. Their main sources of food are birds and bird eggs, insects, and plant matter. The average lifespan of a Chikaran is 60-100 years, and they range in height from approximately 5-6 feet. They are direct descendants of the Yadamanya who evolved to withstand the caustic clay and mud flats of the central southeast, and many of their biological processes have since grown dependent on the minerals the clay produces.
There are a few psychic Chikaran communities existing today in their northern territory but the majority of the population live too far removed from the rainforests to retain their abilities. The last remnants of their cultural ties to the Yadamanya lie in the select few of their pantheon some Chikaran traditionalists worship, though the majority of Chikaran follow an entirely new, distinct small cluster of divine beings. They are governed by means of democratic republic with the votes of elders (anyone age 80+) weighted doubly on ballots.
The Chikaran mine ore and rock from riverbeds to use in stonemasonry and metalworking, and they extensively use ceramics for everything from weaponry, architecture, craftsmanship, art, and jewelry. They have developed an extensive canal irrigation system to bring water into the flats from the rivers as well as to collect rainwater, and they use these to support agriculture and water reserves. Their oral and written language is called Chikarami, and they are on good terms with both the Yadamanya and the Mydhamagna. Though they have never encountered foreigners, they are a genial peoples who are curious and open to new ideas.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Semi-Humanoid, Semi-Aquatic
5-6 feet
