Islander

"Islanders", a generic umbrella name given to the species "agameo-sapien" in reference to their origins, are the most populous species in the Belari Ocean (alone, that is; Posicans are the most populous in the world). They occupy almost every occupied island in the sea, and form a solid chunk of the population of Sytorga as well. It's most accurate to describe them as "lizard people".

Basics

Appearance

Islanders are very similar in appearance to Posicans and Iceborn, but with a few differences. For one thing, they can't grow hair. This includes head hair, which gives the average Islander a defining trait off the bat. Their skin is covered in fine scales, which gives them a tough exterior. And while they have no tail or special tongue, they have longer limbs than other species, giving them a lithe, "lizardy" look.

Fashion

Islanders don't put much effort into fashion, unless they're trying to impress eachother (or a potential mate). They cover up in simple cloth, in different configurations based on the job they're doing. (More physical people would need their clothing to stick to them but they out of their way, for instance.) When trying to be "fancy", they'll stick things in their cloth garments, such as fruits, flowers, bugs and other things that accentuate the look they're going for.
Civil Islanders (that is, those who live on Sytorga or other large settlements) will wear properly-hemmed armors and clothing, but still don't care much about how they look unless trying to impress, and will often pick the simplest-looking thing.

Personality

Islander personalities differ from island to island, much like everything else about them. However, the most well-known "Islander" persona is that of the friendly and welcoming villager, who prefers living simply and carries a calm, pleasant demeanor. (The Islander word for this kind of person is "cwelt'ta", which means "common kin", and is sometimes used as a slur). This isn't the majority of Islanders, of course, just the most well-known one.

Island Cultures

Below is a list of different occupied islands across the Belari Ocean, each with its own quirks and differences in its culture.

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Civilization and Culture

Gender Ideals

Islanders reproduce asexually, and have no biological male or female members. However, interactions with hetero-reproductive species and gender-based cultures have given rise to a "gendering" ideology within Unk'ta groups. The identity, mannerisms, opinions, feelings etc. of individual Islanders sway between male and female ideals and they will often pick one or the other (or neither) to identify as. If, for no other reason, than to better fit themselves into the society they've found themselves in.
This is an ideology that confuses native Islanders, who find it difficult to understand what a "gender" even refers to. As such, many Unk'ta drop their gender identity in the presence of native kin. Those that don't are usually younger, and have had little experience outside of the modern life they live. They've simply lived as male or female (or neither) as a choice they made when very young.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Islander culture changes in many ways from island to island. There's really no true "Islander culture", as each island has its own customs, ideals, accent, etc. However, a few traits remain consistent between most Islander populations:

• The Islander approach to fashion remains the same, with simple attire being chosen over anything more elaborate than a basic set of armor. (Colors will often vary, though, based on the island's available resources.
• Islanders are biologically identical, save for scale color and slight proportional differences.
• Nutrition remains unchanged; protein is vital to a healthy Islander diet, and is often obtained from the large insects that can be found in many varieties acorss the ocean.
• While accents can change, the Islander language is remarkably universal. Historians attribute that to early sailing and meeting, while biologists point to the way the Islander brain processes social signals to be largely unchanging from person to person.

Unk'ta (Outsider Kin)

Many Islanders live a life outside that of their birth islands, both physically and culturally. Many live the life that Posicans and Iceborn do; serving on airships, living and working on Sytorga, etc. These Islanders are referred to as "Unk'ta" by other Islanders. It means "outsider kin" in their language, referring to one of their kind living and acting like an "outsider", someone that isn't an Islander.
While this can have a negative connotation in some communities, it's often thought to be a good thing. "Outsiders" have introduced new comforts and improvements to island life, and the scientists among Islanders likely would be decades (if not centuries) behind without "Outsider" influence. Those who live that life are either considered "lucky to be living the utmost luxury" or "good to be repaying tribute to what we've been brought".
Not all Islanders appreciate the Unk'ta, however. Some island communities are afraid for their cultural heritage and sense of being. Others shun "Outsiders" that have acted in bad faith, sometimes killing and abusing Islanders for their mere differences. To make matters worse, it's still an issue today - not all people see Islanders as proper sapiens. And being an Unk'ta can sometimes be a curse from both sides, as much as a blessing from either.

Scientific Name

Agameo-Sapien

Lifespan

130 years

Geographic Distribution

• Belari Ocean
• Sytorga