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Safir skin is blue in color due to their blood being hemocyanin-based, rather than hemoglobin-based as in humans. From the head protrude two large, elven ears which, some Shirithian biologists theorize, function like antennae to detect extremely subtle behavioral cues from other safir, thus allowing safir in the vicinity of each other to communicate through what appears as humans to telepathy. Safir anatomy textbooks, however, while noting that the tips of the ears are rather sensitive, state that telepathy (or ''meraki'', as it is known in [[Classical Āirumāli language|Āirumāli]]), and other mental abilities emblematic of the species, proceed solely from the brain.
Safir skin is blue in color due to their blood being hemocyanin-based, rather than hemoglobin-based as in humans. From the head protrude two large, elven ears which, some Shirithian biologists theorize, function like antennae to detect extremely subtle behavioral cues from other safir, thus allowing safir in the vicinity of each other to communicate through what appears as humans to telepathy. Safir anatomy textbooks, however, while noting that the tips of the ears are rather sensitive, state that telepathy (or ''meraki'', as it is known in [[Classical Āirumāli language|Āirumāli]]), and other mental abilities emblematic of the species, proceed solely from the brain.
Formal research into the biological and metaphysical process underlying the safir's psionic abilities is slowly ongoing. Safir researchers do not yet know for certain how psionic powers — especially telepathy — work. From brain scans of safir and other species psionic and otherwise, they know that some structure exists in the brain that is responsible for psionic ability, and theorize, based on studies into the underlying mechanism of telekinesis, that higher spatial dimensions (and potentailly hyperspace, if I end up canonizing a form of superluminal starcraft drive that requires it to function) may also be used in the process. Further research into the subject isn't taboo, but instead more or less in brick-wall mode (though the metaphysical side may be more productive than the biological presently).


Some safir, mainly belonging to a royal line of carefully selective interbreeding over hundreds of generations, have retained birdlike wings, large enough for telekinetically assisted flight. The presence of such wings in safir royals has befuddled safir historians for millennia.
Some safir, mainly belonging to a royal line of carefully selective interbreeding over hundreds of generations, have retained birdlike wings, large enough for telekinetically assisted flight. The presence of such wings in safir royals has befuddled safir historians for millennia.

Revision as of 20:32, 15 July 2018

Safir
A blue-skinned, black-haired elvenoid with four arms
Seoni Miłarna, a Daian safir
Founded Approximately 1.2 Ma
Founder Ancestrix Fleet (Daia and Lessa)
(ultimate origins unknown)
Leader(s) Vāstra II of Firneramnen (titular Safir Empress)
Yrkavra Celeđi Libitina (President of the Executive Commission of the Safir Alliance)
Capital Aňira
Qalani
Uchan
Qilapel
Home world Daia
Base of operations Daia
Official language Classical Āirumāli
Archaic Lessan
Īnēmāli
Many others in member states
Currency Firneramnese ari
Wuqojimese mark
Ešišei jeciba
Many others in member states
Flagship asdf
Official religion Ilathnarari dominant; many others official or majority in member states

The safir (Classical Āirumāli: File:Safir name.png safir) are an alien species from, but not native to, the planet Daia and the continental moon Lessa, and the senior member species of the Safir Alliance.

First contact was made between the Safir Alliance and Micras in 1562 AN, and they possessed a colony on Micras from 1577 to 1582. After the collapse of this colony, most safir exited Micras, but a small, albeit notable, diaspora remains. Of note is Shireroth, where the largest safir community exists. To date, three safir have been Kaisers of Shireroth: Rei (1577–1579), Semisa II (1608), and Daniel III (1624–1629). All of these remain active in Shirerithian society and public life. Additionally, safir have featured in the upper echela of several other countries' governments and high societies.

Biology

Safir appear humanoid in their outward features; according to the theory of convergent evolution, their original native planet (which is unknown) must be similar to both Terra and Micras. They are not genetically related to humans, though. The average height of a female safir is slightly above the human; of a male, slightly below the human.

Safir skin is blue in color due to their blood being hemocyanin-based, rather than hemoglobin-based as in humans. From the head protrude two large, elven ears which, some Shirithian biologists theorize, function like antennae to detect extremely subtle behavioral cues from other safir, thus allowing safir in the vicinity of each other to communicate through what appears as humans to telepathy. Safir anatomy textbooks, however, while noting that the tips of the ears are rather sensitive, state that telepathy (or meraki, as it is known in Āirumāli), and other mental abilities emblematic of the species, proceed solely from the brain.

Formal research into the biological and metaphysical process underlying the safir's psionic abilities is slowly ongoing. Safir researchers do not yet know for certain how psionic powers — especially telepathy — work. From brain scans of safir and other species psionic and otherwise, they know that some structure exists in the brain that is responsible for psionic ability, and theorize, based on studies into the underlying mechanism of telekinesis, that higher spatial dimensions (and potentailly hyperspace, if I end up canonizing a form of superluminal starcraft drive that requires it to function) may also be used in the process. Further research into the subject isn't taboo, but instead more or less in brick-wall mode (though the metaphysical side may be more productive than the biological presently).

Some safir, mainly belonging to a royal line of carefully selective interbreeding over hundreds of generations, have retained birdlike wings, large enough for telekinetically assisted flight. The presence of such wings in safir royals has befuddled safir historians for millennia.

Safir reproduce in a manner similar to humans, and are viviparous; one notable difference, however, is the presence of hermaphrodite safir, outwardly-female specimens that are nevertheless capable of siring children as well as bearing them.

Society

Traditional safir society appears to be matriarchal. This is reflected in females being larger and more dominant and aggressive than males. Additionally, the gender balance of safir is heavily skewed towards the female. As such, historically, safir societies have tended to be polyandrous, though these days monogamy and outright polyamory appear more and more common.