Riisani

The Riisani are a chitinous, multi-limbed species whose morphology combines both insectoid and reptilian characteristics. They are distinguished by an elongated body plan, four functional arms, and a cranial structure marked by four bilaterally arranged eyes, each exhibiting a degree of natural bioluminescence, together with a bifurcated lower jaw that imparts a distinctly serpentine aspect to the cranial structure. Dentition consists of sharpened teeth specialized for cutting and tearing, consistent with a predatory or at least opportunistically carnivorous lifestyle. Adult Riisani vary considerably in stature, with heights ranging from approximately 1.9 to 2.7 meters; this variation is consistently observed across field studies and interviews, and may be associated with caste and status, including differential access to resources such as nutrition. The body is encased in segmented chitinous plating that provides substantial protection against environmental hazards and physical trauma, while retaining sufficient flexibility to permit swift and precise locomotion. Despite their formidable appearance, Riisani are noted for their agility and coordination, traits evident in both natural movement and martial practice.   A defining element of Riisani biology is their environmental dependence on diethyl ether. Their homeworld, Riis, maintains atmospheric ether concentrations far in excess of what is typically encountered in standard habitable environments, and Riisani physiology has consequently adapted to incorporate ether into baseline metabolic functions. While capable of surviving in standard atmospheres after acclimatization, they require periodic ether intake approximately once every 30 days to sustain long-term biological stability. This dependence also confers notable resistances: Riisani are unaffected by ether-induced unconsciousness and exhibit marked resistance to a broad range of anesthetic agents. Such traits can provide significant advantages in combat or other hostile conditions, allowing Riisani to remain active where most other sapients would be incapacitated. However, the same resistance complicates medical intervention, as conventional anesthetics are often ineffective and surgical procedures must be adapted accordingly.

Characteristics:

Riisani have the following modifiers applied to their characteristics: END+1, DEX+1, EDU-2.  

Traits:

Chitnous plating: The Riisani’s chitinous plating provides natural defense, granting +3 Protection, which does not stack with any worn armor.   Etheric Regeneration: Riisani possess an extraordinary ability to heal from injuries more rapidly when they consume ether. Natural healing at 2D + END DM, when significant amount of ether is consumed.

While the exact reproduction of Riisani isn't fully understood, it appears that Riisani pair up in male/female parental pairs, similar to humans, from which clutches of eggs are laid by the female. It is understood that the eggs are fertilized inside the female before they are laid. After a period of incubation, the eggs hatch, revealing the fuzzy and vulnerable hatchlings within. This typically results in offspring groupings of three to six or more hatchlings. As the hatchlings grow, they undergo molting, shedding their fuzzy exterior as they mature into more resilient individuals. This molting process is a significant milestone in their development, marking their transition into adolescence and signaling their readiness to take on more active roles within the community.

Riisani personal names are usually two or three syllables, though longer ones exist but are rare. Names often begin with strong consonants such as P, K, V, S, G, R, or L, and frequently end with -is, -iks, -ik, -ax, -or, -us, -el, -ar, -in, -ah, or -ii.   A Riisani is formally identified by their personal name followed by an epithet or title. These often reflect deeds, loyalties, or positions of rank.
  Examples:
Rakis, the Spider
Variks, the Loyal
Misraaks, Kell of Light
Phyksin, Baron of Kings
Eramis, Shipstealer
Inaaks, Kell of Wolves
Kridis, the Priestess
Skriviks, the Sharp-Eyed
  Male Names: Aksor, Avarokk, Craask, Draksis, Ekris, Fikrul, Grayliks, Keldar, Levaszk, Misraaks, Phyksin, Rakis, Sekris, Skolas, Taniks, Variks, Vekis, Virixas, Vosik   Female Names: Alaaks, Araskes, Atraks, Chelchis, Drevis, Eido, Elykris, Eramis, Grayris, Inaaks, Irxis, Ithyks, Kalliks, Kiriviks, Kridis, Phylaks, Savek, Skriviks, Veekris

Based on general observations and interviews with exiles, the Riisani, while divided into numerous clans or houses, are more broadly categorized into three primary groups. The first comprises those of the homeworld, Riis, about whom relatively little is known due to limited direct contact. The second consists of members of the Marauding fleets, whose mobile and often aggressive lifestyles have brought them into frequent conflict with other species. The third group encompasses the Exiles, typically individuals or families separated from these fleets. While exiles are not necessarily inclined to form cohesive groups, field evidence indicates a strong communal tendency: the need for collective belonging often leads Riisani exiles to set aside past allegiances and establish small, ad hoc communities with other exiles, reconstructing social bonds in unfamiliar environments.

It has been observed that among the Riisani, the upbringing of children is a communal effort. Parents bring their hatchlings to what can best be described as communal care centers, where they spend their days from infancy through adolescence. Seemingly, the females equally share the responsibility for all children of the community. While the young may be aware of their direct parents and siblings, the communal upbringing seems to foster a sense of belonging that transcends familial bonds.

The Riisani possess the biological capacity to regenerate lost limbs, but the process is extremely painful and requires a considerable expenditure of ether, a substance central to their physiology. This capability has given rise to a unique punitive practice within Riisani society in which deliberate limb removal functions as the most severe formal sanction short of death or exile. The procedure is regarded as a cultural taboo, employed only in cases of high-order transgressions. Amputation is typically followed by the surgical implantation of metallic caps or studs that both inhibit regrowth and act as visible identifiers of sanctioned individuals. In this way, punishment is inscribed directly upon the body, ensuring that the consequences of transgression are both physiologically and socially enduring.   Individuals subjected to this sanction experience an immediate loss of social standing and are formally stripped of status within their communities. Nevertheless, Riisani cultural norms provide a mechanism for reintegration. Offenders may pursue redemption through service to the community, typically by undertaking labor or obligations that carry collective benefit. This process allows the individual to demonstrate contrition and gradually re-establish social credibility, although the stigma associated with visible limb loss remains a persistent marker of prior misconduct.   The removal of the metallic cap is possible but requires an invasive and painful surgical process, reflecting the expectation that redemption must involve significant personal cost. The severity of this sanction is emphasized by its placement within the Riisani hierarchy of punishments: only death and exile are considered more extreme. Of these, exile is widely interpreted within Riisani culture as the ultimate penalty, one that removes the individual not only from their community but from the shared identity of the species itself.

Riisani are highly isolationistic, rarely seen outside their marauding fleets. When encountered, they typically stick to their own kind and are often unwelcoming, if not outright hostile, to outsiders. There seems to be a deep-seated suspicion of other species among the Riisani, but the cultural reasons behind this have yet to be uncovered, not made any easier by their disposition toward outsiders.