Neiri

The Nirin (ˈnir.in), singular Neiri (ˈnei.ri) are a species native to Sothendra. In the Kin-elleth language, they are known as Neiri-nâi (ˈnej.ri.nɔɪ), singular Neirith (ˈnej.riθ).

Quick Facts

Autonyms: Neiri/Nirin, Nir/Nirai, etc.
Languages: Laneir, various tribal languages
Home planet: Sothendra
Other planets: A few Endri-nâi worlds, as well as scattered reports of colonies on various worlds such as Kax, Saru, Cantarr, Earth
Political affiliation: Nominally under the protection of the Endri-nâi Confederation
Average height: 5′2″–5′11″ (1.57–1.80 m)
Average lifespan: 500 years
Related species: Endri-nâi, Trælau, Aila-nâi(?)

Overview

Born from the deep oceans of Sothendra, the neiri-nâi (from their word for themselves, nirin, singular neiri) are known to be related somehow to the endri-nâi and traeli-nâi. They have, however, been discovered living in the oceans on several worlds outside Endri-nâi space, despite not possessing interstellar travel technologies of their own (although theories and legends suggest aid from the aila-nâi).

Biology

Nirin, both males and females, are generally between five and six feet in height, with males slightly taller. They are adapted to life underwater even at the deepest depths, though they can also survive on land. While underwater, they breathe through gills located along their necks, but while on land they inflate their lungs to breath air. They have fan-like fins on their elbows, ankles, and tails, and their ears are likewise fin-shaped. However, whereas endri-nâi and trælau have scales all over their bodies, nirin typically only have scales on their tails (some communities are known for also having small scales on their faces and necks). Their skin tones range from light green to dark blue. Unlike their cousins, neiri-nâi also typically have plantigrade feet, as opposed to the digitigrade feet seen in endri-nâi and træli-nâi. Like the other species of Sothendra, the neiri-nâi possess a limited metamorphic ability: they can cause their fins and/or tails to shrink and disappear, so that they appear like land-dwelling humanoids, and they can also absorb their legs into their tails, so that they appear much like mer-people of human legend. Some have even been reported to be able to change their skin tones, in order to blend in with other species.

Reproduction

Like the træli-nâi, neiri-nâi often lay eggs rather than giving live birth, though this preference usually depends on location: for those living in colder waters, live birth is preferred. Nirin are monogamous, raising their children as a family unit. A neiri is usually considered to reach adulthood at the age of sixteen years, though this can vary by group. It is not known for certain how long neiri-nâi live, though it is estimated that the average neiri will live five hundred years.

Clothing

Nirin clothing is normally loose and waterproof, making use of natural materials such as woven sea plants. Many groups have also begun using biodegradable synthetic materials in clothing, allowing for greater range in fashion and color .

Technology

While they do not seem to have interstellar travel technology of their own, reports of neiri-nâi have come from several planets around the galaxy. However, as they were only recently discovered by outsiders, much remains to be learned of these mysterious sea dwellers.