Shaiya

Appearance

Shaiya are a unique lot, while they are mostly human they have a few very distinctive and noticeable differences, the biggest of which is their horns. Every Shaiya child begins to grow horns at a young age and are a point of pride for them, often adorning them with ornaments and chains, even painting them. Their skin ranges from the norm of tanned, to even more fantastical shades of red and purple. The sclera of their eyes is black, causing the colour of their eyes to become much brighter than that of a human, and turning to shades of yellow, red, or even purple. Ears can also range from human to pointed.

It is not uncommon to see men dressed simply, with loose shirts and long coats, hats are also quite popular, wide brimmed with feathers, or even tricorn styles. Women, depending on their social status, can sometimes dress as the men do or wear simple dresses, while some of higher status wear elaborate gowns.

170-190cm in height.

Lifespan

100 - 120 years of age is quite common, depending on lifestyle.

Religion & Beliefs

For some time, the Shaiya did not worship any gods, and many still do not. Over time, their proximity to Thalach has allowed the worship of Galei to bloom. Many cathedrals have been raised to Galei in some parts of Iberu.

Geography

Iberu is a mountainous and hilly land with rocky cliffs descending into valleys and rivers, occupying the northernmost end of the Egora Range. The Southern part of Iberu is the most mountainous with a cool climate while the northern part of the land is more agreeable and temperate, much of the population settling there along the coastal region.

The Shaiya have also laid claim to the Isle of Ghosts, a small isle exactly between Iberu and Albann, who have also laid claim to the Isle, both in search of the secrets of the Ancients. While their claims are something of a rivalry between the two nations, it’s somewhat friendly for most of the time as there are far more dangerous things afoot and those that venture to those haunted shores have developed a respect for their counterparts.

Society

Most Shaiya enjoy being near the ocean, finding it far more pleasing and delighting in its unpredictable nature. Those that take up sailing feel alive in the howling depths of a storm. The Shaiya can be an adventurous lot and piracy is somewhat romanticised by the younger Shaiya (and being a dangerous, yet lucrative profession for those that are daring enough). It’s not to say that Iberu is a lawless land, ruled by a despot king, in fact most are quite law abiding, and many are religious. King Ordono de Aurelia, while often throwing lavish parties and sometimes sowing some chaos within the higher class, is a firm leader when it comes to matters of his people.

Architecture

Terracotta roofing and stonework is common. Many buildings are old, but taken care of. While the common buildings tend to be simple and usually whitewashed, buildings of significance and wealth are often adorned with intricately carved stone. Arches are a common feature.

Wealth & Trade

The Shaiya are wealthy, and it has garnered them more goodwill than kindness with outsiders, gold is plentiful within the mountains and hills of Iberu and there are many mines dedicated to mining the precious metal. Wine is also another fine commodity that is highly sought after across much of the known world, some shipments making it as far as Sadr, the capital of Sahrai. Not only this, but their claim to the Isle of Ghosts has proved to be lucrative, as many scholars researching the Ancients pay well to get their hands on artefacts salvaged from the contested Isle. However the greatest symbol of wealth that the Shaiya Monarchy has is the intact Skyships at their disposal, rivalling the Albanni’s own fleet, both sea and sky.

Slavery

Slavery exists within Iberu and is seen as a necessity over something of status. Slaves are often put to work in fields or mines, though they have regulated days off, and live reasonably well as opposed to some other nations. Slaves are always bought from outsiders, and no Shaiya is ever taken as a slave within Iberu, some even actively freeing their own people from slavers.