The Nivi race finds its origin in the Far North, upon the icy plains beyond Kaal Charmat. It is said, however, that their ultimate beginning lies outside Qurand and that they descended to this world from another, guided by a mysterious Star. What is certain is that all nations of this race hold a profound reverence for the stars; either the stars in general or one specific Star play a central role in their mythologies and cosmologies.
Appearance and Traits: The Nivi, even those living further south (in Sirania), possess very fair skin (the Black Siranians being the notable exception). They are of a slighter, slender build, averaging approximately 170 cm in height. The northernmost Nivi, and occasionally the Siranians, have slightly slanted eyes. Their hair and beards are almost always black or dark brown, while their eyes come in various colors. A peculiar trait of the Nivi is the absence of a height difference between men and women. This is linked to a strong natural tendency toward monogamy on one hand and social equality on the other. Their average lifespan is 100 years. Those living the traditional way of life are excellent hunters—not due to physical strength, but thanks to their agility, keen sight, and hearing (the Nivi see better in twilight than other races), as well as their organizational skills. Urbanized Nivi are, in turn, renowned for their scholarship and their positive affinity for order and discipline.
Known Nations of the Nivi Race:
– The Chirbets: Inhabitants of the icy plains north of Kaal Charmat. They clothe themselves in animal furs, travel on bone skates, and dwell in subterranean cities carved into the ice. They subsist mostly on manna-plants that bloom daily upon the frozen barrens. Their keepers of knowledge are red-clad shamans who share an ancient origin and certain traits with the Maghavans (such as a demanding initiation).
– The Eguits: Relatives of the Chirbets who migrated south across the Kaal Charmat ridge. They share many customs and traditions but have mostly discarded bone skates. In their stead, their primary mode of transport is the bone-framed, skin-covered boat. The Eguits also manufacture clothing from specially treated sea algae.
– The Siranians: The most populous nation of the Nivi race, yet also the most exceptional due to their ancient division into the “Black” and the “White.” The Siranians inhabit the Siranian Empire, which spans the land bridge between the Western and Eastern continents. Typical attire: tunic, toga, sandals.
– The Adamantians: Inhabitants of a small kingdom in northern Sirania, divided into three subgroups—the Forest, Marsh, and Field folk. Typical attire: tunic, trousers, cloak.
– The Lorins: A single-gender nation of musicians who have taken the natural egalitarian tendency of the Nivi race to its logical conclusion. Typical attire: long dresses, petticoats, stockings, hooded cloaks.
