Nyari

The Nyari are descendants of the early hommian tribe that travelled into the forests of Jiyan. They have the second highest population in the continent, second to Thaste. They are a naturally peaceful race, known for being spiritually aware and connected to nature.

History
The Nyari are descendants of the hommian tribe that travelled into the forests of Kingswood. Isolated from other hommians for along time by the water barriers and unforgiving lifestyle of the forest, the tribe evolved features similar to the animal inhabitants of the region that allowed them to adapt and survive. For example, they developed animal-like, flexible ears to better grasp their surroundings via sound waves, and long tails as a balancing pole to keep them upright whilst dashing around in the trees. After some time they split into separate groups, which developed different features based on the environment they were adapting to; as they began to spread further out again, these groups rejoined, and in modern times all Nyari settlements have roughly the same mix of sub-ethnicities.

Appearance
Nyari are immediately recognisable for their distinct bestial features on an otherwise hommian frame. The most obvious of these are the furry ears atop the head and tails protruding from the bottom of the spine. Other more subtle features include pointed, vertical irises, tanned skin (varying with region), and typically more slender and pointed facial features. Most Nyari also have retractable claws of some kind at their fingers and toes. Occasionally they sport patches of "fur" or dense, soft hair in certain places on the body; this varies on an individual or familial basis and seldom covers more than about 20-30 percent of the skin.

Ethnic Subgroups
A handful of distinct ethnicities within the overall nyari race exist with significant variations in their features. The primary groups are Kyangri, Yauri, Nuqri, and Komri; these initially formed from separate groups but are now found completely mixed and integrated throughout Kingswood. Kyangri have feline features, and are the most agile and quick-footed of their people. Yauri are vulpine in appearance and are the least populous Nyari type; they are intelligent and curious by nature, and tend to be more magically skilled. Komri are a large-framed ursine people; they have only stubs for tails and lack the speed and grace of their cousins, but this is compensated by raw strength and toughness. Lastly, the lupine Nuqri are the most common breed of Nyari, a balanced mix of the strengths of their other cousins making them the most all-rounded people of the race.