Aemette

Reptilians

Appearance

In terms of appearance, Aemette are unlike any other Reptilians. To most other intelligent races, the Aemette resemble humanoid bugs. Most Aemette have hard, shiny carapaces, mandibles, and at least six legs. (Though that number can grow much higher.) The wide visual diversity among the Aemette is often considered astounding to outsiders. From different numbers of limbs, the appearance of vestigial wings, and countless different colors and styles of exoskeletons... it can be hard to know you're looking at the same race of people! Despite the wide diversity in potential appearance, most Aemette resemble ant-like humanoids with six limbs, two antennae, mandibles, and large eyes. Black and red exoskeleton are more common than other colorings.

Traditional Aemette clothing is often made out of a mixture of fur and hide, often dyed in vibrant colors. Use of carved bones and polished gemstones is also common in Aemette accessories.

Abilities & Behaviors

Aemette are an incredibly strong people, typically hunting and killing to secure their food. Aemette generally have poor eyesight and no true sense of hearing, but they make up for it with incredible senses of smell and touch, including the ability to feel the most minute vibrations.

Aemette are a very social race, often building bonds with the majority of others within in their civilizations and settlements, big or small. Because of this, they’re often described as being exceedingly friendly to one another and protective of their neighbors. Aemette traditionally do not engage with other races, but as their population has dwindled, their intense desire for socialization has tested this aversion to outsiders.

Biology

Average lifespan: 300 years of age (500)
Maturity age: 2
Height and weight ranges:

1.40 – 3.80 m (4′7′′ - 12′5′′)

Aemette age unlike any other people, reaching adulthood only two years after having been hatched. Even stranger, Aemette are a long-lived people that can live almost as long as the elves (on average). Like other Reptilians, the Aemette lay eggs, though they do not typically struggle with the same birthing issues as their scaled brethren. Even so, the Aemette face another reproductive hurdle - 99.999% of Aemette eggs are blighted, resulting in no viable larva within the shell. Because of this, the Aemette are near extinction and their population only grows smaller.

Culture & Beliefs

Aemette society was tightly knit and highly structured. They organized themselves in hives, and each hive was led by one Queen. All members of the hive held a role and their role served to further the interests of the hive and its Queen.

Aemette religion was rooted in animist, naturalist traditions. Prayers were commonly offered throughout the day to various gods & spirits, depending on one's role and needs. These gods and spirits often varied by hive, and Aemette have been known to freely adopt foreign divines encountered via trade with foreign neighbors.