Nei

The Nei (//) were the indigenous sentient species of Irimor. Semi-felinoid carnivores, they were the sole native sentient species of their homeworld.

Biology and appearance
The Nei had both humanoid and felinoid features. They stood erect as s did, and had feet. They also had the distinct arms, legs, and heads of humanoids. However, they also had patches of fur over their bodies and ears on the tops of their heads, rather than the sides. Their hands and feet grew non-retractable claws, and the Nei had tails which usually measured more than half their heights. The tail bone grew out of the lower back as an extension of the spinal cord. The tail served as an aid to balance, but a Nei who lost his tail could learn to balance without it.

Like most felines, Nei had mouths full of sharp teeth, though their incisors and molars were not much longer than those of humanoids. Their s were long enough that they were usually called "fangs", and though their s were not of equal length, they were distinctly longer than any other teeth. Though they did not roar or growl like genuine felines, the Nei sometimes gave hissing snarls as a fear or anger reflex.

Nei tended toward lean, svelte physiques, and they had strong leg muscles. Nei could generally jump higher than most humanoids; a fit male Nei adult could usually achieve a vertical leap of over 1.5 meters. Female Nei had slightly smaller builds than males.

As mammals, female Nei developed a pair of breasts. Due to evolution from an earlier form which had four breasts, female Nei also had two (and male Nei four) vestigial nipples. Female Nei gave birth to usually one or two young at a time after a gestation period of eight standard months. Infant Nei were usually born hairless, and the hair on their bodies sometimes grew before the hair on their heads. Nei grew to physical maturity in approximately nineteen standard years.

Society and culture
Due to their carnivorous nature, the Nei placed a strong emphasis on athleticism and physical fitness. Being fat was considered a mark of disgrace except in the very elderly and infirm. Many Nei actually constructed their homes without stairs, using only ropes or landings to climb or jump from level to level. As a result of their athletic nature, Nei were often prized offworld as soldiers or professional fighters. Planetwide sports contests were also very popular on Irimor.

After their contacts with offworlders, the Nei developed a disdain for members of their species who shaved the hair on their faces or bodies; this tendency was viewed as pandering to outsiders at the sake of one's own species. Among males, it was additionally considered unmasculine. Some Nei filed down the claws on their hands; there was less of a society-wide taboo against this, although it was still unusual.

There was a distinct gap between childhood and adulthood among the Nei. Nei parents were generally very nurturing to their children, doing everything possible to help them succeed. After a Nei became a legal adult, however, self-sufficiency was prized and continuing to rely on one's family was looked down upon.

History
The Nei evolved as the apex predators of their homeworld. Males dominated the early millennia of Nei society, having responsibility for hunting, fighting, and politics. Though they did not eat plants themselves, they developed farming as a means of supporting livestock. This development was initially greeted with contempt by other Nei societies, which viewed it as a weakling's alternative to hunting, but as Nei societies with a ready food supply soon grew in numbers, the innovation spread worldwide.

Early Nei warfare was heavily champion-based. Armies would select the finest warriors from their ranks and pit them against one another; the loser's side would surrender to the victor's. Eventually, most Nei forsook this style of warfare for traditional large-scale combat, although single contests between fighters were not uncommon.

By the time the Tetrarchy of Mezlagob arrived in the centuries before the, Nei society was already well into its digital age. Through negotiation and the prospect of a legion of Nei soldiers, the leaders of Irimor convinced the Tetrarchy to annex Irimor as a member world, rather than a vassal world. Many Nei volunteered to serve in the Tetrarchy armed forces, though there was a significant opposition to the Tetrarchy as well.

Irimor remained loyal to the Tetrarchy during the early Great Liberation, but after the Capture of the Vall`to sector, Nei rebels overthrew the Tetrarchy garrison and plunged the world into unrest. Seeing the tide on the side of the Golden Empire and wanting to pacify their homeworld, the Nei leaders offered to surrender to Queen Rin Sakaros. Some Nei fought in the Battle of Ommol.

Most Nei were agreeable to serving the Empire instead of the Tetrarchy, and many joined the ranks of all three branches of the Armada. Due to their stealthiness, some also found work with Royal Intelligence. Others journeyed offworld to hire themselves as bodyguards or security agents. Nei athletics were broadcast on the Royal HoloNet and regularly received high ratings.

In the galaxy
The Nei frequently served as soldiers of both the Tetrarchy and the Empire, but the most famous during the early decades of the Empire was Renamo Kemset, who killed Kilwyo Kesh. Kieran Sapphire was the Nei Praetor-Blademaster of the Order of Keltrayu. Pathi Monteyan, Director of the Educational Expansion Corps and a member of the first Sovereign's Council, was also a Nei.

Appearances

 * "It Takes Only One"