Yuki-no-hito (Arthe)

Name:  Yukianesa
Male:  Yuki-Otoko
Female:  Yuki-Onna
Child (up to puberty):  Yukinko
Notes:  A prehistoric offshoot of humanity, those that evolved into modern Yukianesa slowly migrated to higher elevations as early humans spread out across the planet.  As the generations came and went over the following millennia, natural selection allowed them to adapt to both the thinner atmosphere higher up through more effective than lungs as well the freezing temperatures by, in part, a natural form of antifreeze that permeates their body tissues and flows in their blood.
As the eras rolled by, humans and others made treks up into the mountains for one reason or another.  Though not a common occurrence, sometimes they ran into Yukianesa.  Up until the Industrial Age, the tales of those who came back were chalked up as dreams and delirium;  it was only after the invention of more modern mountaineering gear that allowed easier survival at height before proper contact was made with the previously isolated Yukianesa.
As it turned out, their ancestors had tried exploring below their mountain homes, but the stories of war and despair that came back shocked the Yukianesa into keeping to themselves.  However, they were not so heartless to leave ailing individuals lost in the snow;  those who stayed with the Yukianesa, previously counted as lost and presumed dead in the past, also adding to the local fear of the outside world.
Over the following century, though there were still conflicts between nations and other population groups, peaceful relations with the Yukianesa were maintained as they kept to a neutral footing.  It even reached the point that an international treaty was signed that forbade bringing any conflict to their mountains - resulting in some Yukianesa villages operating treatment centers for injured soldiers from both sides in various wars.
In the modern era, the length of relative peace convinced the Yukianesa leaders to become curious about if the world was potentially changing for the better.  Though still cautious, members of the population have begun immigration to non-Yukianesa settlements.
First time Yukianesa migrants do have some issues early on.  With the average temperatures being may tens of degrees higher than their mountain homes and their adaption to relatively very light clothing there, Yukianesa can easily overheat.  Modern technologies allow this to be less of an issue, but these aren’t guaranteed solutions.
The higher atmospheric pressure also means they have problems performing heavy tasks as their lungs weren’t designed to absorb oxygen as efficiently from the thicker air.  In lower altitudes, this affects Yukianesa stamina.
Over successive generations, Yukianesa children become more used to life at lower altitudes.  Scientists believe this is a result of them growing up from birth in these conditions.  Though these later generations still can’t match races evolved for life here, they are more capable of living normal lives.
Category:Species
Category:Arthe