Unyatem

The **Unyatem** (singular and plural) are a bipedal, selachimoid (shark-like) amphibious species native to the ocean world of Hykulue.

## Physical

The typical Unyatem has aquatic features such as fins and gills, as well as terrestrial features such as arms, legs, and lungs. 5'9" (~1.75m) is the rough average for height. They have been described by Humans as shark-like. They are usually slender in terms of build, but can be very heavy as well; all sizes are surprisingly athletic. Their skin colors are often a shade of gray or some cool color, but can be various others. The average lifespan is 220 years.

Regarding diet, they are omnivorous but have a piscivorous (fish-eating) preference. Sea snails also form a large part of their diet, being a common snackfood (boiled or fried).

They have sharp teeth and claws for natural defense, although they prefer guns and polearms (or a combination of the two) to solve their combat problems.

They have a weakness to dry environments and often make use of mist bottles, lotion, and even moisture suits in extreme cases. The average Unyatem dwelling has at least one humidifier.

## Culture

There are several major cultural groups on Hykulue and among diaspora, but the Shuyzash (*shoi-zash*) culture from the nation of Yetentas is by far the most common in the greater galaxy. Cultural traditions include athletics-based activities and performances, even among heavier individuals. They are also known for their vivid storytelling and extensive recordkeeping of historical events. Their clothing is very diverse due to their galactic travels, but traditional clothing consists of wrapped garments, often colored blue and yellow.

Motives such as exploration, tourism, and the collection of knickknacks are all common amongst Shuyzashi Unyatem. They tend to hate a sedentary lifestyle, and their adventurous nature drives them to seek thrilling activities.

There are many religions on Hykulue, but the most common is Yajac, focusing on ancestor worship, shrines, poetry, and psalms. Wise passages are commonly written on scrolls and mounted as decorations on walls or in gardens. The afterlife is governed by An-Yajac, a death god who could be seen as a much more pleasant and benevolent analog of Anubis or Bwonsamdi. Regarding superstitions, numerology is somewhat common and is seen as silly by most of society. Belief in magic is very uncommon.

Bontawy is a large holiday celebrated in Yetentas and a few other nations, focusing on dancing, acrobatic feats, and specially mixed spiced drinks (with or without alcohol). It is celebrated twice per year on either solstice, and the drinks and activities reflect their respective seasons.

Given names usually end with -ex/-lex/-olru for males, and -nndu/-las/-lux for females. Family names often end with -ig/-ikh/-ect/-exut. Letter combinations such as un/ile/yu/ursh/shi are common infixes. Example: Frunilex Pyurshig.

### Cuisine

Due to the humid climate, littoral geography, and saturated growth conditions, a variety of seafood and succulent vegetables are used in most cuisine on Hykulue. Yetentas cuisine in particular is described as surprisingly bold and flavorful. Meat is most commonly harvested from shelled sea creatures, especially sea snails.

### Language

Their main language is Lanyasi, which is a tonal language comprised of hums, trills, and click consonants (think Geonosian from Star Wars). Most offworld Unyatem can speak Basic.

## Technology

Unyatem technology specializes in hydromechanics and high-stress containment, thanks to the semi-aquatic nature of the Unyatem. If you need something relating to maritime engineering, a benthic laboratory, or an inescapable prison, an Unyatem company would be your best bet.

## Government

There are various forms of government on Hykulue, but Yetentas adheres to a familial oligarchy system. The most common law level is 3.

The governing oligarchy of Yetentas is the Iyumexut family. Ryonolru Iyumexut, the most vocal member of the family and the CEO of Yetentas Crafting Company, is often seen as the chief representative of the government.

## History

The Unyatem have been exploring the galaxy for the last 900 years, although most of the exploration has been within 1000 light-years of Hykulue.

## OOC

Any anthro shark avatar can be used for this species (minus the one with glowy things, that's for the Olbaid).