Umbraeth

U
mbraeth */um-bray-th/* were the people of the twilight. They had culturally close ties with the astral plane, and thus, pneumamancy. The name "umbraeth" came from the Riftic Scholars. It translated to "shadow ethereal". They had never seen one, of course, but that never stopped great speculation and wonder.

In Rolowic, the tuft-eared were known to themselves as "Zmrowalude" */z-mrow-vah-lood/*.

## Biology

Umbraeth had yellow scleras, monolids, long pointed ears (ribbed), a long tail (prehensile, hairless except furred end), and digitigrade legs. Women were predominantly taller and heavier. Pregnancy lasted 11mo, came of age at 35yrs, and had a lifespan of 140yrs.

### Tuft-Eared

Tuft-eared umbraeth had thin ears the length of 11/2 hands (black furred tips), longer tail tufts (black tips), and wider hands/feet. Generally have more prominent canines and claws. Their skin was from
cream to
honey. Their hair was black, brown, and blonde, though rarely red. Their eyes were amber, blue, and lavender.

### Smooth-Eared

Smooth-eared umbraeth had wide ears the length of 2 hands, shorter tail tips, and thinner hands/feet. Generally had more prominent eyes. Their skin was from
olive to
bronze. Their hair was black and brown. Their eyes were amber, blue, and lavender.

## Abilities

They were more dexterous than other races, alongside their cultural teleportation.

## Society

### Technology

They traditionally used curved blades, and tail blades.

### Culture

* Their patron was Cervana, goddess of rifts and travelers.
* Familial, honor bound, difficulty balancing work and play. Reserved, organized, respectful.
* They would sooner convince outsiders that halfbloods did not exist, but they did. Even if they were far and few between.
* They did not cut or dye their tail fur. Tuft preferred facial hair, whereas smooth had mixed feelings. Generally clean shaven though. Brushing one another's hair was considered a bonding experience.
* Traditionally, those who came of age were passed on knowledge of inaismancy, making teleporting seem like it had been a trait they could naturally perform.
* Matrilineal lineage, small families. No surname change took place upon marriage, only the children received their mother's surname.
* The dead were given a passage ceremony where loved ones said their goodbyes, then a sky burial where their bodies were left on a mountaintop for carrion feeders.
* Disinterested in the affairs of other races, but would not ignore. They were cautious.
* Racism was common, but they would still give basic respect. They were generally not sexist, but it was not unusual for misandry to be ignored.
* Shapeshifting was forbidden, for they considered it cruel.
* Disliked interracial relationships. Were dismissive of intrasexual relationships.

### Stereotypes

They were considered tall, intimidating, mysterious. Nothing more than communist dictators, disconnected from the world. Common insults included blinkers and poofs in reference to their teleporting.

## History

Early umbraeth populations consisted of only smooth-eared. Necessity demanded them to seek new homes. Many of these populations went into the mountains, where they became tuft-eared.

## Notable Individuals

* Lyudmila Kuznetsow — Time travelling historian.

## Gallery

Early art and concept for Lyudmila Kuznetsow.
## Trivia

* They were originally inspired by Jak & Daxter and Nightcrawler, with some blending of lynxes and jerboas.