Nibayr

Portrait of a modern Nibayr merchant

The **Nibayr** are a species of Rat-folk residing across Calast, as well as Northern Meridian. The Nibayr folk have historically been a part of the Montiac Empire, where they played a major role in the Empire's successful expansion into central Calast. A sizeable number also live in the Shanorin Dynasty, albeit playing a smaller role in the Shanorin society. The Rat-folk are a common sight across the eastern continents of Narus, travelling as merchants to distant lands. Despite this, Nibayr culture is centered around their god Tar, and the Calastian city of the same name. Nibayr cultural norms are often seen as barbaric and backwards by others, and outside of Calast they have had to endure discrimination from other species.

While the common names of most species were partly taken from their Human names, the Nibayr are one of the few outliers. The given name 'Nibayr' has no clear origin. It's assumed that the name was given in passing by a Montiac politician, and simply found its way into official records.

## History

### Origin

The Nibayr were released across Calast during the first awakening, primarily across Western Calast. Abundant in numbers, the Nibayr soon formed large communities around habitats and in the wide fields of Western Calast. The Nibayr refer to their homelands as 'Zarg'. Ancient paintings found on the Domunian Peninsula depict Lepus figures with what appear to be Nibayr, indicating that early communities may have coexisted peacefully.

### Montiac Era

Prior to their integration into the Empire, the Nibayr lived without central government or a state of any kind, crammed into overpopulated villages and a handful of cities. However, while other species would not handle the crowds, the Nibayr thrived. Short lifespans combined with large families meant they had no issue with large populations. If anything, the large size of communities allowed the Rat-folk to be as independently successful as they were. Nibayr merchants began travelling away from their homeland no later than ME 93, based on an encounter between them and Montiac Emperor Appius Salvian the same year. Written accounts of other cultures by Nibayr merchants prior to the Montiac Empire has been immensely important in gaining an understanding of pre-Montiac societies.

The city of Tar was founded on the 13th of either Appius or Arrunus, ME 96. The month is not known due to there being a supposed typo in the original founding document, but Arrunus is most commonly used. Named after the Nibayr god of the same name, within a decade of its founding it had boomed in population and importance, and has remained the Nibayr cultural capital ever since. Tar itself was no more special than any other Nibayr city, but its naming after their god gave it much more fame than others of its kind. The Tar Scripture would later be written in this city, which would only add to its importance.

#### Integration into Montiac Empire (ME 140-200)

First proper contact with the Montiac Empire came in Thallanium of ME 140, when a Montiac legion made contact with Nibayr tribes living in what is now the southern portion of the Empire's Constantia province. Although the soldiers were noted to be off put by the Rat-folk, not used to interacting with other species but their own, contact was still friendly. The Nibayr had no understanding of the Lepus language but managed to communicate using a series of dances involving their whole tribe. More tribes were contacted over the following months, but the language barrier proved difficult. Previously, Petrans were integrated through force, but Emperor Opiter Silo wished to integrate the Nibayr through peace. The handful of contacted Nibayr tribes were considered to be integrated, and Montiac soldiers had set up camps in their territory, but the Nibayr themselves had no concept of being apart of the greater Empire and saw the soldiers as only peaceful visitors.

It wasn't until Decimus of ME 140 where proper communication would commence. A Nibayr, Ket Zavag, managed to gain an understanding of the Monti language. He was brought to Montiacos where he met with the Emperor and his council, agreeing to assist in the peaceful integration of his species into the Empire. Over the next seven years, Zavag played an instrumental part in the Nibayr joining of the Montiac Empire. Along with working general translation duties, Zavag negotiated for many guarantees for his species. For example, it was agreed upon that Tar would remain free of Montiac buildings, and that his people would be allowed to continue practicing their cultural values.

At the time of Zavag's death in ME 147, nearly all Nibayr communities had been absorbed. The few that did were located on the islands of the Western Calastian mainland, with all being integrated by the end of the 2nd century. Zavag continues to be celebrated by Nibayr, and he possesses a statue in the city of Tar. The month of Zavagius was also named after him.

#### Advancement and greater role in the Montiac Empire (ME 200-300)

Following their complete integration into the Montiac Empire, the Nibayr began a series of mass movements around its territory, soon becoming a common sight across its provinces. By the start of the 3rd century, the Nibayr had become a central part of the Montiac Empire and could be found in all walks of life, from merchants to politicians. Compared to the other non-native species of the Empire at the time the Nibayr actively sought to have a greater role than just residents.

The species first began migrating to Meridian around ME 250, many attracted to the lure of an advanced and expanding state. Unlike the Montiac Empire, however, Nibayr living in the Dynasty were barred from practicing many of their cultural values. This led to travel between the Dynasty and Tar becoming common, supported by the then strong relations between the Montiac Empire and Dynasty.

#### Present-day

Present-day, the Nibayr play a vital role in Montiac society. During the Northern War the Rat-folk, along with Petrans, played an important role on the Ursa Islands, especially in mountain terrain. Many veterans of the war went on to become high ranking commanders in the Montiac army. Nibayr in the Shanorin Dynasty have separated themselves from the Calastian kin in recent decades, unable to return to Tar due to the current state of relations between the Dynasty and Empire. Instead, they have abandoned much of their culture, leaning fully towards Precursorism. During Abdiel's travel to Simao he would befriend a number of Nibayr merchants, often travelling with them for days on end.

During the war, Clan Grimsey sieged Tar during their invasion of Calast. While other Montiac cities stood no chance against the Bear-folk, Tar stood strong against its invaders. Being the cultural home of the species, the Nibayr saw the siege as life or death and would fight tooth and nail to defend their home. Though they did breach the gates, the Ursidae only managed to move through a few streets. The confusing layout of the city, built for smaller creatures of greater numbers, made it nigh impossible for the Ursidae to move through. Those that did would be swarmed by the Rat-folk and killed. Within a week, Grimsey called off their siege, choosing instead to hold the areas outside the city's gates. They would hold this until the Montiac counterattack, stopping imports to the city, but still, Tar survived. It's residents converted their homes and the town square and markets into temporary farms, staving off the risk of famine. The area around Tar would be freed on the 2nd of Aquila, ME 329, by advancing Montiac legions. These soldiers were celebrated as heroes and the residents of Tar, even under famine, prepared a feast for their liberators.

Proclus Pen is a Montiac naturalist, most famous for studying the giant mushrooms found across the Nibayr homelands. In ME 340, he submitted a report to the Empire's High Council, warning of a growing number of Lyrac hives. It was ignored, and seven years later the Second Emergance of the Lyrac would begin.

## Description

The Nibayr are an exceptionally short species. On average, the peak of their height puts them at 5'3. A handful of individuals have been measured as high as 5'7, but these are rare. It's difficult for them to acquire muscle mass and are generally quite weak. While slow, their small size allows them to be great at stealth. As youths, they will often crawl on all fours to get around. Most won't begin bipedal movement until 2 or 3 years old. Coupled with their short lifespan, this means that Nibayr will rarely acquire the back problems many other species get later in life. Their bodies are covered in a layer of fur, coming in black, brown, grey, or white. Mixed fur patterns are possible. Nibayr do not possess clawed feet or hands, but their sharp front teeth act as their only natural weapon. These teeth continuously grow throughout their lifetime, and need to be shaven down on a regular basis. Nibayr have a short lifespan of around 16 years. Death before this age is common, but living past it is a rarity. Due to their short age, Nibayr mature rapidly both mentally and physically. Although common stereotypes paint them as dimwitted, in reality Nibayr are just as intelligent as other species of Narus.

### Anatomy and Physiology

Nibayr smell with two nostrils, each slightly in front of and below the eye socket. Their sense of smell is very strong. Their feet posses paws which allow them to grip, and are plantigrade. The shape of their legs makes it easier for them to traverse the rougher terrain of far away lands, but also makes them slower than others. They have pentadactyly hands and, like most species, evolved a thumb sometime between the storing of embryos in Habitats and the start of the Awakening Era. Their arms are covered in fur, which stops at the start of their wrists. Their hands are very small, and they have trouble gripping weapons and items designed for other species. Because of this they tend to prefer small daggers when fighting. Their legs are covered in fur which thins around their knees and downwards, with the rest of the leg and foot only covered in their skin. Their eyes are very weak compared to other species. Though they generally do fine outdoors, interiors can be difficult. To combat this, Nibayr use their whiskers to map out interiors. Once this is done, its rare a Nibayr will forget the layout of a room. Their eyes can be black, red, pink, or ruby. Nibayr have round ears protruding from the top of their head, and like smell, their hearing is fairly powerful. Nibayr tails are long and slender, left without fur cover. They have decent control of their tail. Sexual dimorphism is almost nonexistent, with both males and females being similar in size.

## Society and culture

Family and community is a central part of Nibayr culture. For centuries, their homelands have housed small, overpopulated cities, and this has made the Rat-folk lovers of community. They have a deep fear of being alone, and long periods of isolation can often lead to death. Even travelling merchants will move in groups of 10 or more, and are known to welcome outsiders into their group. Nibayr families are usually numbered in the tens, and unless an individual has other duties (military, travel, etc.) will all live together. Each family has a leader, who is decided through 'soft wrestling'. Soft wrestling involves the leader of the family and challenger trying to pin each other down, with the winner becoming (or staying as) family leader. These usually occur yearly and will see the entire family, even babies, take on the leader. Family leaders will show their dominance outside of this in multiple ways, including randomly pinning members of their family. This is seen as a sign of affection, but the family member being pinned to the ground is expected to stay still, and movement will result in aggression from the leader. Disgustingly, leaders will sometimes toss their urine on members of their family, which is meant to notify others of who they belong to. This rarely occurs outside of Nibayr cities. As part of Ket Zavag's deal with the Empire, leaders are exempt from service to the Montiac Empire. Nibayr children will often playfight with their siblings, and some adult Nibayr are proficient at hand-to-hand combat because of this.

Marriage is done through a blood pact. When two Nibayr marry, the ceremony is based around this. The leaders of the two families provide a small amount of blood a week prior, which is mixed together. During the ceremony, the two getting married will then add their blood before drinking half of the combined mixture each. This tradition is said to merge the two spiritually, and the blood of their family leaders is to give their spirits permission to merge. Once married, the two Nibayr will move into a home of their own, and no longer are bound by their family leaders. Typically, the married male will be the family leader from their marriage to the point of the birth of their children, at which point soft wrestling commences.

Rapid breeders, females are able to give birth yearly, and will have 5-10 children each time. Typically though a Nibayr female will only do so once in their life. Pregnancy lasts only a month on average. Birth must be done in the city of Tar. Should birth be done outside of Tar, a Nibayr mother must eat her babies. It's believed that those born outside of Tar will be cursed, and that consumption will see them reincarnated during the next birth. While Nibayr see no problem with this, pregnant females will rarely be let into non-Nibayr cities. However, pregnant Nibayr will usually try to stay in Tar for the duration of their pregnancy, and consumption has become rare.

Nibayr greet each other through smell. Two Nibayr meeting for the first time will sniff each other and rate each others scent, while Nibayr meeting again will say if their scent has improved or worsened. Those with good smell are considered good folk, and vice versa. They can often smell close friends from far away, and are great at remembering distinct scents. Their sense of smell has also made them great doctors. Many are employed across the Empire, and are able to smell ailments and disease. As well, Nibayr themselves rarely get sick. Despite their cultural practices, those living outside of Nibayr cities will keep themselves very clean as to not inconvenience other species. They are a very empathetic race, caring deeply for those they hold close.

Nibayr in the Shanorin Dynasty do not practice much of their traditional culture. For example, births in Tar are impossible and thus the concept of consumption has been abandoned in favor of Precursorism. These Nibayr are looked down upon by their kinsfolk, and many no longer consider them their own.

### Appearance

Nibayr clothing in cities is quite simple, usually just a loose fitting shirt and tighter pants, which keeps their furless lower legs warm. Those outside of major cities will wear more rustic apparel. For example, more baggy and tattered clothing, often with multiple layers thrown on for further warmth. They will also wear clothing partly made from nature, like a leaf strap across their chest or a wooden backpack for easier carrying. Shoes are rarely worn.

Merchants will wear higher class clothing when trading, usually a separate set which is kept clean and separate from the rest.

Grind shops are common in their cities, which specialize in cutting down their growing front teeth. Most Nibayr will visit on a monthly basis.

### Architecture

Nibayr architecture is wild and confusing for outsiders. Streets are tight, barely enough room for two to get by, and homes are no better. The small size of the Rat-folk means their homes are built to that. Buildings are not symmetrical and have confusing layouts. Hallways and stairways that lead to nowhere and second story doors that drop into pits. This is due to Nibayr homes being constantly expanded upon, sometimes needing to fit multiple families, and so dead end hallways are seen as wasteful. Outside of cities, Nibayr will live in wooden shacks. They have little concern for the quality of their home, caring more about having somewhere to be with their family.

The same family will inhabit a home for centuries. The final child to get married will stay in the home, taking care of their parents until their death, at which point they may have children.

Each Nibayr settlement has a underground tunnel system attached to it, which is central to their religion. These tunnel systems are unused by most, with only priests venturing down on a yearly basis. Tar has the largest system, spanning far outside the city limits. In Nibayr tales it's said that the god Tar built all of these, though it's assumed that in reality ancient Nibayr dug these tunnels during the Awakening Era

### Food

An omnivorous species, Nibayr will eat both plants and meat. To get a balanced diet efficiently, Nibayr construct food cubes which combine fruit, vegetables, and meat into a single meal. While the Nibayr eat them regularly, they are known to be disgusting to others. Bread is cooked into hard pellets, which gives nutrition and also helps shave down their frontal teeth.

### Language

Evzazi is the native language of the Nibayr. A simple language, Evzazi is comprised of short 3-5 letter words. It's unique in its writing system in that it goes diagonally left to right, rather than horizontally right to left that most other languages do. Evzazi's alphabet contains 24 letters. All characters utilize a vertical line along with a differentiating pattern. When in thought mid-conversation, Nibayr will often let out clicks as they think. Nibayr are though to have some kind of unspoken language. Commonly, two can be seen staring at on another and gesturing without making noise. Early Montiac studies suggested some type of telepathic link, but more recently it has been assumed to be a biological rather than mental feature.

Nibayr are skilled language learners, and have little trouble switching between Evzazi, their biologic speak, and any learned language.

### Religion

The Nibayr religion is centered around their god, Tar. Tar is a Nibayr himself and is said to have walked Narus thousands of years ago, before the rest of the Nibayr were released from the Habitats. Two thousand years ago, Tar foresaw Nibayr settlement of Calast and dug hundreds of undergrounds tunnels which would later act as the foundations for Nibayr cities. He then dug to the center of Narus where he remains to this day, watching over his species and guiding the dead to their underground afterlife. Because of this, and to avoid confusion from others, he is often referred to as the Great Tunneler by Nibayr.

The Tar Scripture was written in the city of the same name, sometime around ME 101. The scripture outlines a set of beliefs that followers of Tar must follow. Prior to the creation of the scripture, each Nibayr city had different cultural and religious values they followed. The origin of the scripture varies. In the city, the story goes that the writings were found in the center of town one morning, while outside of the city it is claimed that a priest was gifted the scripture during his yearly journey through the tunnels. No author has ever been discovered, despite centuries of combing through city records.

In the Nibayr religion, their priests are known as tunnel guides. Being one requires years of dedication to the religion, and only males may become one. Every year, on the first fool moon, the head tunnel guide of each settlement will venture into the tunnels beneath the city. There, in full darkness, he must spend the night listening to the vibrations of the tunnels, said to be the whispers of the Great Tunneler himself. In the morning he emerges and commences the Day of the Tunneler. Until sundown, the entire community gathers and listens to the tunnel guide share what he learned from Tar the night before. Due to the large population of Nibayr communities, these large gatherings can often result in smaller individuals being trampled or suffocated by the crowds. Those that die are said to be called by Tar for a special duty in the afterlife, and are given a ceremonial tomb in the cities church. During times of crisis, tunnel guides will often spend days underground ins search of an answer to their troubles. Tunnel guides wear brown robes, usually covered in dirt, and a headpiece adorned with an unlit lamp. On their headpiece also sits the labyrinth symbol, a circle with numerous 'tunnels' breaking away from it.

The Nibayr believe that deep underground, at the center of Narus, Tar has built a complex network of millions of tunnels which he guides the dead through. These tunnels are filled with important moments from ones life, and Tar will judge their character based on their life as well as their final smell. Because of this, Nibayr near death will do their best to remain clean and fresh smelling, and family leaders will avoid marking them. Those judged as worthy will be taken to Tar's central burrow, where they then ascend to an eternal heaven. Those that are not worthy are left by Tar in the darkness of the tunnels, doomed to wander for eternity.

### Sports

The Nibayr are great enjoyers of Novago. They are the only race that play the position of divers, and thus are seen on most professional teams. Due to their short lifespan, Nibayr players will usually only enjoy a few great seasons.

They are also players of Ssriaf, a Chasan made game. Although their biology makes them less than stellar players, a Nibayr did manage to win the Royal Ssriaf Cup of ME 287.