Bir-Jugna

A Bir-Jugna with it's back-spikes retracted

### Distinct Features

Sharp lower teeth, large finger- and footnails, able to see underwater and in the dark

## **The Bir-Jugna**

The Bir-Jugna, or else known as 'The Bended', are a subrace of the Jykooth. By far the most common species of the Jykoothians, the Bir-Jugna act as the footsoldiers of the Empire.

(Hi, Amadoow!)

### **Origins**

As a subrace of the aquatic and semi-aquatic Jykooth, the Bir-Jugna their origins lie within the foundation of the Jykooth race during The Schism. Originally a pure creation of Xalyion, the ability to reproduce them was eventually granted to the Nerythia Queens.

Layed in the form of a minuscule amphibian egg by a Nerythia Queen, a Bir-Jugna's maturation process is completed in five days, which is the fastest of all Jykooth species. During this process, the Bir-Jugna consumes the foodstuffs the Nerythia Queen gives him, which causes the species to grow. Breaking out of the exponentially enlargened watery egg on the second day, the Bir-Jugna's growth speed then accelerates, reaching full maturation after three more days.

After having matured, the Bir-Jugna are usually shunned by the Nerythia Queens, whereafter they join their subrace's society and where they are trained as warriors and combatants. A normal Bir-Jugna can reach a maximum age of 10 years, with it's abilities detoriating at the age of 8.

### **Societal Role**

As the largest subrace of the Jykooth, the Bir-Jugna are regarded as the footmen and soldiers of the Empire, and find themselves to be set at the same level as the feral Nermen and semi-sentient Kirrban. In the strictly enforced race-oriented society of the Jykooth, Bir-Jugna are barred from high positions of leadership, with only the brightest being granted command over their own and the Carrduk.

Embracing their subservient role in society, the Bir-Jugna are often the aides and workers of the other species, fulfilling their duties with little complaint or opposition. When in times of conflict, the Bir-Jugna are utilized as a means to overwhelm the enemy with their numbers, serving as little more than an aggressive attack force.

In their personal sub-race sphere, the Bir-Jugna usually simply live together while training against one another. Incapable of extensive thought or reasoning, the Bir-Jugna simply see some of themselves as 'Frenas' (Smarties in common) and listen to their orders without distinction to the other species. Lastly, the Bir-Jugna, as all the other species, owe complete loyalty to Xalyion, whom they see as the 'Tufas Frenas' (Upper-Great Smartie)

### **Attributes and Traits**

Having relatively little intellect, the Bir-Jugna have scarce creativity and little ability to improvise, leaving them in vulnerable positions when they have no orders. They are generally clumsy and dimwitted, being taken off guard rather easily. Of all Jykooth species, the Bir-Jugna are those most susceptible to emotions, finding the movement of small sealife most amusing while being saddened at losing a meal. Despite this, the Bir-Jugna are ferocious fighters once in combat, and know little fear or surrender.

Generally using spears, tridents or clubs; the Bir-Jugna are accustomed to fighting with simple weaponry, using their huge numbers and swarm-tactics to their advantage. While some operate the technical trident-crossbows, most remain confined to standard weaponry. When properly trained, a Bir-Jugna can learn to ride a Carrduk, using it as a mount in combat or a means of transportation. If left without weaponry, the Bir-Jugna fight with their claws and teeth, while using their back-spikes to their advantage. In case when a Bir-Jugna gets seperated from it's brotherly Jykooth, it will desperately try and find it's way back home, while hunting local sealife in order to survive. In it's primitive instincts, it will never abandon it's quest to get home, and is generally unable to found a society independently, although exceptions have been made.