Species List

The full list of Mhaieiyu's creatures can be classified into multiple categories, though many opt to simply name any beings that aren't humans or simple animals 'Cryptids'. Although the term is, by all means, scientifically accurate, many individuals consider this to be a derogatory nomenclature which devalues their existence to mere beasts of the land; being lumped in with other lesser-intelligent beings.

It's for this reason that, during the integration of certain Cryptids into society as purely independent citizens, the scientific and philosophical community began to unveil a series of subsets for what would still be referred to as 'Cryptids' from an extremely generalised and oft avoided standpoint.

The categorisation used to separate Cryptid groups follows a certain ruleset, based primarily on physical appearance and biological traits.

*Humanoids* are those who present extremely human-like features; typically consisting of a body that's entirely human in appearance save for roughly up to five percent of their anatomy. Aside from this human body, they may present additional features which distinguish them. Among *Humanoids* is the 'purest' of the lot: humanity itself.

*Anthropoyds* are those who display anthropomorphic features while still appearing noticeably separate from human-kind. They mostly stand on two legs, though many do still have the correct anatomy for four-legged sprinting. Finally, *Anthropoyds* specifically have been considered to be sufficiently civilised creatures to function properly in a society.

*Anthropoids* are, specifically, any *Anthropoyds* that haven't been deemed appropriate for civility yet, either due to stigma, behavioural issues, insufficient autonomy and/or intelligence, or current ignorance towards their readiness for adoption.

*Beasts* consist primarily of non-bipeds who present little to no human-like features, often outside the realm of civility. Usually these include monstrous creatures that either lack adequate intelligence or present a natural amorality that derives from more instinctual behaviours. *Beasts* tend to act akin to animals, and are made far more dangerous due to their magical or supernatural properties.

*Badlanders* are *Beasts* that were born from or corrupted by the influence of the *Jewel-Eyed King* and/or *Mortos* (Obscure Energy). Most of this category's species were conceived and reside in the *Badlands*, hence their name.

*Elementals* are creatures born from and consisting of materials other than organic.

*Deities* are divine beings either related to or made directly by the *Twins of Cosmos*. This category also includes those whose souls have been transformed by the *Seraphic Archangels*.

*Draconians* are ancient beings considered lost to the world. Their might was once absolute, and they were considered living natural disasters that would keep the populations of other races in check. Few could ever tame them, and fewer still could kill them, but somehow, they were driven to extinction.

Animals would still be referred to as 'animals', being the human equivalent of Cryptids in that they are unable to manipulate mana absorbed in their souls by any means, with the sole exception of *Spellbindings* — thereby making them *environmentally neutral* entities.

DISCLAIMER: Any species that hasn't yet been seen in the books of Mhaieiyu won't have their articles made until a point in time when it's appropriate to reveal them. The only exception may be species that could potentially not be seen at all in the primary saga.