The Gyarah

## Overview

The Gyarah are a unique and enigmatic mammalian species native to their primitive world, also called Gyarah, located in contested space between the Union of Planets and the Mission.

## Physical Characteristics

The Gyarah are characterized by their incredible strength and size, making them one of the most physically powerful sentient species known. Their impressive physical attributes are complemented by their intricate tribal societies, which are deeply intertwined with their reverence for insects.

## Tribal Societies and Insectism

The Gyarah live in tribal societies, each of which reveres a specific insect species as their totem. Their religion, known as Insectism, is centered around the worship of these totem insects. The Krezara Tribe worships the Plomi Beetle, the Veldari Tribe venerates the Teloco Dragonfly, the Zenthiri Tribe holds the Luno Moth in high regard, and the Quorani Tribe admires the Quorad Ant.

## Cyclical Lifestyle and City Building

One of the most interesting aspects of Gyarah culture is their cyclical pattern of living as nomadic hunter-gatherers for a period of 5 to 15 years, followed by the construction of massive primitive cities. These cities feature impressive monuments, religious sites, homes, castles, and other structures. Once the city is built, they inhabit it for another 5 to 15 years before abandoning it. The reason for these specific time periods remains unclear to both the Union and the Mission.

## Insect Sanctuaries

Before leaving a city, the Gyarah transform it into a habitat for a particular insect species by introducing the appropriate plants, soils, and other populations of bugs or animals. The chosen insect is not limited to the tribe's totem, and the cycle of creating habitats varies among the tribes. These insect sanctuaries are respected by all tribes, and no tribe claims ownership of a habitat once it has been created.

The Gyarah maintain a respectful distance from these habitats for over a century, allowing the insect populations to flourish undisturbed. Once they deem it appropriate, they may reclaim the area to build a new city as the cycle continues.

## Intertribal Warfare

Periodically, the typically peaceful Gyarah will break out into fierce warfare among tribes, even tribes who typically have good relations. These wars can be incredibly destructive for both sides and sometimes even lead to the total dissolution of a tribe. This remains a poorly-understood aspect of Gyarahn society, as the Union has intentionally impeded closer study of the species.

## Political Tensions

The Gyarah's unique culture, their reverence for insects, and their impressive architectural skills despite their primitive technology make them a fascinating subject for both the Union and the Mission. The political tensions surrounding their contested world and the potential consequences of uplifting or protecting The Gyarah from external influence add a layer of complexity to their already intriguing society.

## Anasta Corteal and the Gyarah

Anasta Corteal, the youngest daughter of Grand Ambassador Corteal, the leader of the Mission, is particularly interested in the Gyarah. Despite her young age, she is already an incredibly gifted young woman with an impressive array of skills and knowledge, including a deep fascination with the Gyarah's theology. She believes that Insectism may be a true—or perhaps *the* true—religion. Anasta's complex and nuanced character, coupled with her secret belief in the theology of the insect-worshiping Gyarah, adds another layer to the political tensions between the Union and the Mission as they vie for influence over the Gyarah and their world.