Network Lore - Djiram Species
Here the lore basis about one of my main Network Universe species. This time I'm going to present Djirams, space catboys. In their first version, they featured no animal body parts but it seemed barely all my players wanted them to have some. So... why not? *shrugs*
I can't guarantee this lore won't change in the future depending on the progression of world-building. Enjoy!
Lifespan : 92 years
Majority : 14 years old
Height : 1.30m to 1.70m
Weight : 30 to 65 Kg
Reproduction : Sexed viviparous (1 male + 1 female)
Locomotion : Bipedal
General description :
Brown shaded skin similar to regular humans
Pretty light hair colour (blond, light brown, or grey);
A pair of green, blue, or grey almond-shaped eyes with slit pupils;
Feline fluffy tail and ears with fur the same colour as hair;
Presence of inconspicuous fuzz on the skin, especially on the back;
Thin but athletic body shaped for fast running;
Developed fangs and sharp little claws.
Very slow ageing until old age
Presence : Among all the great civilisations but in the majority in the Network territory.
Origin : East Quadrant; Andaria Sector; Gon System; Echo Planet
Natural habitat : Tropical
Main sense : Sight
Anima capacity : No
The Djiram is part of these species with artificial origins. In the first millenniums of the Network history, Arcane experimented with various genetical rebuilding processes on humans to create a prototype of his future caste society. After a few years, these experiments were interrupted to be resumed just 3,000 years ago by the Andaria Free States. Scientists, by combining genes from various feline-like species and human DNA, created Djirams. Their result was very similar to a regular human with some of the characteristics of the mother species like great agility, nyctalopia, and feline attributes. Their metabolism is way more efficient than their human counterparts resulting in faster development, better healing and younger look, keeping their body at the optimal biological state until their 30's at the price of reduced lifespan.
They were used mostly as sentinels and watchers. Some of them integrated military units or survey groups as recces, with the same status as drones. Six hundred years ago, the Network Senate decreed their full emancipation allowing them to live by themselves and be equal to other natural species. In the Outer Territories, their teen look tends to discredit them in many quarters. However, their predispositions are a great asset for an intelligence career.
Djirams are very free-spirited and curious letting their immediate desires guide them. They're often quite playful and look happy in a childish way, but this hides their deep nature: their subconscious is the same as great predators, cold and bloodthirsty. In the Network, these drives are extinguished thanks to the hive-mind. But outside, the average number of Djiram serial killers is far greater than the other species.
Sexuality :
Basically, they follow the same development as regular humans with a slightly different age rate. Their puberty finishes around thirteen years old. Andropause and menopause hit them earlier too. However, their fertility is very low because of an unresolved malformation in gamete production, especially for males. It's not rare they give birth with medically-assisted procedures.
Their sexual behaviour shows some remnant of their feline legacy resulting in higher sexual desires. Most of them are polyamorous and pansexual, maintaining several love relationships at the same time regardless of gender and species. Despite their apparent libertinage, they're loyal and don't multiply mates after finding long-term partners.