Species

The Tsukimi are a magical species of wolf-like creatures that inhabit the Moon Tehmos of the planet Merithae. They are characterized by their boney, skull-like faceplates that protect their heads from predators and enemies. Their hides are rugged and tough, allowing them to withstand harsh weather and terrain. They can use magic to create aether wings that they can use to fly and glide through the air. They are great hunters and use their keen senses and agility to track and ambush their prey. They are peaceful with other species, preferring to avoid conflict and live in harmony with nature.

The Tsukimi have a rich and complex culture that revolves around the planetary and lunar phases and other cosmology. They worship the stars as their source of life and magic, and they celebrate particular phase combinations with festivals and rituals. They use the aether, the invisible energy that permeates the world, to perform various feats of magic, such as creating wings, altering the environment, healing wounds, and communicating telepathically with other species. They have a strong sense of community and loyalty, living in packs that are led by an alpha.

The Nekomi are similar to the domestic cats of modern day Earth, and it's likely cats were brought through an aether gate at around the same time as humans. There are some differences however. Like many Ember creatures, the high aether concentrations have allowed these cats to show a myriad of possible new abilities and appearances. This includes ability to talk, display enchantment effects, heightened intelligence, and a wider variety of markings. Strangely, about half of Nekomi's born will have wings of some type, most commonly large glider wings that allow them to hunt from above.

Many Nekomi still choose to live among other creatures and humans as cherished companions. Others live in small communities of other cats called clans. And finally, there are individuals who choose to live and work in the cities, preforming all different types of roles from shopkeeping, adventuring, hunting and more.

Also of note is an unusual subtype of Nekomi, named Nekushu. These Nekomi, tainted by an eldritch blessing, are able to transform, or have as their main appearance, a alternate form with a spectral limb. The nekushu have a natural affinity to death aether, and may rarely spread their infection through breeding. 

Kitsumi are highly intelligent, magically gifted foxes. It's rumored among Ember's xeno-mythologists that it's possible some kitsumi traveled to earth in the past, creating the legends of kitsune we are familiar with today. Kitsumi share some qualities with their mythic cousins, such as a number of tails, their fox-like appearance, and their ability to transform into humanoids. 

On Ember, kitsumi typically live underground, in elaborately sculpted cities carved out of the rock beneath mountains. The largest of these cities is Sancta, which is also home to the Star Academy, a prestiguous magical school. Most Kitsumi are educated there. Kitsumi culture is rooted around learning and discovery, and they are curious to a fault about new types of magic, undiscovered abilities, and interesting relics.

Kitsumi can be born with up to three tails, but more tails grow as they advance and hone their magical abilities. It is believed that Kitsumi store aether in their tails, so as their ability to conserve and concentrate aether increases, more tails grow to accomodate. All kitsumi are born with delicate, gossamer wings, reminiscent of faeries. Unfortunately, these wings are stunted and ornamental, and although often beautiful, do not allow the kitsumi to fly long after childhood.

The Faelumi are shy and mystical faerie deer with multiple pairs of shimmering wings, allowing them brief flights through their forest homes. Their fur, dappled with bioluminescent spots, helps them blend into the twilight. These shy creatures live in family groups, tending to luminous mushroom gardens that they trade with nearby villages through their elder emissaries. Many Faelumi are quite content to never leave the forest.

Revered for their wisdom, Faelumi elders uphold a tradition of harmony, respect for living things, and balance with nature. They are able to get along quite easily with most species, even troublemaking fae. 

Dragons are large, reptilian beings that come from the world Eotheriat, which is accessible to Ember via Aether Gate.