Frenalian

Frenalian Appearance and Characteristic Behavior

Of all the Khanvarian races, the Frenalians have the greatest variety in height, ranging from 1 to 1 2/3 meters. As with most amphibians, Frenalian have no hair and their skin is typically moist and smooth. A Frenalian can dry out and as they do so, their skin develops a leathery feel. This drying out is not immediately life-threatening to the Frenalian, but it can be quite uncomfortable if allowed to stay that way for more than a day or two. Dehyrdration can result in death in as little as a day and a half. Frenalian skin is somewhat photosensitive. In bright light the skin will darken noticably and when the light is dim, the skin lightens by several shades. Both their hands and feet are webbed except between the last two digits.

Frenalians in general are not overtly aggressive. This is often attributed to their matriarchal society. However, they are not meak and will defend themselves if threatened. Unlike many races, Frenalians do not come together in densely populated areas. Frenalians like to have plenty of space and their cities are rarely larger than 100,000 people. Though they are equally comfortable in water as they are on land, their cities and homes are built in underwater bubbles of air. This is a matter of utility as it is easier to keep items from floating away in an air environment.

Frenalians are monogamous, but do not marry until later in life compared to other Khanvarians. Marriage is considered a permanent commitment in Frenalian society and it is very difficult to get a divorce. Therefore, one must be absolutely sure of the commitment to one's partner before marriage. A couple must live together for at least two years before a priest will consider allowing them to marry.

Frenalians are a deeply spiritual people. They believe in a single Goddess of all things natural. They abhor Khrenesch religion not only because it is polytheistic, but because the Khrenesch see worship as a means to an end. Frenalians believe that worship of their Goddess should be a part of everything that they do. For them it is not a matter of conveniences, but a framework for how they live their lives.

The politics of the Frenalian people

In an interesting counterpoint to what happened with Khrenesch politics, the Frenalian system of government has remained the same before, during, and after the war. Frenalians are governed by a theocracy which has been in place for over a millenia. The Frenalian military is simply another arm of the government, whose mandate is to defend the faith.

For the Frenalians, an interest in politics is synonymous with a divine calling. Those who feel the calling enter the seminary and study for a number of years. After graduation, they are considered clergy and are assigned to a post as a sort of intern. When they have proven themselves they are allowed to apply for other positions within the church. As with all offices within the church, once assigned the individual may stay in the position for as long as they choose or as long as they are needed.

Those with the ambition of higher office must wait until an existing office is vacated or a new office is created. When an opening is available, the applicant must find a sponser from one of the elected offices in order to be considered. Once all the nominations are in, those who already hold a similar office decide who will be elevated from the lower clergy. This is the case for all ranks except for the highest, the Prelate. Since there can only be one Prelate, the new Prelate must be elevated from the rank just below, the Devout. The Prelate is the only position that has a requirement for the nominee to be female. Males represent about 35% of all other positions.

After the migration to Luischawn, the Frenalian government used its military to build settlements and defend the people against the existing wildlife of the planet. Many of those in the military were permanently reassigned to construction companies, as well as police, fire, and rescue departments. The government had little difficulty maintaining control during the migration which is attributed to the Prelate at the time who firmly believed her job was to nurture rather than control her people.