Mejor

Mejor is largely a tropical land boasting dense jungles and a warm, humid climate. Its capital, Jalek, lies in its southern region, though not quite as far south as the coast. It is connected to the port city of Raihas by a river that is the main highway of trade for the whole of Mejor. Long ago, Mejor was divided into multiple smaller tribal lands with shifting borders, as the tribes often fought amongst themselves for land or resources. Eventually, the tribes became less distinct and split into a much larger northern and southern tribe. About three hundred years ago, Mejor's first queen united the north and south into one nation. The royal family, along with regional governors, have kept Mejor united and stable ever since. 

The Mejori people have been nocturnal as far back as any recorded history. Their eyes evolved to be highly sensitive to light, and as a result they must shade their eyes if ever they have to be out and about under the sun. The Mejori also have a row of 4 articulating antennae, called 'headspines' that run down the center of their skulls. The spines are inflexible, though a mucscle at their base allows them to be raised up or lowered flat against the head. Other smaller sensors, called 'nodes', run down their backs. Both spines and nodes serve to sense vibrations and changes in air pressure. 

The Mejori also developed stripes of bioluminescent photophores that run in patterns across the face, in rings at the tip of their headspines, down their backs, and down the length of their arms. Exact patterns, particularly facial patterns, differ slightly from person to person, though those of northern descent have more curved patterns while those of southern descent have more angular ones. The photophores are capable of producing a full spectrum of colors depending on physical status or emotion. Mejori Colorspeak, or the significance and meaning of the various colors or combinations of colors are a major part of Mejori communication. With a little focus, a person may keep their stripes dark, though feigning colors is an extremely difficult thing to do. 




Kaija Tezusha

Average height, slim build. As is common with most Mejori, her hair is black, shaved into a long mohawk, and braided down to her mid back. The braid is clasped with a wide gold band at the end. Her stripe patterns mark her as southern. Teal eyes. 

Kaija grew up an orphan in the streets of Jalek. At a young age, she was taken in by the Raven's Guild--a network of information brokers run by a man who goes by the moniker of Vahl. The Guild collects information that can then be legally purchased, often by utilizing the open ears of the many youngsters who roam the streets, serve in taverns, salons, shops, and even the royal palace. Kaija worked her way up to the uppermost ranks of the Guild, becoming an agent that would travel or seek out information in Vahl's stead. 

Through a series of grim events, Kaija was caught red-handed in the murder of a northern governor and five of his entourage. She was immediately imprisoned and slated for execution, but Kaija escaped and used her connections with the Guild to gather information on the candidate chosen to explore the new land across the sea, Iasha Rhenuvi. On the morning of the expedition's departure, before the crew had the chance to meet one another, Kaija took Iasha captive, stole her gear, and showed up to the docks in her stead. Since Kaija fit the vague description of Iasha closely enough, she was able to pass as the scholar and departed for the new world. 


Iasha Rhenuvi

Similar features to Kaija--long black hair, average height, slim build, teal eyes, though they lean more blue than Kaija's. Her stripe patterns mark her as having northern heritage, however. 

Mejor decided to choose their emissary for the expedition by hosting a series of contests that tested strength, combat prowess, and knowledge. The goal was to find someone with a balanced set of skills and the potential to be trained further. Many entered, but in the end, Iasha was chosen. Her work as a biologist was her biggest strength, though she proved adept enough in other areas.  Her knowledge of herb lore would be essential in determining the viability of the newly discovered land for future colonization, as well as her broad knowledge of fauna. After her selection, Iasha quickly became a bit of a celebrity, and the royal family practically adopted her during her training. She is popular among the common people and well respected in the academic community.