Jitaxians

[Nevermore]

Jitaxians
Observations and Annotations, as Recorded by Dr. Aleene Johnson




By dark, one way.

By light, another.

Biology​

When under the cover of darkness, Jitaxians bear an identical look to average humans. Countless research sessions show there are few, if any, anatomical differences. The only discovered genetic anomaly is a peculiar mutation in their DNA structure. The mutation appears to be relatively benign, save for one noticeable impact. When standing under light, natural or artificial (with the notable exception of candlelight), the visage of a Jitaxian changes dramatically. Superficially a Jitaxian will appear entirely different, from monstrous deformations such as tentacles, claws, and barbs, to a difference in skin tone, texture, and countless other alterations.

As aforementioned, the changes are entirely superficial. When studied under both light and dark circumstances, autopsies showed no exceptional anatomical or genetic changes. It's believed that this change in visage is because of the as-of-yet-unidentified genetic mutation. Its origins and cause are unknown, and seems to be unique solely to purebred Jitaxians. From current observations, half-Jitaxians do not carry the trait in even a recessive sense. I'm not sure why Half-Jitaxians don't carry the gene, but I don't think anyone will ever really be able to find out.

Jitaxians, like many of the races of the galaxy, are sentient. Their lifespan seems to be slightly longer than a human's, perhaps by 20 or so years.

Strengths​

Out of all of my studies, I've never seen a race as athletically fit as the Jitaxians. Given the Jitaxians' average height and weight (6'0", 165lbs for males, and 5'7", 125lbs for females), there are few who go over or under those specifications. Naturally these variables increase or decrease with age, but even when the age is compensated for they retain their averages. The bodies of Jitaxian men tend to be relatively muscular, while Jitaxian women seem to be very lean—the type of lean that most human woman could only dream of having. It's my belief that the sexes retain their form because of their lifestyle, elaborated on in the following sections.

It should also be observed that the biggest strength lies within their natural dexterity. Given their relatively consistent sizes, Jitaxians are capable of feats of incredible dexterity most could only imagine. Ranging from being able to to dash across a thin length of rope, to using elegant maneuvers to dodge incoming attacks, to scaling small walls, the Jitaxians are very capable acrobats.

Weaknesses​

There are so many upsides for Jitaxians. Their fit frames, their dexterity—but alas, they do have their flaws like the rest of them. I wish I could say they were perfect.

Because of their acrobatic forms, and because of the fact their strength is nothing extraordinary, many of them are fragile. While being able to dodge a large majority of potential attacks, it typically only takes one savage strike to fell a Jitaxian. Admittedly it would have to be a relatively hefty and precise blow, but several smaller strikes would have the same devastating effect.

Aside from their seeming lack of constitution, the Jitaxians don't have any other notable weaknesses.

Diet​

After having the opportunity to observe the Jitaxians in person, I made a note about the fact their diet is, as I had suspected, incredibly similar to our own. They're omnivores, showing no outstanding preference for any specific category of food. Vegetables, fruits, meats—they eat all of the same things that we do.

Jitaxians seem to have a low tolerance for alochol—and I don't mean physically. Cantinas seem to serve no alcoholic beverages of any sort, not even beverages that are only slightly alcoholic. Instead of alcohol, they seem to have developed a peculiar form of flavored water. It undergoes a carbonation process, and the flavors can vary drastically. It's to my understanding that the flavor can be anything, and carbonation is optional. While perhaps not as satisfying as alcohol, it certainly tastes excellent! They refused to share the recipe with me however. It seems to be another solely-Jitaxian perk. Lucky!

Temperament​

The temperament of Jitaxians is dependent on several key factors: who they're speaking with, what the discussion is about, and the way they are being spoken to. The conditions seem relatively normal, but there are some notable differences in Jitaxian temperament than the temperament of a race like the humans.

When in a conversation with an outsider, Jitaxians seem to be distant, dismissive, and show a severe lack empathy. Why they're this way, I'm not entirely sure. From what I've seen it seems to be consistent with the way they treat all outsiders. It could be a show of a sense of superiority, or perhaps they simply have a loathing for those that are unlike them. If a Jitaxian is engaged in a conversation with another Jitaxian, they seem to have a sense of respect for one another. Their treatment of each other is difficult to pinpoint, considering I don't yet know their language.

When in a casual discussion, Jitaxians seem to be somewhat disengaged when the conversation is taking place with an outsider. When discussing casually with another Jitaxian, it seems to be relatively similar to human conversation. I've observed that most Jitaxians do take interest in the lives of their kin, so again, not dissimilar from humans. When the conversation is about a serious matter, Jitaxians are very confrontational and straightforward, regardless of who they're conversing with.

It should also be noted that their overall temperament seems to be irritable. Jitaxians are quick to anger, and aren't hesitant about displaying their anger.

Communication​

Jitaxians, like most races, communicate verbally. They have a native tongue, and it's called Jitaxic. I haven't been able to create a cypher for the language, but I'm vigilantly working on it.[/font]

Planet​

The race is native to a previously unexplored planet called Jitaxis.

The composition of the planet is a complicated one. It holds a striking resemblance to the megalopolis of Coruscant, yet seems to have an almost cumbersome growth of vegetation similar to a taiga. Vines wrap up buildings, roots tower from solid concrete, and there seems to be no sure way to stop the growth. I suppose that it's good the Jitaxians don't seem to care too much. Besides, the abundance of shadows provided allow them to appear human almost all the time on their home planet.

Culture​

The culture of the Jitaxians seems relatively unique.

1. Concerning Family
   • Jitaxians, from what I've observed, are incredibly devoted to their families. Families come before the Jitaxian castes. I'd say it bears a striking resemblance to the Mandalorian way of living, with the exception not all caste members are treated equally, only family members. Sons and daughters are treated equally though, and depending on the family, are sometimes given drastically different tasks and chores to complete, along with drastically different goals in life.
2. Concerning Castes
   • Castes are different brackets to Jitaxian society. While I'm not sure how many there are total, I know that the two highest castes within Jitaxian society are the Yojim and Jaxus castes, with Yojim being at the very top of the totem pole. Different castes rules different sections of Jitaxis, each providing their own semblance laws, a system of "justice", and different of essential utilities to senseless vanities. All of the castes, however, answer to the Supreme Chancellor, the head of all Jitaxians. The final word in any issue.
3. Concerning Laws
   • Jitaxians seem to be relatively lawless, from my observations. Crime is relatively abundant, and the only semblance of law seems to be a council consisting of the caste leaders. The person in question is put on trial, and the council leaders always deliver an unbiased judgment whether they are family or not.
4. Concerning Lifestyle
   • Jitaxian lifestyle seems to be incredibly self-sustaining. Many of the families and castes are responsible for the growing of their own food, the creation of their own merchandise, arms, armor, and many other things. There's also a temple where Jitaxian Assassins are trained. Being bounty hunters and assassins seems to be the base of Jitaxian lifestyle, but you're only permitted to see the inside if you show aptitude as an assassin.
5. Concerning Their Change
   • Jitaxians, though they've only recently started going to planets other than they're own publicly, tend to wear very concealing clothes to mask their altered forms when under sunlight. They understand the radical change they undergo, and how it's offputting to others. I doubt that they honestly care, and instead do it as a way to keep their race somewhat under the radar.

Technology​

Jitaxians don't seem incredibly reliant on technology. They seem to be a relatively primitive species, aside from some speeders and shuttles. Perhaps that's what makes them so admirable.

Their melee weapons are made of what most melee weapons are made out of, such as vibroblades and like. They don't seem incredibly reliant on blaster technology, though they're not a foreign concept. Jitaxians focus more on close quarters combat, subterfuge and things of a more shadowy nature to get their fighting done. Their armor is peculiarly resilient, not dissimilar to the Mandalorian's beskar, though perhaps not as strong. It holds a resemblance more to leather than to metal.

All in all, the Jitaxians have a lot of potential for technological advancement, though they don't seem to keen on developing it. Most of their breakthroughs seem to be in the creation of poisons for their weapons, and not so much technology itself. They believe in a hard day's work; or a dishonest day's.

The Jitaxians also seem to be somewhat spiritual; almost druidic. I believe that could be the reason why they don't seem to care much for the vegetation rampantly growing over their buildings and cities; they embrace it, they welcome it. Maybe they do have some sort of connection with their planet. Perhaps I'll never know.

History​

Jitaxian history. How intriguing.

Anything and everyone about Jitaxian history can be found in what they call in Jitaxic, Desa Cbenym, which translates to Basic as "Time Spiral" from my inquiries.

It's a peculiar structure in the Jitaxian capital of Jalrand. It's open to everyone, outsiders included, and the structure itself resembles a strand of DNA. People walk up through the spiral, the vivid history of the Jitaxians recorded on the walls as you ascend. There are artifacts from history, others of great significance, busts in tribute to Jitaxian figureheads and so much more. There are a few notable pieces of history that I observed, and am annotating here.

1. Dra Najamydeuh uv Lryhka (The Revelation of Change)
   • The Jitaxians have changed form in sunlight for as far back as their history is recorded, which is several thousand years. The Jitaxians aren't entirely sure why they change, but they accept it as part of who they are. They embrace it, and the fear that it strikes into anyone who is unlike them. It should be noted that in several pivotal points in their history, they used their change as an advantage.
     
     They also recognized, along with their change, that the privilege of changing was a boon. It could be used to their advantage, fitting the appearance of normal people by luring them into dark alleyways or other dimly lit locations to perform their assassinations. Jitaxians enjoy reveling in the startled alarm their prey displays when they see their "other" form in light. It sounds like something straight out of a horror movie.
2. Dra Crytufc uv Jitaxis (The Assassins of Jitaxis)
   • Literally, the Shadows of Jitaxis. The art of assassination also begins at the beginning of recorded Jitaxian history. I've noted that only a few Supreme Chancellors have not been assassins themselves. It seems to be a well-practiced lineage for some of the families in the higher castes, such as Yojim and Jaxus. It's infrequent that lower-caste members become assassins, but it's not out of the question.
     
     There are several temples, none of which people who are not assassins may enter. The inside of those temples are mysteries even to non-assassin Jitaxians. What is known, however, is that anyone who steps through those gates may not come back out alive. That's how rigorous the training to be one of their assassins is.
3. Fyn uv dra Yhleahdc (War of the Ancients)
   • Some five hundred years ago, the Jitaxian people underwent their own internal conflict; a civil war, if you will. Unrest sparked between several of the caste leaders, pertaining to whether or not they should take up sides in some war that happened long ago. Some of the caste leaders, such as that of the Jaxus caste and one of the other middle-class castes, named Leviat, believed the Jitaxians should ally and join the fight. The highest caste, Yojim, and a couple others such as Tiamat, thought otherwise.
     
     At the time, there was no Supreme Chancellor to deliver a final verdict. Tension between the castes escalated, sending them into a civil war with one another. The war lasted for several years until a new Supreme Chancellor was appointed. Since then, the Jitaxians have made full well to ensure a lesser chain of command is established should another scenario such as that one happen again, until a new Supreme Chancellor is appointed.

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This is currently a rough draft, and there are plenty of typos I'm sure. I'm continuing to piece them together, but I wanted to share the progress I have so far.