So far we’ve talked about the duta races of The Trailokya Trilogy, as well as humans and danava. Then, we moved onto the races with whom humanity shares their universe (Samsara). First up was the Cetians, then the Ikyls and Oreiades, Boarwellum, and Hyadeans. What interesting race do I have in store for you this time?
vetehinen. A soul race, humanoid in upper trunk, lower extremity formed as a fish tail. In Samsara this race does not cooperate with the UWOS. They are also called mermen.
Aquilae. The home planet of the vetehinen.
The vetehinen are an independent race populating a planet, Aquilae, that is almost completely covered in salt oceans. The vetehinen are inspired tales of mermen in old Sea stories on Earth and some other out-worlds. Their bodies are between six and eight feet in length, including the tail. Their torsos resemble humans, but for the gills in their necks. They do not have scales, but smooth tails, like a porpoise, because they are classified mammalian. The skin of these tails contain markings and coloration that are unique among ethnicities and 
families. Some may look similar to ornate fish scales due to elements in the diet. They are known for their metallurgy and smith skills, but not for the weapons they make. Rather, they are fine designers of art and jewelry. Even their homes are constructed with a clearly refined aesthetic. Their bodies are adorned with the finery of their people. Fin piercing is a popular cultural pastime.
Although they are not cooperative with the United Watcher Orders of Samsara (UWOS), they trade with most of the other races, and have been known to immigrate to those planets that have habitats welcoming to their species, such as Earth and Aghart. These pioneers are few and reclusive, most populations dying out before discovery. The species is ruled by several co-cooperating royal families. Disagreements are resolved in committee. Their last war occurred thousands of years ago, resulting in the current system after widespread death and suffering nearly destroyed them. Likely this was one of the impetus for emigration. With peace, their relocation is rare.
Their technology is relatively advanced, considering they travel between planets. They do maintain a military, but find little or no use for them at home. The UWOS races would not tolerate an invasion or theft of vetehinen goods, and thus they enjoy the protection of these unacknowledged allies. It helps that their environment is not conducive to the other races (except the naiades).
Aquilae, as mentioned above, is almost entirely a salt ocean. Underwater active volcanoes have created some islands. The climate is similar to earth with arctic temperatures at the polls and the warmest waters at the equator. Storms keep the islands that have formed mostly barren. The verdure is low and dense. Land mammals and birds do not exist here. Some of the ocean creatures have grown curious and evolved enough to last above the tides. Most of these are crustaceans with a few amphibious creatures. These animals use the sand and rock of the islands for breeding purposes, finding it quite successful for raising their numbers against the multitude of predators that live in the water.
Vetehinen female with headdress, and waste maille that resembles scales.
One reason the vetehinen maintain a military is that Aquilae has very dangerous predators that threaten the peace of the vetehinen world. Similar in size to whales and sharks, these great fish feed on just about any species they encounter, not their own. Not all of them, however, are predators of other fish or the vetehinen. Some are quite content to feed on plant life or the tiny schools of plankton like species.
The vetehinen are omnivorous beings. They farm and hunt their food, learning how to maintain proper populations despite their great numbers. Their planet is pristinely maintained. Vents, volcanoes and algae provide energy for their industry. Transportation is by tail, keeping vessels for off world travel and long distances. Thus they are also quite fit.
If you were to visit Aquilae, you’d be expected to remain outside the atmosphere on satellite trading posts where your only interaction is with vendors via intercom connecting the water environment with separate air environments. Only vetted persons and dignitaries are allowed beyond the upper atmosphere. This is maintained by the network of satellites and stations dotting their space.
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You can purchase the Trailokya Trilogy, Book One here.