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Description
(is-STROV-ian)
On another Earth, as the world burned in the rampage of Great Beasts during the Astral Awakening, one isolated ethnic group was struck during the early days by a spontaneous ripping open of space-time into the Astral Plane. The Istravians wandered through the Astral Plane for what felt like both days and years at once, as prolonged exposure altered their physiology and they soon started to forget details the world they came from. They finally arrived on another Earth at the tail end of the Astral Awakening, just as the other neo-races were nearing the end of their war with the Great Beasts. Having forgotten all but the name of the home they came from, they took up roots on this Earth, aiding the rest of the neo-races with the rebuilding of society.

Though Istravians' physical features are similar to those of humans from African, Egyptian and South Asian regions, there are enough differences that suggest that the Earth they hailed from had a different geography from the norm, creating a culture and ethnic group with no exact parallel. Their most defining features are the vivid cool colors that their hair, nails and lips take upon. Children will take colors from both parents mixed into a new shade ranging between purple, blue and green. The other most noticeable feature is the masks that all Istravians wear in public. While Istravians will take the mask off among their own, they will never do so in public with other neo-races, and one has to grow very close to an Istravian before they ever think to remove the mask in front of you. Istravian eyes emit lights based on their mood, the design of their masks allow these lights to pass through specialized slits along the face, making it very easy for others who know the color coding to know how an Istravian is feeling. Though it looks like it would be difficult to see through the masks, they are actually one-way visors, with the slits and paintjob giving the illusion of a solid plate.

Istravian culture is even more insular than Vektrans, it is rare for Istravians to venture out of their enclaves and they do not participate in society as industriously as the other neo-races. Likewise, they are not one to ask for aid from other governing bodies unless absolutely necessary. In their budding adulthood, Istravians venture out into the world past their neighborhoods to learn about the world and study trades and bring wealth that they can bring back with them to help their people. While most return, some decide to stay and live among the other races. While there is some stigma, ill will is never directly expressed by their community they are always still welcome back for any reason.

Istravians are often seen curious and earnest. Their sheltered lives leave them open to trying new things and they are quick to trust. This means that they are prone to being taken advantage of by ne'er-do-wells, and some Istravians that stay on the outside go into professions that allow them to watch out for their fellow Istravian travelers. They harbor no specific prejudices against any of the neo-races, who all tend to regard Istravians as eccentric, but innocent and harmless otherwise.

Harmless, however, is something Istravians are not: Their extended time in the Astral Plane has permanently altered their physiology, turning willpower into material power in a way other neo-races can only dream. Pound for pound they are on average the strongest of the neo-races. Their Aural output is so high and they are so sensitive to the Astral Plane that most Istravian adults are capable of natural Aura Application, adopting most of the traits, even flight, without needing the intense training that other neo-races require. Istravians who live on the outside are often hired as enforcers, as a well trained Istravian can be difficult for even an Astral Drifter to contend with. There is however a caveat to this boon; Achieving Astral Drift usually has a degenerative effect on an Istravian's mental faculties. This can manifest in a range of ways from early Alzheimer's to schizophrenia, mild or severe, and getting worse overtime. It is uncertain what causes this, but because of this most Elders forbid their people from attempting to achieve Astral Drift.

Description
(is-STROV-ian)
On another Earth, as the world burned in the rampage of Great Beasts during the Astral Awakening, one isolated ethnic group was struck during the early days by a spontaneous ripping open of space-time into the Astral Plane. The Istravians wandered through the Astral Plane for what felt like both days and years at once, as prolonged exposure altered their physiology and they soon started to forget details the world they came from. They finally arrived on another Earth at the tail end of the Astral Awakening, just as the other neo-races were nearing the end of their war with the Great Beasts. Having forgotten all but the name of the home they came from, they took up roots on this Earth, aiding the rest of the neo-races with the rebuilding of society.

Though Istravians' physical features are similar to those of humans from African, Egyptian and South Asian regions, there are enough differences that suggest that the Earth they hailed from had a different geography from the norm, creating a culture and ethnic group with no exact parallel. Their most defining features are the vivid cool colors that their hair, nails and lips take upon. Children will take colors from both parents mixed into a new shade ranging between purple, blue and green. The other most noticeable feature is the masks that all Istravians wear in public. While Istravians will take the mask off among their own, they will never do so in public with other neo-races, and one has to grow very close to an Istravian before they ever think to remove the mask in front of you. Istravian eyes emit lights based on their mood, the design of their masks allow these lights to pass through specialized slits along the face, making it very easy for others who know the color coding to know how an Istravian is feeling. Though it looks like it would be difficult to see through the masks, they are actually one-way visors, with the slits and paintjob giving the illusion of a solid plate.

Istravian culture is even more insular than Vektrans, it is rare for Istravians to venture out of their enclaves and they do not participate in society as industriously as the other neo-races. Likewise, they are not one to ask for aid from other governing bodies unless absolutely necessary. In their budding adulthood, Istravians venture out into the world past their neighborhoods to learn about the world and study trades and bring wealth that they can bring back with them to help their people. While most return, some decide to stay and live among the other races. While there is some stigma, ill will is never directly expressed by their community they are always still welcome back for any reason.

Istravians are often seen curious and earnest. Their sheltered lives leave them open to trying new things and they are quick to trust. This means that they are prone to being taken advantage of by ne'er-do-wells, and some Istravians that stay on the outside go into professions that allow them to watch out for their fellow Istravian travelers. They harbor no specific prejudices against any of the neo-races, who all tend to regard Istravians as eccentric, but innocent and harmless otherwise.

Harmless, however, is something Istravians are not: Their extended time in the Astral Plane has permanently altered their physiology, turning willpower into material power in a way other neo-races can only dream. Pound for pound they are on average the strongest of the neo-races. Their Aural output is so high and they are so sensitive to the Astral Plane that most Istravian adults are capable of natural Aura Application, adopting most of the traits, even flight, without needing the intense training that other neo-races require. Istravians who live on the outside are often hired as enforcers, as a well trained Istravian can be difficult for even an Astral Drifter to contend with. There is however a caveat to this boon; Achieving Astral Drift usually has a degenerative effect on an Istravian's mental faculties. This can manifest in a range of ways from early Alzheimer's to schizophrenia, mild or severe, and getting worse overtime. It is uncertain what causes this, but because of this most Elders forbid their people from attempting to achieve Astral Drift.