Dires

Dires are one of the five mortal peoples and bear the burden of Emotion, traditionally called the Heat of the Heart. They consist of many distinct terrestrial animal peoples rather than one body type. Anthro is an outsider and often derogatory label.

Species and bodies

Known Dire peoples include @Vulpians, Ti'igri, several Canid and Felid peoples, Lacertae and many others. Most are ground-borne mammals, reptiles or similar terrestrial forms; avian and aquatic Dires are absent or extremely rare. Lifespan varies by species, usually between fifty and ninety years.

Dires may have fur or scales, tails, high-set ears, paws or enlarged hands and digitigrade or unguligrade legs. These differences affect clothing, writing, furniture, weapons and vehicle controls.

Emotion and cognition

Across species, Dires tend to be emotionally perceptive and socially skilled, though other cognitive traits differ greatly. Ti'igri are powerful hunters; Vulpians are smaller, quick-minded and stereotypically verbally sharp; Canid peoples often recognise strong cross-species camaraderie.

Emotion burden failure may produce flattening, instability or violent reactivity.

Political position

Many Dire communities live in protected tribal territories inside human states, while others are fully integrated into cities or preserved in the Dawn Dominion. Discrimination becomes severe during the 500s AFK. Human infrastructure excludes many bodies, and Dire competence is often channelled into transport, agriculture or auxiliary military roles.

Tarralik's success makes such exclusion politically indefensible. Delta Security introduces fitted equipment, accessible vehicles and integrated command, and Dire-oriented reforms spread through the wider world.

Marriage and kinship

Cross-species marriage exists but is controversial in many societies. Cross-species offspring are impossible because incompatible Kin lineages cannot establish a new soul. This is metaphysical rather than genetic.