View source for Safir

{{Infobox alien species
|name               = Safir
|other_names        = 
|image              = Seoni Miłarna.png
|image_size         = x200px
|image_alt          = A blue-skinned, black-haired elvenoid with four arms
|caption            = [[Seoni Miłarna]], a Daian safir
|founded            = Approximately 1.2 Ma
|founder            = [[Ancestrix Fleet]] (Daia and Lessa)<br>[[Origins of the safir|(ultimate origins unknown)]]
|leader             = [[Vāstra II of Firneramnen]] (titular [[Safir Empress]])<br>[[Yrkavra Celeđi Libitina]] ([[President of the Executive Commission of the Safir Alliance]])
|capital            = [[Aňira]]<br>[[Qalani]]<br>[[Uchan (city)|Uchan]]<br>[[Kilapel]]
|homeworld          = [[Daia]]
|base_of_operations = Daia
|official_language  = [[Classical Āirumāli]]<br>[[Archaic Lessan]]<br>[[Īnēmāli]]<br>Many others in member states
|currency           = [[Firneramnese ari]]<br>[[Wuqojimese mark]]<br>[[Ešišei jeciba]]<br>Many others in member states
|flagship           = asdf
|religion           = [[Ilathnarari]] dominant; many others official or majority in member states
}}

The '''safir''' ([[Classical Āirumāli language|Classical Āirumāli]]: [[File:Safir name.png|x16px]] ''safir'') are an alien species [[Origins of the safir|from, but not native to]], the planet [[Daia]] and the continental moon [[Lessa]], and the senior member species of the [[Safir Alliance]].

First contact was made with the safir in 1562 [[AN]], and they possessed a colony on Micras from 1577 to 1582. After the collapse of this colony, most safir exited Micras, but a small, albeit notable, diaspora remains. Of note is Shireroth, where the largest safir community existed until the [[Safirian Exodus|events of 1663]]. To date, three safir have been [[Kaiser]]s of Shireroth: [[Kaiseress Rei I|Rei]] (1577–1579), [[Kaiseress Semisa II|Semisa II]] (1608), and [[Kaiser Daniel III|Daniel III]] (1624–1629). All of these remain active in Shirerithian society and public life as [[Prince of Shireroth|princesses and princes of Shireroth]]. 

== Biology ==

Safir appear humanoid in their outward features; according to the theory of convergent evolution, their original native planet (which is unknown) must be similar to both [[Terra]] and [[Micras]]. They are not genetically related to humans, though. The average height of a female safir is slightly above the human; of a male, slightly below the human.

Safir skin is blue in color due to their blood being hemocyanin-based, rather than hemoglobin-based as in humans. From the head protrude two large, [[elfinshi]]-like ears which, some Shirithian biologists theorize, function like antennae to detect extremely subtle behavioral cues from other safir, thus allowing safir in the vicinity of each other to communicate through what appears as humans to telepathy. Safir anatomy textbooks, however, while noting that the tips of the ears are rather sensitive, state that telepathy (or ''meraki'', as it is known in [[Classical Āirumāli language|Āirumāli]]), and other mental abilities emblematic of the species, proceed solely from the brain.

Formal research into the biological and metaphysical process underlying the safir's psionic abilities is slowly ongoing. Safir researchers do not yet know for certain how psionic powers — especially telepathy — work. From brain scans of safir and other species psionic and otherwise, they know that some structure exists in the brain that is responsible for psionic ability, and theorize, based on studies into the underlying mechanism of telekinesis, that higher spatial dimensions may also be used in the process.

Some safir, mainly belonging to [[House of Ašura|a royal line]] of carefully selective interbreeding over hundreds of generations, have retained birdlike wings, large enough for telekinetically assisted flight. The presence of such wings in safir royals has befuddled safir historians for millennia.

Safir reproduce in a manner similar to humans, and are viviparous; one notable difference, however, is the presence of ''azhar'', outwardly-female specimens that are nevertheless capable of siring children as well as bearing them.

== Society ==

Traditional safir society appears to be matriarchal. This is reflected in females being larger and more dominant and aggressive than males. Additionally, the gender balance of safir is heavily skewed towards the female. As such, historically, safir societies have tended to be polyandrous, though these days monogamy and outright polyamory appear more and more common.

[[Category:Alien species]]
[[Category:Safir Alliance]]