Netheans

Netheans are a semi-aquatic humanoid people native to the archipelago of Nethea in the fictional world described here. They form a decentralized confederation of river clans and are known for expertise in watercraft, fishing, and net weaving. The term Nethean derives from their word for water-path, reflecting their affinity with aquatic ecosystems.

Physically, Netheans average 1.6 to 1.75 meters tall. They have bluish-green skin, webbed hands and feet, and lungs that enable air breathing with periodic submersion; small gill-like slits along the neck assist during prolonged swims. They possess keen color vision and use body markings to indicate clan affiliation and rank. Lifespan commonly ranges from 70 to 90 years.

Society is organized into hereditary and elected river clans, governed by elders and a rotating council. Language includes tonal phonemes and liquid consonants; social signaling relies on vocal, tactile, and pigment-marked gestures. Netheans prize communal labor and environmental stewardship, with traditional practices centered on river rites, seasonal harvests, and net weaving, a craft integral to both economy and identity.

Economy and technology emphasize fishing, aquaculture, wood and net weaving, and boat-building. They maintain trade networks with neighboring polities for metals, salt, and grains. Technologies include seaworthy vessels, woven nets, and simple metalworking; modern influences have introduced steam and electricity in few coastal settlements.

History and governance: Historically, Netheans developed alongside maritime societies of Nethea and entered treaties to regulate fishing rights and navigation. Governance is decentralized, with regional councils balancing autonomy and treaty obligations. Contemporary challenges include habitat alteration from coastal development and climate variability, to which they respond with community-led conservation and water-management initiatives.