Born of the sea.
The ancestral race of the Fingal sprang from the ocean of the planet Vinge. Though they are equally capable of breathing both underwater, and in air, many fingalins will spend their entire lives underwater. As a race the Fingal tend to be very thin and tall, some standing as high as seven feet. They tend to have highly angular facial features, along with long pointed ears which extend horizontally from their slightly over-sized heads.
While the Fingal are predominantly white skinned, frequent patterns of coloration appear. These are normally in the primary colors but fingallians have been known to have stripes and spots of any variety. Fingalin culture as a whole is extremely prejudiced against other races, considering racial purity to be of extreme importance. Those who are considered to have the purest blood are recognized by their minimal violet and purple accents, particularly around the edges of their fins.
All fingal have bright blue eyes, legends teach that this is because at the time of the cataclysm the goddess Vyanna scooped up the planet’s oceans and poured it in the eyes of the Fingal, both preserving their home and establishing them as the rightful leaders of the three races.
Art
The fingal as a whole are lovers of culture, particularly their own, spending much of their lives pursuing art and learning. Though few outsiders have ever seen them, the Fingal have built vast city scapes, the majority of which exist only beneath the surface of oceans.
Most such cities consist of large multi-level structures, which weave around themselves creating small private clusters of rooms and alcoves. The primary material used is a synthetic material known as white sandstone. While it resembles natural sandstone, it is in reality a specialized ceramic made with crushed quartz and crystalline carbon structures. There are few doors and windows to be found in fingalin designs, privacy being achieved through layers of walls which form halls around their entrances, concealing the inside of their dwellings and rooms from view.
Fingalin style clothing is made from very fine fibers, woven together and dyed with bright and vivid colors, then sown into patterns which leave rooms for their fins to freely expand and fold. Halter style tunics and cuffs which are worn around the upper arm are especially popular designs.
Many of their homes are likewise decorated with brightly colored cloths. Fingal dying techniques are known for not only their superior colors. But also for their resistance to wear, especially when water is involved.
The fingalin people have a natural talent for music, there natvie language being based in tonal shifts and electromagnetic pulses generated from within their bodies.
Science
Science and technology play an integral part in fingalin based societies, providing for comfort and leisure found nowhere else in the galaxy. It is said that as furiously as the Fingal pursue the development of culture, no art is more important than the art of the mind. In fact, the fingal pursue scientific endeavors much in the same way they do art. The formulation of complex and elegant mathematical equations, the development of logic puzzles, and the formulation of strategy, being admired alongside sculptures and symphonies.
This approach to development has resulted in staggering leaps in technological progress which as a whole far surpasses the achievements of any other faction. Gravity drives, neural links, and advanced AI technologies are commonplace in their societies, fully automating nearly every aspect of their lives. Most of these features remain all but invisible, seamlessly woven into the environment around them.
Politics
The Fingalin empire is ruled by the Royal family from the palace of Celaria. The royal bloodline is passed from the current monarch to his chosen hair, typically the oldest child though at times another has been chosen.
All of the children of the ruling monarch are considered princes and princesses along with their children. However past the second generation, only the direct descendants along the royal line retain this title. Other members of the family become Dukes or Duchesses. These titles can be passed on as long as both parents possess a royal title. In these cases a child receives the highest rank available to their lineage. If only one parent has a title, the child will receive a title one rank below that of their parents.
Anyone who can trace their lineage back to the royal family will receive at least the rank of lord. When a ranking member of the family dies, they have the option of appointing an hair to receive their title.
Manners and proprietary
With few significant matters to occupy their time, fingalin societies place significant value in properly conducting oneself. Manners are extremely important, and it is imperative that when engaging with others the proper social ceremonies are observed.
In casual relationships, a traditional greeting of placing your elbow against your sides, arms out with palms upward, then moving your hands out in a welcoming gesture is acceptable. Oftentimes a bow is included in the gesture. Likewise in a familiar setting one might fold their hands together over their lap, and bow in farwell.
When greeting a person of higher rank than oneself, the ranking individual will hold both hands out in front of them, palms downward, while the person of lower rank would bow, touching their forehead to the knuckles of the extended hands. This demonstrates servitude, and submission to the proper social order.
Members of the direct bloodline, would never bow to a lower ranking member of society. Instead, they would hold their hand over their face, with the middle finger extended inward, then tap their forehead twice.
Arguing and confrontation in any degree are frowned upon, and any public display of frustration is viewed as a sign of weakness. Everyone in society is expected to conduct themselves with civility. Conflicts are to be avoided, and peaceful resolutions to problems are to be sought through discourse and debate.
Discussion topics are to be kept neutral and non-personal, especially in public setting, subjective feelings and opinions are better kept to oneself, and in private discussion among close relatives. It is extremely inappropriate to discuss personal matters, especially when it comes to relationships and other intimate topics. An individual’s privacy is considered sacred and not to be intruded upon under any circumstances. Strong personal relationships are encouraged, however they are to be kept outside of the public eye.
E. Sandborn 