History
Even the Anai themselves are unsure about where or how exactly their unique variety of humanoid life came into existence, possessing features of both mammals and arthropods simultaneously. Their traditional legends speak of a creator being who chose the best and strongest of all forms of life on Cimex Aul and decided to combine their attributes to make them even better; the fusion described as a great divine gift, a show of the faith and satisfaction the deity felt for the creatures chosen. Although many of the younger generation of Anai do not literally subscribe to this legend, there is little substantial evidence of the real origin of their race, and thus this tale is treated as fanciful, albeit cryptic clue to how they might have developed, as spontaneously merging with invertebrates seems nigh impossible without sentient intervention.

Regardless of the mechanisms of their development, the Anai race has always been forced, either by their own decision to remain isolated, or by discrimination from other races, to exist outside of the concentrated regions of humanoid societies. This detachment from other cultures has caused a social and technological stagnation, which is perpetuated by the tradition and ritual-mired ways of the Anai people themselves. Those who break away from this mentality are generally ostracized, if not formally banished, and rarely contribute to their people after splitting off, preventing the introduction of foreign influence.


Physiology
One of the most striking features of the Anai people is their unique physiology; a combination of vertebrate and invertebrate features, specifically that of mammalian primates and crustacean-like arthropods. In general, they appear to be mostly humanoid, being endothermic, bipedal and possessing endoskeletons and fleshy bodies covered only in certain places with human hair. However, in most individuals of significant Anai descent, they often possess extra limbs in the form of long, segmented tendrils that anchor to the base of their skull, ending at the ankles in large, fully-articulated circi capable of impressive strength. Some pure-blooded specimens also develop patches of chitinous scales on the backs of their necks and shoulders, of the same sort and color as the plates of their headtails. This is mostly cosmetic, although studies have shown that these plates do offer increased protection from injury in the areas they are found.

In addition to the headtails, most Anai have pupils that more resemble X-shapes than circular holes, and the retinal patterns of their eyes enable them to pick up electromagnetic signatures (often in the form of residual psychic energy or "ghosts"), as well as those produced by psionics and arcana. This is suspected to have been adapted from the sensory abilities of the insectoid creatures that lended their features to the Anai at their conception as a race, though no evidence has been able to directly support this. Certain skilled shaman can also seem to channel the spirits of the deceased, acting as a living conduit through which these specters speak with the living. No half-breeds have ever displayed this specific ability.

They also often have claws on each digit, although most will trim or grind down the ones on their feet while leaving the ones on their hands in tact, for whatever purpose they may serve in daily life. Their cuspids are sharp and slightly elongated, giving them the appearance of bestial fangs, further increasing the exotic aesthetic of the race.

In terms of actual physiological processes, they are almost identical to humans except that their ability to heal is quite a bit more impressive than their purely mammalian counterparts: Anai can regrow any of their six limbs, even if the appendage is completely removed and/or destroyed. This, obviously, takes a great amount of time and energy, often leaving an Anai individual in the process of regenerating an arm, leg or headtail weak and sluggish as their body redirects the majority of its facilities and resources to reproducing the limb. They can also voluntarily drop or shed their headtails, if necessary, through the process of autotomy (similar to lizards and spiders shedding their tails or legs to escape danger). This causes less shock and blood loss due to natural mechanisms within the tendril coming into play to minimize the stress on the individual as this process is executed, but regrowth still requires much of the specimen to complete successfully. Most Anai are loathe to employ this tactic unless absolutely necessary, especially as headtails are seen as both essential components to a healthy person as well as extremely useful tools for daily living and self-defense.

Culture
The Anai people, at their very base, have a culture based around closely knit communities typically run by matriarchal lines of shamans. Even in the modern era, these traditions remain strong, and most communities are overseen by matriarchs who fill the stations of shamanesses and healers, often performing acts of fortune telling and general rituals for fortune, health and prosperity, as well as presiding over regional festivals and functions.

The emphasis on the spiritual and mystical is a deep-rooted one, with most Anai possessing both physical charms and amulets to ward off ill fortune and malevolent energies and forces, as well as being branded with tattoos and ritual scarring for the same purpose, as well as to attract positive forces to enrich their lives. Women typically receive more of these tattoos and scars than men, and theirs tend to be more esoteric in design and meaning, while men tend to prefer to have a few simple, geometric designs etched onto their bodies while they carry a myriad of amulets with them and engage in a number of superstitious rituals on a daily basis.

Superstition plays a role in virtually every aspect of Anai daily life, from cooking and cleaning to various trades individuals use to support themselves and their families. Ancestor worship and reverence are important and proper observation of things such as altar care and tending are often placed high on a personal agenda for most individuals. Communal festivals and events are typically performed both to increase the strength of the connection within the community as well as to serve a functional role of staving off bad luck from affecting the group as a whole.

This mentality of tradition, ritual and superstition has a strong affect on how Anai treat “outsiders”, typically meaning non-Anai, or half-breeds, who they view with suspicion and criticism on the mild end, and outright disdain and disgust on the more extreme end. If it is in their interest, they will begrudgingly deal with “outsiders”, although they prefer to simply drive them away and have nothing to do with them at all. In general, regularly interacting with non-Anai is severely looked down on and one who would take this further, to either a common platonic or intimate relationship, especially one that culminates in marriage and the birth of offspring is grounds for informal or formal banishment and exile from the community. Half-breed offspring, even if they appear as much Anai as their pureblood kin, are treated as abominations, often earning more negative response than those who are not at all Anai, and typically cast out of regular social circles as both children and adults.

As a people, the Anai are notable for their artisan crafts, particularly basketry, stitching and weaving; their designs and handiwork being both beautiful and of superb quality. They are also skilled metalworkers and glassblowers, creating both aesthetically pleasing and very functional pieces of all sorts. The emphasis on art in their craft stems from their reverence and awe of the natural world and is reflected in their traditional motifs. Though they are not completely adverse to using modern technology for their own benefit, they do not place as much trust or reliance on it as some other cultures would, being somewhat distrustful of the foreign influence it brings.