Aquasi

Template:!SpeciesThe Aquasi (Homo Sapiens Hydros) are a Human mutant subspecies native to Fasia in the Verpletter region of Via Aylathiya. Like all mutant subspecies on Fasia, the Aquasi were subject to rapid evolution after settling on the planet due to Fasia's unique properties. Those who settled near the coastline on the equatorial region evolved into the Aquasi after around a thousand years. This speed is unprecedented and is considered impossible by normal evolutionary standards. As such, their sudden appearance is attributed to an as of yet unexplained anomalous phenomenon somewhat common in the Verpletter region.

Diverting from their Human ancestors, the Aquasi developed gills, double-jointed and webbed feet and hands, and a dorsal fin that runs the along the length of their spine. These adaptations allow them to swim much more efficiently than baseline Humans. They also adopted an organ in place of their spleen that, while also cleaning blood, stores oxygen-rich blood, allowing for longer dive times. Since sapient brains are incredibly oxygen inefficient, they can only dive for thirty minutes at a time without surfacing. The gills only serve to supplement their oxygenated blood storage as water cannot absorb enough oxygen to support a brain.

Usually living in shallow waters, the Aquasi were often attacked by the other Fasian species living in coastal cities, especially the Sürunen, who wanted to stop them from 'stealing' the fish from their territory. This resulted in many Aquasi cities being built around isolated islands and reefs far from the mainland. Over the centuries, many would build closer to the coastline. There are also some which braved the possibility of being attacked, and set up settlements in lakes within the Fasian mainland.

Perhaps due to their ability to breathe in both air and water, the Aquasi are defined in no small part by their natural curiosity of the universe around them. Many of them have a desire to explore the universe around them, which is why they were quick to come around to the idea of joining the Commune Federation when it arrived on Fasia.

The Aquasi have since been invaluable in the colonization and exploration of various ocean worlds. This unique role in the Federation has lead them to develop close ties with the Casorians. To escape persecution or conflict with the various fishing peoples across Fasia, they largely relocated to shallow ocean worlds.