Urdi

The Urdi, are colloquially known by several names, however the most common is Glowfolk, in reference to their uncanny ability to glow in the dark. They are a peculiar race, combining traits of both plants and animals into one. The Urdi, and by extension the Urdi culture and religion of Urdism, is dangerously close to extinction, with many isolated individuals and few concentrated populations. The largest population of Urdi can be found in the Kingdom of Østerion, located in the northern reaches of Kylorne.

Etymology
The name Urdi was coined by Prune Fyari, Archbishop of Urdism, in modern times. As one may expect, the name means "People of Urd" in Urdilian, an ancient and mostly academic language at this point. Before this, the Urdi were mostly referred to as Glowfolk and did not have a proper name. This is because the Urdi were always low in population and mostly isolated, thus a proper name never developed.

Physical Characteristics and Traits
The average Urdi stands no more than five and a half feet. Urdi are notably physically weaker than other races, however extremely proficient at enduring long distance runs and very agile.

They possess a bundle of leaves which grow out of the stem on the top of their head, a holdover from a plantlike ancestor, which allows them to conduct limited photosynthesis, known as a crown. Crown colorations are often green or olive, but yellows and reds are not impossible. The color of the crown of an Urdi can change color and physical characteristics due to physical ailments, and is commonly used by Urdi doctors to diagnose illness. An example is brown leaves, which is caused by a severe lack of water or food. When an Urdi asphyxiates, their leaves turn a lighter shade than normal.

Their skin is bright and waxy, which prevents dehydration and locks in water under extreme heat and cold. Most Urdi lean towards the red side of the color spectrum in coloration, coming in a variety of reds, yellows, oranges, and yellow-greens. However, there are common exceptions such as purple and blue. Green Urdi have been documented, however this is likely a genetic mutation rather than a regular occurrence. A fluorescent pigment in the skin of an Urdi allows them to seemingly glow in the dark.

Urdi eyes resemble large beads, with a pure black coloration, as they lack pigment in their irises. The only departure is in albino Urdi, who posses red eyes.