Aniki: A Brief Species Guide

The name aniki comes from the nebulisian words "ani" for core, and "ki" for individual, making an approximate translation of this species' name "individuals with [nebulis-like] cores."

Aniki are forsen-flesh creatures that resemble various animal species. They are believed to be an offshoot of nebulisae, though there is no way to confirm this, nor would any nebulisae tell the truth about this potential connection due to their disdain for creatures of flesh.

Aniki may resemble any animal. It is almost impossible to tell them apart from the creatures they mimic, and they can do almost anything the species they take the form of can. Unlike nebulisae, they are made of flesh. However, embedded in their bodies are forsen cores very similar to those of nebulisae. These cores are typically--but not always--found on the outside of the heart.

How to Identify an Aniki

Although they are immensely close mimics, there are some ways to identify an aniki.

• All aniki must eat flesh, regardless of the diet of the species they resemble. It is theorized that they originally began mimicing animals to hunt them. However, this requirement to eat flesh does not bar them from eating other foods. It is just that they require meat.
• They move in unnatural ways. As magical beings, aniki are not bound by the same rules as most animals. Their minds also differ from those of animals, which may lead them to commit acts or move in ways that no typical member of the species they mimic would.
• They speak. Aniki communicate using a common language and easily pick up others. An aniki will always ask their prey if it can also speak to avoid killing one of their own.