------------- Zheugani Castes

It is important to note that caste systems have directly impacted the development of genetic evolutionary patterns in many species. Evidence the various slave cultures within human civilizations where generation after generation of selective breeding by slave masters created physically stronger and more durable races. Sometimes, the breeding also results in reduced mental abilities, either intentionally or as a result of failing to encourage mental traits. As we find in species development, concentrating on one trait tends to detract from others. Too much emphasis on physical development creates mentally inferior beings. Amongst human sub-races, this is sometimes hard to identify or separate from normal statistical variations. Also, since in humans, a slave population is normally derived from a conquered race, direct cause and effect is hard to find.

On the other hand, of the various elven races, specific variations and tendencies in abilities are more obvious and prevalent. But this is normally a result of environment over the duration of an immediate Elven evolutionary cycle. Such can be seen in the Pouarr Elves of our own continent. They are shorter, but much stronger than most other elves, but their mental capacity has been arrested as a result. All deference to the vaunted Professor Rider Greywalker, the famed builder of the fortress of Crystallis. There are always exceptions in every race. But there is a distinct and measurable difference in mental abilities between the Pouarr and the Drow, for instance. Though they both evolved from the same core species.

No, what I wish to prove is the evolutionary difference between members of the same race based on social caste alone. The Zheugani Elves should prove this once and for all. The documents and accounts I've discovered about them lead me to believe that they are comprised of two specific groups, a commoner caste and a noble caste. Not only do these castes exist in different social strata, but the genetic makeup of these two groups is drastically different. The common Zheugani, as I understand it, is tall, strong, tough, and less attuned to mental or magical activity than the noble cast. It may also be the case that these Zheugani are physically superior to even the Pouarr, and maybe even the Orshallak, which I'm sure would give our Khangan allies reason to scoff. Whatever the truth, my expedition to Awalawa will not doubt reveal it.

--- Dr Taylor Aaron Hayes, presentation to the Board of Governors, Raidon Royal Museum, spring 18563.

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