Anthropomorphic intelligence

The world of Eithalica includes several species which possess what might be called “anthropomorphic intelligence;” that is, they can think and communicate rationally like humans can in real life.

In artwork, anthropomorphism is the practice of portraying an animal or object with humanlike features to make it seem relatable. For example, the artist might draw a creature that should have paws but instead give it hands with opposable thumbs, etc. Just like opposable thumbs, the capacity for rational thought is a human trait—except more so, because (so far as we know) it’s exclusive to humans.