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[[File:Illo-ChatcaavaWholeWings.jpg|300px|thumb|"Whole Wings"]]
[[File:Illo-ChatcaavaWholeWings.jpg|300px|thumb|"Whole Wings"]]
<div style='text-align: center;'>''A quote here about them probably a stereotype.''</div>
<div style='text-align: center;'>''To change is life''</div>


Dragon shapeshifter aliens.
Dragon shapeshifter aliens.
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==Vital Statistics (At a Glance)==
==Vital Statistics (At a Glance)==
Pronounced ''shot-CAH-vah.''<ref name="etw-pg">"Pronunciation Guide," ''[[Even the Wingless (Fiction) |Even the Wingless]]'' backmatter</ref> Singular is Chatcaavan. Possessive is Chatcaavan. Plural is Chatcaava.
Pronounced ''shot-CAH-vah.''<ref name="etw-pg">"Pronunciation Guide," ''[[Even the Wingless (Fiction) |Even the Wingless]]'' backmatter</ref> Singular is Chatcaavan. Possessive is Chatcaavan. Plural is Chatcaava.
* '''Species Type:''' Alien
* '''Species Type:''' Alien, Mammal
* '''Origin:''' Evolved
* '''Origin:''' Evolved
* '''Frame Type:''' Bipedal, plantigrade, winged
* '''Frame Type:''' Bipedal, plantigrade, winged
* '''Average Height:''' 5'5"ish
* '''Average Height:''' 5'5"ish
* '''Average Lifespan:''' 275-300 years (Alliance standard)
* '''Average Lifespan:''' 275-300 years (Alliance standard)
* '''Gravity Preference:''' light
* '''Gravity Preference:''' [[Mediger Scale#Scale|Mediger 3]] (.75)
* '''Homeworld:'''  
* '''Homeworld:''' [[Chatcaavan Birthworld|Birthworld]]
* '''Capital''': [[Throneworld]]
* '''Native Language:''' [[Chatcaavan Language|Chatcaavan]]
* '''Native Language:''' [[Chatcaavan Language|Chatcaavan]]


==Physiology==
==Physiology Overview==
* are actually mammals despite some reptile and avian like characteristics<ref name="etw-01" />
Despite their reptilian looks, the Chatcaava are winged mammals <ref name="etw-01">''[[Even the Wingless (Fiction) |Even the Wingless]]'', Part One</ref> with leathery wings shaped like a falcon's, for speed and precision.<ref name="esots-15"> ''[[Either Side of the Strand (Fiction) |Either Side of the Strand]]'', Chapter 15</ref> They have keener eyesight than humans, particular distance and sensitivity to peripheral motion,<ref name="oto-8">''[[Only the Open (Fiction) | Only the Open]]'', Chapter 8</ref> but their color vision and sense of smell is less intense<ref>Deserving (Fiction)</ref> , and their hearing less crisp.<ref name="oto-14">''[[Only the Open (Fiction) | Only the Open]]'', Chapter 14</ref> Their taste buds are more fat and protein-sensitive than humanoid norms.<ref name="fc-05">''[[Farmer's Crown (Fiction) |Farmer's Crown]]'', Chapter 5</ref> Their flexible tails allow for better balance.<ref name="etw-02" /> They can withstand hotter temperatures than the average human, but are correspondingly uncomfortable in cold and damp.<ref name="etw-01" />
* eyesight, particularly distance eyesight, is keener than in humans, but colors and scents<ref>[[Deserving (Fiction)]]</ref> are more vivid as a human <ref name="oto-14">''[[Only the Open (Fiction) | Only the Open]]'', Chapter 14</ref>
 
* smell is less intense than in humans
They're equipped with long, non-retractable claws--"talons to shame an eagle"<ref name="etw-01" />--and have thumb claws on their wings that are used as weapons as frequently as teeth and talons.<ref name="etw-02" /> They have fangs along with rending teeth, in a muzzle that is beaklike but covered in skin with a flexible lip.<ref name="etw-01" /><ref name="etw-02" />
* hearing less crisp than in humans <ref name="oto-14" />
 
* human balance is worse than Chatcaavan<ref name="etw-02" />
Age shows in Chatcaava in drying of the skin, particularly the wing vanes, in the multiplying of scales around the eyes, and in striations and brittleness in the horns.<ref name="etw-02" />
* think the Chatcaavan taste buds are more fat-and-protein-sensitive <ref name="fc-05">''[[Farmer's Crown (Fiction) |Farmer's Crown]]'', Chapter 5</ref>
 
* male Chatcaavan have spines on their genitalia<ref name="etw-02" />
Many of the poisons that affect Chatcaava do not work on aliens, or work unpredictably. Some poisons that do work on aliens, like [[hekkret]], are recreational drugs for Chatcaavans. Alcohol seems to work on both.<ref name="etw-02" />
* not fond of cold or damp, and are comfortable with water temperatures that are hot for most Pelted<ref name="etw-01">''[[Even the Wingless (Fiction) |Even the Wingless]]'', Part One</ref>
* Long, non-retractable claws, "talons to shame an eagle."<ref name="etw-01" />
* The equivalent of a muzzle is a beak containing many white or ivory fangs, covered in skin, with a flexible lip.<ref name="etw-01" /><ref name="etw-02" />
* long tongues<ref name="etw-02" />
* Thumb-claws on the wings are sharp, fully capable of damage, and are regularly used as weapons just as hand-claws and teeth are.<ref name="etw-02" />
* When at peace, or pleased with something, Chatcaava may make a thrumming noise<ref name="etw-02" />
* When at peace, or pleased with something, Chatcaava may make a thrumming noise<ref name="etw-02" />
* shorter fingers than an [[Eldritch]]<ref name="etw-02" />
* Have sufficient control of their tails that they can deliberately stroke the tip along a surface.<ref name="etw-02" />
* Age shows in drying wings, the development of tiny scales around the eyes, and striations and brittleness in the horns.<ref name="etw-02" />
* Pale blood? Pale something dripping after being stabbed in an eye, (Laisrathera p277)
* they use green for their interfaces, I don't know why


===Head types===
===Heads===
*Axe-head
Typical head configurations include (but are not limited to):
*Axe-head - a traditional and attractive shape, with or without a sloped nose-tip.
*Chicken-head (translation) - considered unattractive (too much forehead height)
*Chicken-head (translation) - considered unattractive (too much forehead height)
*Prow-head - shorter nose, smaller eyes. Prow heads grow manes more slowly.
*Prow-head - shorter nose, smaller eyes. Prow heads grow manes more slowly.
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Horns continue to grow all a Chatcaava's life, if slowly. They don't mend unless you glue the broken bits of them back on, but they will get longer. Some males grow more horns than others; this indicates a more aggressive/dominant personality. (Whether that's true or not is up for grabs, as usual.) Most males Inside are missing at least some horns, as a rival who succeeds in defeating them may choose to break them off.<ref name="etw-02" />
Horns continue to grow all a Chatcaava's life, if slowly. They don't mend unless you glue the broken bits of them back on, but they will get longer. Some males grow more horns than others; this indicates a more aggressive/dominant personality. (Whether that's true or not is up for grabs, as usual.) Most males Inside are missing at least some horns, as a rival who succeeds in defeating them may choose to break them off.<ref name="etw-02" />
<div><ul>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Illo-headshotadmiraloffense.jpg|thumb|none|x150px|Axe-slope]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Illo-headshotDeputyEast.jpg|thumb|none|x150px|Aerodynamic]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Illo-headshotmanufactoryeast.jpg|thumb|none|x150px|Chicken]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Illo-headshotWorldlord.jpg|thumb|none|x150px|Axe (without slope)]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Illo-HuuruKnife.png|thumb|none|x150px|Shark]] </li>
</ul></div>


===Bodies===
===Bodies===
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* Wings lowered and tilted forward is a submissive posture.
* Wings lowered and tilted forward is a submissive posture.
* twitch a hand to shrug<ref name="etw-01" />
* twitch a hand to shrug<ref name="etw-01" />
* rolled eyes in a human: a little twitch of brows and huff of breath in Chatcaava
* rolled eyes in a human: a little twitch of brows and huff of breath in Chatcaava <ref> Major Pieces, Chapter 5 of Deserving, Page 455 of 578</ref>
* Licking (we see licking a forehead, cheeks, and one another's mouths) seems to take the place of kissing, presumably due to mouth shape<ref name="etw-02" />
* Licking (we see licking a forehead, cheeks, and one another's mouths) seems to take the place of kissing, presumably due to mouth shape<ref name="etw-02" />
* Sipping from a cup involves lapping with the tongue<ref name="etw-02" />
* Sipping from a cup involves lapping with the tongue<ref name="etw-02" />
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See [[Chatcaavan Shapechange]].
See [[Chatcaavan Shapechange]].
== Culture and Society ==
(Should probably note here that the customs we know of are mostly drawn from the wealthy and powerful, and those Inside, rather than necessarily applying to the majority Outside, and also slaves and harem members have their own microsocieties.)
For customs specific to the Imperial Court, see [[Throneworld Court Society]].
=== "Inside" and "Outside" ===
Chatcaavan society is actually several societies coexisting in the same space. There are those Inside, who have power, wealth, and political clout, but are subject to the violent rules of the [[Throneworld Court Society |Throneworld Court]] and similar courts across the Empire. There are those Outside, who have no such power but are not beholden to any political power and cannot be casually killed. There are also nonentities, who are not officially Inside or Outside: aliens (both enslaved and free) and females.<ref name="etw-01" />
Inside and Outside are throne-world constructs, some planets do not have this.
==== Inside ====
The males who are Inside play the game of politics, domination, and strategy. Unlike those Outside, they are obliged to their political patrons, even if those patrons might have cause to want to kill them. They are also subject to the rules between males Inside that excuse murder between rivals in most cases.<ref name="etw-01" /><ref name="etw-02" />
Higher-ranking males may choose to "test" lower-ranking males through rape, torture, and humiliation, to put them in their place and see their limits. It is considered an honor, as only the most promising and dangerous males are put to the test. Those who pass the tests, however, rarely live long, as they become a threat.<ref name="etw-02" />
Castrates and palace servants are the lowest of the low within the Inside sphere. "They did not speak; they were Inside, and the lowest of the low Inside, and confronted with a male Outside they were permitted only deference."<ref name="fr-pro">''[[From Ruins (Fiction) |From Ruins]]'', Prologue</ref>
==== Outside ====
Those Outside are not obligated politically to any male, not even the Emperor, though they still follow the general laws of the Empire. This means that they are unable to strive for power outside that afforded them by their role, but are also shielded from the violence of those Inside. Accordingly, they may not take sides in conflicts between males who are Inside. Males Outside may nevertheless become powerful and influential if their particular skills are needed (as with the [[Sehkvit (The Surgeon) |Imperial Surgeon]], who knew very well that he was needed to heal the injuries they inflicted on each other).<ref name="etw-01" />
Those Outside will not share information that they have learned from or about those Inside with others who are Inside; this is part of their neutrality.<ref name="etw-02" />
<blockquote>"It made her wonder suddenly if the world Outside was striated with the fault-lines of ancient and provincial attitudes, and if that was part of why they were not permitted Inside."<ref name="ar-09">''[[Amulet Rampant (Fiction) |Amulet Rampant]]'', Chapter 9</ref></blockquote>
====Alien Slaves and Females====
Unlike those Inside and Outside, alien slaves and females are nonentities or objects; they are treated as furniture, to be used and perhaps to be appreciated or enjoyed in their use, but not as people in any way. Slaves and females are immediately brought to the [[Throneworld Court Palace#Preparation Room |Preparation Room]] to be stripped, cleaned, fitted with collars, and decorated. Some slaves are also branded to mark them as the Empire's property. It was the Slave Queen's duty to bring new harem members to the Preparation Room to be stripped, collared, and decorated. <ref name="etw-02" />
=== Dining Customs===
See also [[Food and Drink#Chatcaavan Foods |Chatcaavan Foods]].
While meat is often served already slaughtered and dressed, it is not unexpected for a live beast to be brought in to be killed at table by one of the diners' hands. Food is eaten with the fingers, with claws used to cut and tear meat.<ref name="etw-01" /> At the [[Throneworld Court]], important figures have poison-tasters. The Emperor chooses his own by assessing who values him most, and "some say that the feeling is mutual."<ref name="etw-02" />
=== Material Culture ===
* Seats with low or narrow backs, or narrow backs that flare out at shoulder to head level, to account for wings<ref name="etw-02" /><ref name="etw-02" />
* Seating commonly on the ground on pillows<ref name="etw-01" />
* Cups with broad mouths or spouts to accommodate drinking with a beaklike mouth<ref name="etw-02" />
* Shallow shelves<ref name="etw-02" />
* Tall, thin books<ref name="etw-02" />
* Mosaics as dominant art form<ref name="etw-01" /><ref name="etw-02" />
=== Titles ===
Titles are preferentially used over names by those with them, as names denote status either as a low-ranking male (e.g. Uuvek, Oviin) or a female or child (e.g. Firemint, Whisper). The following titles have been seen in the series:
; Emperor: Most dominant male of the [[Chatcaavan Empire]]
: Exclusive title
:;Holders of the title
::[[Emperor Kauvauc Ueneuvin]]<ref name="etw-01" />
; Queen Ransomed: Most prominent female in the Empire; formerly known as the Slave Queen<ref name="etw-01" />
:;Holders of the title
::[[Queen Ransomed]]
; [[Second (Title) |Second]]: Right hand of the Emperor<ref name="etw-01" />
:Exclusive title
:;Holders of the title
:: [[Second-Who-Was]]
::[[Command-East (Second) |Second, formerly Command-East]]
::[[Worldlord |Second, formerly Worldlord]]
; [[Third (Title) |Third]]: Left hand of the Emperor<ref name="etw-01" />
: Exclusive title
:;Holders of the title
::[[Third-Who-Was]]
::[[Lisinthir Nase Galare]]
; [[Throneworld Thorn]]<ref name="etw-01" />:
; [[Hand (Title) |Hand]]: A male who acts as an extension of and assistant to a more dominant male<ref name="etw-01" />
:;Holders of the title
::Hand to [[Third-Who-Was]]: [[Baavo (Hand) |Baavo]]
::Hand to [[Worldlord |Second, formerly Worldlord]]: the former [[Deputy-East]]
; [[Knife (Title) |Knife]]: The traditional guard of the [[Queen Ransomed]]'s parts of the palace and also her person, and assistant in matters that needed his skills. Title revived by the Emperor.
:Exclusive title
:;Holders of the title
::[[Huuru (The Knife/The Liaison) |Huuru]], now Liaison
::[[Hautsuun (Knife) |Hautsuun]]
;Liaison: Liaison to aliens
:;Holders of the title
::[[Huuru (The Knife/The Liaison) |Huuru]]
;[[Surgeon (Title)]]: Medical professional, often (always?) [[Chatcaava#"Inside" and "Outside" |Outside]]
:;Imperial Surgeon: Chief surgeon to the [[Throneworld Court]]
::Exclusive title <ref name="etw-01" />
::;Holders of the title
:::[[Sehkvit (The Surgeon) |Sehkvit]]
:;Other surgeons
::;Holders of the title
:::: [[Kuuvel (Head Surgeon) |Kuuvel]]
; Triage: Male who receives injured males and directs them according to priority<ref name="etw-02" />
:;Holders of the title
::[[Triage (Character) |Triage]]
;Bodyguard: A new title invented by the [[Queen Ransomed]]
:;Holders of the title
::[[Bodyguard]], the first holder of the title, assigned to protect [[Lunet Silin Eddings]]
; Master of the Preparation Room: Male who oversees the preparation room where females and slaves are collared and decorated, and where jewelry is made
:;Holders of the title
:: [[Master of the Preparation Room]]
; Pilot: A ship pilot prominent enough to merit a rank<ref name="etw-01" />
:;Holders of the title
:: [[List of Minor or Background Characters |Pilot]], the pilot who brought [[Lisinthir Nase Galare]] to the Throneworld
; [[Mother (Title) | Mother]]: The female currently pregnant with one of the Emperor's offspring<ref name="etw-01" />
:;Holders of the title
::[[Emerald (Mother) |Emerald]]
; Lead Attendant: An unofficial, self-given title of one of the attendants in the Imperial Nursery
:;Holders of the title
::[[Sojourner Stars (Lead Attendant) |Sojourner Stars]]
; Priestess: An ancient title revived by the Queen Ransomed
:;Holders of the title
::[[Priestess (Stripes) |Stripes]], the first one given the title in the modern era
;Slave: An honorary title given to slaves who belong directly to the Emperor<ref name="etw-01" />
=== Costume ===
==== Males' Clothing ====
At the [[Throneworld Court Palace |Imperial palace]], and perhaps elsewhere, males in relatively casual circumstances wear robes of silk or satin with slits to accommodate the wings, and, optionally, loose pants; the robe is pulled over the arms and beneath the wings and tied.<ref name="etw-01" /> The robes and pants have a range of levels of formality, from satin robes decorated with tiny beads to casual robes and sleep pants. Robes include slits for the wings. When worn by an Eldritch, the pants fit by hanging off the hips instead of around the waist.<ref name="etw-02" />
==== Females' Clothing====
Females generally wear nothing but jewelry and possibly paint/cosmetics, but they can be dressed for special effect; for instance, the [[Queen Ransomed |Slave Queen]] wore a low-backed sideless robe and translucent shift to [[Lisinthir Nase Galare |Lisinthir]]'s introduction to the court, and [[Bethsaida Emil Galare |Bethsaida]] was dressed in a thin shift shot through with silver thread for her presentation. Within the harem, they may wear sashes, scarves, or translucent shawls, but nothing concealing.<ref name="etw-01" /> <ref name="etw-02" />
==== Jewelry ====
Jewelry is reserved for females, who are decorated to enhance their beauty and show the wealth and power of their masters; males do not wear it. Jewelry is created in the [[Throneworld Court Palace#Preparation Room |Preparation Room]], where collars are also fitted.<ref name="etw-02" />
Types of jewelry:
* Collars, used to denote status as a possession. Collars have a fastening to attach a leash, and may be elaborately decorated and set with cabochons. Temporary collars can be removed, but permanent collars are welded in place. The welding is done without causing damage to the skin thanks to a thin sheath placed between the metal and the neck. The Queen's collar has raised patterns and is set with amber cabochons; Bethsaida's, with opal.<ref name="etw-01" /><ref name="etw-02 />
* Rings
* Bracelets, including bracelets with chains connecting them
* Horn-rings, with or without gems hanging from them
* Armlets
* Anklets
* Chains with gems and bells strung through and around the perforations in the Queen's wings; exclusive to her
* Waist, tail, and horn-dangles<ref name="etw-01" />
* A pendant, worn when a female sought to become pregnant by the Emperor and was given permission by the [[Queen Ransomed |Queen]] to "seek his divine attention." The menders recognized it and would give the female advice on conceiving, and the Emperor recognized it too and might choose to give the Mother-in-progress special favor.<ref name="etw-02" /><ref name="mp-om">''[[Major Pieces (Fiction) |Major Pieces]]'', "Opening Maneuvers"</ref>
* The [[Mother (Title) |Mother]]'s face-jewels, draped over the brow and anchored on the horns, given when the Mother-in-progress conceives a child by the Emperor and becomes the Mother.<ref name="etw-02" />
The [[Queen Ransomed |Queen]] kept a piece of jewelry from each harem member who was killed, retrieved from the body by the [[Emerald (Mother) |Mother]].<ref name="etw-01" />
==== Cosmetics and Toiletries ====
* Smoothing lotion for the mane<ref name="etw-01" />
* Paint and powder to accentuate wounds and injuries<ref name="etw-02" />
* Scented oil for wing-oiling<ref name="etw-02" />
* Soap intended for Chatcaavans are not suited to the skin of aliens; [[Laniis Baker]] used her own rose-and-spice scented soap, which the Queen later offered to Lisinthir.<ref name="etw-02" />
===Child Rearing===
Typically, Chatcaava do not name their children from birth, and simply think of them as "son" or "daughter" before later assigning them a tag.<ref name="hw-16">''[[Healer's Wedding (Fiction)|Healer's Wedding]]'', Chapter 16</ref>


== History ==
== History ==
Line 240: Line 88:


Signed the [[Treaty of Za'ara]] in 159 BA, which created the truce between the Alliance and the Chatcaava.
Signed the [[Treaty of Za'ara]] in 159 BA, which created the truce between the Alliance and the Chatcaava.
*A treaty the Chatcaava did not intend to honor.  <ref> ''[[Zafiil (Fiction)]]'', Volume 1,Chapter 29, Kindle page 372 of 454 </Ref>, also See the first book of The Princes Game. See also one of the recent short stories, not of Major Pieces.


==Trivia==
== Society and Customs ==
As a society with hundreds of worlds, there are too many societies and customs to summarize. Some worlds have been mentioned, however:


* While finding pleasure in the pain of another is completely normal in the society of males Inside, it is considered crude to kill during the process. "...to actually destroy one's playthings was considered a lack of self-discipline."<ref name="etw-01" />
* [[Throneworld Court Society]]
* Protocol discourages the use of technology for communication, preferring living messengers instead. This rule is bypassed during emergencies.<ref name="etw-02" />
* [[Chatcaavan Birthworld]]
* Many of the poisons that affect Chatcaava do not work on aliens, or work unpredictably. Some poisons that do work on aliens, like [[Hekkret |hekkret]], are recreational drugs for Chatcaavans. Alcohol seems to work on both.<ref name="etw-02" />
* [[Sharsenne]]
* [[Akana Ris]]


==Chatcaavan Characters==
==Chatcaavan Characters==

Latest revision as of 23:34, 17 January 2024

"Whole Wings"
To change is life

Dragon shapeshifter aliens.

Vital Statistics (At a Glance)

Pronounced shot-CAH-vah.[1] Singular is Chatcaavan. Possessive is Chatcaavan. Plural is Chatcaava.

  • Species Type: Alien, Mammal
  • Origin: Evolved
  • Frame Type: Bipedal, plantigrade, winged
  • Average Height: 5'5"ish
  • Average Lifespan: 275-300 years (Alliance standard)
  • Gravity Preference: Mediger 3 (.75)
  • Homeworld: Birthworld
  • Capital: Throneworld
  • Native Language: Chatcaavan

Physiology Overview

Despite their reptilian looks, the Chatcaava are winged mammals [2] with leathery wings shaped like a falcon's, for speed and precision.[3] They have keener eyesight than humans, particular distance and sensitivity to peripheral motion,[4] but their color vision and sense of smell is less intense[5] , and their hearing less crisp.[6] Their taste buds are more fat and protein-sensitive than humanoid norms.[7] Their flexible tails allow for better balance.[8] They can withstand hotter temperatures than the average human, but are correspondingly uncomfortable in cold and damp.[2]

They're equipped with long, non-retractable claws--"talons to shame an eagle"[2]--and have thumb claws on their wings that are used as weapons as frequently as teeth and talons.[8] They have fangs along with rending teeth, in a muzzle that is beaklike but covered in skin with a flexible lip.[2][8]

Age shows in Chatcaava in drying of the skin, particularly the wing vanes, in the multiplying of scales around the eyes, and in striations and brittleness in the horns.[8]

Many of the poisons that affect Chatcaava do not work on aliens, or work unpredictably. Some poisons that do work on aliens, like hekkret, are recreational drugs for Chatcaavans. Alcohol seems to work on both.[8]

  • When at peace, or pleased with something, Chatcaava may make a thrumming noise[8]

Heads

Typical head configurations include (but are not limited to):

  • Axe-head - a traditional and attractive shape, with or without a sloped nose-tip.
  • Chicken-head (translation) - considered unattractive (too much forehead height)
  • Prow-head - shorter nose, smaller eyes. Prow heads grow manes more slowly.
  • Aerodynamic-head - admired for its utility but not considered as handsome as axe-heads.
  • Shark-head (translation) - associated with younger, clean-cut types.

A good brow ridge is considered masculine.

The brow ridges (with the spikes leading back over them) are seen only in adult males. Similarly, while females will grow the plate horns (the two that come straight back off the skull in line with the eye sockets), the other horns are grown only by males, and include a line from behind the cheek down toward the shoulder on either side of the face, and a row between the two central horns down the spine.

Horns continue to grow all a Chatcaava's life, if slowly. They don't mend unless you glue the broken bits of them back on, but they will get longer. Some males grow more horns than others; this indicates a more aggressive/dominant personality. (Whether that's true or not is up for grabs, as usual.) Most males Inside are missing at least some horns, as a rival who succeeds in defeating them may choose to break them off.[8]

  • Axe-slope
  • Aerodynamic
  • Chicken
  • Axe (without slope)
  • Shark

Bodies

Their skeletons are more rigid than a human's because of the hollow bones (particularly in the ribs) that help create their biological airframe. They also develop a great deal of muscle flying.[9] The Queen Ransomed specifically notes that her stiffer neck makes her large collar "very comfortable."[8]

Chatcaava come in a variety of colors: white, black, many shades of gray and silver ranging from near-black to near-white, golds and browns from sable to bisque, and bronze. Some are striped, and some have freckles.[2]

In the current era, males are winged and capable of flight and the Touch and the Change, and the majority of females have four arms (two at the shoulder, two slightly below), breasts, and no ability to Change. Some rare females have wings and the ability to Change.[2] In the distant past, all Chatcaava--male and female--were winged and could Change.[10]

Chatcaava perform live birth, like most mammals. During the last stages of pregnancy, the belly drops, putting the child in the right position for birth; final labor should happen within hours of this, barring complications. Complications happen more frequently for four-armed females, as winged females can use their shifting ability to open their hips.[8]

Wings

Wing-oiling

Wings, like any other part of a body, are idiosyncratic and unique to individuals, but some variations are better than others: a good balance between a strong forearm and a long trailing limb, a long attachment point along the body, and flexible wing leather that is tautly connected all contribute to strength, endurance, and maneuverability. Wings that are large for the body size are, in general, better, but there's a point of diminishing returns: too large, and the wing becomes costly to maintain, physically, and can become cumbersome to shift.

Chatcaavan wings are not stiff or tough like leather, but soft and heavy like suede. They vary in size proportional to the body; the Emperor has notable large wings.[2] The wing vanes are densely latticed with blood vessels and nerves. Significant injury to them can induce shock.[11]

The wings of aging Chatcaava grow dry and brittle, and must be oiled to keep them functional and prevent stiffness and chafing. If the dry wings are not tended to, the chafing can become friction burns, and the wings can become dry enough to rattle when opened or closed.[8]

Snapping the wings open makes a noise; in the case of a male as large and powerful, this can be deep as a drum.[2] Wings are also a particularly vulnerable place; an effective way to hurt or disable a winged Chatcaava is to put pressure on the joint of the wing-finger, where it meets the thumb-claw; it's possible to pop it out of joint from that position.[8]

Claws

Chatcaavan wings have non-retractable thumb claws; most will have wingtip claws as well on the end of the leading edge. The thumb claw turns outward, so the knuckle folds over on the outside of the wing (not on the inner vane, facing the back); claws will have thumb-joint-like flexibility, though some Chatcaava are born with "stubbier" thumbs than others. The wing-tip claw is usually vestigial, and not jointed, but some individuals might have more flexible talons at the wingtip than others. (Some may have no talon there at all.)

Body Language

  • Chatcaavan nodding is slower, and singular: one long inclination, not the quick bob of Pelted culture.
  • Wings lowered and tilted forward is a submissive posture.
  • twitch a hand to shrug[2]
  • rolled eyes in a human: a little twitch of brows and huff of breath in Chatcaava [12]
  • Licking (we see licking a forehead, cheeks, and one another's mouths) seems to take the place of kissing, presumably due to mouth shape[8]
  • Sipping from a cup involves lapping with the tongue[8]
  • Creased brow ridges and wings twitching or being folded and unfolded are signs of agitation[8]
  • Laughter sometimes manifests as "snakelike, hissing chuckles"[8]

Shapechange

See Chatcaavan Shapechange.

History

"We were not always as you find us. We have histories, just as you do, and we were a prouder people once. The Emperor did not dictate, he guarded. The military did not rape its charges, but carekept their safety. The petty kings did not extort labor; we did not keep slaves. And the Slave Queen was once the Queen Ransomed, a person to whom great dignity was accorded. I have never been a person." She stared at her knees in silence for a time. "We have grown easy with ourselves. The court is famous for its challenges, but once those challenges served a greater purpose. They honed the edge of a keen blade. But it has been long and long again since any nation honed the edge of the Empire."[8]

Signed the Treaty of Za'ara in 159 BA, which created the truce between the Alliance and the Chatcaava.

  • A treaty the Chatcaava did not intend to honor. [13], also See the first book of The Princes Game. See also one of the recent short stories, not of Major Pieces.

Society and Customs

As a society with hundreds of worlds, there are too many societies and customs to summarize. Some worlds have been mentioned, however:

Chatcaavan Characters

Admiral-Offense
Apex-Fleet (Second/Command-East)
Attendant
Baavo (Hand)
Cirrus
Deputy-East (Hand)
Emerald (Mother)
Emperor Kauvauc Ueneuvin
Everdawn
Firemint
Gale
Hautsuun (Knife)
Hope
Huuru (The Knife/The Liaison)
Kolvin Lauvet Imthereli
Kuuvel (Head Surgeon)
Lunet Silin Eddings
Maazi
Manufactory-East
Niriel Lauvet Imthereli
Nututik
Oviin
Patience (Chatcaavan)
Priestess (Stripes)
Queen Ransomed
Second-Who-Was
Sehkvit (The Surgeon)
Sojourner Stars (Lead Attendant)
Third-Who-Was
Tristan Liferiver
Tsonet
Twelveworld Lord
Usurper
Uuvek
Vu
Whisper
Worldlord (Second)

References

  1. ↑ "Pronunciation Guide," Even the Wingless backmatter
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 Even the Wingless, Part One
  3. ↑ Either Side of the Strand, Chapter 15
  4. ↑ Only the Open, Chapter 8
  5. ↑ Deserving (Fiction)
  6. ↑ Only the Open, Chapter 14
  7. ↑ Farmer's Crown, Chapter 5
  8. ↑ 8.00 8.01 8.02 8.03 8.04 8.05 8.06 8.07 8.08 8.09 8.10 8.11 8.12 8.13 8.14 8.15 Even the Wingless, Part Two
  9. ↑ Major Pieces, "Deserving," Chapter 3
  10. ↑ From Ruins, Chapter 18
  11. ↑ Amulet Rampant, Chapter 15
  12. ↑ Major Pieces, Chapter 5 of Deserving, Page 455 of 578
  13. ↑ Zafiil (Fiction), Volume 1,Chapter 29, Kindle page 372 of 454
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