Chatcaava: Difference between revisions
Madamebadger (talk | contribs) No edit summary |
Madamebadger (talk | contribs) (Minor edits and typo fixes) |
||
| Line 2: | Line 2: | ||
==Physiology== | ==Physiology== | ||
* are actually mammals despite some reptile and avian like characteristics | * are actually mammals despite some reptile and avian like characteristics<ref name="etw-01" /> | ||
* eyesight, particularly distance eyesight, is keener than in humans, but colors are more vivid as a human <ref name="oto-14">''[[Only the Open (Fiction) | Only the Open]]'', Chapter 14</ref> | * eyesight, particularly distance eyesight, is keener than in humans, but colors 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 | * smell is less intense than in humans | ||
* hearing less crisp than in humans <ref name="oto-14" /> | * hearing less crisp than in humans <ref name="oto-14" /> | ||
* human balance is worse than Chatcaavan | * human balance is worse than Chatcaavan<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> | * 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 | * male Chatcaavan have spines on their genitalia<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> | * 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" /> | * Long, non-retractable claws, "talons to shame an eagle."<ref name="etw-01" /> | ||
| Line 25: | Line 25: | ||
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. | 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.) | 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" /> | ||
===Bodies=== | ===Bodies=== | ||
| Line 32: | Line 32: | ||
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.<ref name="etw-01" /> | 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.<ref name="etw-01" /> | ||
In the current era, males are winged and capable of flight and the [[Chatcaavan Shapechange |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 | In the current era, males are winged and capable of flight and the [[Chatcaavan Shapechange |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.<ref name="etw-01" /> In the distant past, all Chatcaava--male and female--were winged and could Change.<ref name="fr-18">''[[From Ruins (Fiction) |From Ruins]]'', Chapter 18</ref> | ||
===Wings=== | ===Wings=== | ||
[[File:Illo-WingOiling.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Wing-oiling]] | [[File:Illo-WingOiling.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Wing-oiling]] | ||
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. The wing vanes are densely latticed with blood vessels and nerves. Significant injury to them can induce shock.<ref name="ar-15">''[[Amulet Rampant (Fiction) |Amulet Rampant]]'', Chapter 15</ref> | 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.<ref name="etw-01" /> The wing vanes are densely latticed with blood vessels and nerves. Significant injury to them can induce shock.<ref name="ar-15">''[[Amulet Rampant (Fiction) |Amulet Rampant]]'', Chapter 15</ref> | ||
The wings of aging Chatcaava grow dry and brittle, and must be oiled to keep them functional and prevent chafing.<ref name="etw-02">''[[Even the Wingless (Fiction) |Even the Wingless]]'', Part Two</ref> | The wings of aging Chatcaava grow dry and brittle, and must be oiled to keep them functional and prevent chafing.<ref name="etw-02">''[[Even the Wingless (Fiction) |Even the Wingless]]'', Part Two</ref> | ||
| Line 56: | Line 56: | ||
(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.) | (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" === | === "Inside" and "Outside" === | ||
| Line 65: | Line 67: | ||
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" /> | 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 | 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" /> | ||
==== Outside ==== | ==== Outside ==== | ||
Those Outside are not obligated politically to any male, not even the Emperor, though they still follow the 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. 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 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" /> | ||
<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> | <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> | ||
====Castrates, Slaves, and Females==== | ====Castrates, Alien Slaves, and Females==== | ||
=== Dining Customs=== | === Dining Customs=== | ||
| Line 102: | Line 104: | ||
* Armlets | * Armlets | ||
* Anklets | * Anklets | ||
* Chains with gems and bells | * 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" /> | * Waist, tail, and horn-dangles<ref name="etw-01" /> | ||
Revision as of 13:52, 24 August 2020
Dragon shapeshifter aliens.
Physiology
- are actually mammals despite some reptile and avian like characteristics[1]
- eyesight, particularly distance eyesight, is keener than in humans, but colors are more vivid as a human [2]
- smell is less intense than in humans
- hearing less crisp than in humans [2]
- human balance is worse than Chatcaavan[3]
- think the Chatcaavan taste buds are more fat-and-protein-sensitive [4]
- male Chatcaavan have spines on their genitalia[3]
- not fond of cold or damp, and are comfortable with water temperatures that are hot for most Pelted[1]
- Long, non-retractable claws, "talons to shame an eagle."[1]
- The equivalent of a muzzle is a beak containing fangs, covered in skin, with a flexible lip.[1]
- they use green for their interfaces, I don't know why
Head types
- Axe-head
- 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.[3]
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.[5]
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.[1]
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.[1] In the distant past, all Chatcaava--male and female--were winged and could Change.[6]
Wings
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.[1] The wing vanes are densely latticed with blood vessels and nerves. Significant injury to them can induce shock.[7]
The wings of aging Chatcaava grow dry and brittle, and must be oiled to keep them functional and prevent chafing.[3]
Snapping the wings open makes a noise; in the case of a male as large and powerful, this can be deep as a drum.[1]
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[1]
- rolled eyes in a human: a little twitch of brows and huff of breath in Chatcaava
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 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: slaves, aliens (both enslaved and free), and females.[1]
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.[1][3]
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.[3]
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 Imperial Surgeon, who knew very well that he was needed to heal the injuries they inflicted on each other).[1]
"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."[8]
Castrates, Alien Slaves, and Females
Dining Customs
See also 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.[1]
Costume
Males' Clothing
At the 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.[1]
Females' Clothing
Females generally wear nothing but jewelry and possibly paint/cosmetics, but they can be dressed for special effect; for instance, the Slave Queen wore a low-backed sideless robe and translucent shift to Lisinthir's introduction to the court, and 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.[1]
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 Preparation Room, where collars are also fitted.[3]
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 Queen's collar is set with amber cabochons; Bethsaida's, with opal.[3]
- 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[1]
The Queen kept a piece of jewelry from each harem member who was killed, retrieved from the body by the Mother.[1]
Cosmetics
Trivia
- 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."[1]
Chatcaavan Characters
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 1.18 Even the Wingless, Part One
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Only the Open, Chapter 14
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 Even the Wingless, Part Two
- ↑ Farmer's Crown, Chapter 5
- ↑ Major Pieces, "Deserving," Chapter 3
- ↑ From Ruins, Chapter 18
- ↑ Amulet Rampant, Chapter 15
- ↑ Amulet Rampant, Chapter 9