Small Ones

Small One Ink Sketches

Our small ones, long since taken by their own smallness.

One of the sapient species of Amity, who warred themselves to extinction.

Vital Statistics (At a Glance)

Called "small ones" by the Octopi. Their names for themselves are unknown.

• Species Type: True alien
• Origin: Evolved
• Frame Type: Six-limbed; walks on two, four, or six limbs interchangeably
• Average Height: ~4 feet when standing upright
• Average Lifespan:
• Gravity Preference:
• Homeworld: Amity
• Native Language:

Appearance and Physiology

Appearance

The small ones have six limbs set on a musculoskeletal plan not very dissimilar to human or Pelted, soft leathery skin, and a pointed head with large, dark eyes. Horns and spines lined their necks. They can stand on two, four, or six limbs, but seem to preferentially stand bipedally. Felsha Rennagan considered that the visual depiction of them in Amity's cave system was similar to the Chatcaava.

Physiology

The small ones have notably flexible spines; Taylitha Basil noted that the small one she interacted with "described a curve in the air, as if it had no bones to interfere" and twisted in a way that she "couldn't imagine would spare its spine several fractures". Their claws allow them to gain sufficient purchase to climb a rock face. Their scent is reminiscent of warm pepper.

Immature Small Ones may lack sexual organs.

The small ones' language consists of hisses, trills, peeps, and whistles.

Society

Small ones developed clothing (loincloths and veils) and handheld weaponry, domesticated six-legged animals, and had sufficient technology to erect long-lasting stone monuments. They also had at least four separate writing systems, and were able to build cities with sizable stone columns, and domes made of metal. According to the Octopi, they also had at least some form of electronic device or wireless transmission (they were familiar with the concept of the telegem).

History

The Small Ones and Octopi, another sapient species that evolved on Amity, initially had a close relationship. Young Octopi visited the Small Ones on shore, and Small Ones visited Octopi on the water, and both were capable of seeing to the other's comfort. Cave paintings on Amity depict Small Ones and Octopi interacting peacefully. However, the Octopi belief that preserving the chain of life and the tapestry of nature was more important than their own individual survival did not sit well with the Small Ones, who encouraged the egg-layers to delay egg-laying (thus lengthening their lives) and offering to help the Octopi fight the leviathans. They convinced some egg-layers, thus disrupting the balance that the Octopi held as deeply important, and in response, the Octopi distanced themselves from the Small Ones. The Small Ones responded by moving farther inland, began to make war on each other with greater intensity than before, and ultimately destroyed themselves in some form of wide-scale warfare that left an ash layer at the archaeological dig sites.

Characters

• The last small one