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✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧ General ✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧
With no recorded genealogy beyond Mother house temple records, Caelu are a curious blend of humanoid and creature. Facially, they appear to be from Eastern Asia. They share some traits with bovidae -- primarily the sensitive nose, the rounded ears, and the antlers -- but they possess no cloven hooves or digitigrade legs. Instead, hands and feet are human-like, as is most of their other anatomy. A hairless tail grows at the base of the spine, strong and tipped with a shell of spade-shaped skin that houses a gently glowing globe. This pretty oddity changes color, although the meanings associated with the changes are usually known only to other Caelu.
Most Caelu have stronger legs than arms, excepting those of the Sword house, who undergo rigorous physical training. Caelu walk upright, and are agile beings that are suited to stamina over speed. Understandably, Caelu are excellent climbers, and do not fear heights.
✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧ Sizes ✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧
Females stand between 5'.10" and 6'.8" tall. Males stand between 6'.0" and 7'.5" tall. These heights do not include their antlers, which can be between 12" and 20" tall once fully grown. Weights differ greatly amongst all Caelu, both male and female, as do body shapes. Softness of the body is not necessarily considered unattractive, just as a well-muscled body is not necessarily considered attractive. A Caelu's body is a home for a portion of the Mother spirit that they believe resides within them.
✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧ Skin ✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧
White based
Blue based
Pink based
Green based
The depth of the base tone varies and is not house based. The intensity of the prismatic shimmer that covers their skin also varies, but is always present in the species. This glimmer can afford them some camouflage in the snow, and is brighter in daylight. Cold resistance is another feature of their skin; Caelu are not modest creatures, and thrive in frigid temperatures without warm clothing. Opposing this, they do not have good thermoregulation when it comes to heat, and dislike tropical temperatures.
✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧ Eyes ✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧
Common shades include:
- Blues
- Greens
- Violets
- Golden
Uncommon shades include:
- Reds
- Dark
- Silver
- Split
Eye shade usually compliments skin color. No pupil is visible, simply an iris. Shades seem to be related to genetics, and aren't house related. Shades are very light, with some exceptions. Caelu believe that red eyes and dark eyes indicate destined misfortune. Superstitious Caelu may shun those born with these unusual colorings. Silver or heterochromic eyes, on the other hand, are considered quite attractive. -
✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧ Optical ✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧
Caelu have good day-time vision, as well as good low-visibility vision. They are able to see in the dark, and have tapetum lucidum, which can make eyes appear to 'glow' from certain angles. This reflective shine can help them find one another in inclimate weather or in cloud-fogs.
✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧ Auditory ✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧
Ears are large and rounded. A small tuft of hair covers the canal, acting as protection from debris. The shape of their ears magnifies distant sound, and assists them both with hunting and detecting deadly avalanches. Their hearing range is good, although not too far beyond that of an average human. For instance, they can locate deep vibrations and distant calls, but would not be able to overhear much detail from a whispered conversation.
✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧ Olfactory ✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧
The tip of a Caelu's nose is some shades darker than the rest of its skin. This rhinarium is sensitive and hardy, able to operate in freezing temperatures. Caelu use their heightened sense of smell in several ways, including hunting, bonding, and navigation. They are fond of perfumes and spices, and create their own perfumes to wear. Scent is also an important part of religious ritual; Caelu make their own incense to burn, and are familiar with regional herbs. Due to a lifetime of breathing clear mountain air, they may become overwhelmed by the smell of other environments.
✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧ Other ✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧
Caelu may have other senses or abilities depending on which house they belong to. Most will possess at least one major trait from their house. The strength of these senses or abilities vary depending on a range of factors, including health and mental wellness, genetics, use of outside enhancement (such as herbs or tinctures), and general willingness. -
✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧ Potentially Immortal ✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧
Whilst they can be killed by most conventional means, Caelu do not appear to age once they reach full maturity at approximately twenty years. Their hair might grow longer, and their antlers taller, but they don't deteriorate physically -- at least not quickly. A Caelu's skin can be scarred, and they may suffer disease or infection. According to records in one of the Mother's temples, the longest surviving Caelu was approximately two hundred and fifty years old. Birthdays are not observed; instead, Caelu have a celebratory day for the Mother, which they consider to be a communal birthday. The average lifespan of a Caelu is one hundred and fifty years.
✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧ Vocal ✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧
Ever-wary of avalanche danger, Caelu tend to have a low vocal cadence and can be softly spoken. They will raise their voices only in cases of imminent danger, or during ceremonies. Caelu enjoy singing both recreationally and in ritual and prayer, and often have excellent pitch. They do not have any particular animalistic vocal qualities, relying on visual cues over auditory to communicate with one another if subtlety is required.
✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧ Antlers ✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧
Antlers begin growing at the onset of puberty, and do not shed. The speed of growth slows down dramatically after a Caelu reaches full maturity, but it never completely stops. Caelu decorate their antlers with jewellery, and sometimes found trinkets. It's typical for them to suffer the pain of drilling so that they may permanently secure an item. If a piece of antler is broken off, it grows back slowly over time. These appendages are covered with a fine, soft velvet. Antler colors differ, but may be genetically linked. The most common colors include (in various shades):
White
Blue
Pink
Green
✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧ Hair ✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧
Caelu do not cut their hair. There is no real reason for this besides favorable cultural aesthetics and indifference towards the practice. Braids, plaits, and other intricate hairstyles are locally fashionable, with some Caelu incorporating their antlers and jewellery into their chosen updo. Both sexes grow pubic and armpit hair, which they may keep natural, trim, or shave away depending on personal preferences. Males of the species are able to grow facial hair, which they keep groomed according to personal preference as well. A male Caelu may also choose to have a clean-shaven face. Some males grow chest hair, although it is rarely very dense. Both sexes do not sport hair on the arms or legs.
Hair shades vary, with light and dark tones of blue, pink, green, gold and purple being the most common. Silver and white hair is less common, but occasionally seen. Older Caelu may develop pale streaks in their hair. Dyes are not used to change hair colors.
✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧ Tail And Qiú ✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧
This appendage is well-muscled and prehensile. The tail itself is the same color as the rest of a Caelu's skin. The shape of the thick skin that houses the color-changing globe at the tip is often spade-like, although rounder variants have been noted. Amongst themselves, this globe is referred to as a 'qiú', which is Mandarin for 'ball'. The qiú itself is made of a keratin-like material, and the source of the light is unknown. Cutting a qiú out will result in the glow dying, and leave the mutilator with a lump of useless tissue. A Caelu without a qiú will become despondent for a long period of time, and may not mentally recover from the loss of it. It is a highly punishable crime to mutilate another Caelu's qiú, even in self defence.
The qiú's glow changes depending on a Caelu's mood. These colors are well understood amongst the species, but not documented to outsiders. If they do not trust a situation or an individual, it's likely they will default to a neutral rainbow/prismatic as protection. The amount of control a Caelu has over the color changes varies, with those of the Mother house having total passive control.
Red - indicates anger, frustration, jealousy. Strongly negative.
Orange - indicates embarrassment, doubt, confusion. Negative.
Yellow - indicates curiosity, pensiveness. Usually neutral.
Green - indicates calm, friendliness, peace. Usually good.
Blue - indicates joy, excitement, exuberance. Positive.
Purple - indicates amorousness, love, kinship. Strongly positive.
Multi - indicates emotions being purposefully hidden. Neutral.
