Difference between revisions of "Tinies"
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Neeras are usually between 2 and 3 inches tall, though larger species exist. They have often brown or black hair and mouse-like features such as large, rounded, furry ears, a hairless mouse tail, and sometimes paws in place of hands, though possessing thumbs. They're an intelligent race, just as much as [[nekos]] and [[humans]], but they remain very discrete. Some of them living in [[Negav]] have managed to become part of the community but this is the only known case. Most neeras prefer to live deep in the wilderness, in small villages scattered throughout the jungles of Felarya that are nearly impossibly to find. Most of them are situated in [[Chidokai forest]]. Some neeras there tame [[fauna2#Muris|muris]], which they usually get along with very well, the large green rats carrying and protecting them. | Neeras are usually between 2 and 3 inches tall, though larger species exist. They have often brown or black hair and mouse-like features such as large, rounded, furry ears, a hairless mouse tail, and sometimes paws in place of hands, though possessing thumbs. They're an intelligent race, just as much as [[nekos]] and [[humans]], but they remain very discrete. Some of them living in [[Negav]] have managed to become part of the community but this is the only known case. Most neeras prefer to live deep in the wilderness, in small villages scattered throughout the jungles of Felarya that are nearly impossibly to find. Most of them are situated in [[Chidokai forest]]. Some neeras there tame [[fauna2#Muris|muris]], which they usually get along with very well, the large green rats carrying and protecting them. | ||
| − | == Known Neeras == | + | === Known Neeras === |
Tiffany | Tiffany | ||
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==Ariformids== | ==Ariformids== | ||
| − | A tiny taurian race that dwell in large hives, ariformids possess lower bodies which resemble insects such as termites or ants. They also commonly possess antennae, and retractible pincers hidden in their mouths. Even though ariformids look perfectly human from the waist up, their body structure | + | A tiny taurian race that dwell in large hives, ariformids possess lower bodies which resemble insects such as termites or ants. They also commonly possess antennae, and retractible pincers hidden in their mouths. Even though ariformids look perfectly human from the waist up, their body structure is actually more like an ant's. They have a sub-dermal exoskeleton in their humanoid part. This exoskeleton gives the ariformids an immense strength for their size. Appearance, attitude and abilities differ widely between hives of one area and another. The hives themselves vary a lot, some within large subterranean networks beneath towering spires above the surface, while others may be built on the limbs of trees. Ariformid societies are the most organized of the tiny races- the efficiency of their hierarchies and specializations are widely respected by beings of similar size, and they also make rather interesting research subjects. However, to balance out their often massive numbers -requiring extensive resources- ariformids are among the smallest of the tiny races, usually about one and a half to two inches tall. They are strong however, with most being able to lift two times their weight with ease. |
| − | The Queen of the hive is a deal more imposing than the others, towering above them at four or five inches tall, with a lower half geared more towards reproducing than moving about much. There are also the 'princesses' of the hive, fertile females of which one may take the place of the current Queen should something happen to her, or possibly serving to begin a new colony with a drone from another hive. The workers and soldiers are typically males, and more uncommonly infertile females. Exclusively male are the drones, | + | The Queen of the hive is a deal more imposing than the others, towering above them at four or five inches tall, with a lower half geared more towards reproducing than moving about much. There are also the 'princesses' of the hive, fertile females of which one may take the place of the current Queen should something happen to her, or possibly serving to begin a new colony with a drone from another hive. The workers and soldiers are typically males, and more uncommonly infertile females. Exclusively male are the drones, who sport fully functioning wings and a lighter build. |
| − | The burden of a drone is not of earth or food, but the weight of the future. It is his duty to ensure genetic variation of future generations of his race. From birth, drones are treated with more respect and care than the average ariformid, being fed more and better food, and being educated in etiquette, self-defense, surviving off the land, and most importantly, wooing ladies. When the drones reach a certain age however, their situation abruptly changes, as they are cast out of the nest and into the dangerous Felaryan forests. Once they're on their own, most of the drones end up being killed off by predators and circumstance. However, those lucky and skilled enough to stay alive for any period of time set out to look for another colony, which would be suicidal for a worker or warrior, but not quite as dangerous for a flying drone. Still, it isn't really a cake walk for | + | The burden of a drone is not of earth or food, but the weight of the future. It is his duty to ensure genetic variation of future generations of his race. From birth, drones are treated with more respect and care than the average ariformid, being fed more and better food, and being educated in etiquette, self-defense, surviving off the land, and most importantly, wooing ladies. When the drones reach a certain age however, their situation abruptly changes, as they are cast out of the nest and into the dangerous Felaryan forests. Once they're on their own, most of the drones end up being killed off by predators and circumstance. However, those lucky and skilled enough to stay alive for any period of time set out to look for another colony, which would be suicidal for a worker or warrior, but not quite as dangerous for a flying drone. Still, it isn't really a cake walk for a poor drone once he finally finds another nest. He has to earn at least a grudging respect from the workers and warriors, as they'll be quite happy to dismember him if he seems unworthy. Many ariformid nests have devised their own ways of testing prospective drones, such as a dangerous obstacle course, a battle of the minds, or a test of strength, depending on what sort of attributes are valued most in that particular nest. If the drone survives his initiation into the new nest, he finally gets to do what he was born to; make some babies with the Queen, or one of the Princesses. |
Ariformids usually have very limited relations with other tiny races, as hives can usually supply whatever they need, and strangers of a different race most likely aren't going to be seen as useful to them. It's possible for some other tinies to live among ariformids, however, especially if they have helped the hive in any way. Ariformids are usually seen as poor and not very tasty prey by [[Nekos]] and other sentient predators. They are extensively preyed upon by animal predators, though. | Ariformids usually have very limited relations with other tiny races, as hives can usually supply whatever they need, and strangers of a different race most likely aren't going to be seen as useful to them. It's possible for some other tinies to live among ariformids, however, especially if they have helped the hive in any way. Ariformids are usually seen as poor and not very tasty prey by [[Nekos]] and other sentient predators. They are extensively preyed upon by animal predators, though. | ||
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===Herodonti Hive=== | ===Herodonti Hive=== | ||
| − | Herodontes are a hive of ariformids who live on the northwestern slope of the [[Ascarlin mountains]]. Their hive is relatively large and built into a shear vertical cliff on the mountainside. It's a relatively unusual location for an ariformid nest, though it has its benefits, as few predators can reach them here and the sturdy rock of the mountain walls shelter them from the elements. They must, however, leave the relative safety of their home daily in order to gather necessities, such as food and water, through excursions into the danger-filled jungle below. Herodontes are easily identifiable by the golden complexion of their lower tauric halves. Their exoskeletons are also bulkier in appearance and are comparatively stronger compared to those of other ariformids. Appearance is not all that separates members of this hive from others though. Herodontes have an unusual affinity for gold and will go to great lengths to acquire it. "Miles" worth of tunnels - at least compared to them - have been dug out just to mine this most precious of metals. What is more interesting, however, is the fact that Herodontes seem to have no use for the gold they collect, and instead just pile it up in great hordes within specialized chambers of the hive. Any that attempt to steal it, though, | + | Herodontes are a hive of ariformids who live on the northwestern slope of the [[Ascarlin mountains]]. Their hive is relatively large and built into a shear vertical cliff on the mountainside. It's a relatively unusual location for an ariformid nest, though it has its benefits, as few predators can reach them here and the sturdy rock of the mountain walls shelter them from the elements. They must, however, leave the relative safety of their home daily in order to gather necessities, such as food and water, through excursions into the danger-filled jungle below. Herodontes are easily identifiable by the golden complexion of their lower tauric halves. Their exoskeletons are also bulkier in appearance and are comparatively stronger compared to those of other ariformids. Appearance is not all that separates members of this hive from others though. Herodontes have an unusual affinity for gold and will go to great lengths to acquire it. "Miles" worth of tunnels - at least compared to them - have been dug out just to mine this most precious of metals. What is more interesting, however, is the fact that Herodontes seem to have no use for the gold they collect, and instead just pile it up in great hordes within specialized chambers of the hive. Any that attempt to steal it, though, is met with spears and arrows. |
| − | There are rumors that the above mentioned traits are not the results of isolated evolution, as some have suggested, but instead something far more "artificial". Some believe that the ariformids of this hive have been altered, likely | + | There are rumors that the above mentioned traits are not the results of isolated evolution, as some have suggested, but instead something far more "artificial". Some believe that the ariformids of this hive have been altered, likely through magic, to be better "miners" and to be instinctively compelled to gather gold in all its forms - a wizard's attempt to get rich, similarly to the supposed origin of the [[fauna4#Pearl Anemone|pearl anemone]]. Whatever its origin, the hive is currently thriving, trading the various minerals and precious stones they've mined ( except for gold ) in return for supplies from the nearby miners of the ascarlin and diamond mines. A word of warning to the wise. Some miners in the region have reported that their belongings - golden watches, necklaces, etc... - have vanished. While no culprits have yet been found, many of these "disappearances" have occurred within proximity of this hive. |
Revision as of 14:02, 3 February 2011
The tiny races of Felarya: tomthumbs, neeras, ariformids, and efrii. They are humanoids whose common point is their minuscule size, being about three inches tall on average. They form very secretive communities and live mostly hidden lives, save for some Neeras who can be quite adventurous at times. Thus it's extremely hard to determine their number, but they are considered pretty uncommon. They are obviously at the bottom of the food chain and often fall prey to nekos, their main predators, many animals, and sometimes even humans!
A Tiny about to be caught ! Picture by Pogojo and used with artist's permission. For larger version visit Pogojo's gallery
Neeras
Neeras are usually between 2 and 3 inches tall, though larger species exist. They have often brown or black hair and mouse-like features such as large, rounded, furry ears, a hairless mouse tail, and sometimes paws in place of hands, though possessing thumbs. They're an intelligent race, just as much as nekos and humans, but they remain very discrete. Some of them living in Negav have managed to become part of the community but this is the only known case. Most neeras prefer to live deep in the wilderness, in small villages scattered throughout the jungles of Felarya that are nearly impossibly to find. Most of them are situated in Chidokai forest. Some neeras there tame muris, which they usually get along with very well, the large green rats carrying and protecting them.
Known Neeras
Tiffany
Hercules
Efrii
Efrii are human-like beings between 3 and 6 inches tall but with four arms and three eyes. They are a secretive and fierce society of warrior-like tinies (at least, they think they're warrior-like, those bigger than them just think it's adorable when they try to act tough) who have a dislike of larger races (you know, because of the whole eating thing). They especially dislike nekos, which have a real taste for them. When scared, an efrii's body releases pheromones, which, when looked at from an evolutionary perspective would seem to be a defense intended to instill a sense of love for the efrii in the predator, thus dissuading the predator from killing the efrii. The strength of the pheromones corresponds directly to the strength of the fear in the efrii. Unfortunately, sometimes, especially with nekos, the pheromones only instill a sense of horniness. Go figure.
Ariformids
A tiny taurian race that dwell in large hives, ariformids possess lower bodies which resemble insects such as termites or ants. They also commonly possess antennae, and retractible pincers hidden in their mouths. Even though ariformids look perfectly human from the waist up, their body structure is actually more like an ant's. They have a sub-dermal exoskeleton in their humanoid part. This exoskeleton gives the ariformids an immense strength for their size. Appearance, attitude and abilities differ widely between hives of one area and another. The hives themselves vary a lot, some within large subterranean networks beneath towering spires above the surface, while others may be built on the limbs of trees. Ariformid societies are the most organized of the tiny races- the efficiency of their hierarchies and specializations are widely respected by beings of similar size, and they also make rather interesting research subjects. However, to balance out their often massive numbers -requiring extensive resources- ariformids are among the smallest of the tiny races, usually about one and a half to two inches tall. They are strong however, with most being able to lift two times their weight with ease.
The Queen of the hive is a deal more imposing than the others, towering above them at four or five inches tall, with a lower half geared more towards reproducing than moving about much. There are also the 'princesses' of the hive, fertile females of which one may take the place of the current Queen should something happen to her, or possibly serving to begin a new colony with a drone from another hive. The workers and soldiers are typically males, and more uncommonly infertile females. Exclusively male are the drones, who sport fully functioning wings and a lighter build.
The burden of a drone is not of earth or food, but the weight of the future. It is his duty to ensure genetic variation of future generations of his race. From birth, drones are treated with more respect and care than the average ariformid, being fed more and better food, and being educated in etiquette, self-defense, surviving off the land, and most importantly, wooing ladies. When the drones reach a certain age however, their situation abruptly changes, as they are cast out of the nest and into the dangerous Felaryan forests. Once they're on their own, most of the drones end up being killed off by predators and circumstance. However, those lucky and skilled enough to stay alive for any period of time set out to look for another colony, which would be suicidal for a worker or warrior, but not quite as dangerous for a flying drone. Still, it isn't really a cake walk for a poor drone once he finally finds another nest. He has to earn at least a grudging respect from the workers and warriors, as they'll be quite happy to dismember him if he seems unworthy. Many ariformid nests have devised their own ways of testing prospective drones, such as a dangerous obstacle course, a battle of the minds, or a test of strength, depending on what sort of attributes are valued most in that particular nest. If the drone survives his initiation into the new nest, he finally gets to do what he was born to; make some babies with the Queen, or one of the Princesses.
Ariformids usually have very limited relations with other tiny races, as hives can usually supply whatever they need, and strangers of a different race most likely aren't going to be seen as useful to them. It's possible for some other tinies to live among ariformids, however, especially if they have helped the hive in any way. Ariformids are usually seen as poor and not very tasty prey by Nekos and other sentient predators. They are extensively preyed upon by animal predators, though.
Herodonti Hive
Herodontes are a hive of ariformids who live on the northwestern slope of the Ascarlin mountains. Their hive is relatively large and built into a shear vertical cliff on the mountainside. It's a relatively unusual location for an ariformid nest, though it has its benefits, as few predators can reach them here and the sturdy rock of the mountain walls shelter them from the elements. They must, however, leave the relative safety of their home daily in order to gather necessities, such as food and water, through excursions into the danger-filled jungle below. Herodontes are easily identifiable by the golden complexion of their lower tauric halves. Their exoskeletons are also bulkier in appearance and are comparatively stronger compared to those of other ariformids. Appearance is not all that separates members of this hive from others though. Herodontes have an unusual affinity for gold and will go to great lengths to acquire it. "Miles" worth of tunnels - at least compared to them - have been dug out just to mine this most precious of metals. What is more interesting, however, is the fact that Herodontes seem to have no use for the gold they collect, and instead just pile it up in great hordes within specialized chambers of the hive. Any that attempt to steal it, though, is met with spears and arrows.
There are rumors that the above mentioned traits are not the results of isolated evolution, as some have suggested, but instead something far more "artificial". Some believe that the ariformids of this hive have been altered, likely through magic, to be better "miners" and to be instinctively compelled to gather gold in all its forms - a wizard's attempt to get rich, similarly to the supposed origin of the pearl anemone. Whatever its origin, the hive is currently thriving, trading the various minerals and precious stones they've mined ( except for gold ) in return for supplies from the nearby miners of the ascarlin and diamond mines. A word of warning to the wise. Some miners in the region have reported that their belongings - golden watches, necklaces, etc... - have vanished. While no culprits have yet been found, many of these "disappearances" have occurred within proximity of this hive.
Tomthumbs
Tomthumbs are ubiquitous yet discreet and diverse peoples. Located squarely at the bottom of Felarya's sentient food chain like other tinies, they do their best to keep out of everyone's way, but can be found throughout the known continent. They look very similar to humans in appearance and, like them, they can adapt to a variety of climates. They tend to be highly social, relying on one another to survive. Scholars apply the blanket term "tribe" to their communities, but the latter are fairly diverse, ranging from societies grounded in strict hierarchies to loose associations of autonomous individuals. Settled in Felarya since times immemorial, tomthumbs have developed a variety of social organisations, customs, practices, values and religious beliefs. Very small beings, covering a vast territory, they are divided into a high number of tribes. Their numbers sometimes increase as tribes grow larger and divide. Periodically, however, entire tribes are wiped out by hungry predators. More on them here.
- credits to Haar for the idea and design of the efrii, to Reptillian, Fish and all those who participated in the discussion in the forum for the Ariformids, to Ravana3k and French-snack for the Tomthumbs, to Jasconius for the Herodonti. Neeras belongs to Melancholy-Melody13.
