Thalassans
| Information | |
|---|---|
| Homeworld | Pelagia |
| Habitats | Various stratified levels of the ocean |
| Unique Traits | Extremely varied, but localized to fish and marine animal traits such as fins and gills |
| Writer(s) | Nikki |
"Optional species quote or defining cultural phrase." — Someone from this species
Thalassans are an aquatic, humanoid species that varies widely from individual to individual, due to the explosive genetic diversity of marine life. Many have gills, fins, tails, scales, webbing, and other aquatic adaptations. They are a caste-stratified species denoted by the various depths at which individuals live on their homeworld, Pelagia. They are extremely technologically advanced and have been at the forefront of scientific advancement in known space. Their culture combines an almost oppressive work ethic with a deep thirst for knowledge. As a primarily aquatic species, one would imagine that their advancements would be limited, but instead, the opposite is true. Deeply passionate about their life pursuits, Thalassans are appreciated throughout known space as ambitious and competent in many fields, though their ambitions can just as easily take a dark turn.
Core Worldview
Thalassan societies are extremely technologically advanced and have been at the forefront of scientific advancement in known space. Their culture combines an almost oppressive work ethic with a deep thirst for knowledge. As a primarily aquatic species, one would imagine that their advancements would be limited, but instead the opposite is true. Deeply passionate about their life pursuits, Thalassans are appreciated throughout known space as the leaders in many fields, though their ambitions can just as easily take a dark turn.
Thalassans live around 3x to 5x as long as humans, but vary widely depending on heritage.
Physiology and Design
Common traits found across many Thalassans include:
- Gills in some form
- Specialized sensory organs to allow for detection of electrical fields
- Fins
- Tails
- Scales
- Sharp teeth
- Fish eyes Webbing
- Tentacles and other species-specific features
Diet:
Thalassans are omnivorous, carnivorous, or herbivorous. Each variation has differing diets and nutrition requirements, leading to each city and region having 2-3 different cuisines naturally residing and originating in them based on the dominant Thalassan subspecies/variety.
Size and Age:
Size can vary drastically from 2ft tall (i.e. shrimp-based thalassans) all the way to 8ft tall (i.e. whale-based thalassans). Thalassans have some of the longest lifespans out of the other species universe, but their lifespans mainly are connected to what species variation they are. The average Thalassan lives anywhere from 200 - 500 years old, however some variations of Thalassan genetics are able to live anywhere into the 1000’s, with medical advancements being partially responsible for this extension of their lives.
Common Intraspecific Variation
Thalassans of many kinds can be found on Pelagia and her sister planets, even if there are drastic differences between some members within the same variation category based on what region or culture they originate from. Thalassans can be broadly classified into a number of sub-variations underneath the overarching umbrella of "Thalassan".
- The Tiburan
- This variation dominated in the early warring period of Pelagia. Now they find themselves dominating many fields, being known for their ambition and drive to constantly be moving forward-- whatever 'forward' means to them. This variation is characterized through their sharp rows of teeth, their sandpaper-like skin(dermal denticles), and sharp vision.
- The Neptan
- This variation is the most common, being able to be found in every environment on Pelagia. Being the most common, they are also the most diverse, with extreme differences being found in each region they reside in. This group made up most of the smaller sects of Thalassan in the warring period. This variation is characterized through their scales, lateral line system, swim bladder, and unique abilities per Neptan variation. For example, a Neptan whose lineage traces back to clownfish is able to change their biological sex through natural processes, and a Neptan found in the deeper water would commonly have bioluminescence. Connie Vixen - Lionfish Neptan and famous Pelagia talk show host
- The Crustan
- This variation can be found on Pelagia and every sister planet. They're known as the most adaptable Thalassan variation, being incredibly durable and strong. Crustan are able to live some of the longest lives of any Thalassan due to their adaptability and constitution, but the upkeep required to maintain themselves is extremely expensive. This variation is characterized by their chitinous exoskeleton, segmented bodies, larval stages, and many have only legs and no fins.
- The Koppo
- This variation is not the most common, but it is found in many academic fields, being known culturally for their values on academia. This variation is characterized by their many tentacles, ability to camouflage, their ink sac, and their beak.
- The Valis
- This variation is known for their larger than average sizes and for being especially sociable creatures. Valis tend to form close family bonds and deeper friendships, and thrive in fields that encourage communication and teamwork. This variation is characterized by their blowholes, size, lack of gills, smooth skin, and their many unique sensory organs.
- The Mylio
- This variation is most commonly known for their dances; they can be found in many entertainment fields, using their unique wing-like fins to entrance and entertain. This variation is characterized by their unique wing-like fins, horn-like projections, and a whip-like tail that can be either razored or venomous.
- The Usa
- This variation is known for their many colors and being the most similar to water itself. This variation is characterized by their bioluminescence, stinging cells, and extremely long natural lifespans.
- The Echino
- This variation is known for slow, methodical movements and decisions. This variation is characterized by their spiny skin, regenerative abilities, and water vascular system.
- The Saporans
- This variation is known for living on the few pieces of land that are above water. However, this is not their only habitat, as they are able to live in most cities that lie in the shallower areas of the oceans and lakes. This variation is characterized by their permeable skin, unique hearing, biphasic lifestyle, and their ability to undergo drastic metamorphosis. This variation has many differences, but they are able to live both with other Thalassans and well among themselves. Many Saporans do tend to live further away from standard Thalassan society, leading to complications in social and cultural exchanges.
Social Structures and Community
Early Thalassan History: Early in Pelagia the oceans were separated by fear and differences. The many variations of Thalassan led to such separation that the word Thalassan did not exist for much of Pelagia's history, they used different words to classify each other. This is where the existence of names like: Tiburan, Neptan, Koppo, and all the other names for intraspecific variation came to be as they were used for these separate tribes. Those words are not used often anymore as the more united Thalassan is much more popular, but older Thalassans still tend to prefer the distinction. These early tribes in Pelagia are long sense disbanded, but the ripple of the early waring periods of the tribes still affects modern Thalassan society. Groups like the Tiburon, the Valis, and the Koppo still benefit from their early dominance on Pelagia. The wealth they accumulated in those times still benefits their children and much of society is still dominated by these groups. Even though the world is not swayed by war and conflict anymore, those that are the strongest, fastest, and deadly still have more opportunities. Beauty standards, popular culture, fashion, and jobs still tend to be swayed by those ideas.
Pelagia holds many cities, all at varying depth and location to accommodate the many different variations. Variations that prefer depth and cold live in cities closer to the poles in the many trenches that carve Pelagia's surface, variations that prefer warmth live closer to he equator at floating surface cities. The variations that prefer to live in wetlands tend to live in the more rural patches of land that speckle the planet. However, the capital city of Pelagia named Coralia houses the widest variations of Thalassan and even many Abyssals.
Thalassan government operates as a partial representative democracy. Each member representing their own field, from engineering to arts. The members of this large council of leaders is decided by a series of tests according to their own fields and public voting, the combination is used to decide who would be the perfect pick. Issues and decisions are tackled by this group of leaders, each providing their perspective and view of how to make the perfect decision, this leads to many decisions taking a very long time. Each term of ruling lasts a short 42 years.
Families in the past were communally raised, and given independance as soon as a child was mature enough to make their own decision to leave or stay. Some Thalassans still do this, but a rising trend due to the individualistic nature of capitalism is a more closed off family structure. With two parents raising their children and once mature that child is forced out to begin their own path but still tied to their family.
Religion and Spirituality
What do they believe in religiously, if at all? Are there gods? Do they worship the Nullstar? Fear it?
Technology and Science
Here you guys can expand. If there's a specialty relating to one field or another, include it. Are they especially good at invention? Chemistry? Biology? You can also add a section for literature and artisinal aspects if you would like.
Traditional Clothing and Fashion
I urge you to think of what would be practical to wear given the species' line of work and environment, but also how the species would choose to dress and accessorize given their biology and physical traits. Have fun with this!
Occupations
The point of this section is to list some fields that this species could specialize in to give people more ideas for their character.
Starships and Space Travel
What does travel look like for this species? What do ships native to their planet look like? Do they travel often? Do they have bustling ports or are they more closed off?
Cultural Quirks and Daily Life
A big trivia section, basically. I'd encourage incorporating animal mannerisms and fun little traits that don't fit anywhere else.
Notable Locations
List important places tied to this species.
Interactions With Other Species
Especially the other species that they share the planet with. You may need to work with the other teams for this. But I'd like to see this section just to foster more player interactions from the get-go. It's easy plot hooks.
Inspiration Images
Add visual references here!
Concept Art
Add actual concept art here, stuff we made!
