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Stats
Universe: Aeonoea
Place of Origin: Mnemos
Age of Origin: 3rd Age
Status: Extant
Summary
The Callae (Singular: Cally or Callie. Plural Callae or Callies.) are a species of sapient bipeds best recognised by their ornate facial features- including horns, earlobe structures and vividly coloured eyes with relatively complex pupil apetures. Humans sometimes liken their appearance to mythological fauns or satyrs, although there is no historical connection between them. Callae in general are noted for their distinct appearances, impressive lung capacity, their geologically active homeworld and a tendency towards the use of piezoelectric generators.
Origins
The planet Mnemos is best known for its geological activity and its tendency to form mountain ranges. This takes place mostly through tectonic plate collision (fold mountains) and volcanic events. These formations are the primary landmasses emerging from Mnemos' oceans and are the origin location of Callae evolution. Much of Callae physiology can be traced back to adaptation towards climbing and living among steep inclines. They have a respiratory system designed to both carry and store oxygen, meaning there is backup oxygen available for use later in higher elevations with thin atmospheres. The structures used to store this oxygen are similar to the protein myoglobin. Callae have feet with four hoof-like nails for grip, and hands with two thumb-like digits on the outer edges, one index finger and two fused digits in the centre to create a larger surface area for gripping pads. Their pupils can contract and expand at many different angles and open secondary pupil holes in order to combat glare, strong directional lighting or snow reflectivity similar to the design of snow goggles.
Behavior
Callie are historically known for intra-specific territorial disputes brought on my living on sheer landmasses with little arable land per area, and fragmentation due to high ocean levels creating volcanic island chains. Culturally this competition for resources has resulted in Callae settlements having strong individual identities, often accompanied by a strong value being placed on family and bloodlines. In the current era it is still commonplace for individual families to hold positions of power or have high cultural standing within their home range. On a person-to-person level, Callae are generally known for having strong voices and an air of confidence about them: Likely side effects of having the vocal power to call across the thin air of mountain ranges, and having a strong set of horns for defence.
Intelligence
With intelligence on par with humans and other age 3 sapients, Callae are best known for having strong cultural knowledge of geology: A necessary field of research on such a tectonically active planet. Related fields include mineralogy, metallurgy, engineering and anything pertaining to getting the most out of limited rocky terrain. Mnemos is heavily equipped with satellites, probes and all manner of equipment across the entire planet that help to monitor plate tectonics and predict disasters before they happen.
Diet
Historically, Callae evolved to digest sparse, tough plants growing out of the mountains and scrublands, with cultures adopting seafoods like seaweeds and fish-like animals into their diet as the species spread out towards the coast. In a contemporary setting their tastes still trend towards plant-based foods.
Life Cycle
Callae are considered to be fast and robust growers: Their age of adulthood is similar to humans, but their young are able to walk, talk and get into trouble within the first year of life (important skills for mountain living). Female Callae give birth to small litters of two to four young at a time, and both sexes lactate via a milk-line for the brief period before their children can forage and digest plant material on their own. Old age occurs around eighty earth years of age, however Callae are robust enough and respond well enough to medical care that individuals can live for over two centuries.
Known Racial Groups
Distinct cultural groups exist readily on any isolated island chain or remote mountain. Skintone and hair type tend towards darker colours the closer to the equator OR higher altitude (increased sun exposure), with horn and ear structures being variable and subject to cultural norms of attractiveness.