ShatteredPrism:Races Aquatian
Aquatian
Physiology
Appearance
Aquatians are aquatic beings which resemble the earth species Tursiops Truncatis, the Bottlenose Dolphin. An elongated torso sports as the only limbs a pair of long fins approximately a third of the way down the torso, a second shorter pair another third down, and finally ending in a fluked tail. In addition to these movable limbs, there is a dorsal fin situated halfway along the spinal column, with a smaller stub of bone immediately behind. The head is similarly elongated, forming an almost conical skull with two pair of solid-black eyes on either side of the head. The skin, which has the texture of smooth galvanized rubber, is usually a silver-grey in color, shading from darker tones on the top to lighter tones on the underside. The average length of an adult is 4.5 meters, and the average weight is 760 kg.
Variability Among Individuals and Genders
In general females outmass males by almost 40%. Since there are few gross anatomical differences between individual to individual, Aquatians have adopted a custom of decorating their heads and dorsal regions with elaborate tattos. These tattos not only identify specific individuals, but can also be used to trace ancestry through matrilineal lines, preventing related families from inbreeding. In addition to the tatoos, many Aquatians eventually develop a distinctive pattern of scar tissue on their bodies from injuries among coral reefs and encounters with the more aggressive waterlife on their worlds.
Locomotion & Manipulation
Without artificial aid, Aquatians are restricted to swimming around in liquid environments. Recent advances in technology has enabled them to create cybernetically controlled harnesses equipped with gravitic impellers, allowing the Aquatian to 'swim' in the air as effortlessly as in the water. Regardless of wether they're in the water or using a grav-harness, Aquatians are a very graceful and agile species. Without technological aid, only Aquatians with telekinetic abilities can manipulate tools.
Body Chemistry
Chemical and Environmental Hazards
Senses
Reproduction
Food and Energy Requirements
Lifespan & Lifecycles
Instinctual Psychology
Evolution
Habitats and Ecosystems
Communcation & Interaction
Combat Capabilities/Natural Weapons
Special Racial Capabilities
History
Historical Overview
Pre-History
Early History
Modern History
First Contact
Empire and Colonization
Society
Cultural Psychology
LANGUAGE
Hereditary Positions
Social Mobility/Status/Rank
Distribution of Wealth
Cultural Subgroups
View of Society's Role
Centralized Structures/Governments
Coexistance with Alien Species
Formation of Joint Governments with Aliens
Role of the Military
Privacy and the Role of the Media
The Rights of the Individual Vs. Those of Society
Ethnocentrism
Overall Attitudes, Especially Towards Aliens
Fashions & Manners of Dress
Diplomacy and Alien Relations
Allies
Enemies
Religion & Philosophy
Belief Systems
Rituals & Taboos
Historic Vs Modern Religions/Beliefs
Internal Conflicts & Dissent
Responses to Faiths of Other Species
Morality and Codes of Ethics
Metaphysical Views on Morality
Family and Community
Family Structure
Child-Rearing Practices
Schooling & Education
Traditional Family Roles
Naming Protocals
Aquatian naming occurs in two parts. When a new calf is born, the parents decide on a name which the child will use till they reach adulthood, after which they choose the name they will use for the rest of their life. Names consist of two words, one noun and one adjective. Examples include StarRunner, WaveSkimmer, ReefHunter, and SkyRider.