Alpen
The Alpen (also known as Tree Line People) are a humanoid species in the northmost part of Morisulis. They live in the far north of Morisulis in a rather brilliant queendom built in the mountains. They have advanced technology but without any supporting infrastructure to expand, though they have a healthy population unlike other Fair Folk such as the Gwyllion.
They share land and personal trade only with two other tribes- the Tenebrio and the Belen, though with the latter they are a bit more tentative. There are folk tales which tell that the Belen are descendants of humans who married Alpen to take advantage of their youth restoring properties and clever craftsmanship. This has not been proven outside of hearsay, but there are some bizarre similarities in Belenakos culture and Alpen culture which make others question it. They are primarily insectivores, feeding on the giant insects and beetles which live in the dense, gigantic trees created by the Cerhnuno oxygen plants in the south. They also trade frequently with the Tenebrio who live in the Hebrides, who are also concerned with decintegrating thermoplastic left behind by the previous age. Much of what is now Helbnos, the Alpen's territory, was a giant landfill full of harmful and carcinogenic materials washed up from the ocean, over the millennia. It is thought the Alpen's abilities and quirks evolved from seeking shelter and food within such a cluttered but treacherous world. The Alpen are prized magicians and there are extremely prestigeous guilds there for tradespeople as their magic is very utilitarian but very powerful. Their teeth and saliva, much like many Korrigan, contain acids which can cut through metal and plastic, and their skin is thick enough to resist many burns and frostbite.
They share land and personal trade only with two other tribes- the Tenebrio and the Belen, though with the latter they are a bit more tentative. There are folk tales which tell that the Belen are descendants of humans who married Alpen to take advantage of their youth restoring properties and clever craftsmanship. This has not been proven outside of hearsay, but there are some bizarre similarities in Belenakos culture and Alpen culture which make others question it. They are primarily insectivores, feeding on the giant insects and beetles which live in the dense, gigantic trees created by the Cerhnuno oxygen plants in the south. They also trade frequently with the Tenebrio who live in the Hebrides, who are also concerned with decintegrating thermoplastic left behind by the previous age. Much of what is now Helbnos, the Alpen's territory, was a giant landfill full of harmful and carcinogenic materials washed up from the ocean, over the millennia. It is thought the Alpen's abilities and quirks evolved from seeking shelter and food within such a cluttered but treacherous world. The Alpen are prized magicians and there are extremely prestigeous guilds there for tradespeople as their magic is very utilitarian but very powerful. Their teeth and saliva, much like many Korrigan, contain acids which can cut through metal and plastic, and their skin is thick enough to resist many burns and frostbite.
Basic Information
Anatomy
The Alpen have a humanoid skeletal structure, but are of a smaller stature, with an average height of 5'2". The female is typically the tallest of the tribe.
Genetics and Reproduction
The Alpen have selective hermaphroditism, meaning they are male at birth and selectively become female in order to reproduce. There is usually one female per tribe.
Their gestation method and period is similar to humans and other primates, lasting approx. 237 days. Twins or triplets are twice as common as in humans.
Ecology and Habitats
The Alpen live in the mountain ranges in the Krummholz, which is anything above the tree line. As Morisulis generally has an oceanic climate, the unstable atmosphere creates micro climates within the mountain peaks, rendering them seemingly uninhabitable. The Alpen have adapted to this, but would certainly do better in a less polluted area with better air quality.
Dietary Needs and Habits
The Alpen are primarily insectivores and are a hunter-gatherer society. Only the males hunt, and subsequently guard the food sources.
They subsist primarily off of the mega anthropods who venture up from Deywos, and hunts are organized to do so. They can subsist off of a few giant insects for seasons.
Additional Information
Social Structure
The tribes have a strict dominance hierarchy.
Facial characteristics
Prominent brow, large, heavy-liddled almond eyes, and thin noses.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
The mountain ranges of Helbnos
Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms
The lymantria dispar moth is a common parasite, which is attracted to their brittle skin. They will search out Alpen with open wounds and try to lay eggs while they are asleep or distracted. These eggs will grow inside their muscles and cause disastrous effects when they hatch.
Mab, a former queen of the Alpen.
Lifespan
170
Average Height
5'2"
Average Weight
130 lbs.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Their skin is pale enough to see their veins underneath, but this is interrupted by frequent rashes. It is dry, thick, and very scaly. This varies in severity, with some suffering complications from birth.
Geographic Distribution
Related Ethnicities
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