Chipling

Chiplings are small, humanoid squirrels, often easily mistaken for an animal, if they should go without any sign of civilization. Chiplings, in comparison to other races, are inherently innocent, and it is difficult if not impossible to find a chipling that can act out an evil action. Known for their energy, chiplings dart and run fairly often, more at ease up high in the treetops than down below on the ground.
In Amaran, it may be surprising for some to see the race still alive after the age of strife, but chiplings, despite their weakness and fear, have made a good home amongst the wilds in spite of the danger, and in the Calm, are now beginning to step out and explore their world.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Chiplings have two arms and legs, along with a large tail sometimes larger than the rest of the body. Their forms are designed to grip and climb, with chiplings weighing very little and possessing incredible leg strength, able to leap great distances or simply run very fast.

Biological Traits

Chiplings average about two feet in height, and weight about 30 pounds with little variance. All chiplings possess a thick though short covering of hair, as well as a large tail that is often as large as and sometimes larger than the rest of the body. Their hands are long and lack a true thumb, though a small claw on each digit helps them circumnavigate this lack. Both feet and hands possess tiny claws that are perfectly suited to cling and grasp wood, though any surface that offers sufficient grip can be held onto as well. Chipling diets commonly consist of plant life, preferring nuts and a general hate of juicy plants. Chiplings are able to eat fish, though they tend not to and are virtually unable to eat meat. In fact, chiplings who eat meat, particularly raw meat and especially blood, tend to become ill enough to become easy prey for just about anything. It is noted that, in spite of their peaceful diet, or possibly because of their love of nuts, chipling teeth are incredibly strong and durable. A chipling can bite with enough force to pierce even iron, though chiplings virtually never bite except under the most arduous of circumstances.

Genetics and Reproduction

normal mammal.

Growth Rate & Stages

Chiplings mature at about a year and a half, experiencing growth spurts at 2 months and 8 months. Chipling infirmity sets in at about thirty years of age, resulting in weakened bones and brittle claws, reducing their ability to move.

Ecology and Habitats

Chipling make homes in forests, and avoid large open spaces. They greatly enjoy being up high, and take good care of their forest, treasuring the protection the trees offer them.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Chiplings are herbivores, and can viably sustain themselves on leaves and grass, though nuts and seeds are vastly preferred. Sources of good foods are often built near and cared for, and a crude farming method used to ensure sustainability, though chiplings may exhaust the resource if it isn't hardy or numerous enough.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Chiplings listen to their elders, both the Elder, the eldest of the group, and the wise ones, the old chiplings in the group. Chiplings form treeholds, but have little connection to a particular treehold and can easily go from one to another.

Facial characteristics

Chipling eyes are bright and larger than should be, and the entire face is soft and kind.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Primarily in Chipero, chipling groups can be found elsewhere.

Average Intelligence

Chiplings are smart and swift to learn, though often fail to grasp higher concepts.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Chiplings have sensitive hearing and a great sense of smell, though both are oriented to the detection of threats more so than precise and detailed examination.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Children are given a name by their parents, often a generic one, as chiplings later chose their own name for themselves upon their second year of life. Chipling names often greatly reflect their wants, hobbies, or favorite things.

Major Organizations

None.

Beauty Ideals

Chiplings greatly prize well kept fur and tails, and beauty is often measured by fur purity. Patterns of color in the tail especially is considered greatly desirable in a mate.

Courtship Ideals

Chipling courtship often varies on the individual, and can take a great many forms, though gifts and expressions of love are very common. The gift of a rare thing is the best kind of gift to give, and if it is enduring and lasting, the same as asking for engagement.

Average Technological Level

Chiplings are quick to learn, but often lack ingenuity and are very slow to invent on their own.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Chipish

Common Etiquette Rules

Chiplings hold onto the ideal of 'Cherip', roughly translating to charity. Chiplings willingly and happily offer aid and gifts to one another, an act seen as both virtuous and almost required of a chipling.
Age is respected, and elders should be listened to most of the time at least.
A chipling's home is their own; always ask before entering and obtain invitation before doing so.

Common Dress Code

None.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

None.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

Chiplings offer much to many, and the nature of the offering changes the direst meaning. Offering food is often a declaration of friendship, as is offering crafted objects. The offering of metal, particularly gold in the shape of a necklace or bracelet is an engagement request.
Every Darktime, chiplings gather together in bright places and wait out the dark nights, attempting to stave off the fear of the darkness.

Common Taboos

Taking hair without asking or simply being mean is frowned upon greatly. Revenge or trying to take advantage is horrible, as is stealing. Murder is unforgivable for a chipling, but other races are often offered a far greater degree of forgiveness.

History

Chipling history is spotty, told via oral tradition and only then rarely. Kept by chipling elders, chipling history can easily suffer breaks as elders may or may not pass on some or none of their knowledge before passing away. As a young race, their history is very short and more oriented toward events of days or weeks, rather than years or decades.

Historical Figures

The Eldest

Common Myths and Legends

The Great Tree

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Chiplings hold a universal friendship with other races, and always see them in positive, good lights.

Scientific Name

Sciuridae sapiens

Lifespan

35 years

Average Height

2 feet

Average Weight

about 30 pounds

Average Length

about four feet, from head to tail

Average Physique

Chiplings are soft and often weak, though they possess great agility and dexterity.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Chiplings can be a great many colors, from common browns and greys to bright whites, greens, reds, and blues, all of which can possess a variety of fur patterns.