Mirromy
Vaguely felid, bipedal, simultaneous hermaphrodite humanoid creatures that populate most corners of Irrim. Most live predominantly in or near the water, while the climber and volcanic types can survive for prolonged periods on land (though they too need regular hydration).
Patterns located on the outer skin are highly diverse, though most commonly spots or long stripes that occupy their outer skin. These patterns don't often match up with a parent's patterning. Colors are often hereditary, meanwhile. A mirromy's inner skin, however, usualyl remains devoid of markings and patterns.
A mirromy's inner skin, occupying spaces that their outerskin does not (i.e. chest, inner thighs, underarms, neck, underside of the tail, face, and stomach) is typically rather plain, usually possessing a lighter shade of the outer skin's color, though some reversals of this have been documented. Unless marred by scar tissue, this skin, as noted below, is generally smooth and soft to the touch. Genetics can sometimes affect skin texture, as well. In 99.99% of cases, both the outer and inner skins will be a different color (or at least a different shade of the same color).
Mirromy eyes are typically a solid, highly saturated color with a lighter, or darker iris of the same hue. The pupil is malleable while the mirromy is young, and may split into several sections depending on the environment a mirromy grew up in. Dark environments will lead to multi-sectioned pupils, while solid pupils are the result of more nominal environments. Mirromy eyes are highly reflective, capable of picking up light information and visual detail in even the darkest of places.
The 'gem' typically located in the forward-center of a mirromy's forehead, is, in fact, an optical organ, which, while not capable of discerning color, or intricate detail, is capable of of registering vague shapes in shadow and light, in a rounded arc above a mirromy's head. This photosensitive organ helps them in ensuring predators aren't stalking them from behind or above as they hunt at the bottom of a body of water.
The tendrils that adorn a mirromy's body follow the coloration in a manner similar to a mirromy's tail (outer skin atop, and inner skin on the underside). A tendril that grows to great lengths, meanwhile, tend to be exceptions to the rule, in that they terminate in either a darker, or lighter shade, rather than maintaining the contrast between inner and outer skins. These tips, due to being tied to mirromy genetics, rarely come out as different hues and colors than their baseline skin tone.
Any exposed flesh- as opposed to the 'skin'- is a lighter color of the mirromy's blood, typically red or blue. Unlike most species, this color changes based on diet. This color is not set in stone, as a mirromy's diet can, at any time, cause the pigmentation in the blood to change.
Skin Qualities: A mirromy's outer skin is thick and rubber, while the inner skin is smooth and soft, both of which are highly elastic- so much so that with proper stimulation, can be stretched up to three times is natural, relaxed state; when pulled, the cells of a mirromy release stored water, which the mirromy use to assist in birthing as well as moving underwater. Overstretching- which causes a buildup of microscopic scarring- can lead to a mirromy being thin and lean, as the overstretched skin retains water less effectively; made worse as the mirromy ages. Mirromy do not possess hair of any sort upon their bodies.
When a mirromy loses water weight, due to either inability to retain, or removing it from their person, their outer skin folds over the inner skin, prehensile tendrils interlacing and interweaving together to create effectively a bodysuit. In some cases, the tendrils will bury themselves into the inner skin. As a mirromy absorbs water, the outerskin pushes outward, exposing the soft inner skin. Over-absorbing water leads to a distinct drop in tendril flexibility and length.
Due to their ability to retain water, the mirromy, a species that thrives mostly beneath the waves, can walk upon the land for extended durations. When traveling with children, a mirromy will draw more water than is baseline necessary, stored in organs that are superficially similar to mammalian breasts; though these organs provide filtered, purified water, rather than milk. They do this because younger mirromy haven't yet developed the ability to retain necessary water quantities for overland travel. It is not entirely understood how a mirromy filters water, but it is believed that there's a number of screens and channels that divert impurities away from the water. The impurities, then, are deposited as waste, elsewhere.
Tendrils: A cursory glance at a mirromy reveals that they possess many frill-like tendrils, marking the ridge-line between inner and outer skin. These are the most stretchy tendrils, as they contain virtually no muscle within- though this does mean they aren't able to manipulate anything. Size and shape of the tendrils is governed by the allocation of fluids into them. The ridge-tendrils are most often used to cover sensitive areas from overexposure to sunlight, protection from the elements, and from unwanted contact.
Mirromy tendrils are also capable of producing a kind of toxic material, which accumulates as a filmy coating, used to ward off predators. This material is produced mostly in response to fear, but can be produced at will. Surface contact will create a kind of numbing paralysis in the affected area, at first, though this swiftly progresses to large areas of the body going numb. Ingestion of the film, however, creates a much longer, more thorough paralysis, as it affects much more of the body, through muscular paralysis- including involuntary muscles. Some mirromy use this for hunting, though they are outliers, as tendrils tend to be both inaccurate, and poorly made for subduing prey.
Mouth: Mirromy teeth are short and sharp, not serrated. The possess 10 on each side, and their teeth are far less permanent than humanoid ones, in that if any become damaged, or fall out, a new one can be produced within a month. The tongue of a mirromy is a hollow muscle, not unlike some of their tendrils, only smoother and showing more of a mirromy's blood-color. Inside of this muscular tube is a stiff, cartilaginous hollow needle, used to spear prey at a distance. Their tongue is usually half the length of their body when fully outstretched.
Hands: A mirromy hand possesses three digits that are double-jointed. The end of each finger has a hardened tip of skin, used to protect the digit, and to help grasp small objects. Feet have no protection like this on the tips, and instead they rely upon a circular pad on the bottom of their feet from the harshness of walking on land.
Antennae: The antennae of a mirromy function more like a humanoid's ears, used to sense vibrations in the water and air alike. A mirromy, in water and the open air, must shorten, or extend them, respectively, for optimally 'hearing' sounds.
Ears: The 'ears'- the organs that are positioned where most humanoids possess aural organs- are actually specialized gills that funnel and gather oxygenated water. If a mirromy finds trouble breathing, they can open the gills lining the ear, pulling in more water and, as a result, more oxygen, at the risk of accumulating particulate matter in delicate places, which can further exacerbate the already present breathing problems.
Blood: Blood, and related colors, are determined greatly by a mirromy's diet. A carnivorous mirromy typically possesses a redder blood, from the ingestion of large quantities of oxygenated iron. A herbivorous mirromy, meanwhile, have a bluer blood, from the minerals derived from that. Some mirromy possess green, or aqua/cyan, blood, drawn from plants and copper, respectively, due to the minerals their diets introduce to them.
Like any species, Mirromy are capable of producing mutations and anomalies, some of which have allowed them to adapt and survive in certain hazardous environments. Potential genetic anomalies include: Multiple gems in a row (deep sea), tendril hair (coastal), chromatic markings (land primary dwellers), translucent tendrils, bioluminscent spot (deep sea varieties), increased skin capacity, split tails, rubberized skin (land primary dwellers), tail tendrils capable of acting as sex tendrils, and doubled sex-tendrils (oriented horizontally).
Mirromy are also capable of rapidly adapting to fit their surroundings. Often times water that was once inhospitable for them to live in, becomes livable for young that hatch near it. Minerals absorbed from food can make the next generation more capable of camouflage in their target area.
Those who do not live on the coast, often have breeding grounds not to far upshore. Deep Sea Mirromy, have dug out holes that eggs are tethered in by their sticky film to rocks and other structures to facilitate currents of water passing around eggs.
Most Mirromy live in small colonies or clans of 50-100 individuals. Large groups like these typically have plant agriculture, larger dens, and larger family units. Smaller communities are more common in coastal, land, and deep sea communities.
Mirromy keep no written record, most tradition and story is passed through stories and song. Due to the lack of a true old age, stories are often passed with clarity through generations.
Organized Religion is nearly non-existent in Mirromy. Some colonies and groups have beliefs about the worship of their planet as mother, or various predators to their species.
Most fighting is done hand to hand, and is rarely lethal in a communal scale. Perticularily violent events are often decided by colony leaders fighting one on one to decide the fate of the group.
Population on their planet is ever growing, though due to hrsh living standards, it is a slow growth. Volcanoes which used to hinder Mirromy, are now being accepted and adapted to. When colonies grow to large, and groups of 4 or more are no longer enough spliting off from the main group, whole colonies often split in half by consensus to keep food supplies from failing.
Often times, regardless of size, colonies move about following fish, wild food, and mineral deposits across their territory.
Many families are all un-related individuals functioning as a unit. Jealousy is nearly unheard of in the species. Care and acceptance of all individuals is the norm, though ones with aggressive natures are often held with suspicion and gravitiated away from until they leave the community.
Most Mirromy have a inate kinship with each other, regardless of relation. This provides an ability to easily adjust to new family groups as well as keep their species as genetically diverse as possible.
Biology
Physical Characteristics
Skin and Coloration: A mirromy's rubbery outer skin encompasses the shoulders, back, arms, legs, top of the tail, and most of their head. The color of this flesh is generally limited to high-saturation colors, though there have been exceptions to this noted, as some possess a more pastel, or even dark and desaturated- sometimes even grey- outer skin. In all cases, the most common hues are red or blue.Patterns located on the outer skin are highly diverse, though most commonly spots or long stripes that occupy their outer skin. These patterns don't often match up with a parent's patterning. Colors are often hereditary, meanwhile. A mirromy's inner skin, however, usualyl remains devoid of markings and patterns.
A mirromy's inner skin, occupying spaces that their outerskin does not (i.e. chest, inner thighs, underarms, neck, underside of the tail, face, and stomach) is typically rather plain, usually possessing a lighter shade of the outer skin's color, though some reversals of this have been documented. Unless marred by scar tissue, this skin, as noted below, is generally smooth and soft to the touch. Genetics can sometimes affect skin texture, as well. In 99.99% of cases, both the outer and inner skins will be a different color (or at least a different shade of the same color).
Mirromy eyes are typically a solid, highly saturated color with a lighter, or darker iris of the same hue. The pupil is malleable while the mirromy is young, and may split into several sections depending on the environment a mirromy grew up in. Dark environments will lead to multi-sectioned pupils, while solid pupils are the result of more nominal environments. Mirromy eyes are highly reflective, capable of picking up light information and visual detail in even the darkest of places.
The 'gem' typically located in the forward-center of a mirromy's forehead, is, in fact, an optical organ, which, while not capable of discerning color, or intricate detail, is capable of of registering vague shapes in shadow and light, in a rounded arc above a mirromy's head. This photosensitive organ helps them in ensuring predators aren't stalking them from behind or above as they hunt at the bottom of a body of water.
The tendrils that adorn a mirromy's body follow the coloration in a manner similar to a mirromy's tail (outer skin atop, and inner skin on the underside). A tendril that grows to great lengths, meanwhile, tend to be exceptions to the rule, in that they terminate in either a darker, or lighter shade, rather than maintaining the contrast between inner and outer skins. These tips, due to being tied to mirromy genetics, rarely come out as different hues and colors than their baseline skin tone.
Any exposed flesh- as opposed to the 'skin'- is a lighter color of the mirromy's blood, typically red or blue. Unlike most species, this color changes based on diet. This color is not set in stone, as a mirromy's diet can, at any time, cause the pigmentation in the blood to change.
Skin Qualities: A mirromy's outer skin is thick and rubber, while the inner skin is smooth and soft, both of which are highly elastic- so much so that with proper stimulation, can be stretched up to three times is natural, relaxed state; when pulled, the cells of a mirromy release stored water, which the mirromy use to assist in birthing as well as moving underwater. Overstretching- which causes a buildup of microscopic scarring- can lead to a mirromy being thin and lean, as the overstretched skin retains water less effectively; made worse as the mirromy ages. Mirromy do not possess hair of any sort upon their bodies.
When a mirromy loses water weight, due to either inability to retain, or removing it from their person, their outer skin folds over the inner skin, prehensile tendrils interlacing and interweaving together to create effectively a bodysuit. In some cases, the tendrils will bury themselves into the inner skin. As a mirromy absorbs water, the outerskin pushes outward, exposing the soft inner skin. Over-absorbing water leads to a distinct drop in tendril flexibility and length.
Due to their ability to retain water, the mirromy, a species that thrives mostly beneath the waves, can walk upon the land for extended durations. When traveling with children, a mirromy will draw more water than is baseline necessary, stored in organs that are superficially similar to mammalian breasts; though these organs provide filtered, purified water, rather than milk. They do this because younger mirromy haven't yet developed the ability to retain necessary water quantities for overland travel. It is not entirely understood how a mirromy filters water, but it is believed that there's a number of screens and channels that divert impurities away from the water. The impurities, then, are deposited as waste, elsewhere.
Tendrils: A cursory glance at a mirromy reveals that they possess many frill-like tendrils, marking the ridge-line between inner and outer skin. These are the most stretchy tendrils, as they contain virtually no muscle within- though this does mean they aren't able to manipulate anything. Size and shape of the tendrils is governed by the allocation of fluids into them. The ridge-tendrils are most often used to cover sensitive areas from overexposure to sunlight, protection from the elements, and from unwanted contact.
Mirromy tendrils are also capable of producing a kind of toxic material, which accumulates as a filmy coating, used to ward off predators. This material is produced mostly in response to fear, but can be produced at will. Surface contact will create a kind of numbing paralysis in the affected area, at first, though this swiftly progresses to large areas of the body going numb. Ingestion of the film, however, creates a much longer, more thorough paralysis, as it affects much more of the body, through muscular paralysis- including involuntary muscles. Some mirromy use this for hunting, though they are outliers, as tendrils tend to be both inaccurate, and poorly made for subduing prey.
Mouth: Mirromy teeth are short and sharp, not serrated. The possess 10 on each side, and their teeth are far less permanent than humanoid ones, in that if any become damaged, or fall out, a new one can be produced within a month. The tongue of a mirromy is a hollow muscle, not unlike some of their tendrils, only smoother and showing more of a mirromy's blood-color. Inside of this muscular tube is a stiff, cartilaginous hollow needle, used to spear prey at a distance. Their tongue is usually half the length of their body when fully outstretched.
Hands: A mirromy hand possesses three digits that are double-jointed. The end of each finger has a hardened tip of skin, used to protect the digit, and to help grasp small objects. Feet have no protection like this on the tips, and instead they rely upon a circular pad on the bottom of their feet from the harshness of walking on land.
Antennae: The antennae of a mirromy function more like a humanoid's ears, used to sense vibrations in the water and air alike. A mirromy, in water and the open air, must shorten, or extend them, respectively, for optimally 'hearing' sounds.
Ears: The 'ears'- the organs that are positioned where most humanoids possess aural organs- are actually specialized gills that funnel and gather oxygenated water. If a mirromy finds trouble breathing, they can open the gills lining the ear, pulling in more water and, as a result, more oxygen, at the risk of accumulating particulate matter in delicate places, which can further exacerbate the already present breathing problems.
Blood: Blood, and related colors, are determined greatly by a mirromy's diet. A carnivorous mirromy typically possesses a redder blood, from the ingestion of large quantities of oxygenated iron. A herbivorous mirromy, meanwhile, have a bluer blood, from the minerals derived from that. Some mirromy possess green, or aqua/cyan, blood, drawn from plants and copper, respectively, due to the minerals their diets introduce to them.
Reproductive characteristics
{Pending Review by UGF officials}Genetics
Factors in parentage and environment play a direct role in physical appearance of mirromy. Parents directly effect the color of their children's skin. One parent primarily contributing to it's inner skin color, and the other contributing more to it's outer skin color.Like any species, Mirromy are capable of producing mutations and anomalies, some of which have allowed them to adapt and survive in certain hazardous environments. Potential genetic anomalies include: Multiple gems in a row (deep sea), tendril hair (coastal), chromatic markings (land primary dwellers), translucent tendrils, bioluminscent spot (deep sea varieties), increased skin capacity, split tails, rubberized skin (land primary dwellers), tail tendrils capable of acting as sex tendrils, and doubled sex-tendrils (oriented horizontally).
Mirromy are also capable of rapidly adapting to fit their surroundings. Often times water that was once inhospitable for them to live in, becomes livable for young that hatch near it. Minerals absorbed from food can make the next generation more capable of camouflage in their target area.
Diet
The primary diet for Mirromy is other fish, though they are omnivorous. They can eat a large array of things in the plant and animal kingdoms as well as raw minerals if broken down. Few things are considered poisonous to Mirromy, including mercury and highly acidic compounds. Those with diets high in meats typically have red blood from the ingestion and oxidation of iron. Those with higher diets of plant material often have blue blood. Other colors such as green, from a purely herbivorous diet, or aqua, from the consumption of copper, can be obtained from diets high in other minerals.History
Civilization and Living
Mirromy are not tech-centric. Most of their homes incorperate no electricity or climate control. Most homes are built in coastal beach communities, only taking advantage of wind-powered water pumps all made of wood, stone, and naturally occuring materials. Homes are usually built partially submerged out of stones, clay, mud, and wood. Most homes are usually only small dens only for sleeping at night.Those who do not live on the coast, often have breeding grounds not to far upshore. Deep Sea Mirromy, have dug out holes that eggs are tethered in by their sticky film to rocks and other structures to facilitate currents of water passing around eggs.
Most Mirromy live in small colonies or clans of 50-100 individuals. Large groups like these typically have plant agriculture, larger dens, and larger family units. Smaller communities are more common in coastal, land, and deep sea communities.
Mirromy keep no written record, most tradition and story is passed through stories and song. Due to the lack of a true old age, stories are often passed with clarity through generations.
Organized Religion is nearly non-existent in Mirromy. Some colonies and groups have beliefs about the worship of their planet as mother, or various predators to their species.
War
The concept of 'war' is uncommon but not unheard of. Whereas most humans think of war as large battles over territory, to Mirromy the same word is associated with smaller scale skirmishes due to their limited scope of population. Often time war is started between two rival colonies over an area of fertile earth. Most times, colonies will merge with the colonies. Smaller colonies will often move off and be forced to adapt to new situations. War and fighting often leads to new subspecies of Mirromy.Most fighting is done hand to hand, and is rarely lethal in a communal scale. Perticularily violent events are often decided by colony leaders fighting one on one to decide the fate of the group.
Habitat and Population
Most habitats are around volcanic structures, reef communities, or large outcroppings of stone. This is usually due to the fact that it is an easier place to build homes, create nesting zones, and find food. Some Mirromy dwell on island half-land, half-beach communities. Taking advantage of wood resources, ease of agriculture, and access to water.Population on their planet is ever growing, though due to hrsh living standards, it is a slow growth. Volcanoes which used to hinder Mirromy, are now being accepted and adapted to. When colonies grow to large, and groups of 4 or more are no longer enough spliting off from the main group, whole colonies often split in half by consensus to keep food supplies from failing.
Often times, regardless of size, colonies move about following fish, wild food, and mineral deposits across their territory.
Family and Kinship
Most family units have 2-6 adults, and equal number of children at a given time. Family is highly important while children are under two, though after their second year a child passes into adulthood. Many times families will merge and split as needed to better care for offspring.Many families are all un-related individuals functioning as a unit. Jealousy is nearly unheard of in the species. Care and acceptance of all individuals is the norm, though ones with aggressive natures are often held with suspicion and gravitiated away from until they leave the community.
Most Mirromy have a inate kinship with each other, regardless of relation. This provides an ability to easily adjust to new family groups as well as keep their species as genetically diverse as possible.
Civilization and Culture
Major Language Groups and Dialects
Mirromish
History
Known to be the genetic creation of a rich somebody that took something they adored, and cast it into reality, set loose upon the freshly terraformed planet of Irrim.
Scientific Name
Limaxattuvenus mirro
Lifespan
500-600
Average Height
5' 4'' Though size increases with age, and does not cease growing. Very old Mirromy (200 years or more) are known to be 9 feet tall or more. The largest recorded Mirromy was 15' 6'' tall at 542 years old.
Average Weight
110-180 lbs, varies a little by water weight.
Geographic Distribution
