Astomoi
Basic Information
Anatomy
Astomoi appear roughly humanoid, with a single head, two arms and two legs, though the make up of their body is vastly different. The appear as living tears of the night sky, with wisps of starry sky and trails of stars exuding from their bodies. Physically, they have no eyes, no mouth, no ears or hair, though their strange physiology seems to make up for it, as 'eyes' in the form of a handful of stars on the head blink and track movement, as well as the pulsating of nebula near where the mouth should be whilst they talk. Despite this they are still considered to be incredibly alien and are shunned by most, especially since many of their number originated either in or near the Crater.
Interestingly, after decades of brutal and highly unethical studies upon the Astomoi, it has been discovered that they have physical forms derived from humans, as under their alien exterior a human skeletal system and organs can be found. Many scholars have theorised that, during the Cataclysm, a section of the Astral Plane was dislodged and crashed into Erensi, creating the Crater and the Astomoi, though there is little evidence for the whole theory.
Interestingly, after decades of brutal and highly unethical studies upon the Astomoi, it has been discovered that they have physical forms derived from humans, as under their alien exterior a human skeletal system and organs can be found. Many scholars have theorised that, during the Cataclysm, a section of the Astral Plane was dislodged and crashed into Erensi, creating the Crater and the Astomoi, though there is little evidence for the whole theory.
Genetics and Reproduction
Astomoi do, indeed, have 'genders', though this is chosen by the individual upon reaching maturity, when they finalise their physical form. When two Astomoi engage in their sexual reproduction, often likened to a star going supernova, the 'female' Astomi will gain a new nebula within her body, which will gestate into a constellation over the course of three years. Once these three years are up, the Astomoi 'gives birth' by separating the cluster from her form, which has led to many scholars believing that the species reproduces via mitosis, and the new child Astomoi begins the long road to adulthood.
Astomoi reach physical maturity at the age of forty, but they reach mental maturity at the age of twenty, a topic of great frustration to the Astomoi as many of their young adults find great frustration in their physical limitations despite their desires to go further beyond. Once an Astomoi reaches the age of forty, their bodies finalise their shifting and settle on a size, body type, 'gender' and general physique, though some of these can be changed later in life. Additionally, once they reach this age, the Astomoi can now engage in sexual reproduction, as their physical form is unsuited to such an act until it has stabilised.
Astomoi reach physical maturity at the age of forty, but they reach mental maturity at the age of twenty, a topic of great frustration to the Astomoi as many of their young adults find great frustration in their physical limitations despite their desires to go further beyond. Once an Astomoi reaches the age of forty, their bodies finalise their shifting and settle on a size, body type, 'gender' and general physique, though some of these can be changed later in life. Additionally, once they reach this age, the Astomoi can now engage in sexual reproduction, as their physical form is unsuited to such an act until it has stabilised.
Growth Rate & Stages
Throughout their childhood and adolescent years Astomoi move through four stages, Blue, Violet, White and Red, denoted for the predominant star colouration on their skin during these phases. After the Astomoi reaches maturity their skin more accurately resembles the sky, with an assortment of young and old stars.
Blue Stage Astomoi are within 0-15 years old, quite young and childish. These Astomoi are never found over 4ft 5 in height, and are considered to be the most obnoxious of the Stages, due to their lack of empathy.
Violet Stage is when Astomoi begin to develop empathy and become dangerously curious of the world around them. This Stage lasts for the 15-24 years of the Astomoi, and is when most of their general education is conducted, as well as most of the Astomoi's exposure to new things in order to widen their world view and future prospects. While not as obnoxious and rowdy as the Blue Stage, some would say that the Violet Stage is worse as they have not entirely developed empathy yet, and do not hold a sense of personal property, leading to many accidental trespasses and theft. Much to the chagrin of their carers, Violet Stage Astomoi range in height from 3ft to 7ft, with shifts occurring every few months, leading to a lot of pain and strife, especially in non-Astomoi carers.
White Stage is considered to be a well earned break for the carers of the young Astomoi, as they become hyper-focused on something for the duration of the next fifteen years (24-32), and have now developed empathy properly. This is usually where the Astomoi's future is decided, as the object of their obsession is made their future, with varying degrees of success. Physically White Stage Astomoi are locked at 5ft 5, though if their obsession requires it their bodies will respond and alter form.
Finally, there is the Red Stage, lasting from 32-40, where the Astomoi has reached proper mental maturity, but their bodies are still shifting. Their sizes change day to day, as well as their general form, with them having little to no control over it, much to their chagrin. Generally Red Stage Astomoi remain between 5ft-7ft in height, though there are always exceptions in the extremes. This is when they tend to undertake apprenticeships and finalise their education, before setting out on their own.
Blue Stage Astomoi are within 0-15 years old, quite young and childish. These Astomoi are never found over 4ft 5 in height, and are considered to be the most obnoxious of the Stages, due to their lack of empathy.
Violet Stage is when Astomoi begin to develop empathy and become dangerously curious of the world around them. This Stage lasts for the 15-24 years of the Astomoi, and is when most of their general education is conducted, as well as most of the Astomoi's exposure to new things in order to widen their world view and future prospects. While not as obnoxious and rowdy as the Blue Stage, some would say that the Violet Stage is worse as they have not entirely developed empathy yet, and do not hold a sense of personal property, leading to many accidental trespasses and theft. Much to the chagrin of their carers, Violet Stage Astomoi range in height from 3ft to 7ft, with shifts occurring every few months, leading to a lot of pain and strife, especially in non-Astomoi carers.
White Stage is considered to be a well earned break for the carers of the young Astomoi, as they become hyper-focused on something for the duration of the next fifteen years (24-32), and have now developed empathy properly. This is usually where the Astomoi's future is decided, as the object of their obsession is made their future, with varying degrees of success. Physically White Stage Astomoi are locked at 5ft 5, though if their obsession requires it their bodies will respond and alter form.
Finally, there is the Red Stage, lasting from 32-40, where the Astomoi has reached proper mental maturity, but their bodies are still shifting. Their sizes change day to day, as well as their general form, with them having little to no control over it, much to their chagrin. Generally Red Stage Astomoi remain between 5ft-7ft in height, though there are always exceptions in the extremes. This is when they tend to undertake apprenticeships and finalise their education, before setting out on their own.
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Despite their 'eyes' the Astomoi can actually see in all directions at once (up to 60ft), no matter the size/position/number of said 'eyes', though they are still limited by terrain, walls, atmospheric conditions etc like other humanoid sapiens, though they can see well in the dark (only in black/white, no colours). In addition, due to their lack of mouths Astomoi rely upon their innate telepathy (100ft range) to communicate with others, making them unwanted in most 'civilised' regions, as telepathy is oft seen a an invasion of privacy. Surprisingly, Astomoi have an incredibly sensitive sense of smell, enabling them to rival the likes of dogs in this category, though they have been known to be weak to strong smells. Lastly, Astomoi must absorb food and water into their bodies via direct contact in order to consume them, leading to the infamous tale of Astomoi adventurers spotted sticking their hands into bowls of soup or elbow-deep in water fountains in order to drink.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Within the Astomoi their names reflect their lives throughout their adolescences, as they gain a new name at each stage (4), which merge into two new names, a first individual name and their 'historical' name, which takes the place of a last name. This second name is a combination of their obsession and a trait/characteristic that their carers noticed in them during their second stage, while their first name is usually a colour/pigmentation and a stellar body (Crimson Nebula/Nerimson).
History
First encountered in 2970 by bandits along the Crater Edge, Astomoi struggled to find footing amidst the new chaotic world that they had been thrust into. Many enclaves were created along the Crater Edge so that other Astomoi whom were leaving the Crater would have a safe haven to rest and learn about the world. When the Empire of the Khartash arose in the Crater Edge Valley, the Astomoi found themselves displaced, and forced to move into the Vasis Valley's and towards the Coast. Astomoi have never had their own independent nation, though they still mainly exist in solitary enclaves or city districts as they find the company of non-Astomoi to be dangerous at best.
Scientific Name
Homo sapiens astra
Lifespan
200 years
Average Height
5ft-7ft
Average Weight
40 Ibs-70 Ibs
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