Näkki

In my opinion, they kinda resemble the elves of the old stories: First of all they have this splendid tree-loving culture. And they never seem to grow old and weary, not by our standards at least. I wonder why that is!

— Settler (on an early stage of contact)

The Näkki are a species of intelligent humanoid creatures, that are the primary intelligent natives on Chaac c {planet}.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Their general physical properties resemble the Settlers. They have hands with fingers for handling tools, and legs for walking. Their main sensory organs are located in the head. They eat with their mouths, but they vocalize through separate respitory openings in the side of their necks, that are connected to fleshy throat pouches.

Growth Rate & Stages

The following secret is not generally known among outsiders. You might want to read about their culture first... The well-guarded secret of Metamorphosis

They are actually a larval form of the Ancestor Trees. When they are ready to mature, they find a nice fertile spot, and begin the metamorphosis. Their bodies are completely reconfigured, with the end goal being a sessile adult form, able to reproduce. Their brains are believed to become completely absorbed in the process, which means that the sentient person effectively dies.

Ecology and Habitats

They live on the wetlands, staying pretty close to the water where the Ancestor Trees grow. Despite that, they spend most of their life on shore, and are well developed for walking.

Additional Information

Average Intelligence

They are generally on the same level of intelligence as the Settlers.

Civilization and Culture

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Their culture revolves around the cultivation of Ancestor trees . The trees don't seem to provide a significant amount of their diet, producing only an odd fruit and some wood which they refuse to use unless it died naturally, but the plants are hugely important for their culture. They pollinate the tree's flowers, jealously protect the growing fruit, and plant new trees in safe places.

Common Taboos

Harming the Ancestor Trees means a death sentence!

Lifespan

They generally live to be 60 years, but don't seem to age like the humans do. After they stop being children, they will stay young-looking right until the end.