Ahat'Unathi
The Ahat'Unathi are subspecies of Unathi, recognised for their short stature when compared to other Unathi. The Ahat are from the northern hemispheres of Moghes, isolated to their homeland of the Ahat’Rashan, where they underwent a process of island dwarfism, transitioning from Sinta into the modern Ahat.
The average Ahat is between three and five foot tall, effectively a compressed, smaller version of the Sinta'Unathi. Their scales are typically a dark shade, and can come in different colours, from dark reds to dark greens and dark blues. They tend to work in bursts of energy, designed to use their limited energy efficiently. This means they are hardwired to ‘take shortcuts’. They are the epitome of ‘working smarter, not harder’, and tend to enjoy long periods of napping after working hard. They will take naps in the afternoon, or just about any free time they have, recharging their small batteries to be used again.
The growth process of the Ahat'Unathi is incredibly energy intensive, potentially lasting well into adulthood, providing the individual has enough energy to continue growing. If they regularly exert themselves too much, their growth plates will finally begin to fuse, ending this period. During their growth phase, the Ahat is considerably weaker and more vulnerable without hard, solid scales. While theoretically this period can continue forever, it is limited by a number of factors. Ahat grow in energy-intensive bursts lasting an average of two weeks, rather than slowly and over time; those who cannot reduce their energy expenditure for that entire time tend to wind up shorter, or even end their growth prematurely. Likewise, each growth burst is more intensive and less efficient than the previous one, meaning that for all practical purposes most Ahat will be between four and five feet tall. Some Ahat, particularly those who were particularly rambunctious—or simply restless—as children or began work relatively early will be between three and a half and four feet tall. An individual over five feet tall would be considered notably tall, while being over five and a half feet is exceptionally rare and would be grounds for celebrity status.
For much of their history, many Ahat held pride in their short stature as it was associated with industriousness and productivity. However, as technology advanced and the advent of the middle class came about, the richer Ahat were able to grow taller than their hard-working kin and thus the middle class began to view height as a marker for social and economic success, spurring trends like heels and tall shoes. While the middle and upper class may view being short as uncouth, working class Ahat are still known to take pride in their height, or lack thereof.
For much of Unathi history, the Ahat kept to their home island, having little reason to travel to other places outside of Moghes, beyond tourism or education. Due to the Ahat’s much smaller stature, most Unathi settlements beyond Ahat'Rashan are simply not designed to accommodate them. However, in the modern interstellar age, the Ahat have been able to take full advantage of their small size beyond Moghes. They have settled countless systems, such as Uzken, Hrudlak, and Frendat.
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