Shai'then
Basic Information
Anatomy
The women have golden skin and stand between 5 and 6 feet tall and are fairly thin. This thinness is deceptive, as they're actually stronger than their taller, male counterparts. Hair color tends to be orangey, red, blond, or golden brown while their eyes are universally blue or green. The wings of the females are the same size as the males when not in use, but when in use, they're more slender. They have a long, feathered tail that is pointed like a raven’s. They have two pronged bony growths on the side of their heads just beneath the hairline. Their feet resemble the feet of birds with three toes that end in curved talons. The females sport a spur on the back on their foot.
The men are, as a general rule, taller and broader than their female counterparts with a deeper golden cast to their skin. They aren't quite as strong, though. Their coloring is deeper than that of the women, but they have the advantage of two hair colors where the women have just the one. This duo tone is always in compatible colors, such as brown and red or blond and brown, or sometimes even just different shades of the same color. When not in use, their wings are the same as the females', but when in use they're much broader in order to better carry their larger body sizes. They have a long, feathered tail that is rounded at the end like a crow’s. They have a single pronged bony growth on the side of their heads just beneath the hairline. Their feet resemble the feet of birds with three toes that end in curved talons.
The men are, as a general rule, taller and broader than their female counterparts with a deeper golden cast to their skin. They aren't quite as strong, though. Their coloring is deeper than that of the women, but they have the advantage of two hair colors where the women have just the one. This duo tone is always in compatible colors, such as brown and red or blond and brown, or sometimes even just different shades of the same color. When not in use, their wings are the same as the females', but when in use they're much broader in order to better carry their larger body sizes. They have a long, feathered tail that is rounded at the end like a crow’s. They have a single pronged bony growth on the side of their heads just beneath the hairline. Their feet resemble the feet of birds with three toes that end in curved talons.
Biological Traits
The actual act is almost identical to that of the human race. It's the courtship and familial structures that differ.
To start with, it's the women who are in charge. They will only choose males that they deem suitable. The criteria for this varies from person to person, but the most prevalent of these is looks. The flashiest male will be chosen as a general rule. Other criteria include things like family status, talents, and sometimes even personality factors in. It's not often that this choice is permanent; mating for life is very rare and considered to be limiting the gene pool. To keep things safe, careful genealogical records are kept. Genealogy is also important as is social standing. It's not uncommon for wealthier women to have harems of men that they choose from.
When a female has chosen her male, he then lives with her until the third year of the child's life unless circumstances dictate otherwise. A female will live in a house, usually with her mother or grandmother, who help her raise her young.
To start with, it's the women who are in charge. They will only choose males that they deem suitable. The criteria for this varies from person to person, but the most prevalent of these is looks. The flashiest male will be chosen as a general rule. Other criteria include things like family status, talents, and sometimes even personality factors in. It's not often that this choice is permanent; mating for life is very rare and considered to be limiting the gene pool. To keep things safe, careful genealogical records are kept. Genealogy is also important as is social standing. It's not uncommon for wealthier women to have harems of men that they choose from.
When a female has chosen her male, he then lives with her until the third year of the child's life unless circumstances dictate otherwise. A female will live in a house, usually with her mother or grandmother, who help her raise her young.
Additional Information
Social Structure
They are strictly matriarchal in structure and are ruled over by a hereditary Duchess. Other leaders are elected every ten years and these positions include the individual Town Heads, provincial heads, town and provincial councils (consisting of three members each), and the Duchess’ advisors (though these are elected by the nobility rather than the Shai’then as a whole). All judiciary officials are appointed by the councils of their area of jurisdiction. For example, a town council will appoint the judiciary for their town, while only the Duchess can appoint the High justices. Men aren't often elected to any office, but it happens. While the Duchess has the ultimate say in what goes on regarding her people, she will virtually always defer to Empress Hihaye.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
The Shai'then inhabit the island they call Ju'shal'long.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
The Shai'then have wings. When not in use, they're very small. When they use them, the wings change in appearance, growing to a useable size but retaining their original color.
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