Nettlins (Nett·lin)
Nettlins are a competitive and feisty people, always having something to say... And probably a million people trying to tell them that it's a dumb idea. Many Nettlins, while rather clever, can make quite the mess of something if they aren't supervised. They can really get ahead of themselves.
Some Nettlins also intentionally annoying or troublemakers at times, as it's their way of showing affection! Or their way of showing how dedicated they are to a rivalry, take your pick. Either way, a Nettlin is a friend for life
(if a troublesome one)
Some Nettlins also intentionally annoying or troublemakers at times, as it's their way of showing affection! Or their way of showing how dedicated they are to a rivalry, take your pick. Either way, a Nettlin is a friend for life
(if a troublesome one)
Basic Information
Anatomy
Nettlins are bipedal, typically four-limbed creatures. Nettlins have rather fluffy bodies, with exoskeleton legs and arms. Their hands have three fingers, while their feet only have two toes.
Nettlins have a "hidden" mouth, that is to say it is hidden by their fluff when closed. Don't be fooled, it is a horrifying and huge maw when opened. Their bites will hurt, and most Nettlins don't hold any reservation for biting if provoked.
Some Nettlins are born with a vestigial set of limbs, as well as wings that are too small to fly with. Both are rare occurrences, being forgotten reminders of their ancestry.
An important note is that Nettlins have another morph, the Royal Morph. Royal Nettlins are twice the size of regular Nettlins, and develop if the Nettlin is fed Royal Jelly. It used to be only for leaders of the whole colony, but nowadays Royal Nettlins are just rich people who can afford commissioning the production of the jelly.
Nettlins have a "hidden" mouth, that is to say it is hidden by their fluff when closed. Don't be fooled, it is a horrifying and huge maw when opened. Their bites will hurt, and most Nettlins don't hold any reservation for biting if provoked.
Some Nettlins are born with a vestigial set of limbs, as well as wings that are too small to fly with. Both are rare occurrences, being forgotten reminders of their ancestry.
An important note is that Nettlins have another morph, the Royal Morph. Royal Nettlins are twice the size of regular Nettlins, and develop if the Nettlin is fed Royal Jelly. It used to be only for leaders of the whole colony, but nowadays Royal Nettlins are just rich people who can afford commissioning the production of the jelly.
Genetics and Reproduction
Nettlins have two ways of reproduction. They are able to lay eggs after mating with a partner, laying up to 6 fertile eggs. However, this comes at the cost of their lifespan, which often shortens after mating without prior medical procedures. (Ancient Nettlins weren't so lucky to have the upsides of modern medicine and evolution, as most AMABs died within hours)
Many Nettlins will opt to have their internal reproductive organs entirely removed and donated to the Incubation archives, as this seems to remove the risk of death while still allowing them to. Y'know.
The popular method of birth is to feed their genetic material into a magical machine known as "The Incubator". This allows parents to reproduce without threat of death, with a bonus of allowing same sex couples to have biological children. The Incubator will also produce children in bulk every year, which are communally raised.
Gestation for the natural method lasts about five months, while magical incubation will last twelve. Studies estimate that Nettlins will contribute to at least sixteen children in their lifetimes.
Many Nettlins will opt to have their internal reproductive organs entirely removed and donated to the Incubation archives, as this seems to remove the risk of death while still allowing them to. Y'know.
The popular method of birth is to feed their genetic material into a magical machine known as "The Incubator". This allows parents to reproduce without threat of death, with a bonus of allowing same sex couples to have biological children. The Incubator will also produce children in bulk every year, which are communally raised.
Gestation for the natural method lasts about five months, while magical incubation will last twelve. Studies estimate that Nettlins will contribute to at least sixteen children in their lifetimes.
Growth Rate & Stages
Nettlins born naturally will develop at a more natural and slow rate, growing up until they turn 30, at which they are considered adults and allowed full legal freedom over themselves.
Artificially incubated Nettlins learn to walk around about ~3 hours after birth, quickly developing skills as well. These Nettlins will only grow until they turn 20, however they will still only be considered mentally adults at 30 Spins old.
Artificially incubated Nettlins learn to walk around about ~3 hours after birth, quickly developing skills as well. These Nettlins will only grow until they turn 20, however they will still only be considered mentally adults at 30 Spins old.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Nettlin diets are hard to explain. While they are able to eat whatever they like, being sapient and all, Nettlins require a good amount of sugar and sweets. It's theorized that before being polymorphed they were Palynivores or Nectarivores, thus contributing to this interesting diet.
Biological Cycle
During the winter, Nettlins get tired more often and sleep much longer than usual 8 hours needed. If they get too cold, they may even enter a state of hibernation!
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Nettlins, aside from typical sensory capabilities, have a heightened sense for the weather. Most, if not all, are able to tell the oncoming weather just by feeling it. They can also sense vibrations with their antenna!
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Nettlins have many different kinds of names, which may vary depending on the class and even specific Colony! Noble Nettlins often have poetic flower or fruit names, and have last names.
Meanwhile, your average Nettlin will have a short and sweet name; usually these names are some kind of bug, or "made-up" names that are six letters or less. Very rarely will commoner Nettlins have last names, especially if they are communally raised.
Commoner Names: Wasp, Scarab, Zera, Ant
Noble Names: Pomegranate, Blossom, Grannysmith, Sunflower
Last Name: Greenarrow, Screamborne, Heartcape, Starflame
Meanwhile, your average Nettlin will have a short and sweet name; usually these names are some kind of bug, or "made-up" names that are six letters or less. Very rarely will commoner Nettlins have last names, especially if they are communally raised.
Commoner Names: Wasp, Scarab, Zera, Ant
Noble Names: Pomegranate, Blossom, Grannysmith, Sunflower
Last Name: Greenarrow, Screamborne, Heartcape, Starflame
Courtship Ideals
Nettlins have a very odd way of courting each other. They start out as rivals, and if one realizes they like a rival as a romantic partner more than a simple rival, they initiate a fight known as a Pitch.
Once the pair have had a few Pitches, and built up very important trust, they will give way to dates and other romantic activities. This is basically when they become "official". However, some Nettlins never stop Pitching with their partner! It truly depends on the couple.
Once the pair have had a few Pitches, and built up very important trust, they will give way to dates and other romantic activities. This is basically when they become "official". However, some Nettlins never stop Pitching with their partner! It truly depends on the couple.
Major Language Groups and Dialects
Nettlins speak Undercommon, in the Nettlish dialect. Undercommon is the main language of the Fuegoco continent, so of course they know it! Nettlish Undercommon has many unique words that are not shared with Undercommon, and makes use of bug chitters, clacks, chirps, and purrs.
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
Nettlins use a system of honorifics very closely. However, for enemies and/or people they just dislike overall (in the non-friendly way), they will either omit honorifics or use insults as the honorific.
They are as following:
Acquaintances/Strangers: -Ta (Masculine), -Mi (Feminine), -Ka (Neutral)
Friends: -Timo (Masculine), -Mimo (Feminine), -Kima (Neutral)
Authority Figures: -Tata (Masculine), -Tami (Feminine), -Taka (Neutral)
Partners: -Tiamo (Masculine), -Miamo (Feminine), -Kiamo (Neutral)
They are as following:
Acquaintances/Strangers: -Ta (Masculine), -Mi (Feminine), -Ka (Neutral)
Friends: -Timo (Masculine), -Mimo (Feminine), -Kima (Neutral)
Authority Figures: -Tata (Masculine), -Tami (Feminine), -Taka (Neutral)
Partners: -Tiamo (Masculine), -Miamo (Feminine), -Kiamo (Neutral)
History
Around ~10,000 years ago, it's said that something or someone (known as "The Great Shifter") polymorphed some insects. While not much is documented of this, the now sapient insects quickly got to work in migrating underground to make large colonies.
Nowadays, Nettlins practically dominate underneath the continent of Fuegoco! They also have one hive within Annebelia, but have stayed far from Shiveria due to its' cold interacting poorly with their insect biology.
Nowadays, Nettlins practically dominate underneath the continent of Fuegoco! They also have one hive within Annebelia, but have stayed far from Shiveria due to its' cold interacting poorly with their insect biology.
Scientific Name
Apini Communis
Lifespan
~250-300 Spins
Average Height
~3 Feet (91 CM)
Average Weight
~42 lbs (or 14.5 kg)
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Nettlins' fur can be different shades of yellow, orange, and lime.
