Solarfraeling
Over time, on the surface, fraelings experienced other cultures. While normally this made slow progress in tempering the hungry fraeling temperaments, there was one group that gained a new mutation that fostered gentler ideals and a way to coexist with other people. They unlocked their long dormant ability to perform photosynthesis.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Like the original fraelings they are bipedal and have two arms, though some have four arms. They have a thick chest and average sized head with the rest of their body being slightly thinner. Their skin is fibrous, with calloused, barky, patches. Along their body are many, hair like roots, from which they gain nutrients from soil.
Out of their back sprouts two long, thin tendrils from which hang long and prehensile roots. These roots are the most effective at obtaining nutrients for them. Some fraeling have learned how to flex amd shape these tendrils and roots to look like wings.
The discovery of unlocking photosynthesis came from a group of fraelings who exprimented with grafting leaves and flowering plants to their bodies. As they did so, they mutated. The mutation took effect in the next generation, and experimentation continued. Solarfraeling, as they have become, now have natural occuring leaves along their roots.
Out of their back sprouts two long, thin tendrils from which hang long and prehensile roots. These roots are the most effective at obtaining nutrients for them. Some fraeling have learned how to flex amd shape these tendrils and roots to look like wings.
The discovery of unlocking photosynthesis came from a group of fraelings who exprimented with grafting leaves and flowering plants to their bodies. As they did so, they mutated. The mutation took effect in the next generation, and experimentation continued. Solarfraeling, as they have become, now have natural occuring leaves along their roots.
Genetics and Reproduction
They live incredibly long lives, averaging around 5,000 years. Incredibly rare cases are practically immortal. As such, they do not reproduce frequently. The process involves germinating seeds along their roots that they plant in the ground when they are ready for the next phase of growth.
Growth Rate & Stages
The seeds that germinate on the roots of adult fraeling take 1 year to reach viability to plant. Once planted, the seeds take 10 years to grow. Once complete, it is able to burrow and break ground as a juvenile fraeling. Fraeling are juvenile for an average of 30 years.
Adulthood lasts from 30 years to 4000 years. The last 1000 years are a very gradual decline. Roots begin drying and wilting, losing their ability to obtain nutrients as well. Their body also begins to become brittle. Leaves may grow less frequently or lose their efficiency.
Adulthood lasts from 30 years to 4000 years. The last 1000 years are a very gradual decline. Roots begin drying and wilting, losing their ability to obtain nutrients as well. Their body also begins to become brittle. Leaves may grow less frequently or lose their efficiency.
Ecology and Habitats
They live in regions where sunlight is readily available. They are able to surive without needing lots of sunlight, but the sun is their preferred source of energy.
Dietary Needs and Habits
If active in sunlight, they can remain fairly active without needing extra rest. Some maintain vigorous schedules by working hard in sunlight and then rooting at night to rest. For those who try to store energy, they have the same limitation of only being able to store energy for a maximum of 6 full days without rest. 6 hours of sunbathing without activity gives them 18 hours of energy without sun. 8 hours of rooting gives them 16 hours of energy without sun.
If they are exhausted, it requires a few extra hours of rooting or sunbathing to recover.
Additional Information
Facial characteristics
Their head is very angular and triangular, reminiscent of a deer skull without horns. Rarely a small bush may be planted or grafted onto their head.
Average Intelligence
Given their longevity they tend to develop great intellect and wisdom over time. Since they coexist more with other peoples, solarfraelings get more opportunities to expand and train their intelligence.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Growing and living so deep beneath the surface means their hearing is incredible. After meeting denizens of the lowerdark, their other senses started becoming comparable to other humanoids, but their hearing remained exceptional.
Due to mutating from the roots of trees, they feel a connection to plants and are able to discern where nutrient rich material is.
Their noses do not smell in the typical sense. They are lined with receptors that can detect even the faintest trace of pheromones. This helps them avoid pests that could harm them as well as get a read on creatures around them.
Their leaves give them an additional sense of feeling the quality of sunlight. The more they feel the sunlight, the more euphoric and satisfying a feeling they receive - as if eating their favorite food and doing their favorite leisure activity. This sense lets gives them an idea of phases of the moon and get an idea of weather patterns based on how much sun is making it through the clouds.
Due to mutating from the roots of trees, they feel a connection to plants and are able to discern where nutrient rich material is.
Their noses do not smell in the typical sense. They are lined with receptors that can detect even the faintest trace of pheromones. This helps them avoid pests that could harm them as well as get a read on creatures around them.
Their leaves give them an additional sense of feeling the quality of sunlight. The more they feel the sunlight, the more euphoric and satisfying a feeling they receive - as if eating their favorite food and doing their favorite leisure activity. This sense lets gives them an idea of phases of the moon and get an idea of weather patterns based on how much sun is making it through the clouds.
Civilization and Culture
Major Organizations
While none of the fraeling empires have survived, organizations like The Awakened Roots have.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Scientific Name
Alta radix solaris
Lifespan
5000 years
Average Height
8' - 15'
Average Weight
250 lbs - 450 lbs
Average Length
8' - 18'
Average Physique
Solarfraelings are slightly thicker than other fraelings, and their large size makes them slower. Their strength is comparable to their size, meaning much of the might of their movements comes from momentum and force than from raw power.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Their skin is grey or brown with dark brown to almost white bark-like patches.
Also referred to as Solarfrae
Related species: Blodfraeling
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