Scyll (ʂɪl)

"The Scyll are an isolationist species close to the galactic center. Due to their high amount of ether and their distance from most other species, they've mostly been left to their own devices until now."
— CUPK Handbook

Basic Information

Anatomy

Scyll are a bipedal, dual-sexed, mammalian species with bilateral symmetry. They have six limbs in all: two patagial (bat-like) wings on their back as well as two arms and two legs. Their bones are hollow to allow for easier flight, and they have small, wing-shaped ears, one on each side of their head. Their wings and hands each have three fingers plus a thumb, and they have four toes on each foot.
Their blood is a titanium compound that is tan in color. While Scyll originally evolved in forested environments, extended years of living on the tops of mountains has given them a unique ability to function in lower-density atmospheres compared to other species.

Genetics and Reproduction

Scyll are a dual-sexed species, but still require two beings to reproduce. Scyll partners traditionally take turns being pregnant, and the order is usually written in the marriage contract. The gestation period lasts about 2 Standard Years (1 Scyll Year), after which the pregnant Scyll gives live birth. While pregnant, a Scyll is discouraged from leaving the town, or sometimes even the house, so that they will not strain themselves and endanger the fetus.

Growth Rate & Stages

A Scyll almost always gives birth to a single infant (known as a pup), but twins are not uncommon, on average occurring every 1 in 80 births (about 1.25%). Pups are unable to eat any food except milk for .75 Standard Years (.5 Scyll years), after which they may begin a normal diet of bugs and plants. Scyll pups are considered to have reached the adolescent stage when they are able to fly on their own and start what is known as a "menstrual cycle"¹ (usually after 15 Standard Years or 10 Scyll years). Adulthood is reached after about 30 Standard Years(20 Scyll Years).

Dietary Needs and Habits

Scyll are omnivorous, meaning they can eat a wide variety of foods. Their native diet tends to consist of fruits, roots, and the meat of giant insects such as the longhopper. Due to the importance (and therefore near ubiquity) of hearths in Scyll homes, most of their dishes are ones that can be made in the hearth, such as stews and grilled meats.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Scyll given names tend to be two or three syllables long, while last names tend to be two syllables. Common First Syllables: ad, ak, al, av, fa, fi, fl, fu, la, li, lu, ta, ti, tu Common Last Syllables: la, li, lo, na, ne, ni, ra, re, ri, ta, ti, to, vim, vin, vit

Beauty Ideals

In general, darker skin is considered to be more healthy-looking. Gold and copper makeup foundation are used to make the skin look darker (more "healthy")
Healthy wings (in terms of cleanliness and muscle health) are considered very distinguished and desirable.
Bright colors in general are very desired. The brighter the better, in both clothes and makeup.

Common Dress Code

Most Scyll wear long sleeves simply as a matter of practicality due to the cool mountain temperatures. Their clothes also consistently either have low backs or (for colder areas) small slits cut in the back to accommodate their wings. Skirts without leggings or pants under them are also rare, and are usually an indicator that the wearer is a noble and doesn't have to fly very much.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

Scyll, by and large, tend to have a very community-based and loyalty-based society. The loyalty is organized into several unofficial tiers. In rough order, a Scyll is expected foremost to be loyal to themselves and their family, then to their community, then to the gods, then to their range (country), and then to all of Nimbus. Some cultures have a slightly different order, but family is expected to come first. Due to limited living space, Scyll also tend to be very conservative with food and waste. No part of an animal or plant goes to waste, and Scyll look dimly on those who leave too much food on their plates.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Due to their ether-infused surroundings, community-based mindset, and their isolated location, the Scyll tend to keep to themselves. However, some Scyll have left the planet either seeking economic opportunity or to get away from the overcrowded cities. Scyll who migrate to the wider galaxy are subject to much curiosity due to their remote planet of heritage. They have a reputation for being loyal to their family and friends before anything else, and they are therefore considered "wishy-washy" by those with bureaucratic or military authority. Despite this reputation, or perhaps because of it, they get along well with most other species. However, they have serious friction with the Afavi due to a past conflict with the Helic Empire that involved an orbital bombardment that severely damaged their cities.

1: Scyll are the only known species besides Humans to have a menstrual cycle. The cycle for Scyll takes place twice yearly.

Scientific Name

Vespertiliones sapiens

Lifespan

90 Years (135 Standard Years)

Average Height

4'10"

Average Weight

80 lbs.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Skin: Scyll tend to have darker skin tones.

Copper
Dark Gold
Dark Brown
Ebony
Pale (Very rare, and associated with skin diseases)

Eyes:

Dark Orange
Brown
Hazel
Dark Grey
Green (very rare)

Hair: Scyll have a similar hair color selection to humans, though it can be hard to tell as, like humans, Scyll may dye their hair for fun or fashion.