Miinu
"When I saw them for the first time, I couldn't believe my eyes. Tiny humans with four arms and little wings, staring up at me like I was one of the divines themselves. When I tried to speak, the boom of my voice startled them and they ran off. But I did not need to look far for more, as the butterfly I'd caught in my study, happen to also be a scared little humanoid the whole time!"Miinu Are insect-like humanoid creatures of magical origin. Each Miinu's form is based on a real world insect, which they refer as their Bug kin. They are very small and live in secretive groups deep in the forests, making them difficult to find and are considered a myth by most humans in modern society.
Basic Information
Anatomy
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Basic Structure
Miinu have humanoid bodies that stand upright on two legs. They possess four arms and two legs, though for some species this number can vary. They posses 3 claw like fingers on each hand + the thumb, and two sharp toes at the end of their feet. They have tails that resemble the thorax, the third and back-most segment of their bugkin. If their bugkin has wings, they will also have them. The average height of a Miinu is about 3-5 centimeters. While most Miinu seem to be in the same general height range, bug kin can influence genetics for height. A larger species will produce taller miinu and vice versa.Skin
A miinu has an internal skeleton like a mammal, which means their skin is not an exoskeleton, but rather a thick armored hide that gives them more protection. It is a malleable leather-like texture, but is stiff enough that it needs to be segmented in areas like joints for proper movement. This thick skin is resistant to piercing damage like teeth or claws, but also can absorb the impact of falling, keeping them safe if they fall long distances. A downside to their armor is that it doesn't heal well on its own. If an injury occurs that damages the skin, a new layer will grow underneath, pushing the old one off, and requiring the whole segment of old skin to be molt. Molting can take hours on their own, and usually leaves their skin soft and tender before it hardens. Miinu are encouraged to rest after a molt, as walking with soft skin can be painful. Miinu skin, like other parts of their body, can be a wide range of pigments including different patterns and markings, as long as it exists in nature. Skin patterns will often mimic the bug-kin of a miinu, but if they are a hybrid, colors can vary even more.Hair
Miinu grow hair on their heads, eyebrows, and eyelashes like humans do, but anywhere else depends on the bug kin of the miinu. Some miinu can grow facial hair while others can't. Some, like moth or bee Miinu, can grow a plume of fur around their chest or on their limbs and tail. Like skin, hair can also be a wide variety of colors. Miinu hair is made of chitin and are directly connected to small nerves on the skin. This means hair can be sensitive to touch or movement. Thankfully these hairs do not cause pain if cut or shaved, but the Miinu may experience a tingling sensation.Sensory
Sight
Their eyes resemble compound eyes, but are really modified human eyes. The soft tissue of the eye is protected by a hard lens covering. This lens protect the eye from the elements and can be touched without pain. The lens also aid some Miinu in navigating underwater with their eyes open. They are far larger in proportion to humans and have a hard shell to protect them. They are also often pigmented. Their eyesight is comparable to humans; the scale makes seeing objects at a distance difficult, but it's made up for in their far wider field of view. Miinu are more sensitive to movement and changes in lightHearing
Miinu have large, cone-shape ears that aid in amplifying sound, meaning their ears are quite sensitive. They are keen at picking up higher frequencies than humans, while forgoing the perception of lower ones.Smell
Miinu have small noses that really only exist for breathing, and aren't as good at picking up smells as their antennae are. Miinu all have antennae that sit at the top of their head and can come in all different forms and sizes. They are very sensitive organs covered in fine hairs that can detect changes in the atmosphere. Not only can a miinu pick up smells with them, but they can also smell pheromones with them. Pheromones are complicated and can act as another language with how much they tell about a miinu. Pheromones can also be used to communicate silently, leave recognizable trails for navigation, or even determine the health of a Miinu. Most miinu have a very distinct smell with these pheromones, so miinu will often greet each other by 'smelling' the other with their antennae. This is the only acceptable platonic contact allowed, as antennae are extremely sensitive to touch. The sensation of repeated touch or stroking of them can feel euphoric to the point of arousal, thus it's considered rude and violating to excessively touch another Miinu's antennae unless you are their mate.Taste
Miinu have mouths and jaws similar to humans, but they also possess mandibles at the sides of their mouths that can expand how wide they can open. These mandibles can click together making a vocal sound unique to Miinu that is used in their language. Their teeth are sharp and sealed, perfect for tearing at meat or tough greenery. Miinu who's bug kin are sap drinkers tend to have smaller fangs, but large proboscis-like fangs at the center of their mouths that can funnel liquid into the mouth like vampire fangs. These miinu also tend to have longer tongues than usual for reaching deep into the roots of plants and trees.Circulatory System
Miinu have a human-like heart that pumps blood like a humans, however their blood is a dark yellow color. Their small size means they absorb oxygen more efficiently, so there is less hemoglobin to give the red color. This affects the color of their blush, their scars, and even the inside of their mouth. Miinu are still endothermic creatures, but their small size makes it more difficult to retain heat. They are sensitive to the cold and it tends to slow them down quickly. Miinu in colder climates are often forced to hibernate in order to survive the winter.Limbs
Most miinu have six limbs like an insect, but laid out in human form. They have two pairs of arms. One primary pair that connects at the shoulder, and a smaller secondary pair that connect near the lower ribcage. The secondary arms are interesting as they not only appear visually thinner than the primary arms, but they also have the ability to pop in and out of the body. Because the arms are significantly more fragile, they can be safely tucked away in a pocket inside the body. The arms and legs are protected by segmented hard shells. The legs are built to take the impact of landing or falling without being damaged, and are the safest place to land to avoid injury.Wings
Most miinu possess wings on their backs that allow them flight. These wings are sturdy and flexible, yet are still the most vulnerable parts of their bodies. Wings are usually thin with lots of sensitive nerves and blood vessels inside of them. An injury to the wings can disable a miinu and prevent flight entirely. They are fickle to heal and need to be treated with care to heal properly. Wings will not regrow, even during a molt, so a torn wing will become a permanent injury for the miinu. Being a wingless Miinu is also natural. Many miinu have a bugkin of a wingless species, as well, children often do not develop wings until they pupate into adulthood. So while flight makes life more convenient for a miinu, their society does accommodate for people who cannot fly.Abilites
The Miinu are magical in nature, being born, and granted magic from the Fossil Stones, which protects them from harm. They are capable of shifting into a full insect form using magic, and can use a transformation spell that causes non-magical beings to see the Miinu as just ordinary bugs. Though it's possible for humans to gain magic that negates this illusion. There are other artifacts in that only Miinu magic is capable of activating, protecting it from being abused by other beings. Miinu are also capable of using specialized Spirit Magic that comes traits from their Bug kin. This magic is often related to traits their species kin has in the wild, such as light magic for fireflies, sound based magic for crickets or cicadas, or time perception powers for dragonflies. Most magic is something very minor, like a quirk for that person. Rarely magic can be more powerful and volatile than that.Genetics and Reproduction
A Miinu's primary reproductive system is located inside their tails. What would normally be the abdominal section of their bug kin becomes a tail-like extremity that houses their reproductive organs. Females will possess ovaries designed for producing eggs, and males will have sperm forming organs. Both of these funnel into copulatory organs that rest nestled in a pocket inside their pelvic region, only coming out during intercourse.
The tail requires a lot of blood to function, thus has a smaller heart-like circulatory organ designed to help blood flow. It is attached to the spine with sturdy bone and muscle, as if it is severed it would result in extreme blood loss and death. The tail also acts as a primary fat store. Miinu bodies are not as malleable as humans, so it is more difficult to store fat elsewhere on the body. The fat also aids in insulating and protecting sensitive internal organs in the area, as well as providing nutrients for females to produce eggs.
After two miinu mate, the female will produce an egg in her tail, which will be laid a week later. They are typically translucent with a thick golden liquid inside. With a light, you can see the developing embryo inside.
The parents will care for the egg as the baby gestates inside. This can take a few months. During this time the egg will require warm, moist conditions to keep them from drying out or freezing. The shells are soft and delicate, so they must be handled gently.
An egg is ready to hatch when most of the fluid inside has been absorbed and the infant inside will start being more active, wriggling around and stretching its limbs. It will puncture a hole in the egg and take their first breath. They will continue to chew an opening through the soft shell until they can squeeze out. Occasionally, they will need assistance doing so, but most healthy miinu can do it on their own.
Genetics
Miinu are capable of mating and reproducing with any of their kind, regardless of bugkin. However, this will not create a hybrid species. A child between two different species will end up one or the other, and may pick up some coloration from the other parent. Other traits like facial structure, body type, and genetic dispositions/mutations can be carried over. An alternative way for a Miinu to be born is for a region's spirit magic to change a regular insect egg into a miinu egg. This miinu will develop like the other method, but are at significantly higher risk of predators. They will also be in danger of being cannibalized by their non-sapient siblings. These miinu are essentially orphans from birth, with no biological Miinu family. Unless they are found and adopted by a wandering adult Miinu, they will wander and attempt to survive on their own, making them Feral Miinu. Feral Miinu are often the genetic founder of their family tree. With no biological miinu parents, they are the purest version of their bugkin and will very rarely possess any mutations. An entire genepool can begin and end with a feral, if they happen to be so unlucky.Growth Rate & Stages
by IbbyWondrous
Ecology and Habitats
Miinu are found in the region of Bituin specifically. They tend to congregate around Fossil Stones, as they provide them with their magic and wisdom they need to survive. They tend to not move around much, since the stones are very heavy for them to move around. Otherwise, Miinu can live anywhere bugs can, but their magic and sentience will grow weaker the further away they are.
Dietary Needs and Habits
All Miinu are omnivores, but they tend to have preference towards specific foods, depending on their bugkin. For example, a carnivorous Miinu may have an instinctual desire to eat other insects, despite being able to survive on plant matter; where as a sap drinking imiinu may be drawn more to sweet sugary liquids. Miinu can also eat things humans couldn't normally digest, like grass and leaves, tree sap, even wood sometimes.
Carnivorous miinu often do not crave the flesh of another miinu. Cannibalism is a major taboo in most miinu cultures. Feral miinu are more likely to give into their instinctual desires if they have been raised on their own. Ferals that have been known to eat other miinu are often feared and ostracized by those who live in the villages.
Biological Cycle
The Miinu will have a hibernation period in the winter, due to the cold temperatures and lack of food resources. They will usually stock up on as much food as they can before clustering together as a group in a isolated room and sleep together through the winter. Though they are mostly warm blooded, the cold of winter tends to make them a bit lethargic.
Additional Information
Average Intelligence
Miinu separate themselves from their insect counterparts primarily through their higher intelligence and their sapience. They have far more advanced nervous systems allowing them to learn, have emotions, feel pain and have a sense of self. They are capable of language and complex thought.
Feral miinu however have a harder time suppressing their instincts without behavioral training. If the Miinu reaches adulthood, it can be even worse. When they are the stage of attacking and eating other miinu, they are considered a lost cause and people just stay away from them at all costs. Violence is not an admirable trait among miinu, and those who are aggressive and brutal are usually not allowed near major miinu communities.
Social Structure
Miinu types are capable of living together in harmony, regardless of any predator prey relationships they may have in the wild. They have advanced beyond the primal urges to hunt and kill. A praying mantis and a grasshopper can live in the same space and even be companions. Their hierarchy tends to lean the most on those who are most beneficial to the community being higher in power. This can include those who are exceptionally adept with magic, briliant thinkers and inventors, or even those whose selfless acts have aided the community in some way. Colony Miinu tend to be the ruling class over a specific region. Their queen's ability to command a loyal army of workers and soldiers make them perfect for seeking out new territory and quickly building infrastructure. A colony of ant or bees are often the backbone of a village, serving diligently to aid in the management and protection of an entire village. The lowest on the totem poll are criminals and scoundrels. As a society that values cooperation and selflessness, those who take advantage of others, refuse to be part of a team, harm others, or act selfishly are often seen as undesirable, a nuisance, and a detriment to the colony.Language and Dialects
Miinu speak Miinuvian, a language taught to them by the fossil stones shortly after their creation. Very few Miinu know how to read or right in English, and even fewer can speak it.Naming Conventions
Miinu tend to be named in relation to their species scientific name. Example: Dragonfly - Anisoptera - "Aniso" (Authors note: Sometimes they are just named after puns and literally no other reason.)
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Scientific Name
Homunculi sapien
Lifespan
75-80 years
Average Height
4-6 cm
Average Weight
0.5 - 0.12 g
Related Myths
Discovered by
Civilization & Culture
History
It is said that the Miinu were born from a tribal race of humans known as the Paruparo. They were skilled in Spirit Magic and used it to worship the deity Mariposa the Hive. Based on older architecture, it appeared they worshiped insects like gods. Much of their history was lost to time, including how they disappeared, but the Miinu believe they appealed to Mariposa to become like the gods, and in a single night, all traces completely vanished. It's believed the Paruparo used blessed insect fossils for the basis of their spirit magic, and placed them around Bituin so that they would form a massive spell circle that could transform the whole region. But after the spell, it was the Miinu who awoke to an abandoned landscape and hand to rebuild. Without any memory of their past, they heard the Fossil Stones calling to them, and en-mass, they congregated around each of the stones. The stones taught them how to survive, how to communicate, how to write, how to build. It guided them on what creatures were dangerous, where it was safest to build their shelters, how they should lead the others. The knowledge the stones gave them was invaluable for their survival. And as the miinu learned on their own, they will bestow this knowledge back to the Fossil Stones, who would tell the next generation, and the generation after that. For centuries, Miinu rules as the most intelligent, powerful species in Tinsael, that was, until the humans arrived.Attained Technological Level
Miinu have managed do things such as farming, building houses, hunting and gathering, mining for resources. Many of their advancements have from from mimicking what they've seen humans do, and taking advantage of man made materials around them. Some miinu have taken to invading human homes to mooch off of their resources. They have a rustic technology level. They have figured out basic transportation, information keeping in the form of books, machines powered by wind and water, etc. Most villages have not discovered how to use and produce electricity, with the eception being Bug City, which has a rudimentary understanding of it due to being so close to a human settlement.Interspecies Relations
Humans
Miinu rarely interact with humans directly. They are aware of them, but prefer to keep to themselves and not be noticed by humans. They have a history of disliking humans for their carelessness around insects, frequently killing them and bowling over their homes. Miinu prefer to watch and study humans from a distance, and keep an eye on them.Insects
Miinu have developed a codependent relationship with their less intelligent insect counterparts. Many of been domesticated by the miinu, such as milking aphids for honeydew, or using stag beetles to pull large carriages. Other insects are regularly raised to use their meat or eggs as food, to cut down on the need to go out and hunt. Other insects like the praying mantis are still considered threats even to the miinu, while others like mites, are annoying pests that often invade their homes and bodies.Predators
The Miinu face plenty of predators in the forests. Nearly anything that could eat an insect, be it birds, lizards, amphibians or some mammals, all can act as a major threat to their lives. Larger predators are best left avoided, however some brave miinu will tackle smaller threats using traps, weapons and large groups.Ideals
Beauty
Typically, more exotic Miinu types tend to be considered the most beautiful. Being unique and standing out is considered a desirable trait, as many Miinu of the same type tend to look the same. Miinu adore vivid colors and patterns. Physical skill is also considered attractive, such as being strong or adept at flying. Miinus whose typing are based on known pests such as flies, fleas, termites, cockroaches, mosquitos, etc. tend to be considered rather ugly and disgusting.Gender
Because of the insect kingdom's tenancy for violent or dominant females, this is reflected in many miinu societies. Females tend to lean on the violent side of things, and are either feared or in a leadership position (or both.) Outside of this, most miinu do not see gender as a major facet of their identity or their place in society, and plenty of them experience queer gender identities. Outside of Colony Miinu business, biological sex is only considered when reproducing.Relationships & Courtship
Miinu technically can only reproduce with a male and a female of the same type, so these kinds of relatioships are more ideal for some, however, there's no prejudices against same sex relationships, especially since these kinds of relationships tend to be common. Unlike their insect counterparts, Miinu form meaningful, loving relationships with each other and can chose to mate for life. Miinu are not strictly monogamous either, and polyamourus relationships are not unheard of. Miinu will often court each other by dancing, singing, or putting on colorful displayes. Miinu also enjoy gifting each other colorful clothes and decorations. Miinu prefer partners who are aggressive towards threats, but submissive towards their lovers. Their antennae are very sensitive, and stoking or playing with them is a very intimate gesture, and inappropriate if you are not trying to court someone. Note, two miinu touching their antennae together is not an intimate gesture, and simply how many miinu greet each other and exchange pheromones. Miinu when Miinu decide to be in a relationship they will produce a pheromonal every time the interact in an intimate way, such as through kissing or sex. This pheromone marks the partner so that any other miinu that smells it are aware they are taken.Clothing
Clothing is not a necessary requirement in miinu culture. Because they’re reproductive organs are hidden, there’s no need to wear clothing for the sake of modesty, and often Miinu won’t. But they are worn for other reasons, such as to protect themselves from the elements or simply as decor. Fancy garments can be seen as a status symbol. Miinu have their own fashion that can consist of grass and linen, or silk cloth dyed bright colors to resemble flowers. Linen cloaks and belts made from twine are common garments, while cotton and silk are harder to get a hold of. Some cultures of Miinu prefer mimicking the human culture around them, and making clothes modeled after their fashion. Clothing styles often have to be modified to work around the wings and tail of a miinu. The usage of big flowing clothes or open backs is common. Human style clothing often have to be modified with holes in the back to make room.
Sketches of the kinds of clothing designed for Miinu bodies.
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Author's Notes
This article has been moved from Kollark to it's own setting.