Zuìgāo Elf: Difference between revisions
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<blockquote class="zak_blockquote zak_blockquote_council"> | <blockquote class="zak_blockquote zak_blockquote_council"> | ||
<p>Others will tell you that we are no different from them, in that we should demand no more respect and they should expect no less.</p> | <p>Others will tell you that we are no different from them, in that we should demand no more respect and they should expect no less.</p> | ||
<p>This, however, is not the way of the Zuìgāo. We know that if your ancestors were not the best they could be, you would be Zuìxiǎo. However, look upon yourself — clearly, you are not! You are of | <p>This, however, is not the way of the Zuìgāo. We know that if your ancestors were not the best they could be, you would be Zuìxiǎo. However, look upon yourself — clearly, you are not! You are of better blood, superior in every way to them. You are one of us, one of the Zuìgāo. Take pride in this if you were not to do so in any other thing.</p> | ||
<p>Remember, what the Zuìgāo seeks is in himself; what everyone else seeks is in found in others. We are the providence of the inferior, we are the eyes for the blind, strength for the weak and a shield for the defenseless. We will force them to remember this. For every commonality we may have, we will be the one thing they cannot: we will be Zuìgāo.</p> | <p>Remember, what the Zuìgāo seeks is in himself; what everyone else seeks is in found in others. We are the providence of the inferior, we are the eyes for the blind, strength for the weak and a shield for the defenseless. We will force them to remember this. For every commonality we may have, we will be the one thing they cannot: we will be Zuìgāo.</p> | ||
<cite>Qingmen the Greater's Speech to Gōngjiān Emissaries</cite></blockquote> | <cite>Qingmen the Greater's Speech to Gōngjiān Emissaries</cite></blockquote> | ||
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The Zuìgāo Elves have always considered themselves as the pinnacle of life on their world so the realization that they were not alone in the universe came as an unpleasant shock. They were one of the founding members of the Planar Council, though their reasons for doing so were not entirely pleasant — they felt that their presence was required for it to actually succeed. | The Zuìgāo Elves have always considered themselves as the pinnacle of life on their world so the realization that they were not alone in the universe came as an unpleasant shock. They were one of the founding members of the Planar Council, though their reasons for doing so were not entirely pleasant — they felt that their presence was required for it to actually succeed. | ||
At one point in their evolutionary history, their ancestors split into two different lineages. The Zuìgāo Elves are lithe, more fragile but intellectually capable | At one point in their evolutionary history, their ancestors split into two different lineages. The Zuìgāo Elves are lithe, more fragile but intellectually capable whereas the <span class="tooltipcursor tooltip" title=""The Least"">[[Zuìxiǎo Elf|Zuìxiǎo Elves]]</span> are more muscular and durable but still possess only a rudimentary level of intelligence. Through the years, the Zuìgāo Elves have selectively bred their Zuìxiǎo Elven cousins to be a labor force in addition to sweetening their blood. Zuìxiǎo Elven blood is treated as a [[Gōngjiā|Gōngjiān]] delicacy but on other planes, it is viewed in a more depraved manner. | ||
<h1 class="race_physiology_header">Physiology</h1> | <h1 class="race_physiology_header">Physiology</h1> | ||
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Unsurprisingly, Zuìgāo physiology is nearly identical to most other bipedal mammalian species. Their body consists of the legs, the torso, the arms, the neck, and the head. | Unsurprisingly, Zuìgāo physiology is nearly identical to most other bipedal mammalian species. Their body consists of the legs, the torso, the arms, the neck, and the head. | ||
Development of muscle mass is diminished when compared to other sophonts causing the Zuìgāo to have more sinewy builds than bulky ones. Visual muscle definition is decreased as well, causing Zuìgāo that exhibit more physical traits to still appear puny in stature. The Zuìgāo instead are built to focus more on agility, reflex and mental development. | Development of muscle mass is diminished when compared to other sophonts causing the Zuìgāo to have more sinewy builds than bulky ones. Visual muscle definition is decreased as well, causing Zuìgāo that exhibit more physical traits to still appear puny in stature. The Zuìgāo instead are built to focus more on agility, reflex, and mental development. | ||
The cerebral cortex of the Zuìgāo is larger than typically found with other sophonts, leading to increased mental capabilities. Their frontal lobe specifically seems further developed, giving them enhanced functionality in areas such as problem solving, | The cerebral cortex of the Zuìgāo is larger than typically found with other sophonts, leading to increased mental capabilities. Their frontal lobe specifically seems further developed, giving them enhanced functionality in areas such as problem-solving, judgment, organization, attention, concentration, planning and emotional expression. This can be reflected in many of the cultures the Zuìgāo developed on Gōngjiā and the desirability some have for Zuìgāo in certain careers and positions. | ||
The common ancestor of the Zuìgāo and Zuìxiǎo was | The common ancestor of the Zuìgāo and Zuìxiǎo was an ape-like mammal that existed in both plains and dense forests. Those that continued to evolve in the plains developed bodies more designed for running and mental faculties for communicating in social groups and outsmarting competing predators and prey. It is thought that this was also when they started developing habits and physiology of opportunistic hematophagy, or the ability to digest blood as a foodstuff. | ||
A Zuìgāo's skin tends to be very pale which sometimes leads to it being confused for albinism. Though some variation exists based primarily on geographical location, it is a much narrower gamut of colors than some other sophonts. The eyes of Zuìgāo are unique as the sclera and iris are the same, solid color which gives their eyes a unified, single color. | A Zuìgāo's skin tends to be very pale which sometimes leads to it being confused for albinism. Though some variation exists based primarily on geographical location, it is a much narrower gamut of colors than some other sophonts. The eyes of Zuìgāo are unique as the sclera and iris are the same, solid color which gives their eyes a unified, single color. | ||
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The newborn will be completely reliant on their parents for one year before being able to start to walk on their own. During the toddler phase, the Zuìgāo will become more mobile and independent, as well as learning to express their emotions and communication skills. | The newborn will be completely reliant on their parents for one year before being able to start to walk on their own. During the toddler phase, the Zuìgāo will become more mobile and independent, as well as learning to express their emotions and communication skills. | ||
Zuìgāo children develop slower than some other sophonts and exhibit more childlike tendencies for up to ten years after their toddler phase. During this time their unique personalities develop and they become more familiar with their physical selves, developing their sense of balance and knowledge of their physical limitations. Over the period of adolescence the Zuìgāo physical development will finalize | Zuìgāo children develop slower than some other sophonts and exhibit more childlike tendencies for up to ten years after their toddler phase. During this time their unique personalities develop and they become more familiar with their physical selves, developing their sense of balance and knowledge of their physical limitations. Over the period of adolescence, the Zuìgāo physical development will finalize ending with sexual maturation. Adulthood can last for up to 75 years before the body starts exhibiting signs of aging into elderhood. | ||
=== Diet === | === Diet === | ||
Revision as of 22:30, 24 May 2019
Others will tell you that we are no different from them, in that we should demand no more respect and they should expect no less.
This, however, is not the way of the Zuìgāo. We know that if your ancestors were not the best they could be, you would be Zuìxiǎo. However, look upon yourself — clearly, you are not! You are of better blood, superior in every way to them. You are one of us, one of the Zuìgāo. Take pride in this if you were not to do so in any other thing.
Remember, what the Zuìgāo seeks is in himself; what everyone else seeks is in found in others. We are the providence of the inferior, we are the eyes for the blind, strength for the weak and a shield for the defenseless. We will force them to remember this. For every commonality we may have, we will be the one thing they cannot: we will be Zuìgāo.
Qingmen the Greater's Speech to Gōngjiān Emissaries
The Zuìgāo Elves have always considered themselves as the pinnacle of life on their world so the realization that they were not alone in the universe came as an unpleasant shock. They were one of the founding members of the Planar Council, though their reasons for doing so were not entirely pleasant — they felt that their presence was required for it to actually succeed.
At one point in their evolutionary history, their ancestors split into two different lineages. The Zuìgāo Elves are lithe, more fragile but intellectually capable whereas the Zuìxiǎo Elves are more muscular and durable but still possess only a rudimentary level of intelligence. Through the years, the Zuìgāo Elves have selectively bred their Zuìxiǎo Elven cousins to be a labor force in addition to sweetening their blood. Zuìxiǎo Elven blood is treated as a Gōngjiān delicacy but on other planes, it is viewed in a more depraved manner.
Physiology
Anatomy
Unsurprisingly, Zuìgāo physiology is nearly identical to most other bipedal mammalian species. Their body consists of the legs, the torso, the arms, the neck, and the head.
Development of muscle mass is diminished when compared to other sophonts causing the Zuìgāo to have more sinewy builds than bulky ones. Visual muscle definition is decreased as well, causing Zuìgāo that exhibit more physical traits to still appear puny in stature. The Zuìgāo instead are built to focus more on agility, reflex, and mental development.
The cerebral cortex of the Zuìgāo is larger than typically found with other sophonts, leading to increased mental capabilities. Their frontal lobe specifically seems further developed, giving them enhanced functionality in areas such as problem-solving, judgment, organization, attention, concentration, planning and emotional expression. This can be reflected in many of the cultures the Zuìgāo developed on Gōngjiā and the desirability some have for Zuìgāo in certain careers and positions.
The common ancestor of the Zuìgāo and Zuìxiǎo was an ape-like mammal that existed in both plains and dense forests. Those that continued to evolve in the plains developed bodies more designed for running and mental faculties for communicating in social groups and outsmarting competing predators and prey. It is thought that this was also when they started developing habits and physiology of opportunistic hematophagy, or the ability to digest blood as a foodstuff.
A Zuìgāo's skin tends to be very pale which sometimes leads to it being confused for albinism. Though some variation exists based primarily on geographical location, it is a much narrower gamut of colors than some other sophonts. The eyes of Zuìgāo are unique as the sclera and iris are the same, solid color which gives their eyes a unified, single color.
Averaging 6 feet 3 inches in height, even the shortest Zuìgāo at around 6 feet can stand over most, with the tallest of them being measured at 6 feet 6 inches. Both male and female Zuìgāo average 195 lbs. in weight.
Life Cycle
Reproduction starts with internal fertilization and the formation of a single embryo, though in rare occurrences up to three may develop simultaneously. Zuìgāo pregnancy lasts typically for a period of ten months, after which the female will give birth to her young.
The newborn will be completely reliant on their parents for one year before being able to start to walk on their own. During the toddler phase, the Zuìgāo will become more mobile and independent, as well as learning to express their emotions and communication skills.
Zuìgāo children develop slower than some other sophonts and exhibit more childlike tendencies for up to ten years after their toddler phase. During this time their unique personalities develop and they become more familiar with their physical selves, developing their sense of balance and knowledge of their physical limitations. Over the period of adolescence, the Zuìgāo physical development will finalize ending with sexual maturation. Adulthood can last for up to 75 years before the body starts exhibiting signs of aging into elderhood.
Diet
The Zuìgāo evolved with an omnivorous diet, allowing them to take full advantage of their surroundings. Though they had a large variety of things available, the Zuìgāo prefer simplicity when it comes to their diets.
Like other sophonts, diets vary on a regional and cultural basis. Zuìgāo stomachs are very efficient and so have no problems adapting to foods found on the other planes.
Gōngjiān Zuìgāo will imbibe the blood of Zuìxiǎo on a regular basis and is a regular part of their diet. While many enjoy it fresh, it is often fermented and made into a type of alcoholic beverage. It is also used regularly in cooking. While digesting their blood is acceptable, even the Zuìgāo will not eat their flesh in any way.
Biological Variation
The Zuìgāo exhibit many biological differences from individual to individual, some being based on climate. Skin color, blood type, eye and hair colors are the most obvious though variation in facial shape, hair length and height typically vary as well.
Many of these features have a genetic basis and members of family units will often have similar appearances to their relatives. Another trait that does seem to vary that isn't genetic however is hematophagic tendencies — some Zuìgāo are more willing to engage in the practice than others with Zuìgāo raised off-world sometimes completely lacking the need or urge to engage in it.
History
Evolutionary History
Pre-History
Finality of Form
Society
Pre-Civilization
Transition to Civilization
Ethnicities
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<xh3>Example Ethnicity Fake Header</xh3>
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Culture
Refer to Cultural Details
Zuigao Elf, High Elf