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Biology PSI Society Homeworld Language Background Notes
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Tamain average 1.5 meters tall. Surface covering is feathers. They have two wings, mounted on their sides/back which allow them to fly. Their single head has a full 360 degree rotation ability. They are equipped with a relatively short, yet very strong and sharp curved beak, used for capturing, holding, and ripping their prey, as they are hunter-killers. They have two symmetrically mounted eyes, set at a 90 degree angle to each other. Their eyes have a high resolution lens, very efficient focusing ability for both long and short range detail viewing. Their eyes are also capable of view both the visible spectrum, as well as the infrared, allowing them to scan the landscape to detect the body warmth given off by other animals. They have two large ears, with a structure that acts as a dish to focus the sound. They have very limited smell and taste ability however. |
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Tamain are not known to posses any psionic skills, despite exhaustive testing.
Tamain government is a self-perpetuating oligarchy. Rule is by a restricted minority, with no input from the masses.
At the top are 3 individuals who comprise "The Triumverate". Currently, these three individuals are: Elder Wood, Elder Schmidtlien, and Elder Allen. (NB: names are closest English translation available)
These three, as well as 67 others then comprise the "Council of 70". These 70 individuals control all the authority in Tamain society. They are appointed from within, with vacancies being filled as required.
Society is divided, usually geographically, into "wards". Each Ward is governed by an Elder, appointed by the Council. While that Elder is under the direct authority of the Council, they are usually left to their own devices, with the Council inter-ceding rarely in the affairs of local wards.
Although there have been many notable exceptions, appointment to the Council is usually only extended to Ward Elders.
The Tamain homeworld of Toman, is a 4310 km diameter moon of a medium gas giant. It has a thin oxygen-nitrogen atmosphere with an average surface temperature of 0 degrees, and 50.1% humidity. It's composition is medium iron, with a density of 6, giving it only 0.37 G's.
The surface is comprised of 41% water (much of it in ice), 37% arboreal forest, and 22% rough hills. The forests of Toman are known for their tremendously tall trees, some over 500 meters tall.
Notice in the picture, the size of the trees in reference to the 6 cargo transport ships on the ice.
Tamain's vocal cords are not as well developed as other species'. Their own (crude) language is composed of screeches, that vary in tone and pitch. Due to their high intelligence, they rapidly learn many other languages. However, while they can understand many languages, their ability to speak them is usually very crude, if at all.
The Tamain first made contact with an Earth exploration ship in the year 2112. With help from the Humans, they developed their own space industry, with the first ships being finished in 2117. Tamain ships can be identified by their large winged surfaces, which assist in planetary re-entry, and atmospheric maneuverability. Whether it is the Tamain's natural flying ability, the design of their ships, or a combination of both is not known, but within an atmosphere they are the most agile of craft, and have never been known to have lost a conflict.
Since their first contact, they have been eager to explore new worlds and new places. Upon finding an unclaimed planet, they are quick to claim it and settle it. They are not aggressively expansionist though, and will not attempt to conquer inhabited planets.
Due to their limited taste and smell abilities, they are capable of eating nearly anything they find. It has been rumoured that they occasionally eat other species when angered, or cheated. It is *not* a good idea to attempt to cheat, or otherwise anger, a Tamain!
When treated with respect though, they are fair and well mannered. They are happy to trade with anyone, and will do so eagerly.
