Twilight Ramblings 7a - Fubarnii 101 - The Fubarnii Species
Evolution:
To give you an idea of their place among the other creatures of Anyaral, let us examine the taxonomic tree (note that these are Latinate names, given by humans – the fubarnii themselves do not use this taxonomic system). Fubarnii belong to the phylum Trivitaetasa, which covers all creatures with the three life stage system of jenta, sempa and kopa. Compare with the human phylum Chordata, which includes everything with a backbone, i.e. the three life stage system is widespread and does not necessarily denote close kinship with the fubarnii species, any more than a human is closely related to a fish. The fubarnii are classed as Molliovus (compare with human class Mammalia). This class includes all creatures who reproduce externally through expulsion of egg matter which is then fertilized. Other members of this class are the intelligent devanu, as well as many of the non-intelligent species used as working beasts by the fubarnii such as Baruk and Enuk. Order Megalopodia (compare with human order Primates) includes fubarnii and many of their working beasts, but not devanu. Megalopodia are characterised by their large hooves, limb structures, and a generally vegetarian or omnivorous diet. Family is Omnivoria, which also contains modern descendants of the fubarnii swamp-dwelling ancestor such as the Swamp Pig and Swamp Monkey. Genus and Species is megalocephalus fubarnii. It is unknown at present whether the fubarnii have any understanding of evolution and how they explain their origins (scientifically as opposed to mythologically – see later chapters for fubarnii creation myths). It is likely however that the concept would be less shocking to them than it was to Darwin’s contemporaries – after all, they share the world with other intelligent species.
Physiology:
Fubarnii, along with the rest of the Molliovus class, have no teeth. Rather, they have a beak (which grows continuously and gets worn down). A combination of overlap towards the back of the beak and rough interior cheek surfaces allows for some grinding of food, but on the whole their diet does not require this ability (they eat very little grain for example). Fubarnii also process their food through chopping and cooking, extending the range of foods which they can digest. Stomach and bowels function in a similar manner to humans, but waste is excreted through a single orifice (like a cloaca, but it does not have any reproductive function). The reproductive organs in a fubarnii are situated in the centre of the torso and are visible on the surface only as a small diamond-shaped hole. Modesty however dictates that this is hidden under clothing.
Sex:
Life stages:
A jenta matures at around ten years of age. In most fubarnii societies they are not eligible for marriage until this time, though they will have begun to learn a trade and may have been apprenticed to a kopa with intent to marry when they mature. There is a huge variation on when a sempa becomes a kopa, from as little as a year after maturation to not at all. This is influenced by a number of factors including genetic, hormonal and pheromonal. A sempa whose primary duty is caring for jenta is likely to remain a sempa, likewise a sempa dominated by a strong kopa. However, a sempa who is independent, or in charge of a group of sempa, is likely to become a kopa much more quickly. Throughout fubarnii history this trait has led to strict customs around marriage and status. As there is no immediately obvious physical difference at the point of change, most societies have implemented rites of passage which firmly determine legal status in terms of eligibility for marriage etc. Relationships between two kopa, or two sempa, or involving a jenta, are usually illegal and strictly taboo. Deceit over a fubarnii’s status during the drawing up of a marriage contract has been know to happen and is a great scandal. While fubarnii can of course distinguish established sempa and kopa through subtle visual clues and pheromones, those around the boundaries can use artificial scent and clothing to disguise their true nature. Modern fubarnii are also well aware of drugs to speed or slow progression through the life stages. The legality and use of these drugs varies between cultures. It is incredibly rare, but occasionally possible, for a kopa to revert to a sempa. Fubarnii are naturally inclined to a harem structure – one male with a group of females. Three or four wives is a respectable number in most societies; more indicates high status, fewer and you might be considered a bit odd. The politics of inheritance is hugely complicated, and it is not unusual on the death of a kopa for his oldest wife to become kopa and take the others as wives himself. A fubarnii lifespan is around 25 years, though after 20 years fertility will be greatly decreased for both sempa and kopa. In addition, a kopa may become somewhat “eccentric”, losing social skills and becoming obsessed with his own projects in a manner that might be described as rather autistic. They are often brilliant inventors, compulsive cataloguers and experts in their field, and have been responsible for some of the greatest fubarnii breakthroughs in science. They are known as Engineers, and command great respect, if rather careful handling. Note that this only occurs in kopa, not in elderly sempa.
Reproduction:
A fubarnii sempa may produce perhaps five to eight jenta in her lifetime (not all of which will necessarily survive until reproductive age), and may then become kopa and father many more. A sempa who does not become kopa may continue to produce more jenta but her fertility will tail off as she ages.