Etausi (people)

Overview

Indigenous species of sapient reptilian six limbed bi-peds. The best estimates for global population is somewhere about two-hundred million Etausi, all sub-species combined, scattered in small pockets globally. Etausi do show a handedness preference like the treahni, favouring for the lower left hand/left side over the right side for basic tasks.

Origins

The Etausi evolved naturally on Entorais, and would have been the dominant sapient species, had the Treahni not arrived from elsewhere. Following the God Wars, they survived in scattered pockets.

General Appearance

Scales

Generally natural tones, which provide a level of camouflage matched to the local environment based on sub-species. Some colour phasing, or patterning may be present.

Hair

Etausi do not have hair, but some scaled crests, frills, spikes, or small horns may be present.

Eyes

Gold, orange, yellow, green, blue

Height

Average between 1.27-1.88 metres (50-74 inches).

Frame

Medium, average between 43-82 kilograms (95-180 pounds).

Within a single colony of etausi there is very little genetic or physical variation. Disparate colonies have changed over time, and may show extreme differences in morphology, to the extent that they appear to be distinct species.

Amphibious

Swamp dwelling Etausi Boh, and the marine Etausi Rure, in particular can and do spend significant amounts of time in and underwater in the hunting and gathering activities. They can hold their breath three or four times longer than a tre-ahni. With 6 limbs and tails to propel them, are quite fast and agile in aquatic environs.

Reproduction

The Etausi are exclusively of one sex, which reproduce parthenogenetically. Only one or two members will be in brood at a given time guarding a communal clutch of about a dozen eggs.

Egg Laying

Etausi eggs have a leathery shell, and will grow in size to accommodate the growing fetus until it is sufficiently developed to break free. Males hatch rarely (about 1 out of every thousand eggs), but do not survive due to a cultural practice of male-infanticide. If sufficient numbers of adults are in the colony, then the eggs will be well cared for, and some 97-99% of them will hatch. Of those hatchlings, infant mortality (disease, accidents, depredation) accounts for about 25% loss, so from egg to adult (9-12 years before reliable egg laying) is about 73% survival.

Lifespan

The average life expectancy of Etausi, is around 25 years. In ideal conditions an Etausi could live an extremely long time compared to Treahni.

Primary Culture

Etausi follow similar cultural patterns despite vast geographic spread, and isolation of individual colonies.

Ethnic Sub-Groups

Etausi have several sub-species distributed across the planet, in isolated pockets well suited to the locale biomes.

Etausi-Boh

Distinctive Features

Etausi-Boh are quite solid in stature compared to the other sub-species, and tend toward dark greens, blacks, and blue hues in their colouration.

Geographic Distribution

Etausi-Boh favour inland swamps, marshes, and bogs.

Height

Average between 1.27-1.78 metres (50-70 inches).

=Frame

Heavy, average between 48-80 kilograms (105-176 pounds).

Etausi-Daut

Distinctive Features

Etausi-Duat have scales of greys, blacks, and other light browns. They tend to be much smaller than average for Etausi.

Geographic Distribution

Etausi-Duat favour rocky scrublands, hilly, and mountainous regions.

Height

Average between 1.22-1.72 metres (48-68 inches)

Frame

Heavy, average between 45-76 kilograms (100-168 pounds).

Etausi-Grat

Distinctive Features

Etausi-Grat are tall and lean, with a mix of yellow, sandy tones, and browns.

Geographic Distribution

Etausi-Grat favour savanna, plains, and desert regions.

Height

Average between 1.33-1.83 metres (52-72 inches).

=Frame=-

Light, average between 48-69 kilograms (90-153 pounds).

Etausi-Mal

Distinctive Features

Etausi-Mal have scales of greenish hues, which shift with the seasonal variation through yellows, oranges and reds. During the winter months their scales take on a mix of browns and greys.

Geographic Distribution

Etausi-Mal favour forested areas.

Height

Average between 1.30-1.80 metres (51-71 inches).

Frame

Medium, average between 44-75 kilograms (97-165 pounds).

Etausi-Rure

Distinctive Features

Etausi-Rure have scales of blue, green, or black, with splashes of brighter orange, yellow or red.

Geographic Distribution

The Etausi-Rure are reef, shore, and island dwelling and spend a lot of time in and under the salt water of Entorais' oceans and seas.

Height

Average between 1.40-1.90 metres (55-75 inches).

Frame

Medium, average between 49-84 kilograms (109-185 pounds).

See Also

Etausi (culture)