Retverse Original Species Sheets

NOCTERRAN  (Plural: Nocterrans)

Nocterrans are the dominant species on the planet Nocten, located a considerable distance from Earth.  A scientifically minded society, they have had their hands in quite a few technological breakthroughs among spacefaring races, including jump drives and self-reproductive, sentient AI. As recent as a decade ago, they nearly suffered an extinction event at the hands of marauding invaders, only surviving because of their Empress authorizing the use of a terrible weapon that genocided the entirety of the invading race.  To this day, that tragedy is memorialized planet-wide.

Nocterrans vaguely resemble more earthly jackal-folk at first glance, though they have a few distinguishing characteristics that make it impossible to completely mistake the two species.  Nocterrans universally bear fur that is purple in hue, with only the shade varying between individuals.  Albino or melanistic Nocterrans are extremely rare, to the point that the number of these individuals recorded in the last century is less than 10.  Their eyes vary in color only slightly, with the available colors being shades of purple or grey.  Individuals with yellow irises are rare, and often treated with pity.  Nocterrans are also, on average, much taller than jackal-folk, with the average Nocterran adult ranging in height from 6' 6" to 7' 0".  Individuals taller than 7' are uncommon, but not unheard of at all.  Female Nocterrans are generally taller than males.

Most infamously, adult female Nocterrans exhibit an unusual biological quirk: when aroused, their mammaries quickly and noticeably swell with milk.  The exact evolutionary rationale for this is unknown, but the quirk has become a fact of everyday life.  Attire for Nocterran women is made with this in mind, and the quirk is often mined for comical or provocative material in films, literature, and other Nocterran media. The magnitude of swelling displayed varies based on the individual, ranging from nearly imperceptible to nearly tripling the bust size of the individual.

Nocterrans have a core body temperature that is considerably lower than earthly animal folk, and are extremely uncomfortable with high temperatures; because of this, even in winter their fur is rarely very long.  Nocten boasts a cool climate year-round, thankfully.  Nocterran clothing is designed to be as breathable and cool as possible.

Nocten's atmosphere is of a very similar makeup to that of Earth, so Nocterrans may comfortably visit Earth sans rebreathers.  However, most regions of the blue planet are too warm for their tastes.

Culturally speaking, Nocterrans have a species-wide reverence for the color purple.  It is considered THE most aesthetically pleasing color, and has many positive connotations.  Generally speaking, any Nocterran-made object will incorporate purple into the design.  The color silver is also used, but is reserved for formal locations and individuals.  For example, the palace of the Empress is almost exclusively decorated in silver, as is her traditional garb.  Other colors are used sparingly, with one exception: yellow is universally considered a borderline offensive color.  Anything using yellow is considered ugly, unappealing, and at times even downright horrifying.  It is for this reason that yellow-eyed Nocterrans are treated with pity and sympathy.  It is not uncommon for these individuals to use colored contact lenses to mask their true eye color.  It is illegal by Imperial Decree to discriminate against Nocterrans born with yellow eyes; that said, the Nocterran people are not predisposed to that behavior anyway.

Though they are a scientific people, Nocterrans also have religion, and have for centuries.  They believe in a trio of deities, and it is a somewhat old-fashioned practice to name infants after one or more of these deities for luck.  For example, one famed Admiral of the Nocterran Military was named Subina, after one of these gods.

Nocten as a planet is led by one individual, the Empress.  An elected position, the Empress serves until either retirement or death.  Only female Nocterrans are eligible to hold this office.  Any other officials (Admiral, Minister of Commerce, etc.) answer to the Empress, and she has the final say on any matter.

Nocterran years are approximately 1.5 times as long as Earth years.  Nocterrans are considered legally and physically mature at 14 Nocterran years, or 21 Earth years; at this age, they may run for Empress, join the military, seek employment...

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PHANTASMAGORE (Plural: Phantasmagores) (Alternate names: Dream Eaters, Baku)

A species of demon that feeds upon dreams. Baku physically resemble some sort of hybrid of sheep and wolf, bearing distinct canine features but also a thick coat of wool, horns, and hooves.  They also have stereotypical demonic features such as a forked tongue and a long tail ending with a triangular point.  Baku have 3 eyes, one of which is located on the forehead; they are typically red in color, but occasionally yellow or even green. Heterochromia is rare in Baku, but possible, and it is even possible for all THREE eyes to vary in color.  Baku with three-color heterochromia are often derogatorily referred to as "Stoplight Baku".  Baku inhabit the Underworld, but are among the most common demons to venture out into the mortal realm, seeking dreams as sustenance.  Baku cannot eat anything other than dreams; they lack a digestive system; they consume dreams via their tertiary eye.  It is possible to thwart a feeding Baku by attacking their third eye while they eat.

Despite their inability to eat meat, Baku are equipped with long, sharp fangs and talons on their hands.  These are used for both self defense AND to frighten mortals; Baku find the nightmares of frightened mortals to be a delicacy, and so take pleasure in "salting the meat" by terrorizing their marks before feeding.  This can backfire if the mortal does not find the Baku frightening.

Baku are easily distinguished by their trademark bleating howl, stylized in most text as "BAHHHHWOO" or similar.  Despite this howl being absolutely nonthreatening audibly, it does have a supernatural effect on some individuals, causing an immediate state of panic.  Only 10% of all mortals are susceptible to this effect.

Baku are very tall on average, typically 7' to 7' 6", but it's very rare for one to be taller than that.  Like most demons, they tend to have lifespans of hundreds of thousands of years, and are effectively ageless.

Baku may peer into the thoughts of other living beings by pressing their forehead to the target's head.  This is far more effective against a sleeping target.

Baku are allergic to most common human sleep aids, and break into sneezing fits if exposed to them.  In extreme cases, they may shed copious amounts of wool when exposed as well.  Rarely, a Baku may experience swelling and itching when exposed to a sleep aiding substance.  These allergic reactions can be sated simply via exposure to the air of the Underworld.