Species Highlight: Kov'Ie (Kah-vuh)
TW// Mention of R*gurgitation and mention of g*nitalia(however nothing graphic)
The Kov'Ie are an amphibious tauric species which prodomiantly lives in the oldest sector of Crasolara, Also known as the Arboreal Reef. Once a fully quatic species, they have rather healthy adapted to the evaporation of the vast waters.Their ancestors had strong swimming legs, webbed feet, powerful pectoral fins and even claws used to crack open shells. As the waters began to dry up, the Kov'ie bravely began to adapt accordingly. Now, the modern Kov'Ie have grown to be able to scale mountains(similar to a mountain goat) and breathe on land. As well as gaining a tauric frame
they have yet to fully lose the claws near the bottom half's abdomen. They still remain of use, to help gather coral bark and other aquatic plants. Despite owning both lungs (which are exceptionally large) and gills, Kov'Ie must keep themselves moist to avoid their skin from sun damage (peeling, cracking and bleeding). The long squishy jellyfish like pad( called the Vragen)down their backs can hold enough moisture for 4-6 days. It secretes a thick gelatinous like mucus that coats their bodies. In regards to their skin, it's smooth and has an almost silicone-like texture. However, while it is extremely sensitive and thin, newer generations seem to be developing thicker skin to help withstand the changing environment.
Female Traits: Females tend to have more of a small ,yet sharp beak-like mouth(the nostrils being on the sides of the nose bridge)to make the regurgitation easier between mother and child. Since they aren't mammals, they regurgitate. Female Kov'Ie are also generally taller than the males ranging from 9ft up to 11ft. Their skin tone is a darker tone gray with jade colored limbs. However, their head shape is longer and more slim compared to the male counterpart. They also have slimmer tails and rounded fins/ears
-Alpha/Chieftainess Traits: While sharing the same features as the average female, the dominant female sports an long and wide collar-like crest fin around the neck. Small protruding spines decorate the edges of the fin. While all Kov'Ie carry this gene(In the case of the Chieftainess' death, the next in line will take over), it is more likely to surface in older females. Another clear distinction is the limb color. While the usual is a shade of jade, the Alpha tends range from lilac to mauve in hue. As well as longer earlobe fins that hang downward. Another difference is the amount of fingers on each hand. Most have 3(including thumb) but the domainate female has 4!
Male Traits(pictured below): Unlike their female counterparts, the male Kov'Ie have shorter yet more stocky bodies. Despite the appearance of a flat face, their nostrils still remain on the sides of the nasal bridge. The earlob fins are usually brighter in hue and more pointed. In addition, the Vragen down their backs is thicker and more defined, nearly looking more opaque than translucent. (giving them a higher stamina) Near the tip of the tail, there's a large fan like webbing that(along with the fins on the ears) emit a pulsating glow during mating season. The makes limbs tend to be on the lighter side of blues like periwinkle to sky blue.
(old af drawing lmao sorry it took me a while to think about these guys)
Kov'Ie are an ovoviviparous species. Meaning that they do produce eggs, however the baby hatches from inside of the mother. Similar to sharks,The embryos tend to feed off both from the mother and the unfertilized eggs.(Oophagy)
In regards to genitalia, they are very similar to avians and are located on the lower four legged half of the body.
The average lifespan of a Kov'ie ranges around 70 to 197 years, however with a good diet, rest, and activeness, they can even reach 230!(as the current Chieftainess)
Despite being omnivores, Kov'Ie typically prefer to eat insects, tree bark, roots and berries over meat or fish. With a digestive system similar to a cow, they'll "re-chew" tougher roots and stems so it'll digest better, or they'll feed their young through regurgitation. Some of the plants that they consume are typically poisonous, but over time they've built up a natural immunity. They believe in "No waste" and typically try to find use (for food and non food items) for every part of the plants or animals/insects. They have a habit of fermenting, candying, drying and other ways to make the food last longer, especially during the heavy rain and snowfall seasons.
They are capable of using spoken word languages, however when it comes to communication between the others of the tribe, they greet each other via a form of throat singing. Thanks to structure of their vocal cords and lungs, this method is just as easy as regular singig. Every name "spoken" this way and is completely unique. Even if the two names are the same, the call is different. The range and harmony are nearly like snowflakes. Once the young reach a certain age, they are taught their song, and they practice it with eagerness. The Kov'Ie even use this "language" with visitors (Sapieod included).
The social structure of the Kov'Ie tribe operates similar to the clownfish. With the females having higher ranks. However, that doesn't mean the males are treated poorly. They tend to handle jobs like hunting/farming, nursing/doctors, cooking and tending to the livestock. While the lower ranking females (and occasionally the Chieftainess herself) help with the common chores, they still respect the males work. The females get jobs like blacksmithing, merchants, judges and guards. This also ties in with their "Nothing goes to waste" principal. All of them work together to keep things running, is similar to the way the roots, leaves, stems and seeds of a plant all work together to keep it alive. That's the belief of the true leader.The sole purpose of the leader is to keep the peace, ensuring the welfare of the tribe (including the Sapieods that take refuge there) and upholding the deeply rooted traditions. She will also train the second in command of everything that's needed of them in the case of her death. Becoming the head of the tribe is a huge celebration and that's the main occasion of when Kov'Ie's eat meat and fish.
expect more filler to make up for the long gaps
