♢ ARAMELLES ARE ONE OF TWO MAIN SPECIES ON CAPRICORN-13 ♢
Aramelles, also known as Aras, are small bipedal creatures that co-exist with Symprites!
While Aramelles share a common ancestor with Symprites, they are different in that they are only single organisms with no biote. Their common ancestor dates back to before the Great Merge, where a spreading disease caused communities to separate and isolate in an attempt to stop the spread of infection. As time passed, the groups never reunited and instead continued on separate evolutionary paths resulting in the two different species found today.
Aramelles are not the aquatic based creatures that Symprites are. While the ancestors of Symprites retreated to the oceans and lakes of the planet, Aramelle are descended from the groups that retreated inland instead.
There are different subclasses of Aramelle that are born dependent on the specific types of pearls laid by the Queen.
The most commonly seen class is the Standard Aramelle.
Consul Aramelles act as the voices of the communities. These Aramelles are exceptionally hardworking and observant, with strong relationship building skills. Their purpose is to maintain order and relations of Aramelle communities in a mayoral manner.
Guard Aramelles are fiercely loyal to their Queens and serve to provide for her and protect her at all costs. Not much is known of Guards, aside from what is seen as they do not often mingle with other Aramelles.
Queens are seen as a deity to all Aramelles. They populate the communities and are most often found sleeping soundly far from civilization. Queens only have one job and it is to ensure the survival of Aramelles population. During times of peace this duty is normally fulfil through laying pearls, though during harsh times the likes of which have not occurred in some time, it is rumoured they drove their communities themselves and not through a Consul.
Aramelles follow an unspoken hierarchy:
Queen → Guards → Consul → Standard Aramelles
-: ✧ :-
Consul Aramelles are a limited subclass. They specifically run as a council over the Aramellian population and it is them who decide how events and festivals are held.
Queens and Guards are NPC subclasses. Queens are solely present to populate the species and Guards exist to serve and protect the Queens. The armour and aesthetic of a Guard’s outerwear will vary depending on which lineage of Queen it descends from. A new queen gets her guards gifted from other queens, and in time will do the same in return.
Note: Members will NOT be allowed to make Queen or Guard Aramelles, they are simply roles for lore.
Aramelles have their signature glass infused keratin where the liquid within their tail softens the keratin, making it flexible, and the glass adds a layer of protection and durability akin to diamond. Their horns and tails are filled with a liquid rich in nutrients that are important to an Aramelle's health and survival. As they are still distantly related to Symprites, they do retain some of their aquatic traits, such as the patagium that stretches between their arms and legs, and their need to bathe for periods at a time to replenish their liquid filled parts.
Aramelles are covered in fur that ranges in patterns and texture. Their fur is coated lightly with their keratin glass, causing an Aramelle to feel smooth to the touch with the benefit of providing a waterproof layer. This is important as the creatures bathe to replenish their liquid pods and being drenched would render their fur too heavy to properly move.
An Aramelle's patagium is attached from the base of their wrists to the mid thigh, though they can range in shape, size and style. This membrane is generally stretchy and durable, but depending on an individual's specific lifestyle it can be prone to tearing, though uncommon.
Aramelles create and maintain their keratin glass through the consumption of sands and other hard natural minerals. Most Aramelles typically have a preferred source of sand or mineral type and often travel great distances to acquire their favourites. This has also generated a large trade market for rare sands and minerals within both Aramelle and Symprite communities.
On top of these minerals, they still need to eat a regular diet of foods like other creatures. Aramelles are omnivorous and their diets typically include berries, fruits, crops and wild vegetation, and occasionally fish provided by Symprites.
Aramelles are spawned only from Queens, who are scattered across Pangaea and populate their communities asexually. Aramelles are produced from special pearls made in the tails of Queens that are then phased out through its walls and hatch after an incubation period.
Aramelle babies are specifically called ‘mielles’. As they do not have biological parents, pearls are given to communities or adoptive parents who then raise the mielles. They typically value individuality and self-expression over societal conformity as a result of this upbringing. Aramelles are capable of being raised/and raise Symprites quite naturally without complications, though they may experience some minor cultural differences when visiting their own communities as a result.
Standard Aramelles have an average lifespan of around 120 years. Their short stature and active lifestyles help keep a strong body while their hobbies aid in keeping a sharp mind for longer as well. Guards and Consuls have been known to live as long as 300 years, but it is unknown how long queen Aramelles may live for… Some estimate upwards 500+ years, though it all depends on the care they are provided by their guards.
All Aramelles reach adulthood and maturity around the same age of 20-22. From that point on they may age differently within their subclasses and lifestyles.
Aramelles are much smaller than most of their Symprite friends (except for Tidepools), typically ranging between 2'6" and 3'9" in size. All classes share the same size range though Guards have been known to be a bit larger on average (but not by much) which is quite unlike the varying sizes between Symprite subtypes.
There is very little ancient knowledge on how Aramelles lived before the Great Merge and what does exist is closely guarded for safekeeping, spread throughout the dens of different Queens where Aramelles dare not disturb or explore. Remaining Aramellian documents do not detail what occurred for Symprites during this time, however these archived documents do contain some details of ancient Aramellian culture and history.
Aramelles highly value harvest festivals, times in which sharing and bonding is at its strongest. Celebrations can be best compared to Lunar New Years; boldly emphasizing cuisine, prosperity and family bonds. During these festivities communities come together to host huge feasts, sharing in the fruits of their labours and working together to ensure prosperity.
Aramelles are more inclined to artistic and creative pursuits. Their crafts often showcase their devotion to their queens, family and communities. Aramelles have small paws that allow them to create intricately detailed and delicate works of art, which they deeply pride themselves for. They enjoy any kind of creation including sculptures, paintings, metalwork and so on.
The month of the new year even boasts a festival where Aramelles create statues, paintings and carvings showcasing that of fish. These sculptures are often made from small logs and large sticks, painted in a way to commemorate their ancestors primary bounty.
Despite their small stature, Aramelles can carry double their body weight with ease, making it easier to be independent and handy creatures. They generally pick up creative skills quickly and love to show off their abilities, often in ways that benefit others. Aramelles are known to be resourceful and will never waste something that can be used.
Aramelles typically do not find much joy in numbers or technical thinking, preferring to have the freedom that artistic pursuits allow. They also do not enjoy manual labour or highly physical jobs, though this does not mean they will shirk their duties and will always help a friend to the best of their ability when needed.
Aramelles are genderless creatures and, as mentioned before, are unable to reproduce aside from the Queens. This does not mean that they do not form bonds and relationships. Aramelles are actually very community driven and can form them with other Aramelles and Symprites alike, either as romantic or platonic but never sexual in nature.
Despite their differences Aramelles and Symprites consider each other comrades, and they share many of the same values. The two species often attend each others festivals and events, trade and work together on a daily basis, and live in harmony with one another within communities.
Aramelles love Symprites, seeing them as admirable beings. Sometimes the sheer size of some Symprite subtypes may cause younger Aramelles who may not be accustomed to seeing them to be wary in fear of being trampled, but nevertheless still have an unbroken curiosity and fondness towards their aquatic relatives.
Containers akin to Faberge eggs are crafted by Aramelles during courtship, mainly as a profession of love towards one another. The presence of these Faberge eggs plays an important role in Aramellian culture. These eggs can be crafted by one individual or collaborated on by the adopted spouses or community, whether it is by Symprites or Aramelles. The purpose of these exquisitely crafted eggs is to provide a safe space for the pearls laid by Queens to incubate. They come in many different colours, textures, patterns and materials, and there is no limit to how fancy Aramelles will make their Faberge egg as these devoted critters just love to share their passions.
Unlike Symprites, Aramelles are not prone to hoarding their goods, preferring to share their new discoveries and creations with each other, though most likely to boast.
Technology-wise, Aramelles are very primitive and have yet to find the on button on a remote. What these creatures lack in this area they make up for artistically as they are very creatively inclined. Their natural born in creativity allow them to create more finely intricate designs and patterns almost as a natural talent, and Aramelle heritage and culture is brimming with fine arts ranging from visuals, cuisine and so much more.
