Polda (POL-dah)
The Polda are an intelligent race who are deeply fascinated by the work they can do with their hands. As a result, they're among the most skilled craftspeople in the Middle Realm. Though they tend to settle close to or within Suktu communities, they're generally more introverted and individualistic.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Bipedal, with two arms and two legs. Their skeletal and muscular structures are compact and on the smaller side.
Biological Traits
Most intelligent peoples, including the Polda themselves, often have a difficult time discerning a Polda individual's gender because most possess few differences in facial structure and have similarly stocky builds.
Growth Rate & Stages
They take around 17 years to mature physically, though like all other intelligent races, mental maturity takes a few years longer.
Ecology and Habitats
They thrive in cold, snowy climates. When settling on their own, they build clusters of longhouses, but they do also have a propensity toward living among the Suktu in the Tall Cities.
Dietary Needs and Habits
They eat whatever they can grow, farm, and trade for without much distinction, though they typically devour meat with the most delight. Though they will eat offal like the Suktu, this isn't their first instinct.
Behaviour
The Polda are insatiably creative. They typically spend as much time as possible crafting objects ranging from practical tools to stunning artworks.
Additional Information
Facial characteristics
Their faces are round and they have delicate, pointed noses. Sharp teeth crowd their mouths, contrasting with their large, round eyes. They usually cover the lower portions of their faces out of shyness regarding their teeth (as well as to ensure that the air they breathe isn't too frigid.)
Geographic Origin and Distribution
They can be found in the southern portions of the Middle Realm (anywhere snow is present for at least part of the year and the weather isn't too warm in the summer.)
Average Intelligence
As one of the Realms' intelligent races, the Polda are capable of demanding intellectual pursuits like advanced mathematics, architecture, and sciences. In particular, the items they craft demonstrate their handiness and creativity.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Their senses of sight and hearing are excellent. Their smell is decent. They aren't hindered by low-light conditions.
Civilization and Culture
Beauty Ideals
The Polda see eyes as being the most beautiful part of the body. Their eyes are larger than many other races' in proportion to the rest of their faces and are extremely expressive. Healthy, alert eyes are praised as a standard of beauty.
Gender Ideals
Little distinction is seen between genders because of the Polda's physically androgynous nature. Though some identify as men or women, many others completely disregard the entire concept and choose to live gender-neutral lives.
Historical Figures
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Lifespan
95 to 115 years
Average Height
4 feet 6 inches to 5 feet
Average Weight
100 to 130 lbs
Average Physique
The Polda are small yet sturdy, with bodies made to thrive in the cold. Their stocky builds are well-suited to feats of endurance rather than speed.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
They're usually pale in coloration, with light skin and white, blond, washed-out gray, or (rarely) dilute red hair. Their eyes can be light shades of blue, green, or pink.
Geographic Distribution