Motu

Basic Information

Anatomy

Motu are diminutive humanoids, about half the height of a human.

Growth Rate & Stages

Motu grow more slowly than humans, even correcting for their size. They take more than thirty years to reach full adulthood.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

The two largest concentrations of motu are in the Dragon's Teeth, a large equatorial island chain in the east, and in the Fallonese islands to the north. Motu legends say that they originally came from what is now Yuandi.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Motu have a given name and two family names, one from each parent. These are presented in order of given name, maternal name, paternal name.

Gender Ideals

Motu society is matriarchal, with women believed to be better suited for leadership. However, as with more patriarchal races such as humans and mardik, it is still men who do the fighting, and women who care for the children.

Relationship Ideals

Marriages, like motu life in general, are matrilocal, the husband typically moving in with his wife's family. Husbands are expected to support and protect their wives, but are not expected to take a major role in childrearing and may spend long periods away from home on hunting trips or campaigns.

Common Dress Code

Motu women who have borne a child dress to expose their breasts, a custom which originated as a way to facilitate breastfeeding but has become a status marker. When a woman gains her first grandchild, she pierces one nipple. Piercings in both nipples mean that she will no longer have any children of her own, and her last child has been weaned.

Genetic Descendants

• Lich

Scientific Name

Homo floresiensis

Lifespan

110 years

Average Height

2'8"–3'4"

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Motu have brown skin and dark curly hair. They only rarely grow facial hair, but sideburns are relatively common among older men.