Cuttleborn

Basic Information

Anatomy

The Cuttleborn are a species of Cephalopoda people with a minimal skeletal structure that is largely favored by birds. The skin of a Cuttleborn is incredibly adaptive, able to change texture and color at will making them the stealthiest of the Undersea kingdoms. Cuttleborn are bipedal and capable of walking, however it is very taxing with their minimalist skeletal structure. Their heads resemble the cuttlefish in nature, with 8 short tentacles surrouding the mouth. Inside their mouths they have two tentalces that are able to fire out at a distance nearly their body length and a beak to crush hard shells and bones. Their arms and legs are longer tentacles with only two bones forming the upper arm, and the lower arm, and only a single flat digit at the end of the arm with suckers on it. Cuttleborn are also able to excreet an ink that is sepia in color, able to be used as a self defense mechanism.

Biological Traits

Cuttleborn are largely monomorphic but the differences in biological sexes are mostly determined through the elongation of the head. Cuttleborn with longer sleeker heads are further in the spectrum of female, while the males have more stout and round heads. Near the middle of the spectrum of sexes a Cuttleborn is capable of having both male and female sex organs, as you look further in the range towards femine or masculine, the opposite sex organs become less pronounced.

Ecology and Habitats

Cuttleborn are known for having cities in shallow waters, often built out of coral reefs with a large range of colors and textures, giving them the perfect environment for disguising themselves. They prefer homes with lots of light and often will have large holes in the roofs of their homes to let as much natural light in as possible.

Additional Information

Social Structure

With Cuttleborn having very little major difference between each, Cuttleborn controlled societies often form socialist communities where each member works for the greater good of the community. Through merit some may take positions of power to become leaders or diplomats. Individuals take up roles suited to their skills. Cuttleborn that have suffered injuries or with Camoimperette Disorder are cared for by the community and given roles that better suit their conditions.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

The bones of the Cuttleborn are often favored by avian species that have deficiencies in several metals.

Facial characteristics

Cuttleborn are distinguishable through the shape of their head and the fins that protrude from them. Since they have exceptional depth perception the changes in depth of their head shapes are more easily reconizable. They will often remember another person by this rather than features such as hair or eye color. The other species often have a difficult time differentiating between Cuttleborn due to the subtle differences in facial structures. Often when speaking with members of other species they will alter the coloration of their face to appear as more reconizable or by using the same set of clothing.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Cuttleborn are mostly found in warm or tropical waters.

Average Intelligence

Cuttleborn are rated as some of the more intelligent of the races, their spacial reasoning is beyond those of most creatures (even those living in complete darkness) and are exceptional tacticians.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Cuttleborn have a unique sense of sight. While they struggle with various colors they have incredible depth perception able to pick out incredibly minute details against a surface. This makes them exceptional at seeing other members of their own kind that are attempting to hide. Their skin also has sensory organelles that permit them the ability to match the surrounding area with supernatural precision.

Civilization and Culture

Beauty Ideals

A Cuttleborn sees beauty in a way that suits their visual style. Visual texture is the ideal for a Cuttleborn, they find pleasure in different textures based on personal preferences.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

The primary Cuttleborn language is a visual language using the color changing nature of the skin. With their increased depth perception, they are even able to communicate while completely camoflagued by changing the texture of the skin however this form of communication is highly limited.
They do have the ability to speak the vocal languages but it sounds more gutteral.

Common Dress Code

Cuttleborn are naturally inclined at wearing as few articles of clothing as possible because of their ability to alter the texture and color of their skin. Those with Camoimperette Disorder will often wear more clothing, sometimes in concentrated areas depending on affected areas of the skin.

Common Taboos

Cuttleborn see tattoos or branding as an ultimate taboo and as forms of body mutilation.

Common Myths and Legends

It is said that the Cuttleborn were made by Blinn, Goddess of Love and Water. While Blinn loved all of her creations it was the Cuttleborn that she wanted to share her love of painting with. As water was not a good place for paint, she gave them the ability to paint using their own skin as a canvas and to be able to paint on it as many times as they pleased.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Several other species have a cautious look towards the Cuttleborn as their natural camoflague makes it easier for members of the Cuttleborn society to infiltrate other societies. It is possible for entire battles to take place where a force of Cuttleborn are completely unseen by the defenders for the entire fight. When working in diplomatic scenarios, Cuttleborn will often wear large amounts of clothing to cover their bodies to reassure their diplomatic partners. This has caused a rift within the Cuttleborn people as some groups believe that the other peoples should accept them for who they are without the need to cover themselves.

Lifespan

60 years

Average Height

5ft

Average Weight

80 lbs

Average Physique

Cuttleborn are physically weaker than many other species, but only on average. Their lack of a complex skeletal structure is made up through their musculatory system of their tentacles. Some Cuttleborn train to improve this strength, while most rely on their natural dexterity.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

The body tint on a Cuttleborn is completely determined by the individual Cuttleborn. They are able to change the texture and colors on their entire body. Some are able to passively control the color of their skin with relaxation. When knocked unconscious this is shown as the receptors on their skin detect the coloration of the surround area and match it, making it difficult to find a Cuttleborn that has been knocked out.