Gentlings

Gentlings are a peaceful, sharing society and have no natural predators. While they experience life as individuals, they have a deep connection to each other.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Gentlings are medium-sized, hairy creatures with four limbs. They can walk upright or on all fours. They are better gardeners than swimmers, and fear the ocean.

Genetics and Reproduction

Gentlings mate in 4s - two male, two female. One pair is considered the leaders, the other are helpers, but all children born are given the family name of the top pair. Children are born three at a time, although often one is still-born. They are tiny at birth, living in the mother's small pouch until they are old enough to be removed to the nursery.

Growth Rate & Stages

Growth is rapid until age 3, when they are about half the size of an adult. By age 10 they are fully grown, however their hair doesn't fully grow in until age 12. The average lifespan is 50 cycles. Towards the end of life, they become more stooped. Sense of smell wains, and elders most often use all four limbs to move around, remaining close to the ground. It is extremely difficult to move very young and very old Gentlings.

Ecology and Habitats

They can survive in most climates where food can be grown, the species is extremely adaptable. Any babies born into a different climate/situation immediately adjusts the size they will grow to and amount of hair they will produce. They are not great at swimming or climbing, they fear the ocean and do not build settlements near cliffs or on mountains.

Dietary Needs and Habits

They eat mostly fruits and nuts, some fish. They grow and harvest what they eat, foraging if necessary. They are good map-makers and gardeners, only weather issues really catch them off guard. They use found storage systems from those who came before, which are adequate at guarding from pests and small foragers who might try to steal food. Gentlings will often make pets of smaller animals who are unable to feed themselves.

Biological Cycle

Gentlings are more active during cooler months, sluggish in summer. They shed regularly regardless of time of year. Many spend warmer months on artistic pursuits if they are in a group which is already thriving.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

They have good sight, excellent smell (they can smell when fruit begins to rot, or when a storm is coming hundreds of miles away) and adequate hearing. They also have an emotional sense which is connected to every other member of the species. If a large number of Gentlings are in distress, the others will not be able to function well as they feel that distress.