The Soan

"We existed before stars graced the skin of our home. We'll be here after the dying embers of Idren's Forge have long burned to ash. We are Soan and our innerways carve through the backbones of hillsides and the broad shoulders of mountain ranges." Soan proverb.

Basic Information

Anatomy

An adult Soan stands under six feet tall. A review of its skeletal structure reveals long graceful arms and legs proportional to its torso. The head of a Soan exhibits two large eye sockets and small ridges where a smooth bone above the nose should be. Striations in the top of the skull are often revealed after the lichen that grows there is removed.

Genetics and Reproduction

Soan reach sexual maturation early in their life cycle. By the time females turn 5 years of age and males turn seven they can choose to mate and have offspring. Soan enter a transition period in early adulthood when their bioluminescence signals when they are fertile or when they desire to mate. This trait can be embarrassing for young soan and they must learn to fight their body's desires during social interactions. Younger soan tend to mate in groups, choosing multiple partners. Older soan mate alone choosing quality partners. When female Soan become pregnant, they retire to a dark place and begin the process of nesting, modifying the cave or chamber for the offspring. It is rare for soan to not have multiple births, whether young or old. Gestation in soan occurs after approximately 70 days, however due to the multitude of births happening at one time, the period of time before birth can take longer. Soan can mate with other species on Prominence. For instance, when Soan reproduce with humans, the resulting offspring is known as an Oracle.

Growth Rate & Stages

Soans develop quickly in relation to the rate that human children grow. By the time a human child has passed a year, a soan looks as if it's two or three years old. By the time a soan reaches three years of age, they resemble a teenage human. At five years, they resemble a human in their twenties.

Ecology and Habitats

Of Prominence's soan population, the majority lives underground in subterranean habitats.

Biological Cycle

Soan have multiple molting cycles when they live above ground. While underground an adult's skin can go for decades without needing to molt. Younger soan molt with more frequency as they age whether above or below. 
Soan reach peak maturation around 70 years. At maturation, soan find a place to fall into a trance. This period is highlighted by a rapid deterioration in bone mass.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Soan exhibit bioluminescence when in darkness. Outside of their natural environment their skin quickly tans to a dark green. Soan have incredible sight in dark conditions. When in the direct sunlight, their eyes take a considerable time to adjust, leaving many to wear cloaks with hoods that protect their vision.

Scientific Name

Homo Belinus