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Mothlie

Name: Mothlie
Creator: Wane
Home Zone: Bluster
Project Appearances: Arcade Session (Trinket)
Species Development Thread: Species Development: Mothlies


This article contains brief + simple mentions of reproduction, but is SFW.

Mothlies are a species of insectoid morbitians with thick fur that are native to Taverne. Mothlies no longer occupy their home zone of Bluster and their populations are scattered across Taverne.

Origin

Mothlies were created in Bluster by the late Wane, who created the traveller morph as the first variety of mothlie.

Culture

Mothlies originated in Bluster but have since been scattered across Taverne due to the death of Wane and the subsequent deterioration of Bluster. A large number of mothlies perished following the period of time where their home zone fell into chaos, due to the power vacuum caused by the god's death. They now reside in the colder regions of Taverne, such as Solitudeand the few settlements that remain in Whimsy, due to its increasingly frigid climate as the region dies. They heavily favor these colder climates, with many mothlies that have settled in regions such as Precipice and Wonder finding it uncomfortable. There are very small populations of them in Consumption, the majority of them imported by Spit's followers who escaped from their fate.

They are still associated closely with their god and have gained a nigh infamous reputation since her death, the death of a high god put them at the forefront of public knowledge.

Mothlies who worship mostly follow Wane, Wax, and Velvet. Some also follow Grind, Alloy, and Rein but to a lesser degree. Mothlies will rarely worship Spit, due to her responsibility for the death of their creator, and many view her with the utmost contempt.

Mothlie family life is centered around clans, groups founded on bloodlines that share reputation and status. Clan reputation goes back generations, with the notoriety of deeds, be they fond or foul, extending to all members of the clan. The clans educate their children over formal schooling, clanless mothlies often struggle in regard to their education due to this, although adoption is very common, especially post Wane's death.

Mothlies have a number of struggles do to their unique position. They often require specialized air conditioning equipment capable of reaching comfortably temperatures for them, and they have higher rates of physical ailments due to overheating. Many mothlies attempt to shave portions of their bodies to live more comfortably but due to cultural values, this is often seen as a surrender to the local elements.

Mothlie homes tend to be large, lodge-like, and sprawling. Their spaces are sometimes spread out over multiple clan-owned buildings. The interiors are covered in trophies and well-worn fabrics. Lights are highly valued due to their attraction to it, and unique lighting elements, like string lights or chandeliers, are commonplace in a mothlie home. Since their exodus, many mothlie have struggled to adjust to the more individualist lifestyles of other regions.

Mothlie fur is an excellent insulator and is highly valued in fashion for its soft texture. Some mothlie subsist entirely off selling their fur.

While capable of flight, many mothlies have abandoned the ability altogether, as many other Taverne do not have the ability and it doesn't have many applications in the other regions of Taverne. Though most clothing still accommodates their wings.

Combat is a major part of mothlie culture, both formal and informal. Wane's love of bloodsports influenced this admiration for battle. They are naturally adept fighters, with novice mothlies capable of standing up to adepts of other species due to their superior strength. They utilize their strong teeth and claws in close combat, grappling with their foes, and using their senses to pick up on the slightest of tells. Fatal blows are frowned upon in the modern era but combat to death can rarely occur. Weapons are highly valued due to this fascination with combat, swords and other blades above all else. Many mothlies will walk about armed, even in completely peaceful areas.

Mothlies greatly value storytelling as a skill and their oral tradition is rich in tales of conquest and battle, though as with all oral traditions, they do fall prey to warping as they pass around. Many mothlies have since found careers in writing, codifying these oral traditions into books, television shows, movies, and epic poems.

Appearance

Mothlie body shapes can vary wildly, but most have segmented carapaced bodies.

Their markings are inspired by moth markings, especially on their wings, their markings on the carapace are more flexible.

They naturally have muted color palettes, greyscale being very common.

Mothlies have large heads and eyes with antenna that resemble eyebrows. Hair is uncommon but not unheard of, excluding the hunter morph, which almost always has hair.

They lack paw pads, tails, and visible ears.

They typically have stout bodies with four arms and two legs. Their hands are claws and they lack noticeable feet.

Nearly all mothlies have large wings and most are capable of flight.

Mothlie range from 3'6“ to 5'6” at normal adult height.

Mothlie voices are composed of growls and roars, surprising many who have never heard one before.

Biology

Mothlies have an exoskeleton, muscles, nerves, organs, and blood.

They have sharp teeth, often tusks and fangs.

Mothlies are primarily carnivorous but can consume plants and other food as sparingly.

Mothlies are very active and require a lot of physical activity to remain healthy.

Mothlie emote with their antennae and hands, exaggerated motions are common.

Their eyes are large and extend off of the head in most cases, though some morphs have hidden eyes.

Their wings are fragile and do not heal easily, with some older mothlies having significant wear/damage to theirs.

Mothlies prefer to be active during the night and may struggle to remain awake during the day.

Life Cycle/Family Structure

Mothlies reproduce sexually and have minimal sexual dimorphism.

They lay eggs in clutches of 5-7 at a time. Their children are known as kids, and resemble caterpillars until they hit a period of adolescence, typically around 13 years old, at which point they form a cocoon and go dormant for up to a year before emerging as an adolescent mothlie. They are still considered children until age 18, however.

Mothlie clans are sprawling and accommodate for new kids as best as they can, making sure to provide resources and safety for their dormant young.

Orphaned mothlie kids are in great danger due to their vulnerable dormancy period, making rehoming them, even with other species, a necessity for survival.

Proper nutrition and safety are required for a mothlie kid to cocoon, and those who don’t either evolve into [undeveloped morph] or die.

Mothlies are fine with either casual or committed relationships, but marriages between mothlies can join clans together into one, sometimes to great turmoil and disagreement.

If a mothlie leaves their clan, it is typically some point after cocooning due to the dangers of being an orphaned mothlie.

Genetics

Mothlie morphs are inspired by different kinds of mythical monsters, such as; werewolves, fairies, cryptids, beasts, etc. Their inspiration favors monsters that are associated with forested areas.

Mixed morph children tend to exhibit more of one morph’s trait than the other, with some blended traits including carapace style, wing style, and eye shape.

Traveller mothlies were the first morph, made to be simple but versatile.

Mothlie hybrids are extremely rare and often do not live long enough to go into dormancy, but often develop multiple arms, antennae, and wings if they manage to live that long.

Common mothlie mutations include size increase, hunger increase, issues regulating emotions, insomnia, extra eyes, extra arms, larger claws, issues cocooning/going into dormancy, radically changed appearance after metamorphosis.

Morphs

Traveller

The first mothlie morph to exist, traveller mothlies are named such due to their wandering natures. Such a name became ironic after Wane’s death and their displacement from their homes, but many wear it with pride all the same.

The traveller morph is based on story protagonists and adventurers and is the least specialized of all mothlie morphs. They have very rounded features and blunter claws than some other morphs. They have two notable fangs, a smooth carapace, and a fluffy mane. They are most closely associated with Wane and Bluster.

Lycan

Attracted to the moon, lycan mothlies are most active during full moons, full of energy and high spirits. Conversely, eclipses induce an almost hibernation-like state, their constantly changing energy levels leaving them struggling to fit into society outside of Bluster.

The lycan morph is based on werewolves and has a more fearsome appearance. They have sharp features, with pointed wings, almond-shaped eyes, slit pupils, and long tusks. Lycan mothlies have a softer appearance, with a furred, fluffy carapace, fluffy antenna, and a large mane. They are also closely associated with Wane, but also her lesser gods, and Bluster.

Hunter

Hunter mothlies feel a deep hunger rivaled only by the terrors they grappled with before Wane’s death, acting as protectors for their communities. Despite their frightening appearances, hunters are just as prone to kindness as any other person, with many using their size and strength to aid those who need it.

The hunter morph is based around legends of monsters and beasts. They have a fearsome appearance as well but are more approachable. They have eyes hidden under a shaggy head of hair with slit pupils. Their wings have the appearance of being tattered and antler-like antenna. Their mane falls in pleats over their smooth carapace and their arms end in long, sharp claws. They typically possess two pairs of tusks, unlike other morphs. Their strength makes them more equipped to survive in hostile environments and are closely associated with Consumption due to this. They are of course associated with their home zone of Bluster, but to a lesser degree.

Fae

Despite their sometimes dainty appearances, fae mothlies are just as strong as their peers, if not more so due to their agility. Attracted to small trinkets, many fae mothlies make their keep from trading objects they find interesting.

The fae morph is based on fae and faerie, specifically varieties of which that act as tricksters, whether good-natured or malicious. They have scalloped wings and extravagantly shaped eyes which give the impression of lashes. They have slit pupils, long claws, a poofy mane comparable to a scarf, small fangs, and a smooth carapace. Their antenna are large and curling. They are associated with Whimsy and Velvet.

Cryptid

The rarest of the mothlie morphs, cryptid mothlies are scarce even within the sparse Taverne population itself. Easily spotted by their glowing eyes, many believe that they’ve encountered some manner of ghost…aside from mundane situations, anyway.

The cryptid morph is associated with cryptids and other cryptozoological phenomena. They are covered nearly head to toe with fluffy fur, even their wings covered in the dense fur, which makes them completely silent in flight. Only their hands and thick claws are uncovered by their fur. They have round, pupil-less eyes that swirl with color, above that, are two thick, round antenna. Their mouth is hidden by their fur. They are associated with Solitude and Rein.

"Normal" Mothlies

Mutated/Modified Mothlies

Mothlie Hybrids