Valos Biology

Sex Phases

The Valos cycle through male and female phases over the course of a year. The male phase is called the Haira and the female phase Etsera. It should be noted that the Valos do not simply shift from one to another, but are in a constant state of change akin to the phases of the moon, waxing and waning. He will begin male and slowly change, his biology and hormones readjusting to accomidate the body's energy towards the female reproductive system, leaving him in an in-between sexes state known as Kala. From the Kala state the female sex traits will become dominant and he will enter Etsera, his female phase growing towards a "peak" and then changing back, leaving him in a functional female stage for about three to four months, then the Kala phase again. From the Kala phase his hormones change again and he begins to enter the Haira.

The Valos are born male and refer to themselves as such. The first stages of puberty are strictly masculine in nature, with a Valon's voice breaking and his shoulder's broadening, etc. Soon after his first phase will begin, adding feminine developement, including widening hips and breasts. Breasts are strangely an imperminent feature and swell and decrease with the phases. Most Valos have small breasts for this reason, but some develope larger breasts that remain apparent even in the Haira. Aside from this, the sex phases generally determin to which reproductive function the  body's energy is placed. Sex organs do not change between phases. A Valon in midst of Etsera will find it difficult to impregnate his partner, while in the Haira will rarely be able to conceive.

When pregnant, the Valon's cycling of the phases halts and all functions go towards the baby. As such, pregnancy perminantly alters a Valon's cycle. The Valos do not have a safe method of abortion and do not attempt it unless the pregnant Valon's life is in jeopardy. Delivery among the Valos is dangerous, as they are originally men in design and overall not meant to give birth, and unfortunately death is common. Even if the Valon survives there is a chance of long term or perminant damage. For this reason, most Valos choose only to give birth once in their lives. Siblings of partnered parents will often have different dams, even though they are full siblings.

Half Karkans

About one-fourth of the current Valos population has some Karkan blood in them. Half karkans are generally accepted members of society, considered Valos in every way except in appearance and their telepathy. There are exceptions, mostly in the tribes that do not travel or interact with those of Karkan blood often. These tribes may feel threatened by a half karkan and ostracize them.

Half Karkans have the grey skin of their sire, with wild red, white, or black hair, and blank white eyes. When upset, their eyes may glow yellow. Some half karkans develope horns or ridges on their face, shoulders, or back as they age. Quarter karkans look mostly human, though may have a trait or two of their half-karkan parent. This is more likely if the half karkan was their dam.

All half karkans have telepathy to an extent, but even strong ones are untrained in their skill. The telepathy can be used to breach language barriers by "dumping" necessary language information into a recipient. A half karkan may reach into another's mind by way of touch and unbury horrific memories or fears. They are stunted in their ability to empathize with others, though they can learn. A quarter karkan also possesses limited telepathy, restricted to touch only. Rarely does the generation after that have the ability, though they can read others emotions well.

Puberty

The earliest stages of puberty for a Valon are those of a young male. The adolescent will begin to grow taller at an increased rate, his shoulders will widen, and his voice will drop. Soon after his first shift into etsera phase begins, though may not fully manifest on the first shift. The Valon's hips will widen slightly and he will develop breasts. At this stage the body and hormones are in chaos and teenaged Valos are generally a hell to be around. Many adults will send the adolescents out on quests of adulthood or self discovery but everyone knows it's just to get the teenager out of everyone's hair for a few days.

Valos Aging

The Valos lifespan averages 150 years. As such, they tend to look younger than they actually are, and the older the valon, the larger the gap between their actual age and their physical age. This varies per individual, of course.

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