====== Batosians ======


Batosians are the oldest known species in the world to reach sapience. They are somewhat magic in nature, but this is typically restricted to natural resistance to heat and an abnormally efficient digestive system, as well as a small degree of unconscious weight manipulation. They naturally inhabit the central plateau of the north-east continent, but are unable to travel far from it due to the scarcity of water. Interestingly enough, batosians are at home in any sweltering climate that fails to boil water, but are uncomfortable in temperate climate, and have zero interest in freezing temperatures.


===== Physiology =====


Batosians are humanoid mammals likely derived from fruit bats, though it is unknown what could provoke such dynamic change, as no evidence of any ancestral species exists. They are herbivores by nature, and feed on the abundant vegetation that grows within and around their primary plateau. Typical fur colorations vary slightly, but remain within shades of brown, with a lighter patch of fur on their underbelly. Batosians reach maturity approximately four years after birth, and have an average life span of forty-six years among those who cease from old age.

Batosians typically measure between 5'3" and 5'7", with outliers measuring as high as 5'10". The average wingspan for a batosian is 10.5 feet, with 1.5 feet being the approximate distance from one shoulder to the opposing shoulder.

Flying for batosians would not be physically possible, if not for an inherent and subconscious magical ability to lessen their own weight when they feel the urge to fly or experience a rush of adrenaline. They can actively fly for approximately ten minutes without stopping, and up to fifteen if allowed to glide. The average batosian is capable of flying at speeds of ten to fifteen miles-per-hour.

There is very little sexual dimorphism between male and female batosians. Outside of gestation and nursing, the only plainly visible differences are a slightly larger amount of fur on the front of the male's pelvis. Batosians themselves distinguish between the two by giving off unique hormones when meeting a new batosian.

The most curious biological aspect of batosians are their 'mediators.' Mediators are dwarf batosians, averaging at 3'2" with very little variance, born once out of every fifty batosians. They lack their sibling's natural manipulation over weight, thus being unable to fly, but, in turn, possess a powerful emphatic aura, which make emotions of all present apparent to all present in its immediate vicinity. The range on the emphatic aura varies wildly, based on an innumerable amount of variables such as stress, intent, the presence of other mediators, and so on, to the point where the average of twenty-eight feet does not accurately portray the mediators as a whole.


===== Culture =====


Batosians are a very physical species, their native language being a combination of words and associating arm gestures, with friendly batosians including gestures that require physical contact with their speaking partner, and more gestures are incorporated based on how well the two know each other. Two life-long friends often appear more like they're frantically hugging and petting each other than having an intricate discussion. Speaking without making any sort of gesture is a severe sign of distrust and disrespect among batosians, and is often a sign that a mediator is required before violence erupts.

As a whole, batosians find little use for clothing, as it impedes their ability to make gestures and the physiology is poorly suit for it in the first place. The most batosians will wear are pouches slung around their waist, for holding water and any oddities they collect. In place of clothing, batosians decorate their bodies with intricate tattoos collected from certain inedible plants that grow in the surrounding desert. The markings are typically white, yellow, and orange, with white symbolizing peace, yellow symbolizing wisdom, and orange symbolizing protection. The patterns of the markings themselves hold little meaning, and serve primarily as a method of identifying one from another.

Batosians are lead by a group of mediators called the 'Sparks,' who meditate in silence until one or more receives inspiration, after which, deliberation is made whether or not the idea formulated should be acted upon. 'Silence' in this context is somewhat of a misnomer, as such periods tend to last a handful of seconds between hours of deliberation. When a consensus of action is reached, the word is spread by a group of specially trained messengers known as 'Flickers,' who inform the entire colony of the information, after which it is acted out with very little question.

Batosians are not a monogamous species, seeing little purpose in reproduction other than the product itself. Instead, batosians will form a tightly knit group of friends and comrades called a Sarta, and will typically only allow newborns or exceptional individuals to join after its formation. Batosians are typically born in pairs, and either parent takes one newborn back to their Sarta. In the rare event an odd number of batosians are born, the odd left-over newborn is given to the Flickers to raise as one of them.

===== Civilization Advances =====

==== Hu'Mor'On Airships ====
After much deliberation as to whether or not it was worth it, Batosia begins using the oil given off by deceased Hu'Mor'On as a source of fuel for steam-based technologies, allowing the Sparks to revisit ideas that had once been thrown out due to the lack of a potent fuel source. As a result, Batosia undergoes a small-scale industrial revolution, creating airships designed for the long journeys Batosians found themselves unsuited for.

The primary drawback of the airships is that they permeate a horrible smell to everybody on board whenever the engine is running, as well as the cold temperatures which Batosians are very much not acclimated to. As a result, all crew of such ships wearing specialized masks to both filter the putrid air to a state fit for breathing and protect their eyes, as well as a light, cloth full-body-suit which leaves the hand, feet, and head exposed, and is fastened by a belt at the waist.

==== Airports ====
To meet the demand of traders and (primarily) excited explorers, Batosian cities are constructed with a massive Airport and the means to construct Airships.