#elavie

Serpiente

The serpiente are the descendants of a group that worshipped free will, beauty, and with that sensuality and sexuality. They see nothing immoral in admiring an attractive body, or displaying that body- A'isha said it to Rei; if Anhamirak had not wanted the body to be admired, she would not have made us attracted to it. Among the serpiente, flesh is considered as sacred, as much a gift of the divine, as the spirit. Acts of beauty and passion, whether as art or intercourse, are also considered sacred. This is why, in their culture, there is no higher crime than rape, which is considered an assault against all of Anhamirak's most basic tenants. So yes, serpiente do not believe there is anything wrong with sex before marriage, so long as both parties are willing and informed, and since they are open about discussing such things, it is very rare for a young man or woman to be taken advantage of- they know what they're getting into. And, of course, we're back to the concept that forcing such things, even if it's through emotional or mental coercion, *is* one of the greatest evils that a serpiente man or woman can commit. Most serpiente do not take mates formally. It's only an expected custom among the royal house, where the Diente *must* produce heirs, and must have a way of ensuring that those heirs are his.

Avians There, you have a different bundle of customs entirely, unsurprisingly. Among avians, physical intimacy is considered the last and least important part of a relationship. Avian ladies traditionally have their alistairs chosen by their parents when they are newly born, so the couple grows up together. By avian standards, they are "married" from that point, so the question of sex before marriage is moot. Avian ladies are supposedly raised more or less ignorant of sexuality. Young men receive some kind of explanation from their fathers (or other older males) when they're old enough to understand, though certainly not with the assumption that they'll go about it any time soon. Again - a physical relationship comes absolutely last, and generally moves very slowly. Regardless what kind of physical relationship they have, even a pair bond is expected not to touch in public. If they *do* sleep together, they are expected to do so discreetly. Sex *outside* the pair bond, a.k.a. adultery, is of course an absolute scandal. Avians are*rather sexist, so the punishments differ for men and women. An alistair who breaks his vows can potentially have his wings shorn, leaving him permanently grounded. For women, there is less of a legal punishment, and more of a social one; she'll generally end up ostracized from polite society, and her alistair has a choice of whether or not to stay with her. A single man who commits adultery with someone else’s pair bond is likely to stay very, very single. In either of the former cases, the guilty man would lose any position he held, and even if he weren’t exiled technically, he would never again be accepted into any lady’s household... or most men’s.

Falcons Falcons, like the serpiente, are the descendents of the original thirteen members of Maeve’s coven- in this case, though, they come from the four followers of Ahnmik, Brysh, and Ecl (instead of Anhamirak, Namid, Kain, Kaya and Mehay; at some point, I’ll explain all eight powers. I’m working on a hyperfiction). In many ways, falcons are similar to serpiente. Men and women are perceived as equals in society, (assuming, in this case, that they are equal in terms of lineage and power), with neither gender being more protected than the other, and with both taking equal responsibility for potential disagreements. As among the serpiente, sexuality is not a taboo subject. Casual lovers are probably even more common among falcons than serpents, since physical relationships can cross class boundaries far more easily than emotional ones- a trend that makes falcons differ sharply from their serpiente kin. Finally, monogamous pairings are almost unheard of among falcons, since as you may have gathered if you read Snakecharm, the royal house has enough trouble having children without limiting themselves to one potential mate. That, and they don’t really worry if they don’t have someone to inherit; the same Empress has ruled the falcons since Maeve’s day. And speaking of children- the issue of birth control, when considered, is up to the female. Generally, it doesn’t come up at all, since falcons are due to the nature of their magics largely infertile, and thus children are precious and efforts are not made to avoid them. Usually. Of course, as Fen pointed out, exceptions are made- pt’vem (ie, the child of a peregrine and a merlin, two different falcons) and quemak (ie, the child of a falcon and an outsider) children are not desired. Also, kajaes (magicless) falcons are not allowed to breed. Punishment for violating any of those taboos is severe for both the mother and father. Of course, on Ahnmik, punishment for violating most rules is severe. Rape, as among the serpiente, is forbidden. The definition, however, is a little different. Ahnmik is the god of persuasion, manipulation, the mind, power, control – he is Anhamirak’s opposite. Thus, a certain level of coercion is considered not only acceptable but expected in falcon society. If you fall for it, that’s considered your own fault, if it’s anyone’s. And of course, if one of the royal house, or one of the Mercy (the guards of the royal house, and the police, judges, and executioners of Ahnmik), wants something, it is generally considered a good idea to give it to them. And, finally, the concept of bisexuality or homosexuality in all three realms: Among the avian courts, it’s not something that’s discussed. A pair bond isn’t intended to be a sexual union (though that is expected, in a silent “don’t talk about it” way). It’s an arranged pairing of two suitable people. Their preferences don’t really come into it, so gay or straight doesn’t matter. Among the serpiente, what does it matter, male or female? Some are more what we would consider conservative than others, but generally, no one cares. Homosexuality would only be a problem in the royal line, since the Diente must produce heirs; if s/he doesn’t take an opposite-gender mate, s/he doesn’t get to take the throne, and that’s the way of it. Among the shm’Ahnmik (falcons), it is again normally a non-issue. Sexuality is one of the few things on Ahnmik that has very few laws attached to it (provided you don’t breed accidentally with the wrong person), so same-sex partners are really not a problem. Bisexual magic-using falcons are however proportionally very rare. Children are desired enough that, given a choice, most falcons will choose only opposite-sex partners even for casual affairs. The exception would probably be among the aforementioned classes that are not allowed children, in which case the scales might tip the other direction for safety’s sake; I haven’t really thought much about it until right now.

Azteka The Azteka include jaguars and quetzals, and frankly, most of my knowledge of them comes through Jaguar and his book, Jade, which is a rather biased source, as Jaguar’s family was something of a model of dysfunction, and many of the Azteka I know didn’t follow Azteka ways (Mitch worked for Midnight, Celeste was born and raised a slave, Kyle was raised by humans.) My understanding is that Azteka are rather protective of their own. The priests and priestesses are protective of the family unit, as a blood-witch can only be raised and trained by a blood relative. As such, they are fiercely protective of their mates. Sexuality is considered natural and neither revered nor abhorrent, but relationships are expected to remain within the social strata. Affairs outside one’s social group can lead to ostracization. Affairs with non-Azteka are absolutely not allowed, especially for the higher classes. Blood witches who risk soiling the bloodline by having relations with an outsider will be exiled- regardless whether those relations were willing or not. I am not certain how the Azteka view same-sex relationships.

Mistari The Mistari are actually a collection of dozens of tribes who are mutually ruled by the Disa and Dio. Values vary greatly between one tribe and the next, with the responsibility for decisions falling on the leader of an individual tribe. Mistari do not have any kind of formal marriage, however, most Mistari do engage in some form of long-term monogamous relationship. In these relationships, men and women are afforded equal status. Children are raised communally by the tribe. When they reach adulthood, they often choose partners from other tribes, at which point the partner from the larger tribe usually joins the smaller tribe to add to its power. Though these relationships are considered monogamous, there are no legal repercussions to separation, especially since custody is not in question. There is no stigma attached to amicable separation. Separation based on other factors, including adultery, is considered an individual issue. It only goes before the tribe leader (Bwana Mistari or Bibi Mistari; judge, jury and executioner in his or her own tribe) if the conflict escalates and has the potential to harm the tribe as a whole. The exception to this free-for-all, lassie fair approach to relationships and sexuality is the relationship between the Bibi and Bwana Mistari. The Mistari are known as great and fair thinkers, but their laws are very harsh and very final among themselves. Either a male (Bwana) or a female (Bibi) may be leader; the position is earned through a formal challenge. Women may only challenge a Bibi Mistari, and men may only challenge the Bwana Mistari. The only way for the leadership to change from male to female or female to male is for the leader to cede his/her power to his/her mate, at which point positions inverse. It’s all very complicated. Mistari law is a hoot, all loops and whirls... anyway! Relationships... If a new Bwana Mistari (going with one just for the sake of telling; you could inverse the roles. In this case, it’s the Bwana with the power) challenges the old, and wins, he wins the leadership structure that was appointed by the previous Bwana- including among other things the Bibi Mistari. If he doesn’t care for the previous leader’s mate, he can refuse her at a ceremony known as Badilisha; refusal means exile from the tribe, or execution. The Bibi and Bwana Mistari do not need to be a monogamous couple, and for exactly this reason, they often aren’t. However, whether or not they are is entirely the decision of the side of the pair with the power at the time. Didn’t understand that? Don’t take it personally. This is one of those reasons I only wrote the one book about the Mistari...

Cougars Cougars are an interesting case, because they are the only shapeshifters who share the breeding-based weakness of their animal counterparts; they go into season. As such, their views on sexuality very well defined. Almost all female cougars choose mates when they reach maturity, for their own safety if nothing else. Same-sex relationships are open and not discriminated against, since when your species the problem of going into heat, no one is really going to challenge whether or not your sexuality is a “choice.” Besides, you won’t be able to stay in the closet very long anyway. In general, cougars view sexuality as very natural and are as open and unabashed about it as serpiente. There’s really no room for shame. Especially since it is the point in time during which she risks getting pregnant, it is considered very bad form to take advantage of a woman who is in season. It isn’t considered outright rape unless the woman has specifically said no prior to losing her decision making capacity, but if she has family or friends, the man who makes the mistake of abusing her incapacitation is going to find himself in a barrel of trouble. A queen with no mate and no chosen lover is usually watched over by brothers or older (post-menopausal) female relatives. Leopards The leopards were at the height of their power among the Shantel. I know that the Shantel are very physical in general; it’s actually an insult not to touch someone in greeting or even during conversation. However, I actually know very little about their cultural views on relationships beyond that. Though Arami Hara had a relationship with Prince Lucas for a while, and it wasn’t a shock to anyone, so I suppose that says something. Wolves, Lions

Both of these groups is really a collection of dozens of packs/prides, each of which operates on an independent culture. You might as well say “Americans,” meaning everyone from South America to Canada. Pakana (hyenas) Pakana (often referred to simply as Pack) mate with Pakana. The Pakana gene lasts an unusually long time as a recessive gene, and so Pakana are often (well, not often, but more often than other elavie) born to human parents, which is a great problem since they are almost exclusively attracted to others of their own kind. Otherwise heterosexual Pakana often end up in homosexual relationships if the only other Pakana they know happen to be of the same sex, not because it turns them gay, but because Pack are drawn to each other. These relationships are not looked down on by other Pakana, since it’s well accepted that Pack needs the presence of Pack to survive and thrive. Among themselves, Pakana are almost always physically intimate. Plutonic touch is almost a necessity for survival. If you ever see a heterosexual couple curled up naked together and it’s not sexual, they’re probably Pack who didn’t have a change of clothes. A natural extension of this cultural value is that, so long as it’s mutually consensual, sexuality is absolutely fine and dandy and good. Non-Pakana are often confused by the fact that Pakana can be lovers for years, and then if one decides to end that physical side of their relationship, they can almost always easily go back to the perfectly plutonic relationship- almost as if their sexuality came with an on/off switch.

Foxes And yey for women’s lib? Okay, that’s something severely lacking among the vie vulpus elavie. Female births outnumber male births. Only the males are educated (and I do mean *at all*). Males can have up to a dozen wives. It’s a lousy way to live, at least if you’re a woman. I don’t know where this culture came from. I abhor it.

Desmodus (bats) I know absolutely nothing about Desmodus views on relationships or sexuality...

Post from Ahar’s Livejournal: Dec.12, 2004

On Elavie Genetics

Though it is not a perfect representation, since we are attempting to represent partially mystical biology with standard biology, I most often work with elavie/human crosses using a four allele system. If you are studying biology, please do not put anything you learn from this essay before anything you learn in class, as I will be simplifying where possible (trying not to get as technical as I am always temped to do), and as I've mentioned, there are some quirks when you're dealing with nyeusi that are different from what happens in humans and other animals.

Using blood types as an example: People can have four "types" of blood: O, A, B, and AB. Most of you have probably heard this referenced, and now you get the crash course in why. Someone whose blood type is "O" is genetically OO. Someone who is "A" on the other hand may be genetically AA or AO, because O is recessive and A is dominant- meaning, so long as the person has even one copy of A, they will always show up as having type "A" blood. Only the person with no copies of A (or B, which is also dominant) will appear as type "O." Someone who is type "B" will likewise be either BB or BO. Finally, A and B are co-dominant, meaning that they each express their traits when present, so someone whose phenotype (the displayed trait) is AB also has a genotype (the genetic trait) of AB.

In sexual reproduction (which is how we and most mammals reproduce), each parent passes on half of his/her genetic information. In the case of blood types, one allele is passed on- which one is random. A parent who is OO will definitely pass on an O, since that's all he or she has. A parent who is type AB however will pass on an A 50% of the time, and a B 50% of the time. So, the child of an OO mother and an AB father (OOXAB) will either be OA (50% chance) or OB (50% chance). An ABXAB child will either be AA (25% chance), AB (50% chance), or BB (25% chance). 

Blood is actually a funny example, since there are actually three variations, represented by three letters. I give it since it's a good example for humans breeding with shapeshifters. However, you'll also need to know:

Using number of fingers as an example, usually you will have one allele that is dominant and one that is recessive. These are represented by an upper case letter for the dominant gene (I'll say S, meaning "six," since having six fingers is actually dominant over five fingers) and a lower case letter for the recessive gene (s, which codes for five fingers. Note it's not F; that would be a new dominant gene, which this isn't). SS and Ss will both be born with six fingers; only ss will have five. [Why, if six is dominant, don't we see it more often? It's been bred out. We're all ss, double recessive, and hence five-fingered.]

Got all that? Feeling good? Now on to elavie!

As I said before, a four-allele system seems to more or less work for elavie (though it gets quirky when dealing with something like falcons, where their extra magic messes everything up. So I won't use them as an example). Each breed of shapeshifter has a different form of allele. Some breeds are dominant over each other: cobra is dominant to taipan. Some are co-dominant: jaguar and quetzal. All are co-dominant to human. For the sake of this explanation, these are the examples I am going to use, with the following letter codes:

Human: H (dominant gene) Cobra: C (dominant gene) Taipan: c (recessive gene) Azteka jaguar: J Azteka quetzal: Q Generic Shapeshifter Example: S

Vocabulary:

Pureblood: four identical alleles, HHHH or SSSS or CCCC, etc

Royal blood: Only one human allele, SSSH

Mixed blood: Different shapeshifter alleles, e.g. CCHH

Half-blood, half-breed, mongrel: Half human, half shapeshifter, HHSS

Genotype: Genetic code, e.g. HHHH or CCHH

Phenotype: Displayed traits, e.g. "human" or "wyvern"

Humans x Pure-Blood Shapeshifters

Now that SSHH child grows up and breeds. He passes on SS (25% chance), SH (50% chance) or HH (25% chance). If his mate is pureblood human (HHHH, passes on HH), that means their child may be SSHH (half-breed shapeshifter), HHHH (pure-blood human) or SHHH (recessive shapeshifter). Here is where we once again break from standard human genetics, because though shapeshifter is normally co-dominant, in a SHHH child the human genes overwhelm the shapeshifter ones. The shapeshifter gene will remain, but the child will not be able to shapeshift, and will show no secondary physical characteristics.

Two SHHH parents can get together and produce SSHH children; it's a 25% chance. There is an equal chance that children will be HHHH, pureblood humans. Two recessive parents can never produce SSSH or SSSS children.

Pure-Blood Dominant x Recessive Shapeshifters

Pure-Blood Dominant Shapeshifters

Mixed-Blood Dominant x Recessive Shapeshifters

Humans x Mixed-Blood Dominant Shapeshifters

JJQQ x HHHH, child can show JJHH (25%), QQHH (25%), or JQHH (50%). JJHH will be a jaguar, QQHH will be a quetzal, and JQHH will be a half-breed mixed-blood with both jaguar and quetzal traits.

Various combinations of parents and genetics can create things like JJJH, QQQH, JQQH, JJQH, JQQQ, QJJJ... etc. In these very mixed cases, the mother's phenotypic breed is very important. 

Mongrel Dominant x Mongrel Recessive Shapeshifters

Here is the last combination we'll be doing. We'll take for example mongrel cobras (CCHH or CHHH) and taipans (ccHH or cHHH), so you can get choices like CHcc and HHcc. You're probably already saying in your head, "okay, so CHcc becomes CHCC which is a royal-blood cobra." And normally, you would be right... except again, sometimes, if the child is part human, there is one rare case where the mother's blood gets in the way. 

Really Confused Shapeshifters

On Elavie Breeds

There are, in modern day, thirty-one distinct breeds of shapeshifter. These include four types of falcon (gyrfalcon, peregrine, aplomado, merlin), nine types of serpent (white viper, cobra, taipan, viper, python, red rat snake, black rat snake, emerald boa, mamba), two breeds of Azteka (jaguar, quetzal), four forms of avian (hawk, crow, raven, sparrow), two breeds of fox (arctic and red), three types of Rajar (spotted eagle rays, manta rays, and moray eels), tigers, lions, cougars, leopards, wolves, hyenas, osprey, and fruit bats.

The four falcon breeds are collectively called the shm'Ahnmik; they have existed as a single empire, under the falcon Royal House, for several millennia. The Ona, Empress, rules without question.

The nine serpents are collectively referred to as the serpiente; excepting the white vipers, they have followed the royal line of the Cobriana since their inception. The ruler is called Diente; his/her mate is called the Naga (female) or Nag (male), and the heirs have the title of Arami. The white vipers, Maeve's kin, most often belong to a group known as the Obsidian Guild.

The four types of avian follow the royal Shardae line, the hawks. They are led by the Tuuli Thea (queen) and her alistair (consort).

The jaguars and quetzals of the Azteka are led by their priests and priestesses of Malinalxochitl, who are also often called bloodwitches, and the tecuanime, a group of high-ranking traders.

The two types of fox, collectively called the Vulpes Elavie, live in individual dens each consisting of ten to fifty members. Each den is led by its Yahto, the (always male) single individual whose responsibility it is to remain aware of happenings in the outside world, and protect the den from human (and other shapeshifter) encroachment. Life inside the den is very restrictive, with very few rights granted to individuals, and even fewer to women.

The Rajar live exclusively around the island known as Devil's Lantern. They are the only type of elavie that was animal first, and given by Leben human forms. Their numbers swelled during World War II, when a boat full of Japanese, fleeing persecution and internment in America, was storm-tossed up on the rocky shores of Devil's Lantern. The thirty survivors moved onto the island, and later began to mingle and later intermarry with the inhabitants.

The tigers form the majority of the Mistari, another long-lived culture stretching in some form from the tigers' origins in China to modern day in Africa.

The lions' civilization in Africa fell to invaders shortly after they received their second forms. Since then, they have mostly been nomads, subject to the leadership of the lands they visit.

The cougars and leopards are both native to the Americas, specifically to an intermixed group of native people and European settlers.

The wolves originate with the nomadic tribes of early northern Europe. For most of their history, they have been known for their well-traveled ways and their far-reaching trade.

The hyenas, or Pakana, have as a culture split and recombined many times throughout their history, with the end result that none of their people know their kind's origins. Pakana are unique in that they are intensely drawn to other Pakana; even those who are human with recessive Pakana genes will instinctively prefer the company of other Pakana to humans.

The Desmodus existed as a single nation for several centuries, ruled by three kings from the Royal Caste and the priests of the Holy Caste, but the cohesion of their civilization fell apart in the eighth or ninth century. Individual Desmodus elavie still exist today, but they have no formal leadership.

Introduction to Elavie History and Physiology 

The title Elavie applies to many different breeds and cultures in Nyeusigrube. Some groups willingly use the term; others would refuse to acknowledge any kinship with other Elavie or other Nyeusi in general. For the purpose of this essay, “Elavie” refers to all breeds whose ability to shapeshift descends, directly or indirectly, from the higher Nyeusi called Leben.

Leben is the child of two higher Nyeusi, Siete and Cera. He was born approximately 18,000 years BCE; the many experiments he has performed throughout his life are responsible for the near-dozen Elavie breeds. His earliest successful experiment led to the creation of tiger shapeshifters in 10,000 BCE in what is now China. Other Elavie include (in, as best as is known, order of age) the Desmodus; wolves; serpiente, shm’Ahnmik and avians; lions; cougars and leopards; Azteka; Pakana; foxes; Rajar; and osprey. Beyond the ties formed by breed, shifting environments and events have led to the rise and fall of alliances and empires, including but not limited to the Mistari, Wyvern’s Court, the Shantel, and the Allied Felis Elavie (see essays on cultures and organizations).

Cera’s relationship with Siete was an unlikely union with an even more unlikely result: Leben is the only Nyeusi whose lineage propagates through both immortal and mortal means. This advantage is considered the most pertinent reason behind the fact that elavie are the most commonly found mortal/immortal crosses in Nyeusigrube, even though elavie are the only nyeusi who ever “recover” and revert to pure mortality. An elavie's human/mortal system continues to recognize the immortal power as an invader throughout his life. The mortal power usually lags in strength when its body is fully mature, which accounts for the sometimes hundreds of years during which an elavie may cease aging; eventually the immortal power starts to lose its hold on the body, at which point aging begins again at a human rate. More frequent shapeshifting increases the body’s reliance and hence connection to the nyeusi power, increasing the lifespan. On the other hand, elavie who are raised human and never shift show very little distortion with regards to the rate of aging.

Elavie can interbreed with other elavie, with humans, or with Macht witches. When two elavie breed, the dominant elavie gene will alter the coding of the lesser, instead of allowing it to linger as a recessive gene. The only exceptions are in the rare cases of co-dominance (such as cobra and hawk) or where other magics interfere (falcon crossbreeds). Human genes on the other hand act co-dominant to any elavie gene; depending on the exact cross, a child may even be born who carries a recessive elavie gene but shows only human characteristics (see essay on elavie genetics for more). The children of Macht witches and elavie will inherit the Macht power as they would from a Macht/human pairing, but the elavie genes will also be inherited as they would be from an elavie/human cross.

Blood-to-blood contact between a human and an elavie will begin a process much like the start of a viral infection. Depending on how severe the exposure and how virulent the strain, the human immune system may completely overcome the elavie “infection,” even possibly forming a future immunity. If however the human system is overcome, the elavie infection will not only take over the body, but will alter the cellular structure of the host, including genetic information. Past that point, an infected individual will appear biologically identical to a born elavie. He will also pass on the elavie genes to any future offspring just as a born elavie would. Humans with recessive elavie genes are almost completely immune to infection by other strains, though simple magics or a severe blood transfusion from a same-breed elavie may bring the recessive genes to dominance.

The individual traits of elavie vary from breed to breed, and even between individuals. Shapeshifting is, of course, the most common denominator. Most elavie have two forms, a human form and a second (animal) form. Some, like the Azteka, naturally have multiple animal forms (jaguar and quetzal), and some crossbreeds may also exhibit multiple forms (children of falcons and outsiders, for instance, almost always end up with blended traits). Many shapeshifters also have the ability to take blended forms, though this transition is much more difficult for elavie with any human blood, and by modern day is almost exclusively seen among royal lines that have remained relatively "pure." Blended forms may include shifts as severe as the avians' Demi form (wings on a human form), the growth of fangs or claws, or even something as slight as the alteration of eyes or skin tone. The more subtle the change, the harder it is to achieve and hold, so many cultures regard this ability as a sign of strength (Mistari) or in some cases even divine favor (Desmodus).

Beyond the ability to shapeshift, many elavie also exhibit secondary characteristics, usually related to their animal forms. Serpiente and Rajar are cold blooded even in human form, whereas in human form the average avian body temperature is 129 F. Avians are also hollow-boned, and during adolescence, they grow feathers in their hair, usually at the nape of the neck. Breed-specific traits may also be personality-based, such as the Pakana's intense need for physical contact with others of their own kind. Some of these traits may fail to develop in children who are raised human and never prompted to shapeshift; for example, serpiente and avians who do not shapeshift frequently in the early years of childhood may never develop the ability to do so, as their bodies grow in a normal human manner and fail to develop properly to accommodate such a vastly different human form. Among other breeds, especially the cougars, hyenas and wolves, even a child raised in absolute ignorance will eventually shapeshift instinctively- often with disastrous results, either directly (harm to the elavie's self, or loved ones) or indirectly (a decline into depression caused by deception, or institutionalization by the self or others).