#merics

Merics are herbivores, Vollarks are carnivores. The other species are omnivorous to varying degrees and preference.

Merics have a wide range of crops they grow, ranging from fruits, foliage, tubers, pinenuts, fiddleheads, even certain bark and seaweed. The cultivation of grain was likely introduced to them my Managians in ancient times, but became a larger staple as their society became industrialized and was a cheaper way to sustain their growing population and high caloric needs (theyre big guys) at the expense of being less nutritious. Some Merics eat things like eggs (shell and all) bones and shells. Meat is largely seen as unpalatable to them and looked down upon.

Managians eat a starch heavy diet and have a long history of grain cultivation, but also enjoy a wide range of fruit and vegetables. Meat is traditionally less commonly eaten, often for religious feasts or other celebratory occasions. There is also historic limitations to who can eat meat, sometimes limited only to men, sometimes only the higher class, and sometimes only the children who "need to get stronger". Managians have a poor sense of taste as well as little ability to chew food, and rely on gastroliths to help digest food.

Banxers enjoy eating a wide variety of food, but traditionally eat a diet rich in fruits, seeds and insects. Banxers cultivate dozens of species of domestic insects, including beetles and moths for the larva, and a species of stingless bee for honey. Banxers living among other species tend to have diets much higher in meat then traditional communities.

Daws evolved as "cleaners" of various large animals they form symbiotic relationships with, akin to oxpeckers. As they became sapient, they also started farming their favorite ticks and nasty biters and intentionally spreading them on animals so they can "help them" later. Beyond that Daws have an adaptive and diverse diet, often based on what the species around them are eating.

Ocos evolved from predators of mammals, but the species eats a variety of meats depending on culture. Two of the largest religions have contradictory views on the nature of the eating of mammal flesh, one sees (amniote) egg laying animals as more spiritually clean, and as such only their meat is suitable to be eaten. The other sees amniote egg laying animals as TOO sacred to be eaten, only "lesser animals" like mammals and fish are suitable to eat, eating something that already lays the gift of eggs is an act of gluttony. Ocos also enjoy sweet things and eat a sizable amount of plant based food.

Vollarks evolved from scavenging animals, but as they evolved sapience they developed techniques of hunting, fishing, and animal husbandry instead of relying on waiting for things to die. While hypercarnivores, plant based food and herbs still supplement their diet, both to add flavor or for medicinal benefits, but also as "filler" when meat is scarce or too expensive.

The impact of varying sizes diets and nutritional needs has on the cost of living is a is a major issue in multi species communities. A 15 ounce Daw and 500 pound Meric who make the same amount of money are going to spend wildly different amounts of their earnings on groceries. Being carnivorous is also more expensive then having a starch heavy diet. Vollarks are often economically disadvantaged in mixed species communities, but need meat or fish as the vast majority of their diet. Some places offer programs for Vollarks to allow them to purchase meat and seafood products for cheaper, which makes some people mad.

30. Is seafood regularly eaten?

Seafood is as commonly eaten as it is in human society overall, especially important to the species who have more protein heavy diets. One of the most common forms of seafood is ammonites, who' sacrifice of defense over speed works well in the ocean but makes them easy to overfish by people who can readily scoop out entire shoals of them and shuck them out of their shells.

31. What types of drugs or smokable substances are used?

Banxers have a long history with smoking, other species however have sensitive non mammalian lungs, and the effects of smoking are much more potent and dangerous and less common then edible or injectable drug usage.

One very peculiar drug of note is the "bolk bean". A bitter caffeinated seed, Ocos love the stuff for its flavor and as a mild stimulant and use it in a variety of ways similar to coffee and chocolate and enjoyed by all ages. For other species bolk is a much more dangerous and addictive substance, and even a small amount is potentially lethal to a Banxer.

40. What beverages are common?

Alcohol production is something that all species have a history with, though the extent of which varies significantly. Beers, fruit wines, mead, as well as more unusual things like "cycad wine" made from cycad sap are all enjoyed.

Very lightly colored-white facial disks in men and very dark disks in women is preferred. While their body plumage is not sexually dimorphic, there is biases in modern beauty trends idealizing darker plumage on males and lighter on females to create a stronger contrast on the facial disks.

Daws: Well groomed, healthy looking plumage. Dark snout and legs that doesn't look dry or flakey. Bright eyes. A clear and crisp voice. A beautiful voice and strong vocal range and is highly important, at least as important as looks are in terms of beauty.

Daws lack obvious sexual dimorphism, sexual attractiveness is heavily based on their shimmery iridescent bodies and colorful tails. Their dark shimmering plumage only comes with sexual maturity, young Daws' plumage is largely dull brown and turns solid black-grey near puberty before developing shiny adult coloration. Preferences on coloration varies heavily between cultures.

Managians: Beauty is extremely important in Managian society and their beauty standards are harsh and competitive. Obviously the case for blue and gold faced males, but it is also so for women (and faeders) in its own way.

A man's face should be extremely colorful, fleshy, his ruff bright and his body round and fat. Being covered in bright red caruncles on your face and neck is a sign of age and virility. You really want to stick out like a giant beautiful ball of skin and feathers.

Feminine beauty is less culturally emphasized, but focused on subtlety, modest colors, modest voice and modest manners. A modest size and built as well, "plump" but not as big as the men.

Vollarks: Heavy emphasis is put on the face and mouth. The face should be flushed a healthy pink for men year around and in winter in women, but bright red for women in the summer. Their gums should be black and tongue a shocking shade of blue, teeth and beak should be clean and well kept.

Body plumage should be clean. Women should be well muscled and somewhat robust, while men are expected to be of a slighter built and more delicate in features

Merics: Meric men ideally should be tall and robust, well muscled and strong. cheek spikes should be pronounced and curved. A deep and resonant voice. Meric women are expected to have more "gentle" features, shorter cheek spikes, a less muscled and softer physique..

Beauty standards in general put a lot of emphasis on the beak and snout shape, preferring a strong jaw and strong curve to their snout. Their facial markings are important to one's looks, and many cultures have historically used makeup to emphasize or exaggerate the boldness of it.

Banxers: Scent is a major factor in both judging the health and attractiveness for the species, they can tell a lot about an individual's wellbeing (and fertility). Teeth should be a healthy shade of yellow, and fur should be clean and well kept.