Wisp

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Overall Information

The Swotsyal clan has evolved distinct genetic adaptations to thrive in the high-altitudes of the floating islands where air density is lower. The air quality is thinner, colder and has lower pressure compared to the sea levels.

Due to this they have unique blood utilization, increased breathing rates without the risk of alkalosis, larger lungs, specialized metabolism, and expanded blood vessels, all which allows for efficient oxygen transport through their systems and increased reproductive success.

Breathing Rate

The Swotsyal compensates for the thinner air and lower oxygen intake levels by taking more breaths per minute. In addition their blood vessels are wider due to a greater nitric oxide production, and it makes them more efficient at delivering the oxygen to their body tissues.

Genetic Evolution

According to study the Swotsyal carry a gene similar to the EGLN1 AND EPAS1, often named the “super-athlete gene”, and it regulates hemoglobin production. It prevents excessive thickening of the blood that most lowlanders would experience at high altitudes. It was most likely acquired through interbreeding with an extinct clan over 4000 years ago, but kept evolving with the generations after. This also means they have a higher capacity for exercise, making them highly athletic.

Appearance Evolution

The Swotsyal were originally forest na’vi and still resemble them except for a few core traits.

Their skin is a bit more leathery than the normal na’vi, making it tough and durable for the conditions they live in. It is not uncommon for older na’vi to have “cracks” in their skin from dryness and the UV radiation. The same with their skin, it is paler than the forest na’vi, but ranges from paler, desaturated blues to more saturated, sky blue colours.

Their rib cages are wider than regular na’vi to make space for larger lungs due to the low levels of air quality compared to at land altitudes. The Swotsyal are taller, but very lean with toned muscles, some appear slightly gaunt, but most appear defined due to their regular exercise.

Their tails are a few inches shorter without fur for less wind resistance.

Finger- and toe nails have grown hooked and durable to be able to climb up straight stonewalls and cliffsides. This makes them able to climb and traverse easily within the floating mountains.

Eye colours range from golden to darker, brown colours due to higher sun exposure, and protects the eyes from light induced damage.Their pupils dilate quickly to have better perception. Along with this they have longer eyelashes to cover their eyes from light and dirt.

Reproduction

All of these adaptations have contributed to higher fertility rates and in turn better pregnancy outcomes. It is not uncommon for families to have multiple children.

End Notes

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The Swotsyal are a Na’vi clan that live among the floating islands on Pandora. They reside specifically along the Lìng'ayl Mountains, and built their home into the various connecting cave systems. Every aspect of their lifestyle is connected to the islands and strength of the winds, and are protected by the multiple ikran and other flying species that live along them.

The clan has an unique and spiritual kinship with their ikrans, much deeper than other clans, and their mastery of flying is unrivaled. Their ikran are known for their speed, strength and size that outweigh the typical mountain banshee.

Ikrans are a large part of their trials to reach adulthood within the clan

The Swotsyal have a peaceful, but distant relation with their neighbouring clans. More often than not they will keep to themselves, but do not refuse any from visiting their home. However, they have taken a neutral side in the war against the RDA, but they still protect their home fiercely.

The clan is incredibly protective of their home and all living things within it, and will do everything to protect themselves.