Loriset

The Loriset *(Senecus sapiens)* (sing. Lorisin) are an intelligent avian species native to the planet Theia and one of the two known intelligent species in the universe. The species has sizeable populations across the Solar System, including on the Martian moon Simud and many of the moons of the Savis System.

Loriset are bipedal vertebrates with a somewhat fragile, porous, and rigid endoskeleton strengthened by miscellaneous calcium compounds. Like Humans, their brains and most sensory organs are associated with a case of bone sitting atop the spine. Their two arms and legs have three clawed digits each in the vast majority of cases, and their wings are capable of significant short-range flight as well. Unlike humans, Loriset do not have multiple genders or biological sexes.

The Loriset have often come into conflict with the neighboring Humans from Theia's sister planet of Earth. The species has branched into several subspecies, the largest of which being the *Tanariset* (baseline Theians), *Simul* (native to Mars and Simud), and *Ska'Veriset* (native to the Savisian System). The majority of the population of the species resides within the Loriset Intendancy and the multispecies Savisian Alliance, although many have settled beyond the reach of either nation.

## Appearance

The average Loriset is covered in black, white, gray, and purple feathers across its body, with the smallest covering the legs and arms. Their neck is usually quite long in comparison to its width. Unlike the stark black, white, and violet colorations of adults, chicks are gray to brown downy fluffballs, resembling the detritus that accumulates at the base of living grasses. Loriset from more northern and southern latitudes of Theia where snow is common have thicker coats that change season to season and have larger, feathered feet.

## Biology

### Respiratory System

The Loriset respiratory system consists of a pair of lungs in the front dorsal half of the body, combined with several offshoots extending all across the body. The lungs are protected by a set of bony ribs extending from the spinal column. Air is drawn in through the mouth and nose through a partially cartilaginous tube called the trachea, which branches several times to deliver air to the surface area of the lungs.

### Digestive System

A Lorisin needs to eat a lot of food to sustain regular flight with such a large body. To facilitate this, Loriset have evolved the capability to swallow quite large animals, such as the large, bulky antelope-like animals common in the savannas of Theia. The stomach of a Lorisin is a large, fleshy bag coated with mucus on its interior, producing powerful digestive acids and enzymes in preparation for meals. The powerful acids present in the stomach quickly reduce any unfortunate prey trapped within to an unrecognizable mush, after which it is vacated to a secondary "lower stomach" where it is absorbed. What little indigestible waste is left is generally expelled afterwards.

### Reproductive System

Loriset are hermaphroditic, with possessing both "male" and "female" sexual organs, which means that a Loriset can theoretically reproduce asexually although this is not often done. After intercourse, both members of a Loriset couple have a chance of becoming pregnant.

The fertilized egg implants in the uterine wall, beginning to draw nutrients from the parent. The fetus grows very rapidly, reaching roughly 30 inches in size after only seven months. This adds a great deal of weight to the pregnant Lorisin, making them earthbound in the latter stages before birth.

Unlike most avian species, the Loriset experience live birth. Oddly, the Loriset give birth to their chicks by passing the egg from the uterus through the upper digestive tract, negating the need for a specially built birth canal by taking advantage of the already extremely stretchy esophagus.