Thrids

Overview and appearance

The thrids are human-like creatures who are allies of the Lizards and the Neptunian Empire. They live on Yaskiyykk, an exomoon of Lizard-7566-N (An gas giant) which is smilar to Earth in many things.

An overview of Thrid features

The size of a Thrid varies by region and genetic history. The average male stands at 3' 7" (292 cm) tall, while female Thrids are slightly smaller. The maximum observed size is 0.92 meters (~3 feet).

Thrids are overall humanoid in their anatomy, though they also possess certain features such as large antlers; pointed ears that can move independently and a long, prehensile tail used for gripping and balance. Distinctly separating them from humans, native Thrids possess six digits on each hand and foot, including an opposable thumb and thumb toe. Dentition is similar to humans, although canines are more pronounced. A Thrid's skull is proportionately small, compared to a human head/body ratio, and is characterized by high cheekbones and a protruding snout.

Thrids typically have fit, slender, and muscular bodies, likely due to their active lifestyles preventing obesity. Despite their thin proportions, their musculature is sharply defined and they have roughly four times the strength of even the strongest human. Elderly Thrids do not seem to suffer mobility issues and muscular degradation like humans. Thrids use their superior strength, agility, and uncanny sense of balance to scale trees, rocks, and other obstacles with ease. In the unlikely case of a fall, they usually escape unharmed, as their bones are reinforced with a type of naturally occurring silicon carbide.

Eyes

Thrid eyes are large and sensitive to wavelengths of light inclusive of the human visual range, and beyond into near-infrared. Their eyes are adapted for nocturnal hunting. The eye is three times human size, by volume.

Eye colors typically range from blue to green, but brown and orange eyes are not uncommon. The pupils will retro-reflect green light at night, due to a layer of light amplifying cells in the retina. The eyes are oriented well forward, as with most predators, for binocular vision. Thrids are known to process stereopsis at a much finer level than the human visual system, and can detect the range and speed of moving objects two to three times more accurately than humans can.

Skin

Thrid skin is smooth and iridescent, appearing within the same spectrum as humans, ranging from white to tan. The color is due to the presence of Melanin pigment which produces colors in the brown and white spectrum, and can "tan" to a darker purple color after prolonged UV exposure.

Thrid blood is red, utilizing an iron compound similar to hemoglobin to transport oxygen. The interaction of skin pigment with subsurface blood flow creates the characteristic tan and white shades of Thrid skin color. Pigment patterns vary widely but are generally bands and stripes of darker tans on a field of lighter tan and white tones.

Hair

The vast majority of Thrids have brown or white hair on their heads, although some do exhibit darker shades of brown. The Thrids do not appear to have their hair grey with age.

Tails

All Thrids have a long prehensile tail. This is used for balance, acting as a moving countermass to smooth out the stride at a full run, and to assist with direction changes. The tail is also used for social cues regarding emotional states, as are the ears. Some Thrid subspecies can suspend their weight from their tail. They have been observed however using the prehensile tip of the tail to grip tree limbs and vines during climbing, and to help arrest a fall.

Antlers

All Thrids have a pair of large, strong antlers.