_index

Taithal
(tie-thal)

Basics:
The main inhabitant of the planet of Taia. They are one of the few mamals on the planet, where as the majority of the inhabitants, are inscets. Very large, insects. The planet has only 2 main continents, and a few islands. The land itself is mainly dusty, but not barren, as it is covered in plants that are very adapted to their enviroment. During the winter, vicious sand storms sweep accross the land, Taithal wear thick clothing to protect themselves from the sandstorms.

Appearence:
Taithals are somewhat feline in appearence. They have long ears with tuff of fur at the end and their faces are more flatlike, almost humanesque, yet have mamal-like noses and mouths. Also, Male Taithal have a tuff of fur at the end of their tails, where as females, do not.
One of their most noticeable features, are the scales that run down their backs, and tops of the arms and legs. These scales are ment to protect them from the harsh sandstorms of their planet, as well as from various amounts or preditors. (when a Taithal curls up into a fetal possition, it's the scaled areas that are exposed the most) Also to protect them from sandstorms, Taithals have a thick, yet clear second eyelid, to protect their eyes from the sand.
Taithal can be seen in a variety of colors and patterns. Fur colors tend to be white, grey, yellow, orange, red, brown, and black, with patterns that consist of spots, stripes, brindle, merle, basically any kind of color and pattern you can find on any cat or dog. Their scales can be any rainbow of colors and patterns. During the winter, these scales become dull and extra hard, and in the summer, the scales shed the winter layer, and become brightly colored, and have a slight irredecent sheen. Taithal are often attracted to each other due to the color and pattern of their scales.

Society:
Taithals tend to live in pleasently sized groups, though the groups never get too large. The larger the group is, the harder it is to protect themselves against their main natural preditor, the Haremex. They have strong ties with the members of their goups, and though unrelated by blood, will treat each other as blood. When a group becomes too large, a family or two, along with any young adults, will voulenteer to leave and start a new colony, for the safety of all the Taithal.