OCCULARUS
An Original Species
Occularus are an original species created by Gen Gaspard for her webcomic, Melting Point. It was created in 2014 and has evolved and been reworked to be what you see now. Below you will find species information, adopt information, and more!
NOTE: As an original species, you are not permitted to create your own, unless given express permission from the artist.
SPECIES INFORMATION
Occularus (pl. Occulari) are a species of aliens that came from their home planet of Occularum, located in the Andromeda Galaxy. They have come to Earth to make peace and integrate into our society so that we may learn and benefit from each other. One day soon we hope to send some of our humans to Occularum, but that day has not yet come.
Their genetic make-up is strikingly similar to humans, however there are quite a few defining characteristics that make them unique. Such things as skin color, heightened abilities, a variable number of eyes, and the potential for precognition are all things that mark them as different. Below is detailed what makes them so incredible.
Physical Appearance
Occularus on average are slightly taller than the average human, with their tallest being around 6'10", and their shortest 4'11". Their skin ranges in hue from blues, greens, reds, oranges, purples, pinks and yellows, usually lighter, however darker skin in those hues are not uncommon. Upon their skin exists "markings", similar to birthmarks for humans. These markings come in a wide variety of shapes and colors, and can be placed anywhere on the body. However the markings tend to appear in specific zones that have been highlighted in the visual guide.
Occularus eyes are their most defining feature. Ranging from having one large eye, to up to five or even six eyes. Their eye colors have as much variety as their skin tone, and their pupils can take on interesting shapes as well, with circles, stars and triangles being the most common.
In addition to their unique eyes, Occularus also have flesh covered horns on their heads. These are bone growths that are covered with a thin layer of skin, and can take on a wide variety of different shapes and forms. Alongside their eyes and horns, Occularus have several ear variations too, from long and droopy, to short and pointy, and even to having multiple sets of ears.
Continuing on, their teeth are also interesting, as it is common for Occulari to have sharp, pointed teeth. This stems from their carnivorous ancestry and has never evolved out. Some variants have longer canines, and a few specimens with blunt, human-like teeth have been observed. Staying in the mouth, Occularus can have rather long tongues, and even some are known to be pointed or split naturally.
Occularus anatomy is interesting, but perhaps the most often overlooked part is that their muscle tissue, organs, blood and (for lack of a better term) fleshy bits all mimic the color of their markings. In addition to this, some individuals have metallic, or often sparkly blood and tissue. We have no idea as to why this has evolved as a trait, and no explanation to the metallic or glittery aspects.
Sexual Dimorphism and Reproduction
Occularus are sexually dimorphic, meaning that males and females of the species are easily distinguishable by their specific traits. Often, females are of shorter stature than males, and tend to be more stout, while males are taller and more muscular.
Male Occularus can have up to 2 penises, that have a unique ribbed shape. Females have anatomy very similar to humans. They reproduce in the same way, and have a 13 (earth) month gestation period. Occularus babies are born able to walk, but will feed on the mother's milk for the first 5 (earth) months of life. Females have mammaries similar to humans.
On average Occularus give birth to one child per cycle, however twins, triplets and even quadruplets have been recorded. Children reach maturity at 16 (earth) years.
Diet
On Occularum, Occulari haven't progressed much further beyond carnivore status, however the slow introduction of fruits and vegetables into their diet and culture, makes them omnivores. This being said, they do not gain much nutrition from eating fruits or vegetables, and those who try to follow a strict vegetarian or vegan diet are often smaller, weaker, and more fragile than their carnivorous counterparts, and tend to rely on protein supplements. Their society as a whole is split politically on those who choose not to eat meat. Some view it as a sign of weakness, others view it as a symbol of status or beauty.
Abilities
Occularus evolved as predators, and therefore have retained some of their predatory abilities. They can run and jump faster and higher than humans, and their stamina is incredible. They can sprint for up to an hour without getting tired. Multiple eyes helps them see in a variety of lighting conditions, their unique ear shapes help them hear, and their horns, claws, and teeth are designed to attack and kill prey effectively.
That being said they also possess a unique ability for precognition, however this trait is limited to a very select few individuals known as Oracles. (for more information see subsection: Oracles)
Culture
Occularum as a whole has an incredibly advanced society, with nearly (see subsection: Tribal) the entire planet evolving at once, and sharing ideas and learning together. Science and Engineering advancements as well as certain natural resources have allowed the Occularus people the capability for inter-space travel. This is how we know of them, and why they have come to Earth.
Occularus culturally are pretty different from humans, however they can be strikingly similar. The most obvious, and first difference is their lack of religions. That isn't to say they don't have religion, but it is unique and much different from the way we have experienced it on Earth. (see subsection: Oracles) The other main difference is their dependance as a whole on Science. Occularus see science as a fun and interesting hobby, their society is founded on it, scientific intelligence is prized, and they have several institutes with a plethora of different scientific fields. It is the most common occupation on Occularum.
Occularum has an interesting and complicated political system, and not much research has been done as to how it got to the way it is now. As far as we can understand; they have a royal family, a council of elders, and what is essentially an elected president. The Royal Family are at the forefront of power, they are who the public blames when things go wrong, and who the public praises when things go well. The Royal Family are entrusted with making large, important decisions, and they also control the wealth and currency system. The Elder Council act as advisors to the Royal Family, pulling strings and manipulating them to suit their own agenda, however the Royal Family doesn't see it this way. And finally the President is an elected official that is tasked to handle minute decisions and everyday goings on. Beneath them is a lesser-known ambassadorial force, that is stationed on each of Occularum's main islands, and helps to implement any changes, laws, or orders that need enforcing.
The last thing we will touch on culturally here, is that Occularus don't believe in monogamy. They are polyamorous by nature, and will have family groups of up to 8 to 10 members, however the common dynamic is a trio. Couples exist, but they are rare, it's uncommon to only have one partner at once. They raise their children as a group, with everyone contributing.
Language
Naturally Occularus have their own language that they speak and write in. It is rather harsh sounding and has a lot of consonants. Translating it has been difficult, but luckily they have created excellent automatic translators, and are intelligent enough to start picking up on words and phrases quickly. They usually are able to speak at a conversational level in 3 to 6 months.
Subtypes
Oracles
When talking about subtypes, it's impossible to not talk about Oracles. Oracles are cyclops Occulari, that are born completely blind. They possess the ability to see into the future, and because of this are the basis of the Occularus religion.
Not all blind cyclops are Oracles, but ALL Oracles are blind cyclops. They are extremely rare, and not more than 12 have ever existed at once.
Oracles can see and predict the future, and therefore droves of Occularus will flock to them every year in hopes of having their future told. They are revered and worshipped, and treated with the utmost respect and dignity.
Often they live in remote shrines, away from large cities, and have a palace of people and servants to assist them with daily life.
Oracles have a strict set of rules they must follow, one of them being that they must always serve the people, stay humble and never take on a lover.
Tribal
(Formerly Savages) Tribal Occularus are far separated from the normal Occularus we've talked about so far. They evolved separately, and have maintained the lifestyle of their ancestors. (they are very similar to orcs.)
They live in small to medium tribes, and have wild appearances. Often with multiple sets of horns, ears, and eyes, they also have variants that make them different from normal Occularus. (detailed in the Tribal Guide that's coming soon)
The biggest difference is that the Tribal variant has kept their thick, fleshy tails.
One of the other noticeable differences is the addition of fur. Or it's more of a fluff than anything, that can form around their neck, on their arms, or legs or on their tail. Their teeth, claws, and horns are overall longer, and sharper, and they can have a variety of facial spines. Occasionally you find Tribal Occularus with multiple sets of arms, too.
They have a more limited variety of pupils, often slitted or doubled.
Siren
Not much is known about the Aquatic Occularus. They live deep within Occularum's oceans, and have no contact with the world above the waves. Perhaps they don't even exist at all, but occasional sightings are often widely publicized. As Occularum is an ocean planet with a few large islands (think like Australia), who knows what lies beyond the waves.
PRICING AND ADOPTS
Occasionally Gen will create Occularus "adopts." These are characters you can purchase, so that you can be a part of the Occularus Universe. Currently this is the only way for you to own an Occularus.
Pricing is based on the rarity of traits, and complexity of design.