Chapter 1 – All About Aquanauts
All you need to know regarding the biological information about Aquanauts such how they age, how they look, how they mate, and how they are created. The last section of this chapter also covers half-breeds and mixed bloods when the blood includes Aquanaut blood. For information on culture, please refer to Chapter 2.
Section 1.1 – The Physical Traits
This section focuses on the basic looks of Aquanauts, the very traits that can clearly tell you that person has Aquanaut blood in their veins of which have been passed on from generation to generation. Of course, something such as hair or eye color is not among the traits that clearly tell you this (because someone can always dye their hair or the hair color is not odd among other races), but the shape and size of their eyes or the texture and thickness of their hair surely will. Though, some traits that Aquanauts use to have are now gone or are barely visible while others have changed a bit to look much more Human with the exception of the groups who choose to only mix (if they choose to mix at all) with other races that also live long, which results in Elf-like features or Celestial-like features and so on. Place read Section 1.4 for more on half-breads and mixed bloods.
Body Type
Least to Most: Obese < Large < Starved < Average/Skinny < Athletic/Slim
Starved: Unless the character is poor, a prisoner, a slave, has some unfortunate luck with money or food, has a disorder, or some other valid reason to be starved, there won’t be that many Aquanauts with such a poor look. It is also not that common anymore. Even poor families tend to be skinny more than having a starved look.
Skinny: By “skinny,” I mean enough for a person to look at him or her and think he or she may be considered starved, some ribs sticking out and all. However, he or she will still do fairly well, even if their body is lacking in shape and weight. Some people consider “skinny” and “slim” to be the same, but I’ve personally always felt “skinny” was more of an insult while “slim” in a compliment so I’m using them differently. Now that the terms are settled, this is somewhat common among Aquanauts.
Slim: In modern day, this is the one of the most common body types you are bound to see as it seems like it is all about looking nice but not so much people would consider you at poor status. It’s all about being able to slide your hand across yourself only feeling smooth skin and no jutting bones. Although, obviously something areas are an exception like the hands, and muscle are fine.
Average: Another pretty common body type, and it is not like there is anything wrong with it. There may just have more meat in some areas than others. I don’t have much else to say here.
Athletic: The other most common body type because Aquanauts tend to be big swimmers as swimming is a great workout for most parts of the body. Then if you add in all those that want to be aid the country in times of battle, a great handful of people have this body type. These are the ones that work extra hard to keep themselves in tip-top shape and go beyond just the healthy level. Although, of course, too much of anything can also be bad for you.
Large: Large does not mean fat, it merely mean the person was born with some pretty large bone structure or that they just tend to keep on a lot of weight from the start. Naturally, your character can be large and athletic or large and average.
Obese: So I guess you are probably thinking, “What? An obese character... Who in the world would make that?” I don’t have an exact answer for that, however, there are those people who always like to take a stab at something different. In any case, this is a rarity for Aquanaut people, mainly because they would have a hard time living in this kind of society. Also, before, it was mainly because it would be rare for an Aquanaut to even reach such a state due to all that moving they would be required to do and that food was not something just consumed every minute of their life. For one thing, Aquanauts in the past had different eating habits (refer to Chapter 2), and they depend much on the good condition of their bodies like people in our time and world depend on cars for transportation. Plus, add in the fact that they die earlier, the number of this body type is few to none.
Height & Weight
Height Maximum height is attained in adulthood, from the ages of 90-110. There are a few exceptions; some may continue to grow while others may stop early.
Least to Most: Midget/Giant < Short < Average/Tall
Midget: (4 Feet, 11 Inches and down) Even amongst humans, 4’9” is short. Heck, anything less than 5’5” is short. But Aquanauts are naturally tall in size, average 6 feet is considered average among Aquanauts. Thus, is really rare to see an Aquanaut this short unless they are still very young (first 25 years), and they are considered to be freakish.
Short: (5 Feet to 5 Feet, 11 Inches) If your character is this tall, he or she is considered short for an adult Aquanaut. This height is not as rare as the extremes ends of the scale, but not all that common for the time being. Unless your character looks otherwise (whether in physical appearance or style of clothing), most Aquanauts may assume your character is still in a lower age group then your character actually is. Although, short people are gradually no longer being a surprise to Aquanauts, and maybe in the future, they will be pretty common.
Average: (6 Feet to 6 Feet, 5 Inches) This is the average height range many Aquanauts reach, no matter what body type. They have already become more common amongst the Aquanauts. This is why it is believed Aquanauts are slowly getting shorter by certain scientists.
Tall: (6 Feet, 11 Inches to7 Feet) If you thought 6’5” was tall, Aquanauts do not because it possible to grow up to the 7 feet range. This used to be to be the most common height (and therefore, used to be “average”), but is only one of the most common now. Since it is no longer the single most common height, it is considered tall.
Giant: (7 Feet, 1 Inch and up) The former “tall” range is now considered giant. It is now very rare for an Aquanaut to reach this height and some actually believe it is impossible now. However, there is still a small chance for a handful of people are this tall naturally. It is surprisingly considered freakish now to be so tall just as it is to be extremely short for an Aquanaut.
Weight (A general idea) Depends on your height, body type, and gender:
Starved + Midget = About 100 Pounds (Female), About 115 Pounds (Male)
Starved + Short = About 110 Pounds (Female), About 125 Pounds (Male)
Starved + Average = About 130 Pounds (Female), About 145 Pounds (Male)
Starved + Tall = About 150 Pounds (Female), About 165 Pounds (Male)
Starved + Giant = About 160 Pounds (Female), About 175 Pounds (Male)
Skinny + Midget = About 115 Pounds (Female), About 125 Pounds (Male)
Skinny + Short = About 125 Pounds (Female), About 135 Pounds (Male)
Skinny + Average = About 150 Pounds (Female), About 165 Pounds (Male)
Skinny + Tall = About 170 Pounds (Female), About 185 Pounds (Male)
Skinny + Giant = About 180 Pounds (Female), About 195 Pounds (Male)
Slim + Midget = About 120 Pounds (Female), About 130 Pounds (Male)
Slim + Short = About 130 Pounds (Female), About 145 Pounds (Male)
Slim + Average = About 155 Pounds (Female), About 170 Pounds (Male)
Slim + Tall = About 175 Pounds (Female), About 190 Pounds (Male)
Slim + Giant = About 185 Pounds (Female), About 200 Pounds (Male)
Average + Midget = About 125 Pounds (Female), About 140 Pounds (Male)
Average + Short = About 135 Pounds (Female), About 150 Pounds (Male)
Average + Average = About 160 Pounds (Female), About 180 Pounds (Male)
Average + Tall = About 180 Pounds (Female), About 200 Pounds (Male)
Average + Giant = About 190 Pounds (Female), About 220 Pounds (Male)
Athletic + Midget = About 130 Pounds (Female), About 150 Pounds (Male)
Athletic + Short = About 140 Pounds (Female), About 160 Pounds (Male)
Athletic + Average = About 170 Pounds (Female), About 200 Pounds (Male)
Athletic + Tall = About 190 Pounds (Female), About 220 Pounds (Male)
Athletic + Giant = About 200 Pounds (Female), About 240 Pounds (Male)
Large + Midget = About 135 Pounds (Female), About 160 Pounds (Male)
Large + Short = About 145 Pounds (Female), About 170 Pounds (Male)
Large + Average = About 175 Pounds (Female), About 220 Pounds (Male)
Large + Tall = About 195 Pounds (Female), About 240 Pounds (Male)
Large + Giant = About 205 Pounds (Female), About 260 Pounds (Male)
Obese + Midget = About 200 Pounds and up (Female), About 350 Pounds and up (Male)
Obese + Short = About 250 Pounds and up (Female), About 400 Pounds and up (Male)
Obese + Average = About 300 Pounds and up (Female), About 450 Pounds and up (Male)
Obese + Tall = About 400 Pounds and up (Female), About 500 Pounds and up (Male)
Obese + Giant = About 500 Pounds and up (Female), About 550 Pounds and up (Male)
Skin Qualities & Tone
Skin Qualities Please pay close attention to this section for it is very important. Why? You’ll see.
Texture: For the majority of Aquanauts, their texture of their skin is similar to that of a dolphin’s, and depending on surrounds conditions and care, it will be either smooth, rough, or something in between. It all depends on the individual and environment. Aquanauts were made for life in the ocean, only having adapted to land life about ten thousand years ago. Thus, certain climate conditions would require the person to take more or less care of their skin.
Thickness:
Least to Most: Average (Human Skin Thickness) < Mid (In-between) < Normal (Thick)
Compare to that of most other races, if not all, Aquanauts are normally born with a thicker layer of skin that allows them to withstand to cold surroundings and retain moisture for long periods of time[i]. However, as a consequence, it becomes [i]nearly impossible for them to withstand extreme heat conditions without cool wind or some sort of aid such as perhaps a magical spell or device or just a person constantly splashing them with water. But, in recent years, some Aquanauts are born with less skin layers or even an amount equal to that of humans. This has to do with two kinds of situation. While still in its embryonic stage, the mother may be in different kind of environment. If the mother remains in that environment for most of her pregnancy, there’s a fifty percent chance it will result with the baby having skin less thick or even thicker than his mother. Of course, genes also play a role. The second situation that results in this is premature birth because it takes about year more or less before an Aquanaut is born. The extra time taken to develop the baby’s skin so the baby can survive in the cold, undersea world. Before, it was seen as a serious case of worried, but it is no longer a big issue since the majority of the cities are no longer flooded. It is still pretty cold in the underwater cities, but now people can use something to warm the babe, gradually lessening the warmth until the child is used to the temperature. For more on this, please refer to Chapter 1, Section 3.
Yes, it is possible to become accustomed to extreme heat or cold, but it may just be much harder for some. Also, even if they do manage to grow use to heat, any area with a hot climate can still affect them (just to a lesser degree). What I’m saying is, be reasonable as you are not a god or some ultimate beast.
Functions: Besides what has already been mentioned under “Thickness” (read above), the other functions of the skin are pretty much the same as the function of human skin. Though, for some Aquanauts, depending on their skin tone, it is possible for them to blend in with their ocean surroundings if they are surrounded by water.
Tone Like all races, Aquanauts also have variations in skin tone. Some are more common than others, and there is occasionally someone who breaks the norm (rare).
Common Shades: Light Teal, Cerulean, Ice Blue, Steel Blue, Midnight Blue, Periwinkle, Lavender Gray, Indigo, Light Gray, Gray, and any similar variation of those listed.
The most common tone is Ice Blue, followed by Light Teal, Cerulean, Midnight Blue, and Periwinkle. Then everything else follows those, with the most rare of the common shades being Indigo, Light Gray, and Gray. The shade all depends on an individual’s genes. Also, no, Aquanauts are not prejudice regarding color of skin unless for some strange reason, your Aquanaut character was born with a shade of red, yellow, orange, or some other color that Aquanauts just can’t naturally be born with. Speaking, I really hope people don’t try to be that odd one out. No obnoxiously bright shades either of course, unless it’s almost white with a hint of blue, green, or violet. Pink is not on this list.
Not-So-Common Shades: Any shade of a green (as in, not a green & blue mixture), most shades of violet other than the ones already mentioned, and a very light pink (almost white).
It is more common to see a shade of green than violet. Again, no obnoxiously bright shades of any color as... Well, for one thing, it doesn’t look all that nice. White and white mixtures are exceptions.
Rare Shades: Pure white, any variation of actual white that hasn’t reach the level of gray, dark gray, and pure black.
These are the rare shades, which means only a few should have them. People may look at these individuals with more stares at a first glance, but it is nothing new and people have seen it before. As long as you don’t have some freaky mutation, weird belongings, weird habits, or a funky eye and hair color combination, you most likely won’t be an outcast. That is, unless your personality just doesn’t fit well with those around you or your family is just viewed negatively.
Impossible Shades: Any shade of red, any shade of yellow, any shade of orange, any shade of brown, any shade of pink except for that one exception, and any obnoxiously bright shade of any color (unless that is white or close to white).
No one and I mean no Aquanaut should naturally have any of these kinds of skin tones. If someone does, then it must have been done magically or they painted themselves (which will eventually wear off unless he or she keeps applying it). I don’t believe people have the technology in this world to dye their skin.
Hair Length & Color
Hair Length This is also important as it has to do with culture. However, modern times are more lenient so... Depending on your character, pick accordingly. Also, no, your character is not a “rebel” if your character decides to not follow the tradition. As I said, modern times, people are more lenient.
For Males: First of all, Aquanauts don’t have much body hair. Their eyebrows are normally lacking, unless climate conditions results in otherwise, and they have no other body hair at all. However, they do have hair on the top of the heads. Why you ask? To be honest, it really makes no sense to me that they would, but for appearances sake, they have it. Also, I didn’t think many people would want to make an Aquanaut if they have to be bald. I personally don’t mind, though yes, I do like thinking about how their hair looks and all. Thus, I decided on this:
Traditional Male Hairstyles: Bald, Cropped, Boyish, and Short/Medium (depending on how you look at it). Anything else is modern, and naturally, these are the most common. However... age does play a part as older males may choose to grow it out as a sign of wisdom. I’m not saying the younger men can’t because they can due to the times. I’ll explain more about hairstyles in Chapter 2, since it is more of a culture thing only now.
For Females: Same thing applies to females as males.
Traditional Female Hairstyles: Bald, Short/Medium, and Medium. Anything else is modern because, yes, some hairstyles are seen more as masculine style and some as a feminine style. However, most is in-between. Older females may also choose to grow it out as a sign of wisdom. Incredibility long hair is not considered feminine (unless it was styled), although hair going past the shoulders by a few inches was. I repeat, was. Funny, isn’t it? I’ll explain more about hairstyles in Chapter 2, since it is more of a culture thing only now.
Color It is no surprise that Aquanauts also have variation in hair color, and be aware, it is similar to skin tone in structure. However, it is possible to dye your hair so... Read to know what is natural and what is not.
Most Common Colors: Shades of blue and shades of blue green.
It is possible to shift from one color to another if they are similar. Some people can be born with two colors. It all depends on genes unless the person dyed it.
Not-So-Common Colors: Shades of violet and shades of green.
It is possible to shift from one color to another. Some people can be born with two colors. It all depends on genes unless the person dyed it.
Rare Colors: Shades from pure white to pure black (so, white, grays, and black), shades of yellow, and shades of pink.
Unlike some races, Aquanauts are among the kind that doesn’t lose their hair color, as they grow older. So white hair doesn’t mean a person is old, it just means he or she was born with a rare hair color or dyed it. There is also a small chance an Aquanaut can be born blonde, which actually more common than any other rare shade. Remember, these hair colors are rare for a reason, and having a rare hair color isn’t that odd. Again, it is possible to shift from one color to another. Some people can be born with two colors. It all depends on genes unless the person dyed it.
Impossible Colors Without Dye: Shades of red, shades of orange, and shades of brown.
So you want red hair for your guy? Sure, just dye it or use some spell (be reasonable now).
Eyes Function, Shape, Size & Color
Eyes I say this is pretty important too.
Function: Aquanauts eyes serve the same purpose as eyes normally do, allow a being to see. However, Aquanauts’ eyes are more like a dolphin’s than humans because they function well both underwater and above the water due to the their biological structure of their eyes. Thus, whether it is clear or somewhat shrouded, Aquanauts can see pretty well as long as there is a bit of light coming from somewhere (preferably from above or behind them).
Shapes and Sizes: Aquanauts eyes are like humans from the outer appearance stand-point, so they don’t tend to have special shapes or something. The size and other features all depends on the genes, just like with other races.
Colors Pay attention here. It’s short and simple.
Most Common Colors: Shades of blue, green, purple, and gray.
Rare Colors: Shades of yellow, orange, and brown.
Impossible Colors: These are shades of red, white, and pure black.
Ears, Noses, & Lips
Ears Important!
Function: First, let me establish this… Aquanauts do not have ears like humans, elves, Celestials, et cetera. Their ears are like crevices in the sides of their heads, same location as other humanoid beings. Although they can still wear some kinds of ear jewelry, they have a more limited selection and more limited spaces unless they don’t mind having more holes in their heads. As with all ears, Aquanauts ears are used for listening, and they have a wide range underwater since their ears were made for that kind of surrounding. However, above water, their eyes may only be as good as humans, if not worst.
Shapes and Sizes: Like it said earlier, Aquanauts ears a like a crevice, a narrow opening, to a small and circular dip. In that dip, is a smaller hole that leads to the eardrum. The size of their ears, which can only be differentiated by the length of the crevice, varies from person to person. If your Aquanaut has ears like that of another race, then your Aquanaut has mixed blood.
Noses Important!
Function: The function of the noses is the same as any nose, to smell However, an Aquanaut’s sense of smell is a bit stronger than the average human. When submerged in water, their sense of smell is decent or perhaps even good. But once they are clear of interference, they can smell things a lot better.
Shapes and Sizes: The nose is nothing special on the outside, pretty much the same as humans.
Lips
There is nothing special here, they are just lips.
Teeth & Nails Important!
An Aquanaut’s teeth and nails are thick and durable, allowing them to even bite or claw through weak flesh. However, that was in the old days, and the trait has been weakened among most Aquanauts. More shall be said on this at a later date, and I shall post a notice of any changes or updates.
Arms, Hands, Legs, & Feet Important!
Aquanauts tend to have long arms and legs (as well as long fingers and toes), but overall, their structures are not that much different than the average human. However, on their hands and feet, is a flexible webbing that Aquanauts can flare out in order to aid in their swimming. More shall be said at a later date.
Remember, this is about full-blooded Aquanauts. It all depends on genes.
Section 1.2 – The Aging Cycle
Aquanauts age differently from that of other races, slower than humans but faster than most other races. It is due to their long lifespan that they can learn so much before it is their time to pass on, and they do greatly value their time. Thus, from a very early age, they are expected to be like adults even though they are considered still children, which will be covered farther in Chapter 2. This section will inform you of from what age to what age an Aquanauts would normally appear as, even if they are really much more older. In other words, if you want your character to appear older or younger than of the norm, go ahead and do it.
Quick Guide
Ages 1-25 – They age like humans.
Ages 26-99 – They normally look to be in their early 20's.
Ages 100-499 – They start to look like they are 25-29 by 199.
Ages 500-999 – They start to look around young 30's.
Ages 1000-1,999 – They start to look like they are in their late 30's.
Ages 2,000-2,499 – They start to look like they are in their 40's.
Ages 2,500-2,999 – They start to look like they are in their 50's.
Ages 3,000-3,499 – They start to look like they are in their 60's.
Ages 3,500-4,000 – Nowadays, most don't live beyond 4,000 years, and here they look start to look in their 70’s.
Ages 4,001 and up – Living beyond 4,000 is not an amazing feet but really does show that the person has great health. At this point, they will looking somewhere within their 80’s to 90’s.
What I am about to say does not apply to all Aquanauts as some nowadays may not choose to follow certain traditions. However, one thing shall remain the same for all as long as you are a citizen of Poseidon, you are not an official adult until you hit 100. Those that may be Aquanauts or carry mixed blood and are a citizen of a different country do not follow this rule. You'll be viewed and treated as an adult if you seem competent enough. As for other races residing in Poseidon Empires, they do not follow this rule unless they can live longer than the human lifespan.
Ages 1-25
Once they are born (please refer to the section 1.3), Aquanauts age almost at the same rate of humans, just a bit slower. Still, a lot is expected from them starting at the age of five in which many are expect to be intermediate at swimming or even at the advance level. It is not always the case but as soon as the child does not need to cling to the mother for most of the day (around age two), they are taught the basics of swimming. By the age of ten, they should already be an expert or at least on their way because for an ocean dweller to not know how to swim, survival is unlikely. Though yes, modern times have come with ways to allow air breathers to live along side the Aquanauts, swimming is still a greatly valued skill.
At the age of five, as tradition of primitive times holds, the children are expected to behave as adults except when they are allowed a bit of free time. Children who do misbehave are severely punished, which are nothing compared to the punishments of children during the ancient times. If a child those perform a crime that would receive a grave punish (such as death, though it is called “exile,” refer to Chapter 3 for more details), that child no matter what age will receive the same punishment. To say this is to change is uncertain, but for now, this is how it is. You are expected to be an adult, you can receive an adult punishment, but you are not considered an adult, not even at age twenty-five.
A note, age five is also when most Aquanaut children start to attend the University of Poseidon where they are not only taught academics but also trained in ways to aid the military in melee, magic, or support (healing and the like).
Ages 26-99
Aquanauts will still look to be in their early twenty’s and are expect to complete their education, assuming they started at age five, by age ninety-nine or one hundred. If they wish to farther their education, they may do so but most seem to end it at this age and continue later on around their 200’s or perhaps even later. It really does vary from person to person. At these ages, you are no longer considered a child but a soon-to-be adult.
Ages 100-499
Now the big one, zero, zero is when you are officially considered an adult by Aquanaut culture! This is the age most Aquanauts would set out to either find a job or possibly even a spouse or maybe just to goof off, though the last bit is frowned upon if you have nothing that you can use to survive (and no, freeloading off your parents does not count as they won’t allow if they are “right in the mind” according to elder generations of Aquanauts). Family is important in an Aquanaut society, but… Well, again, that will be explained in Chapter 2. In any case, even those at this age, they care rather like the young spirited humans of their early twenty’s, which doesn’t look odd at all since Aquanauts of this age appear to be in their mid-twenties to late-twenties.
Ages 500-999
There is not much to say here.
Ages 1,000-1,999
An Aquanaut in the prime of his or her life will be in his or her thousands. There is not much else to say here.
Ages 2,000-2,499
Their face may suggest they are aging, but Aquanauts don’t tend to lose pigment when they age.
Ages 2,500-2,999
There is not much to say here.
Ages 3,000-3,499
Their face should suggest they are aging by now, though their body can still be quite healthy.
Ages 3,500-4,000
Depending on your character his or her body may weaken.
Ages 4,001+
They are officially old at this point, however, how they do depends on you. Some Aquanauts stay in good shape their whole lives, some do not. It is the same with humans and such. However, please do not go overboard.