Zephyr Stratos
| Zephyr Stratos | |
|---|---|
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| The Tarrukari rock idol Roger Fender is a recognized Zephyr Stratos. | |
| Sociology | |
| First appearance | 40:046 (60 yrs ago) |
| Source | Tarrukar Empire |
| Current INTACT code | TKSZ:3 |
| Population | ~ 2,300,000 |
| Common roles | Tourism and hospitality, janitorial, nursing, butlers, private security, entertainment |
| Biology | |
| Generations |
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| Featured traits | Variable plumage coverage, soft flexible feathers, dwarfed wings, mammalian hair, plantigrade feet. |
The Zephyr Stratos, also known as Zephyrs or Ornate Stratos, are the most common variety of Stratos. They are made on commission by private companies, and are usually found in customer service, nursing, security and performance. Even if created by private companies, they all have to follow a regulated physiology or else their extraction (birth) is not approved. Structure guidelines include but is not limited to dwarfed wings (rendering them uncapable of flight), softened keratin (allowing versatile feather styling) and adequate physical/mental health.
The current Zephyr version is the Zephyr X, released roughly twenty years ago. They are well-liked all over the world, with each year seeing a growth in Zephyr exports. Their production is entirely concentrated within the Tarrukar Empire. Unlike the Whirlwinds, Zephyr companies see less monitoring, with hundreds of them being found all over the country.
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Anatomy
See also: Stratos feathering
Zephyrs have a very human-like physiology, having plantigrade legs, primate nails, similar leg-to-arm proportions to humans, and are covered in various type of mammalian hair; including head hair, androgenic body hair, and vellus hair ('peach fuzz'). Their sense of eyesight, hearing and smell tends to be analogous to a human's, including the ability to taste spice.
Zephyr physiology is closely monitored, and if it doesn't follow the listed requirements, its extraction may not be allowed or the Zephyr may be euthanised.
- The presence of alpha-keratin instead of beta-keratin, leading to flexible and elastic feathers able to be stylised, but also being prone to deformation and sagging, making it unfit for flight.
- Dwarfed wings. Wingspan must not be bigger than 1.3 times the Zephyr's height.
- Average athletic and strength level shouldn't be above the average Whirlwind or Cyclone (law enforcement reasons).
- They must not have a wing supracoracoideus muscle, limiting take-off and upstroke movements.
- Expected adult height in a range of 145 - 200 cm (4'9 - 6'7).
- Limited genetical markers for physical disease.
- Omnivore digestive track.
Zephyrs have a much reduced keel due to their small wings, allowing their center of gravity to sit lower in the body. They rarely suffer of the lumbar and gait issues present in Whirlwinds, though it's not unheard of.
Despite their human-like look and overall low metabolic needs compared to the flighted Stratos, Zephyrs still count with an unidirectional respiratory system, easy adaptation to changes of altitude, and fast flicker speed eyesight. Most Zephyrs present trichromatic eyesight, though it's not unlawful to produce tetrachromatic retinas. Zephyrs with UV perception are often seen in roles such as nursing or janitorial.
Plumage in Zephyrs is extremely varied, especially as they aren't required to have the bird-like feather grouping necessary for flight. Some companies specialize in decorative designs, while others only produce Zephyrs with white plumage for future dye and styling.
Production
While there's dozens of companies that focus in Ornate Artes production, the rate of production for domestic-use Zephyrs has slowly gone down in recent years. This is due to an already high population and frequent rehoming, making it unnecessary to make new ones. This effect was caused by a production boom after the release of the Zephyr Stratos (TKSZ:2), which also opened the doors to export of these Stratos in order to level out the population.
Behaviour
Much like other Stratos species, Zephyrs are very gregarious. They are accustomed to communal spaces, sharing rooms, food and even clothing. There's little bashfulness around nakedness within their own species. Due to their presence in civilian jobs, Zephyrs are expected to act by human social standards.
Zephyrs are often well behaved and have extensive training in social skills and negotiating with others. Unlike Whirlwinds, they readily team up with other species, and Zephyrs themselves are usually well-liked by other Artes.
Education
Zephyrs see a similar education system to humans, being divided in Foundational and Tutelage stages. Education is dependant on the expected future role of the Zephyr, and not all natal companies offer training. Some Zephyrs are homeschooled, and many businesses that employ hundreds of Zephyrs may have their own training facilities.
Trivia
- Calling Zephyrs "pets" or "housekeep" is considered extremely rude.
- Some Zephyrs are capable of limited gliding, but it's not well seen for them to attempt to do so.
- Zephyrs are often infantilised, despite usually having a more mature temperament compared to the rest of the Stratos family.