Cantarrian

Cantarrians (Altaanrr Thcantrra ˈθkæn.tɾʰa) are a species native to the planet Cantarr. While most Cantarrians still live on their homeworld, many have moved to other planets, partially due to general exploration but mostly from the fallout of the Endri-Illanian War.

Quick Facts

• Autonyms: Ithcanrr/Thcantrra, Cantre/Cantyar
• Languages: Altaanrr, Kloha, Sarali
• Home planet: Cantarr
• Other planets: Menrr and Calhi (moons of Cantarr), two colonies on Lorra
• Political affiliation: Illanian Star Republic (Cantarr and its moons), Rel-danii Alliance of Planets (Lorra colonies)
• Average height: 4′6″–5′0″ (1.37–1.52 m)
• Average lifespan: 100–120 years
• Related species: Buarrians

Overview

A race short in stature but large in ambition. Their ears are known to be highly sensitive, able to hear sounds from significant distances. Their antennae also give them heightened senses, though the nature of these senses is not entirely known to the Endri-nâi.

While most live on their homeworld of Cantarr and its two moons, they have several space stations in their home solar system. Several separatist movements, unwilling to join the Illanian Star Republic, fled to the Rel-danii planet of Lorra and founded settlements there.

Biology

Cantarrian woman with red curly hair

Cantarrians are on average shorter than most other races, usually standing between 4.5 and 5 feet tall. Their skin is bluish, though the shade can vary dramatically across and even within different ethnic groups. Hair color can be in nearly any shade of blue, red, or purple.

Two notable features of Cantarrians are their ears and antennae: their large, round ears are adapted for acute hearing. The pair of antennae atop their heads end in feathered bulbs. The sensory function and mechanism of these antennae has not been extensively studied by other species, though it is common knowledge that they can use their antennae to tune their hearing, as well as to pick up electromagnetic signals.

Cantarrian feet are single-toed, ending in hooves. These are wide and capable of climbing both rocks and trees at need, though they are specialized for running nimbly through dense forests. They are also known to have rapidly-healing skin tissue.

Culture

Nayea Galen, a Cantarrian musician

Rusted Nails, a Cantarrian music group

Music is an incredibly important part of all cultural groups among the Cantarrians. While the styles may vary across ethnicities and cultures, it is difficult to find an individual or group to whom music is not an integral part of life. One of the primary instruments shared by many cultures is the klalta, a stringed instrument.

Many cultural (and even subcultural) groups within Cantarrian society practice brinthit, or tattooing as a means of self-expression, usually in bright colours such as red or orange, which contrast with their skin tone. However, due to their rapidly-healing skin, no tattoos can ever be permanent. This allows an individual Cantarrian to change their brinthit to update their style. Body markings are typically re-done every two to four weeks.