Trælu

The Trælau (ˈtræ.lɑʊ), singular Trælu (ˈtræ.lu) are a species native to Sothendra. In the Kin-elleth language, they are called Træli-nâi (ˈtraː.li.nɔɪ), singular Trælith (ˈtraː.lɪθ).

Quick Facts

Autonyms: Trælu/Trælau, Dral/Dralu, Tréalf/Tréalfa, Traelith/Traeli-nâi
Languages: Various tribal languages
Home planet: Sothendra
Other planets: Relpendra, Lorra, some reports of other colonies outside of Endri-nâi space
Political affiliation: Nominally under the protection of the Endri-nâi Confederation
Average height: 5′5″–5′9″ (1.65–1.75 m)
Average lifespan: 1000 years
Related species: Endri-nâi, Nirin, Aila-nâi(?)

Overview

Trælau are native to the vast forests of Sothendra, both in the forests themselves and along (and in) the rivers. The Kin-elleth word træli-nâi, (singular trælith) is taken from their own term trælu, plural trælau, which seems — with minor variations — to be the common autonym for their kind across their various languages. Though they rarely incorporate stone into their buildings, their major cities are nonetheless extensive and grand to behold. When the endri-nâi began to colonize other worlds, several groups of træli-nâi also accompanied them, finding niches in the new worlds discovered where they could live, thrive, and spread without the threat of encroaching endri-nâi civilization.

Physiology

While it is clear that the træli-nâi are related to the endri-nâi, they are considerably shorter, generally being between 5.5 and 5.75 feet in height. They usually have only one pair of arms, and they lack wings. Their tails – adapted for their arboreal lifestyle – are quite long, often longer than the rest of their bodies from head to toe. Some tribes of river-dwelling trælau are known to have slightly flatter tails and webbed feet, to aid in swimming. Trælau also typically have fewer large scales covering their body than the endri-nâi, and their foot claws – used for climbing – are retractable. They are not as long-lived as the endri-nâi – the average trælu lifespan is roughly one thousand years – but they share their resistance to poison and extreme temperatures.

Reproduction

While many endrith scholars have visited and even occasionally lived among the træli-nâi to study their culture over the millennia, one mystery remains: their reproduction. All træli-nâi are female, at least so far as observation has been able to tell. Whether their sexes are so alike that they can be mistaken for each other, or whether they reproduce by some means other than sexually, they appear not to have males among them. The explanation of this mystery is one kept closely guarded by the træli-nâi, and none have thought it worth risking a war in order to learn the truth. It is known, however, that træli-nâi lay eggs when possible. Like the endri-nâi, they can give live birth; however, they only do so in cases such as mass migration, where a safe nesting spot may not be available.

Culture

There are regional variations of culture among træli-nâi, but in general they appear to live in communal groups of less than 500 (more in dense forest, fewer near open territory). Each tribe seems to be governed by a council of elders, with all other members being equals. While most goods and possessions are held individually, food is always held in common. Children also seem to belong to the group, rather than to a particular family, though it is usually known who is the mother of a particular child.

Another trait shared by many træli-nâi groups is migration. While some permanent cities have been established, most of the smaller tribal groups will migrate periodically. Forest tribes migrate from site to site every five to ten years, though they never take over a site previously occupied by another tribe without first seeking permission. River tribes who live near river mouths or junctions tend to remain in place, while others will migrate at intervals up and down the length of a given river. Generally, they will still dwell primarily in the forest if nearby, but in areas where the river passes through grasslands they have built open settlements, predominantly of single-story buildings. They share the hospitality ethic of their endri-nâi cousins, though not quite to the same extent: hospitality begins only once one has been accepted as a guest. Outsiders are generally housed in the communal hall, rather than in individual homes. River tribes are generally more friendly to outsiders than those dwelling deeper within the forest, and it is generally unwise to approach an unfamiliar settlement without an open display of goodwill, along with a gift.

In general, træli-nâi are peaceful, though internal conflicts are not entirely uncommon. Their only recorded war against the endri-nâi is written only in the earliest surviving texts from ancient history, though there may have been others in the more distant past. But as they have the same long lifespans and general hardiness as the endri-nâi) if not the same physical strength, they have in general learned to live peaceably with their neighbors. Apart from limited diplomatic functions and colonization parties, they very rarely interact with the taller kindred at all, preferring for the most part to keep to themselves.

Distribution

While the vast majority of trælau live on Sothendra, Relpendra, or other Endri-nâi-controlled worlds, a few small groups have emigrated to more distant worlds. Of note are the small communities living on the Rel-danii-controlled planet Lorra and in several deep space stations, both Rel-danii and Illanian. There are even rumors of a small group of trælau having settled on a small planet in the Sol system, though this is unconfirmed.

The Lorra Tréalfa

In the earth year 1942, three groups of trælau – one group from Sothendra and two from Relpendra – emigrated to the Rel-dani planet Lorra, where they established a colony in some of the planet's vast forests. Although trælau are traditionally wary of outsiders, these groups became exceptionally friendly with the other peoples of Lorra. They are now a frequent sight in the streets of several Rel-dani and Cantarrian settlements, and especially in the main Rel-dani city of Lindralor. Some have even taken up residence in the city. Even many who still live in the forests have adopted the local Rel-dani style of dress (adapted for their physiology). These groups typically refer to themselves as Tréalfa (ˈtre.æl.ɸə), singular tréalf (ˈtre.ælʷ or ˈtre.ælɸ), which is the variant of trælu from the most common tribal language among the immigrant groups. Over the past several decates, the tréalfa of Lorra have developed a distinct culture from their kin back in Endri-nâi space, influenced by the multiplicity of alien cultures present. They consider themselves as much a part of the Rel-danii Alliance as the Endri-nâi Confederation.