Jedoa

"Jedoa Quote goes here"

― By someone

Jedoa are a joyful people regarded highly for their craftsmanship. These avian desert dwellers have a strong sense of community and emphasize helping others! Their strong social bonds emphasize the enjoyment of life and the idea of karma.

Jedoa are one of five sapient species that reside in Lorhondel, and are one of the four native to it. They are found primarily in the Dawnvale Desert but frequently travel the world to trade goods.

Appearance

Jedoa have a large keel bone and a semi-hollow skeleton.

Jedoa have a wide variety of beak shapes, from small and sharp to large and hooked. Their beaks are pliable near the corners to help them show a small range of emotions.

They also emote with the feathers around the top and back of the head. These feathers tend to grow longer than those elsewhere on the body, and sometimes have a slightly different pigmentation. Jedoa pluck or trim these feathers into different styles for self expression.

Differences between the sexes are very minute. It can be difficult to tell them apart. They aren’t typically offended if someone makes a mistake! Male Jedoa have two long, flashy, brightly colored tail feathers called the “chaahk” or “quill”. The quill’s color is the same as the male’s pigmentation and is typically longer and thinner than the other tail feathers. These quill feathers will bleed more than other feathers if broken and such injury is regarded as semi-serious. The feather will grow back in time.

Jedoa tails typically face down and are of medium to long length. Short or upright tails are less common.

Coloration

Jedoa are most often earth tones like brown and tan or black and white. Male Jedoa sport brighter, flashier colors like red or orange. Females carry the genes for these colors but do not display them.

There is a very rare genetic anomaly that causes the male coloration to become the dominant pigment. This results in a Jedoa presenting as entirely one bright color. There have only ever been a few recorded cases of this.

Biology

Jedoa have a large keel bone and a semi-hollow skeleton.

Jedoa are specially adapted to life in the desert with their large, wide eyes are surrounded by fine feathers (that help keep sand out) and their thin legs and wide feet help them walk on sand. They have small scales on their arms and legs.

Jedoa cannot sweat, so they pant to keep cool. A spongy mass on the outer lining of the stomach retains water, allowing Jedoa to go days without drinking water. They are also capable of absorbing water vapor through the skin on their tongues and the back of their throat, which helps stave off dehydration.

Along with water, food can also be scarce in the desert. To make the most of their food, Jedoa store their meal in their “crop”. When full, the organ pushes out, revealing a lump at the base of the neck. Their hard beaks and thick tongues allow them to eat even spiny plants.

An organ called the syrinx, is used for vocalization in place of vocal chords. They can learn to mimic almost any sound and have a distinct gravely accent.

Life Cycle

Eggs are commonly carried in fabric slings across the caretaker's chest and stomach. Eggs take 7-8 months to develop. Hatchlings emerge featherless and sightless. These tiny babies are hungry! After infancy, this appetite slows down. They have fluffy down feathers.

Around 8-10 years old, major periods of molting begin. It can be itchy and uncomfortable.

Adulthood marks the end of their awkward phase. By this point, their adult feathers have grown in. Adult Jedoa only molt occasionally to replace old or damaged feathers. Adult Jedoa are adept at mimicking sounds and learn other languages easily.

The feathers of elderly Jedoa dull with age. Some may even lose their markings or develop a white, freckled pattern.

Psychology

Many describe Jedoa to be jovial, excitable, and welcoming. Jedoa form very strong bonds with their partner... or partners! Jedoa are not strictly monogamous and it is not unusual to see bigger family units.

Karma plays a huge role in their mentality and Jedoa will often go out of their way to help someone in need. They may come across as too casual to some but Jedoa pursue a relaxed, laid back lifestyle for all. In contrast, any individual being willfully lazy or harmful without attempting to correct their behavior are viewed with distaste. Ineptitude is frowned upon, but Jedoa will try to help wayward individuals. Obvious hostility is answered in kind.

Giving and receiving are very meaningful to Jedoa. Refusing or returning a gift is viewed as a huge insult! Jedoa are eager to share and only keep the most meaningful items to themselves.

Physical contact is welcome among Jedoa as well! Being preened by a Jedoa is a very affectionate, courteous gesture. A Jedoa may be seen idly preening a friend’s feathers (or hair for non-Jedoa). However, personal space is kept in mind and a Jedoa will urgently apologize for any violation of personal space.

Jedoa are commonly curious, excitable, and love surprises. However, because of this curiosity, they can become easily bored and constantly search for mental stimulation.

Tips for visiting: It is considered polite to haggle with shopkeepers in Jedoan cities.

Culture

Jedoa are remarkably close knit and treat their whole society as a flock. They are quick to help their fellow Jedoa and are known to babysit neighbor’s chicks, help around a shop, or have a neighborhood party without much thought. To a Jedoa, everyone is like family!

Most Jedoan social activities involve being outside socializing: Dancing, group preening, group crafts, or just lounging around. Puzzle games are also popular, both for solo play and with a friend.

Fruits, nuts, and seeds are only washed, cut and served. Meats are eaten raw unless they must be heated to a specific temperature to be safe to consume. Herbs and spices may be added to some dishes, but for the most part Jedoa didn’t really cook until they were introduced to it by Mantheans.

Fashion

Due to the harsh heat of the desert, Jedoa tend to wear light fabrics like silks. Primarily covered in feathers, clothing serves more of a social purpose than a practical one; clothing represents one's personal identity and individuality. Jedoa favor patterns and color, and many weave small scrap gemstones into the fabric to make it sparkle. Because of their sensitive respiratory systems, garments are typically worn loosely around the chest area, or are simply not worn at all.

Jedoa are best known for their jewelry. The most fashionable article of jewelry is the "collar”. This large fabric or metal oval can be slipped around the neck and covers the entire shoulder area. A collar is typically made of gold, but can include other metals like copper, bronze, and silver and are usually encrusted with jewels. Collars are more than just a fashion statement, though! They’re also useful for covering one’s crop.

Invention of Glasses

Thanks to the abundance of sand, Jedoa had the resources to make great strides in the field of vision correction. Older style glasses were goggle-like, while more modern glasses are implanted into the top of the beak.

Holidays and Traditions

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Religion

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Names

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History

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