====== Caldoss ======

<data !race>
Description [wiki]             : The Caldossi are a matriarchal near-human race.
Image [image::300]             : ic:caldossiracepic.png
Plural                       : Caldossi
Racial Characteristics [rule]* : High Fertility,Information Oriented,Mercantile
Homeworld [ref]                : Caldoss-Wakuu
</data>

The Caldossi are a near-human race noted for their relatively dark skin and the bright colour of their eyes. They originated on the fourth planet in the [[Carcharoth System]], known to the Caldossi as [[Caldoss-Wakuu]]. 

===== Physiology =====
Caldossi are primates and as such characterized by having a large brain relative to body size. They are highly adept at utilizing systems of symbolic communication such as language for self-expression, the exchange of ideas, and organization. The Caldoss race creates complex social structures composed of many cooperating and competing groups, from families and kinship networks to interplanetary cartels. Their inquisitive and social orientation makes them excellent merchants, entertainers and negotiators.

One of the more distinguishing features of the race is the eye-colour. Caldossi eyes have evolved to have brightly coloured pupils, from dark pink to forest green. Males generally have brighter-coloured pupils than females to attract the attention of potential mates, and some males use make-up or even surgery to enhance the brightness of their eyes. As with [[human|humans]], the hue of Caldossi skin and hair is determined by the presence of pigments called melanins, which is significant as a result of their systems' powerful star. Caldossi skin hues can range from pitch black to light brown. Pale or white-skinned Caldossi are rare.

Caldossi body types vary substantially. Although body size is determined by genes, there is a significant influence of environmental factors such as diet between Caldossi of different worlds and Circles. The average height of an adult Scavenger Caldossi living on the home world is around 1.3 m, whereas the average Ascended Caldossi living on [[Ascension]] is around 2.2 m tall. The average mass of an adult is 45–64 kg for males and 66–73 kg for females, but weight also varies greatly. They are omnivorous, capable of consuming a wide variety of plant and animal material. Varying with available food sources on the worlds they inhabit, and also varying with cultural norms, Caldossi groups have adopted a range of diets, from purely vegetarian to primarily carnivorous. 

Reproduction takes place as internal fertilization by sexual intercourse. The Caldoss race is relatively fertile, raising children in a matrifocal family structure, where mothers head families, often taking several male mates to ensure the genetic diversity of their children. The fathers of these children are intermittently present in the life of the group and occupy a secondary place. In larger groups, the Caldoss race also tend towards gynarchy. Women are generally in charge of groups and organisations, and can be said to constitute an informal ruling class. 

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