LUMISERA (ORIGINAL)

Lumisera are a mystical species native to the dense forests and towering mountain ranges of their world. Shy, intelligent, and possessing heightened senses, Lumisera tend to avoid human contact, preferring to remain in their secluded, natural habitats. They possess digitigrade legs and a blend of bestial and human features, lending them an ethereal yet wild appearance. Though generally peaceful, Lumisera are incredibly protective of their territories, and their behavior can become erratic during mating cycles, where their pheromones dictate a dominance or submissiveness dynamic that impacts their interactions.

Despite their largely peaceful nature, Lumisera are not without their defenses. Both variants have sharp claws and fangs, primarily used for self-defense when necessary. Their fangs are prominent and sharp, used more as a deterrent or in rare cases of self-defense. Lumisera are omnivorous, eating both greens and meat, though each individual has their own preference.

Physical Attributes

Lumisera’s possess digitigrade legs, which means they walk on their toes, contributing to their elegance and agility. Their bodies are lean but strong, built for both stealth and swift movement. Both the Volcore and Sylvan variants have specialized features suited to their environments, but they share certain traits, like their fur-covered lower bodies and distinct, intricately designed markings around their eyes.

Wings:
Lumisera wings are large and iridescent, sprouting from one of three possible locations: the shoulder blades, behind the ears, or the lower back. Their wings shimmer with a gradient of colors unique to each individual, often reflecting their inherited coloration. The edges of the wings tend to glow slightly in dim light, creating a faint ethereal halo around them. The size and shape of the wings also vary, from delicate butterfly-like wings to more substantial bat-like or bird-like structures.
Horns:
Horns in Lumisera come in all shapes and sizes, from sharp antelope-like horns to spiraling ram horns or small nubs that barely peek out from their hair. The style of horns is believed to reflect the individual's personality and lineage, and they serve as both a means of status display and defense when necessary. These horns are durable, and while they don’t grow throughout the Lumisera’s life, they are a key component of their appearance.
Legs:
The legs of Lumisera are digitigrade, resembling those of canines, felines, or ungulates. Starting from the coxal region, their lower body is covered in fur, aiding in agility and quiet movement through their natural habitats. These bestial legs make them exceptional runners and climbers, allowing them to move swiftly over rocky and uneven terrain.
Tail:
The most common tail type is long and slender, with a tuft of fur at the end that matches the color of their wing gradient. The tails are highly expressive and can vary between individuals—some have bushy tails similar to foxes, while others might have thin, whip-like tails with only a small amount of fur at the tip. Tails serve both a balance function and as an extension of their emotional expressions. The tail is also used during social interactions to express emotions, such as tension, happiness, or readiness to mate.
Appearance:
The Lumisera have a humanoid form but with clear bestial and ethereal elements. Their skin tones range from pale hues to darker shades, depending on their regional variants, and their bodies are marked with natural, symmetrical patterns that glow when emotionally charged. Their faces are angular, with sharp eyes that can see in low light, and their fingers are tipped with claws.
Markings:
Unique bioluminescent markings appear around the eyes and extend across their bodies, representing their lineage, social status, and personality. These markings glow more brightly when the Lumisera is feeling intense emotions, such as fear, joy, or anger. The complexity and extent of these markings vary between individuals and are thought to hold deep spiritual significance, connecting them to their ancestors.
Ears:
Lumisera ears vary in size and type. They may have large, pointed canine, feline, critter, or ungulate-like ears, while some individuals possess folded or drooped ears. Their ears are highly mobile, allowing them to pinpoint sounds in their environment, which, coupled with their heightened sense of smell, makes them formidable trackers and hunters. The ears also swivel to catch specific sounds, contributing to their skittishness when encountering humans or other potential threats.

Behavior & Nature
The Lumisera are generally peaceful and prefer to avoid conflict. They are highly social within their groups but are shy around outsiders. They are curious by nature but also cautious, observing others from a distance before approaching. Their heightened senses of hearing and smell make them hyper-aware of their surroundings. They live in close-knit communities, often formed by families or clans that share the same regional markings. While Lumisera are not naturally aggressive, they can become territorial during the mating cycle, especially those with Dominus pheromones.

They have a complex social hierarchy based on age, wisdom, and pheromonal dominance. Dominus Lumisera’s often take leadership roles, guiding their groups through migration or the seasonal shifts in their habitats. However, they are not overly hierarchical or competitive, and violence within groups is rare, except during mating cycles when territorial disputes may briefly arise.

Mating Cycles

Like demihuman, Lumisera go into heat every two months, with the cycle lasting for about a week. During this time, their bodies release powerful pheromones that signal their readiness to mate. The cycle is tied to the lunar calendar, with certain phases of the moon heightening the pheromonal intensity. Mating cycles play a crucial role in the lives of Lumisera’s, significantly affecting their behavior for a short period of time.

Pheromones:
Each Lumisera has specific pheromonal glands either near the base of their wings. These glands release one of two pheromones—Dominus or Submitus—regardless of gender. The release of these pheromones dictates their behavior during the mating cycle and influences the dynamics between potential mates. The Dominus pheromones of a Lumisera make their host more territorial and protective, while Submitus pheromones make the Lumisera more receptive and nurturing. These pheromones play a key role in attracting mates and setting the social dynamics during mating cycles. Interestingly, the assignment of Dominus or Submitus pheromones is entirely random and is not tied to gender. Either Lumisera of any pheromone can trigger each other's mating cycle (e.g; if an Lumisera with Submitus pheromones is in their heat cycle, it can trigger a Lumisera with Dominus pheromones heat cycle.)
Behavior Changes:
During the mating cycle, those with Dominus pheromones become highly territorial and protective of their chosen mate or territory. They often challenge others and display more aggressive tendencies. Conversely, those with Submitus pheromones become more receptive and nurturing, seeking the attention of Dominus partners. Their behavior softens, and they tend to show signs of longing or neediness and often seek out safe nesting sites.
Male Pregnancies:
A rare but natural feature of Lumisera’s is that males with Submitus pheromones are capable of becoming pregnant during the mating cycle. The process is similar to female pregnancies, with male Lumisera’s developing a small pouch-like pseudo-womb that supports the developing offspring. This evolutionary adaptation ensures that reproductive success is not hindered by gender ratios. Pregnant males typically exhibit nesting behaviors, seeking out safe and isolated areas to birth and rear their young.
After Cycle:
Once the cycle ends, Lumisera’s revert to their usual, peaceful behavior. Pregnant Lumisera’s, whether male or female, begin preparing nests in secluded, resource-rich areas. They become extremely protective of these nesting grounds, ensuring the safety of their offspring until birth. The gestation period typically lasts three to five months, during which the pregnant Lumisera’s withdraw from their social groups to focus on rearing their young.

Role: Dominus

Pheromones: Releases pheromones that signal dominance and attract Submitus mates.
Behavior: Becomes territorial, protective, and assertive during mating cycles.
Mating Behavior: Actively seeks partners, engages in mating displays, and becomes possessive.
Post-Cycle: Returns to a calm, neutral state with minimal territorial behavior.
Pregnancy: Cannot become pregnant but takes on protective roles in the group.

Role: Submitus

Pheromones: Releases pheromones signaling receptivity and attracts mates with Dominus pheromones.
Behavior: Becomes more vulnerable, needy, and emotionally sensitive during mating cycles.
Mating Behavior: Receptive to attention, seeks comfort, and remains passive during mating.
Post-Cycle: Returns to a peaceful, independent state, focused on recovery and nesting if pregnant.
Pregnancy: Can become pregnant (male or female) during mating cycles, and develops strong nesting instincts.

Cons:

Drawbacks:
- Lumisera’s strong emotional connections to their markings can make them highly vulnerable during emotional distress, causing their markings to flare uncontrollably and drawing unwanted attention.
- Their skittish nature around humans and heightened sensitivity to environmental changes can make Lumisera difficult to approach or study.
- Their wings are fragile, and damage to them can severely impair their ability to travel or escape danger.
- Their mating cycle can be a disruptive event, leading to heightened aggression and territorial disputes, especially in smaller communities.
Weaknesses:
- Lumisera are highly sensitive to sudden loud noises and strong smells, which can overwhelm their heightened senses and cause disorientation or panic.
- Their glowing markings, while beautiful, can make it difficult for them to hide or remain unseen during times of stress or danger.
Vulnerabilities:
- Lumisera are vulnerable to cold weather due to their digitigrade legs and delicate wings, making them less suited for survival in harsh climates.
- Because their pheromone production is linked to their physical well-being, a Lumisera experiencing malnutrition or sickness may have difficulty attracting mates or defending themselves during mating cycles.
- Lumisera with Submitus pheromones are particularly vulnerable during the mating cycle. If exposed to a large group of Dominus Lumisera, they may become overwhelmed by the pressure to mate, and if they do not find a secure place to retreat, they can be subject to unwanted advances. Their dependency during this time leaves them open to emotional and physical exhaustion if they do not bond with a suitable mate.