This is an upload for the more visually oriented with their profile provided down below. The image above was drawn by Cycada on commission from Flight Rising!



General Information

The Noma are a race of humanoid, alien plants that bear a remarkable similarity and variety of visual forms comparable to Earthen flora. Coincidentally, they also rely on sun or moonlight and water to function, typically forming colonies around major water sources. These villages were formerly created within the hollows of trees, but the Noma have since cultivated seeds that birth massive, sturdy petals. They have even learned to coax a trees limbs into forming a particular shape suitable for living within.


Anatomy

The Bud

A feature common to all Noma as well as the most prominent is the flower bud that rests atop their head. Generally of a bright coloration and following the form of a wide swath of flowers, the bud remains closed for the majority of their lifetime. It also serves as a mean to identify one of the many subspecies, each labelled after Terran flowers for simple classification.

Within this bud is the pistil, acting as the major part of the Noma's brain. The outer petals have evolved to be remarkably sturdy and is used to protect this delicate and complex network nestled within. The few times the bud will actually open is during the process of mating, peacocking, absorbing sunlight during extensive flights or releasing their scents. It may also be done as a sign of trust between polyamorous or monogamous partners, allowing them to gently touch it with their feelers.


Feelers/Mouth

From within the sepal sprouts a pair of feelers, their appearance varying with the subspecies and type of bud. Acting as the Noma's nose and 'ears', it is extremely sensitive to smells and vibrations, capable of detecting the scent of a predator from over a mile away. They are prehensile and fully controlled by the Noma, though their actual range of movement and full sensory capabilities will depend on their particular sub/species.

Unlike the feelers, the Noma mouth is considered to be somewhat of an anomaly. Biologically speaking, they had little need for verbal communication between one another, though it has become a common belief that they eventually evolved them for outer-species contact. With this development they also created their own spoken language, allowing them to no longer place themselves in dangerous situations that required close contact.

Interestingly since this change, the Lillie's are said to be capable of communicating with virtually any creature on the planet as well as having the broadest linguistic abilities.


Pores and Discs

Colored similarly to their buds, the Noma's body has small pores that release excess energy, heat and carbon dioxide. This release of energy can be seen best during the night or by the keen-eyed in the daytime, appearing as softly colored wisps of particles that float through the air and eventually dissipate.

The discs, on the other hand, are incredibly dark and crucial for the absorption of sun/moonlight, giving them the energy they require to function. Depending on the species, it has even been known to improve their mental acuity.

Their eyes, seated centrally on the face and formed from the same substance as the discs and retaining their visual appearance, have evolved to see images and color--much like the human eye. The third, located on the forehead, is even further developed, allowing them to detect infrared light as well as see changes in heat and humidity. This has proven useful for those who rely on the brightness of daylight to see, for their eyes do not function as well into the evenings and night thanks to the lack of direct energy from the sun. This third eye is also capable of detecting motion, signalling to the Noma whether there may be impending danger they otherwise cannot sense.


Wings

The appearance and usefulness of a Noma's wings are fully dependent on their particular sub/species, but generally appear similar to fern-like vines. Each strand is tightly interwoven with thinner limbs to form a translucent membrane, allowing for flight similar to some insects or bats. However, there is a common misconception that their wings grow from their shoulders or the clavicle, given the growth of strands that helps to further reinforce the base limb.

Due to weight and form, some Noma are more capable of lengthy flights, while others may only hover or be rendered completely flightless, causing their wings to function similarly to a complex cape instead. However, all Noma's wings are capable of absorbing water through osmosis, an essential process for Noma like the Succulents who can be found closer to the desert and who are capable of going for longer lengths of time without water. Unlike their cousins that live near riverbeds, who are almost completely dependent on a daily supply to remain acute.


Legs

A Noma's legs are elongated and incredibly powerful, aiding them in jumping into the air to attain flight or leaping great distances when travelling. They are also quite flexible and allow them to walk or run with ease and virtually no effort. Races between various species has become an entertaining activity shared by adolescents, encouraging sportsmanship and exercise. As with all of their limbs, the legs are regenerative, but they also take the longest, arms and feelers often growing back before them.


Tail

Similar to the wings, the Noma have evolved a tail that is formed from a single, incredibly thick and tough vine with numerous leaves extending from it. While they have a good deal of control over the central limb, the leaves themselves drape downward and typically end in a somewhat sharp tip. Under appropriate circumstances they can be used as a defensive weapon, with the Noma tightening the bonds between the tail and leaves, allowing them to slice with disturbing efficiency. The tail may also be used as a guiding rudder during flight and is similarly capable of absorbing water through the process of osmosis.


Sexuality and Gender Differentiation

Although few, there are subtle differences between biologically male and female Noma. All male Noma, to the exclusion of Succulents, will have smaller buds. They also retain a small pouch that is located on their lower back, just above the tail and hidden by their wings, from which they release pollen for females to catch. Noma whom are intersex may visually appear similar to one end of the spectrum, but be capable of the opposing's biological capabilities.

For those Noma whose gender does not match their sexual characteristics, they may undergo a biological change once in their life, gaining similar traits to their initial counterpart.

However, for those Noma who are neither male nor female, biologically or through by gender, their traits tend toward a more neutral middle ground. Their bud may be larger than a males and smaller than a females or the inverse. They will also frequently lack a pouch or the capability of producing an egg.


Social

An active and highly intelligent species, the Noma form incredibly strong family bonds and may be romantically monogamous, polyamorous or none of the above. Given the nature of their species as a whole, they exist harmoniously with nature and tend towards a peaceful disposition. This has made them excellent tamers and cultivators, actively working with their environment and only harvesting resources they are given by other plants. This has made it exceedingly rare for any Noma to be forceful, whether with their own species or those outside of it, but they will do what they must to protect themselves and their world. Thus while they will not shy away from combat when it is necessary, diplomacy is their natural response.


Subspecies

As mentioned above, subspecies exist within the Noma and are most easily identified by the unique appearance of their flower bud. Unfortunately, stereotypes have been formed by outside races with regards to what a particular subspecies may excel at, making some feel as though they must conform to this mold while others are more than happy to take up the variety of practices.

Some examples are as follows:

Poppies: Psychologists, therapists and great listeners, they are generally considered to be the most calm of the Noma. They are capable of excreting a sleeping draft that calms their fellow Noma, whether they are distressed or require assistance in falling asleep.

Lilies: Love to entertain and are primarily artistic, they are thought to be excellent decorators, painters, dancers and singers; the latter of which is of high importance to the entirety of Noma culture.

Sunflowers: The most active and considered to be the best animal tamers, they are thought to be fearless and highly motivated. They are also capable of running and leaping great distances, allowing them to keep pace with larger creatures.

Moonflowers: Given they are nocturnal, they tend towards acting as guards and scouts while the other Noma recuperate. They also secrete a lethal toxin when endangered and may carefully coat their tails or selected weapons when there is a known, incoming threat.

Roses: Healers and nurturers, these Noma are thought to often be appointed as doctors or nannies. They can often be found tending to the wounded when war has struck or taking care of children who may have been orphaned, or whose parents are simply away on the war front.

Lotuses: Considered some of the largest of the Noma, they are generally ground bound and act as elders and teachers. Lotuses are incredibly rare among the Noma and are found to be a rather mysterious lot, having many capabilities most Noma are unaware of. Smaller Lotuses capable of flight have been found as well.

Succulents: Physically stronger than the majority of subspecies as well as near totally flightless, they tend to live a nomadic life around the desert, though they have been known to socialize with river-based Noma and eventually join their ranks. They are also one of the few subspecies known to actively trigger a fight, whether it is with their own species or those outside of it. They are also the most cautious and least trusting of outsiders.


Folklore

Excellent storytellers, they tend to weave their tales through the usage of song and the release of varied scents, whether from their buds or an accomplices, eliciting the desired effects within their audience. Traditional elders, on the other hand, tend to encourage 'lazy' adolescent Noma to be more active, saying that if they remain still for too long, they will sprout roots.

Superstitious parents will keep their young ones inside on particularly windy days, believing that they will be blown away or taken by the spirits of the wind, never to be seen again.

Adolescent Noma who are bullies will encourage their peers to stay away from the Moonflowers, claiming that they will poison and kill them while they sleep if they make them angry. This has, unfortunately, led to the Moonflowers becoming more reclusive.

It is believed that the Poppies are the best at lullabies, even more so than the Lillie's, regardless of whether or not they may be more talented singers. Poppy songs in general also have a strangely hypnotic effect on others. It is also possible to become addicted to the company of Poppies thanks to the calming draft they excrete. Unlike the Moonflowers, they do not have much control over their drafts release.