Homo Sapiens Falconis

Origin of Species

It was originally thought that Homo Sapiens Falconis was an evolutionary offshoot of Homo Sapiens Sapiens, otherwise known as the human race. So far the only examples of the species are found in Falcania, a nation known for a high level of background radiation and high populations of birds of prey, in particular Falco Falconis, the native Falcanian Falcon, which also features as a staple food. Traditional teaching indicates that this was the cause of the mutation, but recent research indicates otherwise.

The theory went that the genetic make-up of the native Falcanian population was fundamentally changed from the norm. Ancient vestigial genes, supplemented by acquired alleles from the eaten falcons, became active due to radiation. This resulted in rapid mutation into an entirely new subspecies.

However, new research indicates that this had not started in the 1950s-1960s as previously believed (as prior to this date Homo Sapiens Sapiens was the dominant species in Falcania), but in fact around the dawn of Cro Magnon man himself were the first members of Homo Sapiens Falconis alive, and indeed the two species existed in parallel. However, the more prevalent and abundant Homo Sapiens Sapiens were successful in confining their feathered brothers to a few of the highest peaks of Atlantian Oceania. The most prevalent of these "Great Nests" was M'th'da, now the site of the modern-day capital Mathdon. However, by the Dark Ages, it would appear that a great deal of interbreeding between Falconis and Sapiens resulted in the population of Falcania becoming populated with what would appear to be Homos Sapiens Sapiens. However, the Falconis genes were still there, recessive, in most members of the population, and around the 1950s-1960s they came to the fore again.

In Falcania, the commonly accepted term for "normal" humans is regulars, commonly shortened to regs.

Please note that despite the superficial resemblance, Homo Sapiens Falconis is not remotely related to the Mirkanian Avian.

Properties of Homo Sapiens Falconis

It is clear to see that these creatures are avian in appearance, but simultaneously very human. We must examine their properties in order to understand them fully.

Abilities, Strengths and Weaknesses

• Flight
• Magnetoception
• Retractable claws
• Vulnerable to fire
• Rendered ineffective by water
• Superior eyesight

Flight

Hard nubs formed on the scapuli, which grew into additional scapuli, from which sprouted first vestigial, then fully-functional wings with a wingspan of up to eight metres. The most obvious benefit of an eight-metre wingspan is flight. Most Falcanians born prior to mutation (i.e. Those who were not mutated as adults) learn to fly shortly after they learn to walk. Flight is less common amongst the current generation, although there are a notable number of Falcanians able and willing to fly.

Magnetoception

Like other avians, the Falcanian has keen Magnetoception, that is, the ability to detect magnetic fields, due to a region in the nose, consisting of biological Magnetite, a ferromagnetic mineral.

Claws

The beta keratin cells formed long, sharp blades which sit alongside the fibia and tibia, which can be exposed through slots inbetween the knuckles with a muscular contraction. The interlacing of keratin lattices make these claws very strong, and the claws are capable of severing limbs and beheading.

Fire

Alpha keratin cells used in hair and nails decomposed and were replaced with beta keratin cells, causing the entire body to be covered in first downy, then fully vaned feathers, in particular on the wings and head. The sebaceous oils secreted onto the feathers make them highly flammable. Fire poses a risk to any Falcanian.

Water

The feathers of a Falcanian are very water-retentive, and upon becoming waterlogged get extremely heavy. A drenched Falcananian will find it difficult to walk under the weight of his feathers, and flight is impossible. It is recommended to get the feathers dried as quickly as possible before hypothermia sets in.

Eyesight

The ciliary muscles in the eye have much greater range. Falcanian eyes are capable of focusing at much longer distances than human eyes.

Legal amendments for Homo Sapiens Falconis

Clearly, standard human law must be adapted for Falcanian use.

Flight

• Every Falcanian has the right to fly, regardless of ability.
• Standard procedures must be met when flying to a foreign nation. Check with customs officials for further details.
• During any regional or international sporting event, use of wings is strictly forbidden, so as to prevent Falcania gaining an unfair advantage.

Claws

• Claws are to remain sheathed in public.
• It is possible to surgically remove the claws, which is an option chosen by many Falcanian pacifists, and is compulsory for those convicted of violent crime to prevent re-offence.