Thought this section was big enough to deserve it's own section and you want to a big lore nerd.

Biology

Reproduction: Being a plant-based species, Arbor sapiens are hermaphroditic, possessing a specialized organ that functions as both male and female reproductive organs. These beings reproduce on a seasonal cycle (where this cycle begins and ends depends on the species and region they live in).

During the breeding season, individuals of proper age are flooded with a cocktail of hormones that, among other things, causes their skin to become incredibly sensitive and stimulates the production of sex cells. These individuals then gather at the temple in the center of their settlements to undergo the pairing ritual. During this ritual, they will pair off and enter secluded chambers where they will spend the next three days mating.

Arbor sapiens begin the mating process by caressing and stimulating one another until the ovarian orchid is aroused. It distends and opens, revealing the purple and pink-hued petals, the central stamen-like structures, and the inverted pistil openings. They then press their ovarian orchids together, inserting the appropriate structure into the corresponding orifice. The mating pair continues to rub their bodies together until they release a resin-like discharge into the central inverted pistil openings. They repeat this process over the course of the next three days until the ovarian orchids close and detach, becoming fetal seeds.

Once the mating season is over, the new parents will care for the new offspring, starting with caring for the fetal seed for a period of approximately two years. In that time, the new ovarian orchid completes its maturation and is ready to be used during the next mating season. However, due to cultural practices, the parents will abstain from participating in the pairing ritual until the children are old enough to be cared for without direct parental supervision.

Life Cycle

Despite producing two viable offspring during the mating season, Arbor sapiens develop and mature at an incredibly slow rate.

Fetal Seed (Inception - 27 months): Arbor sapiens begin life as a fetal seed. After the ovarian orchid has been fertilized, it detaches from the parent and is taken to a maternity chamber, where it is planted in nutrient-rich soil and covered in compost. From there, it is cared for by the parents for a period of approximately two years, absorbing vital minerals and nutrients from its surroundings and the nectar milk poured on it daily.

Root (27 months/ "Birth" - 3 years): After approximately two years, the fetal seed opens, revealing the fully formed infant, known as a Root. The Root is taken home by the parents, where it continues to be cared for, primarily sleeping and feeding on nectar milk directly from the parent.

Stem (3 - 9 years): Upon reaching the age of three (one year of age in Arbor time), the infant stage is considered complete, and the child enters the toddler stage. From this point, the child is known as a Stem and undergoes significant developmental leaps. These include the continued progression of locomotion, going from unsteady steps to walking and running. Additionally, they improve in their ability to communicate with their Pheromone Horns. Finally, they display an overall improvement in cognitive skills and develop a sense of independence.

Leaf (9 - 36 years): Once the Stem reaches the age of 9 (3 in Arbor years), they are considered to be school-age and are referred to as Leaves. The Leaf continues its cognitive and emotional development and can be left alone or in the care of adults other than their parents. During this stage, the Leaves are looked after by the older members of their communities while their parents return to their jobs.

Blossom (39 - 60): At the age of 39 (13 in Arbor years), puberty begins, and the Leaf enters their teen phase, known as the Blossom. During this phase, the individual undergoes significant hormonal shifts as their body prepares for adulthood. Such developments include the development of secondary sex characteristics, specifically the enlargement of the nectaries, the widening of the hips, and the expansion of the buttocks. They also experience rapid growth spurts in height.

Young Adult (63 - 117): Arbor sapiens complete their physical, emotional, and cognitive maturation around the age of 63 (21 in Arbor years). At this point, the individual is considered an adult and is allowed to participate fully in their community and rituals.

Middle age (120 - 195): By the age of 120 (40 in Arbor years), Arbor sapiens are well into adulthood. By this stage, they have typically participated in the mating season at least once and have raised—or are currently raising—at least one set of offspring.

Old Age (195 - 300): Arbor sapiens aged 195 years (65 in Arbor years) or older are considered to be in their twilight years. By this age, their bodies have stiffened significantly, making movement uncomfortable. Consequently, they lead sedentary lives, becoming storytellers and living repositories of their community's history and culture's lore until their passing.

Body Systems

Integumentary

Bark-like skin: Arbor sapiens possess smooth, flexible, and pliable three-layered skin that is composed of the same material as bark. This gives their skin a wood grain-like pattern that contains nuanced micro-textures, with pigments ranging from dark brown to white. It functions primarily as a protective barrier against external elements, regulating body temperature and assisting in sensory perception.

Granular micro-textures: These are microscopic textures within the Arbor sapiens' skin that grant greater tactile sensitivity, better grip and traction, and aid the epicuticular glands in managing the skin.

Trichome body hair: Most Arbor sapiens do not possess any form of body hair, save a set of eyebrows and eyelashes. Some grow a layer of soft, trichome-like body hair during the colder winter months to retain heat. They then shed this body hair when the weather warms, though some keep it year-round.

Bark nails: Arbor sapiens, of course, have nails made of the same material as their skin. They function primarily to protect their fingers and toes while also aiding in picking up and separating objects.

Epicuticular Glands: As opposed to sebaceous glands, Arbor sapiens possess specialized epicuticular glands that are embedded in the dermis of their skin. These glands produce a thin layer of a wax-like substance that leaves their skin with a satiny sheen and makes it feel incredibly smooth and dry-slippery. The primary function of this substance is as a natural UV filter, waterproofs, reduces moisture loss, deters pests and fungi while nourishing and conditioning the skin, keeping it pliable as well as flexible. In dry or cold conditions, a fine, powdery "bloom" may appear, indicating a thicker layer of protection.

Skeletal

Internal skeletal shell: Because of their plant-based ancestry, Arbor sapiens possess a unique skeletal structure. Their skeleton, unlike a human's, comprises a rigid but sturdy internal shell that encases their internal organs. This shell starts out as a flexible core that, becoming rigid as fibrous material is deposited over the course of their lives creating exceptionally durable and impact resistance rings. The function of this shell is to protect their organs and give stability to their shape while acting as storage for important minerals.

Vascular Stomata: A series of tiny holes within the internal shell that allow rootlets and nerves to pass through. This enables the vascular system to feed the uppermost ring and the surrounding tissue while allowing the nerves to connect to said tissues.

Soft joints: At points of articulation, the internal shell is thinner, and more flexible because of the deposition process being far slower, resulting in the retention of the original compact, flexible wood fibers of the inner core. These soft areas act as joints, allowing the Arbor sapiens to bend, twist, and move their limbs in a fluid range of motion without compromising the integrity of the shell.

Hemotropic Core: With their unique skeletal structure, Arbor sapiens have developed a specialized organ known as the Hemotropic core. It is between their gastric bulb and sap pump with their central torso. This works to create green sap cells, arborphages, and callus cells that are carried throughout their bodies.

Hydroligament: A thin, tough, and elastic membrane that lines the inner walls of the internal shell. It acts as a stable anchor for the hydraulic tubing, allowing for even distribution of hydraulic forces so that there are no concentrated weak points. In the soft joints, the membrane forms accordion-like structures, which grant the tubing the ability to stretch and bend with the joints. The membrane also aids in compartments for internal structures, keeping them organized and preventing them from rubbing against each other unnecessarily. Finally, the hydroligament aids in minor shock absorption.

Muscular

Vine filaments: Small elastic vine-like tubing that acts as the muscle fibers for Arbor sapiens. They facilitate movement by expanding or contracting by varying internal pressure levels, which are regulated by highly tuned and specialized valves. There are three variations of vine filaments: locomotive filaments, conduit filaments, and cordis filaments.

Locomotive filaments: This variation of filament handles voluntary movement, such as the movements of limbs or the turning of the head.

Conduit filaments: Thicker walled and less elastic than the other two, these filaments are responsible for involuntary movement, for example, regulating xylem sap to organs, Peristaltic movement in their digestive organ, and Subtle contractions or expansions of sap vessels to control sap pressure or direct sap flow to specific areas.

Cordis filaments: Specialized vine filaments that compose their sap pump. They perform involuntary, rhythmic pumps stimulated by cardiac nerves that can adjust the speed and intensity of these pumps when needed.

Vine clusters: A group of vine filaments held together by the hydroligament and other internal membranes.

Cluster groups: These are groups of vine clusters that act on a specific soft joint to perform specific movement roles, usually in synergistic pairs or antagonistic pairs. Various intensities of activation of these clusters are possible, depending on the need for force or precision.

Turgor pumps: Because of their unique muscular system, Arbor sapiens possess twin turgor pumps that generate pressure for their hydraulic vine filaments with the specialized fluid. These pumps, located approximately where the kidneys would be, are divided into the voluntary and involuntary turgor pumps. As the name suggest the voluntary turgor pump generates pressure for the locomotive filaments, delivering large amounts of sudden pressure at a moment's notice. On the other hand, the involuntary turgor pumps generate consistent, moderate pressure for the cordis & conduit filaments.

Hydraulic sap: This is the fluid used in the Arbor sapiens' hydraulic-based muscle system. It is a low viscous fluid that is highly incompressible and contains nutrients, which is given to the pumps and filaments. Is in collected in the turgor pumps through a membrane called the turgor lining, which filters out sap elements, granting its lower viscosity.

Turgor lining: This is a specialized form of hydroligament that surrounds the outside of the Turgor pumps. This membrane has become highly vascularized, acting as a filter, it is responsible for the generation of the hydraulic sap, which is absorbed into the pump. The near-constant influx of new hydraulic sap also creates a small layer within the membrane that aids in shock absorption for outside forces.

Phyto-gates: These are the highly tuned valves that regulate the pressure levels within the vine filaments. When opened, the valves allow the pressurized hydraulic sap to pass through and increase the pressure.

Nervous

Cerebral bloom: This is the brain of the Arbor sapiens, the central hub of consciousness, which controls all internal processes through electrical and chemical signals. It also handles the processing and interpretation of all sensory input. It is located in the head, encased within the Cerebra membrane, bathed in neural sap, and ultimately protected by the internal skeletal shell.

Neuro-stem: The Arbor sapiens' equivalent of the spinal cord that acts as the primary conduit for the electrical signals sent out by the cerebral bloom and plays a role in the reflex arc. A specialized cerebra membrane tightly encases it, anchoring it to the inner dorsal part of the shell.

Cerebra membrane: A specialized hydroligament, it surrounds both the neuro-stem and cerebral bloom. Highly vascularized, much like the turgor lining, it filters sap elements and potential pathogens, producing nutrient- and oxygen-rich neural sap.

Neural roots: These are neural pathways that make up the Arbor sapiens peripheral nervous system. Like that of humans, these neural fibers carry electrical impulses sent out by the cerebral bloom and Neuro-stem, then bring back information collected by their sensory organs.

Sensory organs: Arbor sapiens possess some familiar and some unique sensory organs. These include eyes, touch receptors in the skin, internal chemoreceptors, and olfactory slits.

Eyes: Arbor sapiens possess a pair of large, forward-facing eyes that resemble human eyes. However, their true alien nature lies in their construction. Hardened, transparent resin lenses act as the cornea, focusing light into the eye and granting some amount of protection for the sensitive organs. Next, they possess highly specialized phyto-gates that are analogous to pupils, automatically expanding or contracting to control the amount of light that enters the eye. Their retinas, with their layered, chloroplast-like structures, are incredibly sensitive to light, color, depth, and motion, transforming photons into intricate neural signals. These impulses are then carried to the cerebral bloom through occipital neural roots. All these structures allow the intake of visual information, enabling the perception of light, color, depth, and motion. They possess eyelids, however, because of their resin lenses, they don’t need to blink as often, mainly closing their eyes for protection or when they rest.

Olfactory Slits: Arbor sapiens don't have a traditional nose, they possess nostril-like orifices. Being the primary respiratory openings, they also serve as the primary scent and pheromone detection organ. A multitude of chemo-receptors lining the inner walls of the openings send this information to the highly developed olfactory center of their cerebral bloom.

Dermal Receptors: As stated, Arbor sapiens possess dermal receptors embedded in their skin, which allows them to detect touch, changes in temperature, and pain.

Internal chemo-receptors: Within their absorptive fingers, Arbor sapiens have internal chemo-receptors that give them the ability to perceive taste.

Pheromone Horns: Arbor sapiens have horn-like structures on the sides of their heads, in the position where ears should be. These structures produce a complex array of pheromones that are released in intricate, dynamic patterns. Their olfactory slits pick up these chemical symphonies, and the Cerebral Bloom interprets them as abstract concepts and complex thoughts, forming their primary language.

Cardiovascular

Sap pump: A four-chambered organ composed of cordis filaments. It's in the Center of their torso, just above their hemotropic core and between their lungs. The sap pump serves to circulate their sap-like blood and regulate sap pressure.

Xylem sap: Hydraulic and neural sap originate from xylem sap, the primary circulatory fluid. Like human blood, it mostly comprises plasma with various cells suspended within it. These cells include green sap cells, arborphages, and callus cells. The sap’s major function is to deliver nutrients and oxygen to the cells, remove waste, and transport hormones.

Sap vessels: These are the intricate network of specialized filaments that carry xylem sap throughout the Arbor sapiens’ body. They are surrounded by conduit filaments which will either constrict them or allow them to expand. The three variants of sap vessels are arterial conduits, vine vessels, and rootlets.

Arterial conduits: The largest of the three vessels that are surrounded by the greatest amount of conduit filaments. Their primary function is to carry oxygenated and nutrient rich xylem sap away from the sap pump.

Vine vessels: The second level of vessels that is smaller than arterial conduits that have fewer conduit filaments. Their job is to carry deoxygenated and waste product rich xylem sap back to the sap pump and other areas for proper disposal. They also contain specialized phyto-gates that prevent backflow.

Rootlets:The smallest of the vessels. They are the site of interaction between the xylem sap and Arbor sapiens' cells. These vessels facilitate the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste products between the xylem sap and the cells.

Thermo-rootlet beds: These structures help in regulating the Arbor sapiens' body temperature, as they do not sweat. Just beneath the sub-dermis, and concentrated in the armpits, groin, and head, these structures lie. If the internal temperature becomes too high, the conduit filaments relax, allowing the sap vessels to dilate and direct xylem sap to these structures, causing the skin in that area to darken and exude the excess heat. The inverse is also true with xylem sap being shunted away to retain heat as needed.

Respiratory

Olfactory slits: As mentioned, the olfactory slits are the primary and only respiratory openings Arbor sapiens possess. Along with being the main sensory organ for smells & pheromones, these openings also warm and moisten the air they take in, as well as filtering out debris, like dust.

Hollow cells: Specialized glands that line their airway and produce a resin-like mucus that moistens incoming air and traps debris.

Phloem trachea: Because their respiratory system is separate from their digestive system, Arbor sapiens have one trachea-like airway.

Pulmonary Stomata: These are the lungs of Arbor sapiens. You'll find it within the central cavity, behind the sap pump and above both the hemotropic core and turgor pumps. Surrounded by locomotive filaments connected by a hydroligament, these spongy sacs expand and contract, taking in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide.

Alveolar roots: The smaller airways within the pulmonary stomata that interact with the complex network of rootlets interwoven into the surrounding tissues, allowing for gas exchange to occur.

Reproductive

Ovarian orchid: The primary hermaphroditic sex organ of the Arbor sapiens. It's a small, dark bump in the lower abdomen when not stimulated. However, when aroused, it distends and opens into an array of purple and pink hued petals. In the center are three stamen-like structures that produce a sticky, resin-like discharge that is the "semen". In between the stamen are three inverted pistil openings that receive the stamen.

Fetal seed: Once fertilized, the ovarian orchid closes and remains distended before falling off, becoming the fetal seed. Before detaching the orchid's soft petals harden into a tough shell. The fetal seed is planted halfway in the ground at an appropriate location. Unlike a normal egg that contains a yolk, the fetal seed instead sets down vascular roots, which will absorb nutrients and water for the developing offspring.

Nectaries: Arbor sapiens possess a set of nectary glands on their chest that function the same way as mammalian mammaries. When the petals of the Ovarian Orchid harden, it releases a series of hormones that cause the parent to produce a nectar-like milk, which triggers their Nectary Glands to enlarge and become engorged. This nectar milk contains vital nutrients, minerals, and protective compounds for the developing offspring. Arbor sapiens usually collect it and pour it onto the corresponding fetal seed, then the infant consumes it directly later.

Digestive

Photo-dreads: These are vine-like tendrils that grow from the top of Arbor sapiens' head and are often mistaken for hair. However, they are, in reality, a part of their digestive system, and their primary function grants them the ability to photosynthesis. They accomplish this by sprouting leaf-like structures of varying colors to absorb the light from their sun, converting it into glucose and extra oxygen, which is fed directly into their Xylem sap and carried to the rest of the body.

Absorbent digits: Arbor sapiens, besides their photo-dreads, have developed index fingers with the unique ability to absorb processed materials, including water and food that has been ground into a paste-like consistency. To supplement their diets, they engage in this behavior to obtain additional calories, essential minerals, and a greater intake of water.

Esophageal filaments: These specialized vine filaments connect to the Absorbent digits and carry the absorbed materials to their gastric bulb.

Internal chemo-receptors: As previously stated, Arbor sapiens possess chemo-receptors within their absorbent digits that grant them the ability to perceive taste.

Pancreatic liver: Because of their unique digestive system and biology, Arbor sapiens have developed an incredibly complex digestive organ that combines the functions of the liver and pancreas, Found within the upper right of their torso, on top of their gastric bulb and metabolic bloom. It serves to filter waste products from the Xylem sap and break them down into usable components or encapsulate the unusable components to be embedded in the skeletal shell later on, as well as to further break down absorbed nutrients and aid in digestion by releasing digestive enzymes. On top of its other functions, the pancreatic liver helps to regulate the amount of sugars in the xylem sap by releasing specific hormones.

Gastric bulb: Located in the center of their torso, underneath the sap pump and in front of their hemotropic core, the gastric bulb is the primary and sole digestive organ. Its chief function is to further break down the absorbed material through both mechanical and chemical digestion, then pass the broken down nutrients and water into the Rootlet beds surrounding it.

Endocrine

Root-node: The Arbor Sapiens' equivalent to the hypothalamus in humans. Embedded in the center of the cerebral bloom, the root-node acts as the primary command structure for hormone production and release, aiding in the Sap Pressure, Water Balance, internal temperature regulation, metabolism, Photoperiodism, Circadian Rhythms, and Pheromone Production. It accomplishes this by connecting to the neuro-stem and being the bridge between the two systems.

The pea gland: The Arbor sapiens pituitary gland, located underneath the root node. This central gland releases hormones governing other endocrine glands and influencing growth, metabolism, and reproductive functions.

Metabolic Bloom: Located under the pancreatic liver, this organ regulates the Arbor sapiens' metabolism. More specifically, the release of hormone signals directly influences and modulates gastric bulb nutrient absorption efficiency, photosynthetic activity in photo-dreads, and the control of growth and developmental cycles. It interacts with the root node's photoperiodic signals, triggering either rapid growth or energy-saving dormancy. The metabolic bloom also regulates the waste material transfer from the xylem sap to the embedded internal skeletal shell. Additionally, it releases a specialized hormone in stressful situations that has identical effects to adrenaline.

Ovarian orchid: As the sole reproductive organ, the ovarian orchid creates a diverse range of hormones with different functions. These functions encompass the development of secondary sexual characteristics—nectaries, wider hips, and stronger muscles—and, when needed, such as seasonal changes, the growth of Trichome body hair; they also contribute to skeletal health and strength. The ovarian orchid works together with the root node and pea gland to regulate mood and sleep. As mentioned before, releases hormones to stimulate nectar production in the nectaries and the growth of a new ovarian orchid before it falls off and becomes the fetal seed. The orchid finally releases its arousal hormone during mating season, triggering sexual attraction and heightened skin sensitivity.

Adipose Tissue: Located just beneath their skin and surrounding their internal organs, Arbor sapiens possess adipose tissue. Similar to humans, the primary role of adipose tissue is to store and release energy on demand. In addition, it offers impact protection and thermal insulation. As an endocrine organ, it produces various hormones that aid in regulating their metabolism, appetite, inflammation, and other processes.

Lymphatic

Lymph sap: a sap-like fluid, similar to xylem sap that circulates through the Arbor sapiens' lymphatic system. It contains arborphages, water, proteins, salts, and lipids.

Lymph sap nodules: Small, bean-shaped structures that filter lymph sap, trapping bacteria, viruses, and other harmful substances.

Lymph sap vessels: Specialized sap vessels that carry lymph sap though out the body, collecting excess fluid and waste from tissues.

Xylem purifier: within the upper right quadrant of the their torso, atop one of the turgor pumps, it filters xylem sap, removes old or damaged blood cells, and helps fight infections.

Immune Bud: Within the neck, where T arborphages mature, playing a crucial role in the immune response.

Olfactory Lymph-Buds & Phloem Lymph-Nodules: Lymph nodule tissue in the phloem trachea that helps trap pathogens entering the body.

Lymph nodule tissue in the gastric blub: Part of the mucosal immune system, helping to protect against pathogens that enter and survive through the digestive process.