Weyiwi

The Weyiwi (WPA: ['ẠẠ.WĨRY.YIIW]), also known by their endonym Wiksook (WPA: [WĨRY.KSO̊O̊!]), are a sophont species that inhabit the planet Weyiw.

Description

Weyiwi have a tri-radial body plan, with three eyes, three manipulators, and three legs. Their nervous system is decentralized between the three sections, with three 'brains' that each oversee their own body section. Although each body section may move independently, the nervous system is able to smoothly coordinate each section.

Speech

Weyiwi oral anatomy is vastly different from humanoid sophonts like humans and the Bzhao. Each phonating organ is responsible for a different aspect of speech. Generally, each of the three may be responsible for a different linguistic task, with one 'syllable' able to contain the basic semantic meaning, the speakers attitude towards the statement, and other paralinguistic information.

History

First Contact

The precise date of first contact is unknown, but it is estimated that humans and Weyiwi were known to each other by the 21st century AAI through trade. Their relationship with humanity has consistently been peaceful, with only one quickly-resolved dispute officially recorded on both sides on 2344 with the Star Republic of Artashia.

Disputes with the Sorioyans

Historically, the Weyiwi and the Sorioyans struggled to maintain peace, with the two frequently engaging in armed conflict to control strategic resource extraction sites.

Culture

Names

Due to the nature of the Weyiwi nervous system, a Weiyiwi individual may generally have three 'consciousnesses', with each section having its own personality and preferences. As such, a Weyiwi individual is given three names at birth, one for each body section. There are no