Tinalli
| Memory 118 |
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| Memory 118 Guide • Full Index • A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z |
- Home world: Tinall
- Location: Par'tha Expanse region, Alpha Quadrant
- Political Affiliation: Independent, Freeworlds Council Member
The Tinalli are native to the verdant world of Tinall, which lies on the very edge of the Par'tha Expanse on the Kaen'anti Bypass. They lacked space travel when the Caraadian scouts surveyed their world 7,000 years ago, but have long since made up for lost time; Tinalli are regarded as renowned scholars and scientists, and are very good at figuring out how things work. They jump-started their renowned computer and starship design industries by reverse engineering other companies' products. The Tinalli are diminutive flightless avian humanoids. Unlike most avians, they are born live. They are covered in soft gray feathers, except on the head, which is bare except for a fringe of delicate feathers that cover the back of the head above the large orb-like eyes. Tinalli speak "Basic" (English, Federation Standard, etc) with little difficulty, but their high piping voices grate on some humans. Others find it charming. Young Tinalli have dusky brown facial plumage which gradually shifts to more colorful coloring as they age.
The condition and color of one's facial plumage plays an important social role in Tinalli society. Elders are highly honored for their colorful plumage, which represents the wisdom that is gained in living a long life. "Show your colors" is a saying used to chastise adults not acting their age.
Knowledge is very important to the Tinalli. Millennia ago, when the Tinalli were developing their first civilizations, the Tinall continents were very unstable; earthquakes and tidal waves were common. Physical possessions were easily lost to disaster, whereas knowledge carried in one's head was safe from calamity. Over time, the emphasis on education and literacy became ingrained in Tinalli culture. When the world stabilized, the tradition continued. Today, Tinall boasts some of the best universities in the sector, which are wide attended by students of many species. Tinalli humor is very dry to humans. So dry, in fact, that many do not realize when Tinalli are joking.