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Naturling Mushrooms!

The etiquette of Naturlings is very unusual for humans, especially those who never studied animal behaviour and never considered it something to be respectful towards. Naturlings, as humanoid as most of them seem, are more like animals in certain areas. Body language and closure is as important for them as is speech, if not more. And so are noises, tone of the voice, and present language, or language of gifts.

If you've ever seen a video of a mother animal growling at her kids, or a cat getting too close to another cat and getting slapped, you already have an idea how natus communicate. They don't exactly disrespect each other's personal space, but they can easily cross the imaginary line even on a first meeting, to get closer to someone as a sign of engagement, curiosity, friendship, etc. If the Naturling on the other end doesn't like that, they simply growl or hiss, and if it doesn't work, the next step is to smack the offender lightly. No claws or actual punches are allowed, as that is considered a fight. But a gesture to show that you're ready to fight because you are displeased, but are still willing to resolve everything peacefully, is normal. That's simply what they do. There are plenty of Naturlings who respect spoken language as much, but the main rule of their society is "don't like someone breaking into your space? Smacc them". Humans usually have issues with learning that, either because it's considered rude and they can't shake off the human society boundaries, or because they assume that fighting is now allowed and is a normal response to anything unpleasant.

The other side of this rule also exists, Naturlings aren't all very touchy, but they do consider physical contact a sign of positive relationships, friendship, kinship and trust. Sitting close enough that their feet touch is usually good enough. And sounds like purring or just your general laughing count too. Bonking heads and brushing cheeks like cats also works!

Now gift language is something slightly different. Naturlings have a few rules about mutual help, deals, bargains and offerings. One is that if someone does something for you, you need to do something in return, something that will be about as powerful as what was done for you. And if there's nothing to do at the moment, they can come to you and ask for it later. It obviously varies between friends and partners, but the general rule for those who aren't close enough to be ready to not follow it, is so. And if anyone gives you a sincere gift, you should probably give something in return. It can be anything, no matter the size or significance of the previous gift. It can be a written signed letter, with a wax stamp, a ribbon, anything to make it more interesting and complex to look at. It can be a handmade toy, an amulet, a bracelet or another accessory, a random pretty rock you found, but smooth enough, good for holding. Or an actual gem, geode or a piece of natural untouched metal. If you give a natu something you don't care enough about, something you didn't put time into or don't really want to have yourself, they will be very upset and angry at you as this gift will have no meaning. This goes both for humans and natus alike. Sometimes it can be avoided, if the two creatures are close. But it usually isn't, as in those cases it's a sign of deep connection and respect.

There are many different kinds of Naturlings, for example this is the first sketches of mushrooms, slightly inspired by russian slavic traditional outfits. They have no facial features and communicate through touch and empa- telepathically, sending their opponent feelings (with each other). With everyone else they usually don't interact or act very shy, because they don't understand what to do with them. They "see" through the ground and the more mushrooms or small tree roots are around, the better they see. They can talk with actual mushrooms too, learning their memories. Sometimes they do it by eating them.

Your thoughts?:3
@lapiedranumerodos I'm at it again, besides I promised you some etiquette earlierOct 30, 2021

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