An unnamed species of sapient feathery humanoids from 61 Cygni. They have been variously referred to as "elfin beings", "feathery folk", "little elves", "pink pixies", and other similar descriptors.
Biology
The natives of 61 Cygni are small, delicate-looking humanoids covered in fluffy pink plumage. Beneath their plumage, they are extremely thin, weighing only about 50 pounds (~ 22.6 kg). They have four fingered hands, four-toed feet, a long fluffy tail, and underslung jaws that make them appear chinless. Their violet eyes are huge like a tarsier's and befit their nocturnal habits. Their appearance is generally regarded as cute and nonthreatening by Humans. Physically, the only clear indicator of their carnivorous nature is their sharp teeth.
However, these elfin beings are in fact predators and extraordinarily dangerous due to their ability to manufacture chemicals that serve various purposes, from torporizing potential prey to inducing allergic reactions so severe that they can kill a man almost instantly. Their sense of smell is superbly developed, making them excellent trackers. By combining their sense of smell with their ability to manufacture chemical molecules, the elfin beings of 61 Cygni can cross language barriers and communicate with other life forms in a surprisingly coherent way by producing scents evocative of the ideas they're trying to convey.
The 61 Cygni natives require the same atmosphere as Humans and Cygnans. However, their biochemistry prevents them from consuming most types of Earth food, one of the only known exceptions being vodka, which they seem to be quite fond of.
Appearances
- The Jupiter Theft, by Donald Moffitt (1977)