The Stsho

The alphabet, language, and culture of the stsho species, in the Merchanter Compact, as depicted in the Chanur novels in the science fiction universe created by C. J. Cherryh.

The stsho may appear to have the familiar bipedal sapient model, but there the similarity ends. Their biology and psychology are quite alien. Like humans, they require tranquilizing drugs to sleep in jump. They are tall, white, and mostly hairless, with bulbous heads, stubby features, moonstone eyes, and long fingers. They do eat meat, but avoid confrontation and violence. They have a herd-like instinct. A stsho is neither he, she, nor it, but gtst. They have three sexes and are hermaphroditic. A triad of three individuals are necessary to bear offspring. The child-bearer in one triad may serve another role in another triad. Gtst has other variants, depending on what stage of life and personality one is in. Their personalities are fragile. When stressed too much, they can Phase. This also happens at different times of life. It is impolite to notice the change, even if one suspects an individual is the same as one in a previous Phase. Stsho are fond of ceremony and methodicalness. Their writing and formal writing is florid calligraphy filled with additional meanings and long phrases. Forms of poetry are prized. Stsho prefer subtle colors and variations on white. They can see ultraviolet, and black-light or fluorescent effects, as well as pearly or iridescent effects are highly prized. They wear subtle body paint, tattoos, feathers, and the like. They are sharp but generally fair traders. They can be passive-aggressive. They hire kif for station security, strangely. Stsho are technically advanced, with one of the longest spacefaring histories in the Compact. Stsho communicate with the tc’a, a methane-breathing species. Stsho are conscious of grace and subtlety and favors. Their negotiations use much face-saving prose. They have a vaguely Asian sentiment in this regard. They do make adaptations and allowances for other species’ aesthetics and customs. Stsho architecture uses odd angles, panels, grilles, cabinets, and nooks, and subtle but odd accent lighting effects.

Concepts

gtst: (pronoun) (neuter) Proper pronoun for referring to a single stsho. Never he, she, or it. The form gtst is used for all pronoun cases (subject, object, possessive, etc.). The Active, determinate stage for a stsho.
gtsta: (pronoun) (neuter) Pronoun referring to stsho, neutral, post-menopausal. A revered, holy elder.
gtste: (pronoun) Pronoun, something like “female”.
gtsti: (pronoun) Pronoun referring to stsho.
gtstisi, gstisi: (pronoun) Pronoun referring to a stsho who is Phasing, in an indeterminate stage.
gtsto: (pronoun) Pronoun, something like “male”.
gtstosi: (pronoun) Pronoun referring to stsho.
oji: (noun) A small urn or vase. A very valuable symbol.
Phase: (noun, intransitive verb) To go through a change of personality and biological status; sometimes to change gender. This happens at various stages in life, and can happen due to extreme physical or emotional stress. It is impolite to notice if an individual has gone through Phase or is Phaseless, in between Phases. One simply offers what assistance one can.

Persons

Stle Stles Stlen: Stationmaster at Meetpoint?

Ships

Assutsi: Stsho ship.
E Mnestsist: Stsho ship.
Heshtmit: Stsho ship.
Tstaarsem Nai: Stsho ship.

Places: Stations, Worlds, Jump Points

Llyene: The stsho homeworld.
Meetpoint: A stsho station, the hub of the Compact, where all species come to trade.

Things

fish, smoked: A stsho delicacy favored by hani.
Llyene pearls: Very fine pearls. Capt. Pyanfar wears a prominent, favorite drop earring with gold and a Llyene pearl.
Llyene herbal tea: A delicate, flavorful variety introduced for the first time at Meetpoint, and offered to Capt. Pyanfar for trade.