Mothfolk

The Koihminen, or commonly known as the Mothfolk are a species of humanoids native to the forests, marshes, and mountains of Kylorne. Their population is spread in clusters across Kylorne save for the arctic areas, but the largest cluster can be found in Hewe Kahmang in the district of Koikaupunki.

For many decades, Mothfolk were uninvolved for the most part in the lives of others, preferring to live among the flora and fauna of Kylorne. But, as they began to explore the world around them, came into contact with humans and began a new chapter in their history.

Appearance
Mothfolk have a humanoid body but with the defining features of moths. They have the signature antennae, segmented bodies, wings, and two sets of arms (one midsection, one typical arm placement). Each hand has four fingers, and their legs end in insect-like feet with four toes. Their bodies come in shades of white, grays, browns, creams, and blacks. Depending on the ethnic family they descend from there can be variations such as markings on their abdomen or flecks of color on their bodies. Mothfolk can have any body build like humans, but because Mothfolk do not breastfeed no Mothfolk of either sex has breasts. Females do have wider hips though because they lay eggs and need bodies suited for that. Mothfolk also have fur tufts around their necks and collarbone as well as around their wrists and shins/ankles. Their skin is tougher than typical human skin, but not to a significant degree and is covered in a thin layer of fur, which gives it a soft texture. Mothfolk also have large, pure black eyes, which are extremely sensitive to light and the UV spectrum of light.

Mothfolk’s wings are proportional to their height, the average wingspan being around +6 inches to their height. Their wings can be controlled by muscles in their backs to pick up speed or slow down. Mothfolk are also quite light, allowing them to fly. They have hollow bones and typically average around a weight of 119 lbs for fully grown females and 116 for fully grown males. Depending on their ethnic family, the wings pattern and shape vary.

Mothfolk are also able to grow hair on their heads as a genetic gift from their human counterparts. The hair can be any color or texture depending on their parent’s genes including straight, wavy, and all types of curly. Styling and hair length are unisex, so it is not uncommon to see a male Mothfolk with long hair or a female Mothfolk with a "masculine haircut". Mothfolk are unable to grow beards or facial hair of any kind.

There are two known kinds of Mothfolk, modern Mothfolk and elder Mothfolk. Elder Mothfolk are far and few between with body structure that resembles a moth more than a humanoid, while modern Mothfolk are widely found and are moth humanoids with both human and moth traits. Modern Mothfolk do not have mandibles (while elder Mothfolk do), but have sharper, longer teeth with their canine teeth being notably longer than the others. Mothfolk of both kinds have long tongues which can reach around 12 inches. They are omnivores.

Biology
Mothfolk experience a natural pull to light and heat. They experience a comforting, positive feeling whenever they are near a fire and/or light hence why they feel drawn to it. In small amounts, this can be a good thing, however, in large amounts, it can be dangerous and addictive. In the past, when Mothfolk only lived in the forests and mountains, a source of heat and light was the difference between surviving a winter or not. Eventually, they evolved to seek heat and light as a means of survival. Generations later, Modern Mothfolk continue to experience the pull. This attraction can influence their daily lives such as dictating how much light and heat they can have in their homes before it becomes overwhelming, what areas or buildings they visit due to being more likely to choose a place with heat and light, and even who they chose to become friends or partners with outside their species.

Certain factors can affect the strength of a Mothfolk’s attraction to a light/fire such as age and mental health. At young ages, Mothfolk don’t have a strong resistance to the pull of fire to the extent where even small fires can cause a pull. Resistance to the pull also comes with mental strength, so when a Mothfolk’s mental health depletes it becomes harder for them to resist the attraction they feel.

There are multiple "levels" of attraction that Mothfolk experience which will be explained below after a quick definition. Mothfolk experience a state called "Trance State" in which they are completely consumed by the attraction to the fire or light.