Say PEHL-tehd.
Born of human tampering, the Pelted had a modest beginning in the petri dish of a scientist on Earth. The first Pelted were poorly made, and subsequent generations weren't much more impressive. Eventually, the Pelted that existed decided it was time to leave Earth and make their own futures, which they did. Along the way, they fiddled with their own genetics, segregated into races (not species--most of them can still interbreed), and created a few experiments of their own to keep themselves company.
The first generation of Pelted will remind people of Terran animals: The Seersa, Hinichi and Tam-illee are vaguely canid, the Karaka'An, Harat-Shar, Malarai and Asanii vaguely feline. The Naysha look a little like fish people. These races are the basis of the Alliance, and though they may have a great deal in common, they've evolved societies and customs and religions, each to their own.
The second generation Pelted, like the Glaseah, the Ciracaana and the Phoenix, are different enough from earth-normal that they merit their own pages.
See also:
The Chatcaava.The Glaseah.
Published Stories
"Stormfront," PseudoSF, Summer 2004.Projects Involving the Pelted
Short Story Collection: Alysha's Fall (out of print)Novel: The College Novel.
Novel: Either Side of the Strand.
Novel: Sword of the Alliance.
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