On Feb 15, 2006, at 1:48 PM, Jon_Lincicum at stream.com wrote: > Kenneth Gorelick <pulmon at mac.com> > Sent by: dragaera-bounces at dragaera.info > 02/15/06 10:16 AM > > To > Jon_Lincicum at stream.com > cc > dragaera at dragaera.info > Subject > Re: Speculations about Sethra and the Lavodes (Issola Spoilers) > > > > >> Gee, how anthropocentric of you! I have not yet heard that Dragaerans >> menstruate, much less pause. I could hypothesize a voluntary estrus, >> induced by sorcery (at least since the interregnum ended), for the >> sole purpose of conception in contrast to purely recreational sex >> which could take place anywhen. > > Well, since Dragaerans are based on human stock, mixed with animal > genes, > (according to Sethra in /Issola/), it is logical to conclude that > their > basic biological functions are the same as ours. > > I have seen no compelling evidence to the contrary, in any event. > > Certainly, we don't have solid answers about most of this, but I > would say > that if there were dramatic differences, (like Dragaerans > reproduced via > asexual mitosis or something) then their culture would be radically > different, (and would likely not include prostitutes). I dunno. The concept of prostitution in a mitotic culture is fascinating! On the other hand, our close cousins the monkeys have estrus cycles, so why not genetically modified humans? Maybe each House has unique aspects to its reproductive patterns that derive from their totemic animal. That would make inter-House bastardy even more heinous than otherwise. Plus, think about the matings of Dragons or Dzur, compared with Tsalmoth or Teckla! This could give Steve a whole new sideline of stories!