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HOW TO CARE FOR A HUMAN
An Analysis on Behavior, Biology, Sociology, and Metaphysiology of the Humankind Species Through Maturity, as it Compares and Contrasts to Monsterkind
by Gerson D. Boom
edited by Dr. Ketsukane Chujin
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For any adult monster past a certain age, it’s likely they’ll come across at least one human in daily life. Although humans are often territorial and value privacy, their similar natures to monsterkind have lead to inevitable crossed paths and interactions over shared resources across history.
Sometimes, these interactions are diplomatic and harmless, with both parties walking away unaffected. More often, however, the aggressive and concentrated influence of a human’s SOUL can clash with a monster’s more varied and placid influence on their environment. These conflicts have sparked numerous wars and tension points across the globe, leading many to conclude that an enforced distance is the only way to ensure long-term peace.
Why, then, would a monster have a vested interest in caring for the behavior and biology of humans, if strife is such an inevitable part of our co-existing? There are many potential benefits to understanding humans beyond conflict. Perhaps you’re a traveller seeking to expand your cultural knowledge and avoid social faux pas. Perhaps you are a researcher of history or science, looking to better understand the conditions that built up our world. Or perhaps you you’ve defied the historical odds and met a human companion, and are now seeking ways to bridge the metaphysiological and cultural gap! In any case, welcome to the exciting and fascinating world of human care!
I, myself, have studied humans for decades, and am now proud to say I am one of monsterkind’s most leading experts on humanity. Far beyond the cold, war-mongering animals that they’re often depicted as in documentaries or horror movies, I believe humans are thoughtful, emotionally complex, and even empathetic beings! [Citation needed.]
There’s a lot to LOVE about humans, so please join me in exploring and CARING FOR HUMANS.
[FIG 1 - A newspaper illustration from the Monster-Human Treaty of 18XX. A brown-haired human in a poncho is channeling a bit of magic through a staff, on the guidance of a horned Boss Monster. They both appear excited and happy.]
UNDERSTANDING A HUMAN’S BIOLOGY: EXTERNAL
First off: how does a human’s body differ from a monster’s?
Most obviously, humans lack the panmorphism that defines monster biology. Rather than a broad swathe of phenotypes (eg: Skeleton, Ghost, Anthro, Elemental), humans have a single limited range of color, size, and appearance variations. Generally speaking, any human you meet will be almost furless, possess two sets of limbs, possess no horns or tail, and will have a beige-like, muted coloration. (NOTE: It’s considered a grave insult to accidentally refer to a human’s features incorrectly, so make sure you pay attention to even minor changes in hair and makeup to show respect!)
Likewise, humans average only around 2.7 gender variants, including juveniles. These genders often rely on biological indicators to differentiate themselves, with some humans even prioritizing their physical traits over their own SOUL’s influence. This reliance on biology at the cost of SOUL connection demonstrates a human’s intense need for physical connection and reassurance. [ED: see Chapter 3.2, AM I ALLOWED TO HUG HUMANS?] Remember: humans cannot project emotions and SOUL intentions as easily as monsters, so even small indications of physical support can help ground and stabilize a distressed human!
To identify a mature human’s morphic traits, the easiest tell is, of course, how much they’ve inflated their venom sacs. A fully matured female human will often have two prominent venom sacs displayed slightly below the neck, as a warning to any predators who may threaten her young. This warning behavior can be emphasized with vibrant colored, loose fitting clothing and decorated claws, both of which allow for better movement and durability when attacking. (NOTE: while some exceptionally fit or well-fed male humans also may appear to have large venom sacs, these are an imitative threat behavior, and not considered a means of morphic classification.)
Male humans, conversely, tend to be more docile, with smaller venom sacs, smaller claws, and less vibrant coloration. Due to their more sluggish circulation and lack of fat reserves, many male humans will have thicker hair that frames the face and limbs as heat insulation. These humans spend much of their time sunbathing, even preferring to cook food outside their shelters on portable grills. Friendly and sociable, male humans are used to looking after juveniles, and so will readily take the lead on conversations and interactions with monsters and humans alike. This can be overwhelming for less talkative monsters, so make sure you’re prepared with some quirky conversation topics before encountering!
[FIG 2: Human Biology models. There are several lines labeling individual parts, such as the VENOM GLAND, the FANGS, the VESTIGAL PINKY FINGERS, and the BONES [SHEATHED].]
Of course, nothing in this world is strictly black and white, and human variants are no exception. Nonbinary humans are a unique case, with some choosing to dress and decorate in the plain colorations of a docile and generic male, while others embrace the sort of hyper-vibrant stylishness of an aggressive Queen. Some have theorized that these styles are a cultural hand-me-down from monster mating rituals, such as the Elemental Symphony [ED: 2,356 gender variants] or the Skeleton Dance [ED: Three.]. Personally, I suspect it’s a more universal urge: the more you try and shove anyone into a box with only two paths, the more likely they are to get a bit weird with it when seeking out other routes!
In summary, if you’re caring for a human, the best option is to let them discover and introduce their favored traits as they mature. Especially during the transition from a juvenile to an adult, a human’s reliance on physiology and need for stability can be easily shaken. [ED: See Chapter 2.5, DEVELOPMENT CYCLES: HUMAN PUBERTY.]
Next, after a brief chapter summary, we’ll go over a human’s internal biology. What is blood? What are organs? Where is the SOUL stored in the middle of all those meat pockets? All this and more will be answered...
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