Skiltaire

The Skiltaire (or Skiltare) are a species of alien (not originating on Earth) intelligent weasel-like animals. They were created by Mark Merlino (Sylys Sable) in the late 1970s as a non-human sentient species for a series of science fiction stories. Skiltaire have been depicted by numerous artists, and were selected as mascots of the Cartoon/Fantasy Organization and Mark's home, The Prancing Skiltaire.

TONNIIIIGGGHHHTT I'M HAVIINNGG VEAAAALL

Psychology

Skiltaire are natural tele-empaths (analog telepaths), and use this ability to communicate with other skiltaire, other aliens with similar abilities, and to aid in hunting. Analog telepathy involves sending and receiving complete sense and thought 'streams' of brain-wave activity, which the sender can control. The effect is that the receiver actually "feels" and "sees" and experiences that the sender transmits, whether it is a current experience, a vivid memory, or a constructed dream.

Culture

Skiltaire are true carnivores and hunt live prey, though their diet includes much variety. Most modern skiltaire are hunter-gatherers, with some farming common in larger tribes.

Media Appearances

Artists who have produced a body of work featuring skiltaire include Mark Merlino, Ken Pick, Ken Sample and Michael Sherman. They are also one of the popular fur-fan created races for online role-playing (MUDs and other MU*s). The species has also made the following specific appearances:

• The original skiltaire, Theta, became a logo-character for her creator and appeared in many science fiction 'zines and APAs, on event posters at science fiction and comic conventions, and in commissioned art.
• Fanta is the mascot of the Cartoon/Fantasy Organization.
• Skiltaire were one of the 10 sentient species (9 furry and humans) in the SF/FRP game Other Suns, published in 1983.
• With approval of their original creator, Skiltaire are one of the official alien species in Furscape MUCK.

First Generation Skiltaire

A partial list of the first Skiltaire created, from the late 1970s to early 1980s.

• Theta -- "Skiltaire Prime", the first one created in the mid-to-late 1970s. Female Arboreal, overall medium blue (no backstripe or trim) with yellow belly, medium-curl antennae. Wore a pendant of the Greek letter "Theta" on a chain around her neck.

• Fanta -- Mascot of C/FO LA in the late 1970s-early 1980s. Female Aquatic, light grey with single magenta backstripe/ear-tips/booties/gloves, white belly. Medium-long, slightly-wavy antennae.

• Sy -- Originally Fanta's male companion, later became Mark Merlino's fursona. Male Aquatic, light-medium grey with single purple backstripe/ear-tips/booties/gloves, white belly. Long straight antennae with a peculiar sharp "kink" halfway up their length.

• Ora -- Fursona of Linda Joy Browne, Mark's girlfriend from approx. 1980-82. Female Arboreal, two-tone gold (darker gold with lighter double backstripe & trim), white belly, medium-curled antennae. Bit of a ditz; often wore reading glasses.

• Midori -- Japanese Skirutaru. Female Arboreal, two-tone green (medium green with darker dual backstripe) with white belly, medium-curled antennae. Anime fan.

• Nixie -- "Miss Skiltaire October" for abortive "Skiltaire Calendar" project circa 1979 or 1980. Female Arboreal, overall jet-black with orange belly, medium-curled antennae.

• Kym -- Fursona of one Kimberly Hartman, dating back to early 1980s. Female Arboreal, overall silver-grey (no backstripe or trim), white belly. Tightly curled antennae, to the point of coiling. Ham radio aficionado; carried remote ham radio (walkie-talkie type) with its antenna curled to match hers. Had mate "Anton", based on her RL husband; Male Aquatic, no other physical description.

• Kristi -- "Miss Skiltaire December" for Skiltaire Calendar project. Female Arboreal, overall pure white, medium-curled antennae. Drawn lounged out before a fireplace, holding a sprig of mistletoe over her head.

Other Skiltaire characters date from this time, but were mostly obscure one-shots. Skiltaire couples of the period were usually drawn with one Arboreal and the other Aquatic.

External links

• Welcome to the world of the Skiltaire - information, stories and pictures (some non-PG)
• Rules for skiltaire characters in the Traveller RPG universe, and a general species overview
• A different adaptation of Skiltaire to Traveller. This writeup uses the alternative spelling "Skiltare", and is taken from the first known Traveller adaptation by Ken Pick and Dave Bryant circa 1981.
• Details about skiltaire as a playable race on the Furscape MUCK.
• Bill Grobe's Kurushani stories feature skiltaire, and introduce an additional savage subspecies resembling wolverines.
• The Skiltaire Mixes are a series of skiltaire-themed music playlists (volume 1, "Aquatic"; volume 2, "Arboreal"; and volume 3 "Arctic") mixed by Skiltek and detailed at his music website.