LORE:

Microkiamaras, or 'Micros' or 'Toy 'Maras', were an attempt to make a more house-friendly variety of Kiamara for those who didn't want the huge responsibility that 'Maras brought them. These Micros were created using similar methods of both DNA mixing and selective breeding to create an animal that would take after a regular housecat, but with an intelligence that contests with 'Maras themselves. These small, fuzzy friends tend to be very mischievous and cheeky in their ways and are top-tier survivalists. There are colonies that don't have a 'Mara or Droma owner to take care of them that flourish with there being tales of rather unique evolution lines and mutations amongst these groups, though there is yet to be any documented research into these different types and thought of as folklore.

These days, Micros tend to live hand-in-hand with 'Maras and Droma. Whilst most would consider these critters 'Pets', with their ability to communicate with others at a level similar to regular Kiamara Kits and their child-like attitudes, these are seen more as family rather than something to take care of. It's not unlikely that many inhabitants of Solaria will call their Micros kindred, and liken it to babysitting a younger sibling. They tend to be very impulsive and don't really think about the consequences of their actions until it's too late, which often ends up with their 'Mara or Droma friends helping them whenever they can to ensure they stay out of trouble. Many Micros also take on this relationship dynamic, referring to others in their family as their siblings. Due to their tiny size, they often need help reaching a lot of things, though in turn, they help others by grabbing bits and pieces close to the ground. 

ANATOMY:

Due to the overall DNA of a Microkiamara being from domesticated cats, specifically the ragdoll, you tend to find these little critters have quite the happy and friendly personalities. There are a lot of similarities between regular Kiamaras and Micros, from the fur tufts all the way down to having spots, though there are quite a few differences as well. 

Microkias have fluffy fur that is often described as kitten-like or wool-like in touch due to how soft it is, and its habit of getting everywhere and anywhere it can. This fur is often longer on the head and tail tuft, much like a Kiamara, though both their hair and fur never stop growing throughout their lives. This leads to many Micro owners having to get their little ones groomed regularly to ensure they don't overheat or get matted fur. This is why you can often see Micros with long, flowing locks, or a buzz cut for ease. It also can be down to the Micro's own personality and desires for their appearance, depending on whether their 'Mara or Droma friends let them or not. There are no differences in appearance based on the sex of the Micro. 

Their ears, like 'Maras, are small and rounded and often face backwards. This is due to the Inturos liking the look so much on regular Kiamaras that they ensured that Micros could also have the same feature, though with the number of mutations this species has found to have it's not uncommon to see directional ones as well. 

Micro Kiamaras are unable to breed and don't have eggs. It's unknown why they are unable to have offspring, and how there is a continuous number of Micros being found in Solaria, but it has led even the lead Biologists in Manabane stumped. 

All Microkiamaras have one thing in common, and that's their spot pattern. Unlike Kiamaras which can have their spots anywhere, Microkias have a standard pattern of spots that are seen on every single Micro. These spots are located on the paws, tail, rump, shoulder, and face. Whilst these spots can be different colours, there are always the same triangular-shaped spots with surrounding dots in these same places. One other thing that differentiates them from their Kiamara relatives is that they can have any traits shown in Kiamaras that don't change their facial structure or add limbs such as wings. This has led to many different variations of Microkias being seen around Solaria.  

LIFE CYCLE:

Microkias have an average lifespan of 100 Sol years, with the eldest Micro Kiamara reaching 121 Sol years of age. Kitten Micros are considered adults when they turn 35 Sol years of age, though their attitude and demeanour tend to stay the same as when they were kittens. Due to their means of reproduction being unknown, the youngest we have found is simply a Kitten with an unknown stage beforehand. 

STAGE 1: Kitten

The kitten stage is a rather long one, with various different milestones to reach in such a long span. During these first 35 years, Micros tend to not celebrate a birthday as they have no idea how they came to be in the world, and seemingly even their colonies tend to not know either. Once they reach 35 years on average, the Micro will decide what day they would like to have the Celebration of Life on, which is their equivalent of a birthday and, just like birthdays, mostly consist of stuffing their muzzles with cake. 

STAGE 2: Adult

Between the ages of 35 and 80, a Micro Kiamara is considered an adult. Though temperament and overal personality wise they tend not to change, they are much stronger and faster during these years. They become inquisitive and as such, around their 1st Celebration of Life, they will leave their Colonies to go search for companionship with either a 'Mara or a Droma if they have not done so already. They will not return to their colony unless their 'Mara or Droma will take them. 

STAGE 3: Elderly

After the age of 80 Sol years, Micros are considered Elderly and fully retire their adventuring ways. These once-energetic companions tend to have a switch of personality, becoming quieter and softer in their older years. You can often find them lounging about their 'Mara's or Droma's homes in various high places, their favourite often being a windowsil.