Another ktuvok question

[Mornche Geddick]

It says on the Descent of Lesuasi:

"Ktuvoks remain adapted either for water or air breathing, but do not tolerate desiccation, and thus never venture far from wetlands."

So how long can they live outside the swamp? They must be able to put up with dry conditions to some extent, or they wouldn't be able to go and inspect their humans.

And while we're on the subject, does Mark have any data on how long the Amean races can go without drinking? I know the Elkaril can go for a week, and the uesti are less tolerant of thirst than Earth humans. We can last about 3 or 4 days. Is 48 hours likely for the uesti?

[brandrinn]

does Mark have any data on how long the Amean races can go without drinking? I know the Elkaril can go for a week, and the uesti are less tolerant of thirst than Earth humans. We can last about 3 or 4 days. Is 48 hours likely for the uesti?

water is so important to the Uesti that they call it "the water of life," and cannot go long at all without it. if this "water of life" is not consumed for a 24-hour period, the Uesti will feel symptoms of depression and un-easiness. after another 12 hours or so, the Uesti will become very ill-tempered. fortunately, once the substance is acquired, recovery is almost immediate. a feeling of well-being will consume the Uesti, to the point that he or she may forget everything that happens to him or her for the next few hours/days. although this euphoria may cause clumbsiness, Uesti that are too well hydrated must be careful of injury, as this "water of life" thins the blood and exacerbates bleeding.

Seriously: Uesti might not have a problem in this area. Humans lose a lot of water breathing and sweating- we dont conserve very well at all. some amphibians can actually go longer than humans without water, and this advantage would be even greater if they were human-sized. i suspect that Uesti can probably go as long as humans without drinking.