Chalgra

Chalgra is a biological process whereby a Niglik of a specific gender may transform their gender that of the opposite sex. This ability is similar to the same process found in many terran frogs and amphibians and is a means by which the Niglik may maintain a reasonable population.

This process is both spiritual and physical in nature.

The physical aspects involve a continual high protien diet, that is then converted into the building blocks necessary to conduct the physical changes required.

The gender of the Niglik is modified through a process known as Heterogametic transformation. This change also alters the body chemistry, specifically the hormones and enzymes of the Niglik. The niglik is the only higher-order life form known to undergo this particular transformation of genders.

This process is painless, although it does take approximately three weeks to complete.

The Niglik falls into a near stuporous state during the Chalgra. They do not eat, drink or produce bodily waste during that time as the body s constantly recycling and modifying the structure of the affected individual.

The Niglik is not aware of their surroundings during this transformation, therefore for their protection they are isolated in a protected location and watched over by others of their species. During this time all Nigliks are affected by a pheromonal trigger that increases their general aggressiveness. This is purely a defensive conditioning used to insure that the affected Niglik is well protected against unwanted attentions.

The spiritual aspect of the change involves a mental merging of memories with the other Nigliks in the subjects immediate family group. In addition a series of rich feast are thrown for a series of at least two weeks in which the subject is well gorged with protein rich foods. During this time a Niglik undergoing the Chalgra has been known to double or even triple their body weight.

Once the transformation is complete, the Niglik is fed a regular diet and as they have shed most of the additional weight that they had gained prior to the transformation, they return to their normal lifestyle.