Roleplay

RP HERE

This world is filled with beings called 'subhumans.' Those with the torso of a human, and the body of an animal.

Each subhuman is born to a unique culture, and they are vast and many, spread across the entire world. There have been disagreements, fights and even wars between the subhumans for dominance, land and leadership.

However, all of this changed when a new species called 'humans' were found. Humans were remarkably tenacious. Lacking the ability to do magic, they instead focused on something called 'technology'. And before long, the humans were a threat.. a very feasible threat. it wasn't long before the humans started to attack for their own territory.

Blood, death, destruction, the world is not a safe place to live. Humans have wiped out entire cities and cultures, destroyed monuments, and razed forests to the ground in their conquest to dominate this world.

Subhumans have had enough of the humans, and in their panic reached a summit. The remaining subhumans banded together and made a treaty of peace, creating a large alliance of those who remained. And now, together they stand against the human threat.

They can only hope they will be enough to stop the humans before they destroy everything.

Information

-As far as weapons go for subhumans, they are medieval, with catapults, swords, bows, and crossbows.

-as far as weapons go for humans, they are just encroaching on guns, have just started creating muskets, cannons, explosives like dynamite. They are in a sort of technologic revolution, so this may change as time goes on.

-humans cannot use magic.

-sub humans can use magic, but it is specialized to their particular animal, culture, upbringing, and usually focused on one subject alone. Rarely a subhuman can use more than one type of magic, however they usually are very brittle as a result.

-sub humans have all of the abilities that their animal does (So do some research on your animal ^>^)

-for smaller animals, the size of the animal for the human will be scaled up drastically. Nothing will be smaller than a horse

-Bird-half subhumans can fly but as a result, their bones are hollow like a real bird's bones

Rules

1. Subhumans only!!!! This means no humans will be playable during this RP.
2. I will only be accepting limited amounts of animals per taxonomic family, first come first served.(I want some diversity in this Rp)
3. All characters are built like centaurs.. with an upper body of a human and a lower body of an animal. Some minor animal features may extend up to the upper body.
4. No god modding, no overpowered characters
5. Follow FR's rules of Rp
6. No mythical or extinct animals please
7. Post at least a paragraph, no one liners
8. Romance is cool, but has to be accepted by both parties.
9. I'm subbed so no need to ping :D
10. Due to the nature of the rp no aquatic creatures please.

Character sheet:


Name:
Gender:
Sexuality:
Age: (this is war, no children or elderly will be allowed on the battlefield)
Animal:
Abilities: (the abilities the animal half grants the sub human)
Appearance: (give me a good idea of what size they are, what their animal half looks like)
Magic: (you don't have to have your person have this, but if they do it has to make sense for the animal or setting)
Weapons:
Culture: (just something little on their particular culture and upbringing)
Personality:
History: (since all of the different species live in different places for the most part, explain where your person came from and what it was like to live there)
Other:

Porcupine
Centipede
Elk
Eagle
Snake
Tiger (big cats)
Hyena
Spider
Jackal (this means no wolves, unless you REALLY impress me)
Chameleon
Komodo Dragon

Name: Trudy Miann
Gender: Female
Sexuality: Bisexual
Age: 28
Animal: Porcupine
Abilities: Her quills have antibiotics on them, which means they aren't likely to ever cause infection. She can emit an odor which smells like bad BO, goat, or some types of cheeses. She can climb trees with her claws as well as dig, and she is actually quite a capable swimmer. Her biggest ability is obviously her quills. She uses these as weapons, due to her magic, they grow back within a day, or two at the most. She has an excellent sense of smell thanks to her porcupine senses.

Appearance:
Trudy's animal body is about the size of a quarter horse. Her animal half is stout, heavily built, and muscular with long, black, white, and brown quills covering her body. Her tail is long and prehensile, also covered with thick quills. if she was to pluck out a quill, it would be about two-three inches around and about eight feet long with a barbed hook at the end. Her legs are short and she has four front and five hind toes with long claws suited for digging and climbing.

Trudy's human appearance is similar to her animal half. She's stout and heavily built with tan skin, wide shoulders, muscular arms and very curvy chest. Her hair is actually a mixture of quills and hair, and sticks up on her head sort of like a mohawk which allows her soft rounded ears to show. her head quills are much smaller and more fragile than her body quills (about a half centimeter thick and six inches long). Her face is round and soft, with full lips, a snub nose, and large, slightly downturned brown eyes.

Trudy doesn't wear any clothing on her upper half, but wears heavy, metal armor on her upper half which covers her muscular arms and full chest. Occasionally, if she has the time to relax, or is brought to a very formal setting, she will switch into her traditional porcupine wear. The cloth is made from deerskin, smooth and hugs her body tightly, beaded and cross stitched in fantastic colors and the shape of her family crest.

Magic: Trudy's magic makes her body's quills a bit more hard, so that they are strong enough to defend her against other weapons like steel without instantly snapping in half. Her magic also allows her to grow back her quills a bit faster than normal.
Weapons: Trudy uses her barb-hooked quills like spears for long distance, and then for short distance, uses them as a staff to hit things. She will sometimes use her smaller quills for a faster moving target.
Culture: Porcupine subhumans are a very reclusive secretive bunch. They stick to themselves behind high, mighty walls made from thick metal, a place called Erethizon. They also have protective measures to keep others out, with their quills sitting in the ground all around the village. They don't let anyone inside of their walls unless they are a Porcupine, or if it is some kind of dire emergency. And anyone who sees the inside of the Porcupine city is sworn to secrecy. The inside of the porcupine city is a utopia of beautiful houses and trees, harmonic and serene with a waterfall which rushes through everything. Their home is MASSIVE, thousands of acres swallowed by the thick walls.

Porcupines have a tradition, that when a porcupine comes of age, they will send the porcupine out into the world. That porcupine then has to find something to take back to their village, new knowledge, weapons, technology, or even magic. Once they are successful, they are celebrated as a fully fledged member of their culture.

The celebration for the day they return involves all porcupines painting their quills varied colors and doing a strange type of dance-fighting where they flare out their quills and play music with drums and didgeridoos of varying sizes and pitches.

After fully being accepted into the fold, an adult Porcupine will take their place among the walls as a full fledged member of society.

Porcupines live in houses which share with nature, there are some who live in trees, others on land, and others who have dug themselves out a home and live in burrows.

Porcupines have a religious belief that their people were born from a massive rainbow-quilled porcupine who threw quills from the heavens to the ground.. And when those quills hit the ground, Porcupine subhumans were born. They ask for blessings from their god by painting their bodies in rainbows, and performing little dance fights before each porcupine leaves for their coming of age ceremony.

Since Porcupines are constantly grabbing knowledge and information from the outside world and applying it to themselves, their culture is often changing and shifting. The only constant that remains is the dancing with the colorful quills. As a result of their knowledge of the outside world, they understand most of the ways of other species, even if they have not seen the species themselves. They catalog all information, and knowledge they have received from the quests their children go on in a massive library. If a visitor is to come to their walls.. they are NOT allowed to enter this library under penalty of death by spears. Porcupines above all, value knowledge.

After becoming a certain age a porcupine is considered an 'elder' and moves to a communal housing in a large tree high above all other houses with others their age and older. The 'elders act as a sort of council and decision makers for the village. The oldest of all the elders acts as the voice of the speakers. They take requests from younger porcupines and will distribute jobs and act as the law and decision makers for the village.

the following is not common knowledge:

Porcupine marriage ceremonies require that they pluck each other's quills and throw them at specified targets. The winner of the competition decides where the two will ultimately settle down to start their new life together. (As such, it is seen as a very intimate and even scandalous move to pluck another porcupine's quills, and it can be even taken as an insult). That being said, any quills shed naturally are not held to the same standards and anyone may touch or use them. Another note, is that gifting someone with a quill plucked freshly from the body is a marriage proposal. The ultimate insult and sign of deep loathing for a Porcupine is self-plucking a quill and driving it into the flesh of another.


Personality: With a tongue as sharp as her quills, Trudy isn't afraid to give anyone around her a smack upside the head or a vicious tongue lashing if she thinks they deserve it. The first one to jump in front of something dangerous to defend those before her with absolutely no regard for her own safety. She has a dry, sarcastic wit she displays when things get very tough. if someone she cares about gets hurt, she's likely to be the first one at their side.. when they recover, she's going to be the one lecturing them for a half hour on how they could have avoided getting hurt. She's quick to anger, and quick to forgive. If you fall under her protection, expect to stay there for the rest of your life. She's sort of the mom friend, unafraid to get between sub humans far bigger than herself to break up fights, scolding those responsible for their actions. As such, she often stays neutral on most subjects.


History:
Trudy was one of many children born within the safety and walls of Erethizon. She grew up well loved and taken care of among her own people, finding herself a place among her fellow children. She had an older brother named Delshad whom she loved very much and he doted on her.

When it came time for Delshad to go, Trudy danced a celebration dance just for him with paints she'd applied in her own unsteady hands. She, with the rest of the village, celebrated the last day that he would be a child.

When he was gone Trudy was started off on her training. Like other porcupine children, she was taught to throw her quills at targets. She showed a remarkable aptitude for porcupine magic as a child as well.

Her brother returned late at night, and Trudy was so excited to welcome him back home, until she saw how he had returned. A human explosive had taken off half his face, blinding him and leaving a horrible scar, making Delshad a shell of his former self. The new knowledge of the humans and their technology was eye opening for the porcupines.

After this, some were allowed to forgo going into the world entirely on the stipulation that they would never be an adult in the eyes of everyone in the village. Initially the idea was insulting, but after porcupines didn't start returning to the village.. or returned a broken shell of themselves.. most elected not to venture out into the world until peace was restored.

Trudy however, had different ideas. While her classmates left, she continued on fighting, with the goal of bringing back 'peace' to her village by destroying the humans.

When the other subhumans came to ask for aid, Trudy left the village to the tearful goodbyes and celebration of her last day as a 'child.' Her brother came to see her off as well, and actually begged her not to leave. However, she elected not to listen to him and set out on her journey.


Other: Trudy fights like a tank, sturdy, slow, defensive, and powerful. She can actually set up little defensive walls by plucking out her quills and putting them in the ground. her spears are very accurate, and she does predict movements to hit non-stationary targets.

((WIP))

Name: Kyon Mysrokson

Gender: Male

Sexuality: Heterosexual

Age: 27

Animal: Centipede

Abilities:
Wall climbing, venomous retractable forcipules-like structure in the wrists (a play on how centipedes have modified front legs that deliver venom to prey), increased strength, centipede half is more durable,

Appearance:
His centipede half is approximately ten feet in length, counting only his body segments, and each segment is about two feet in width. The body of his centipede half are pitch black with glossy, reddish-orange plated segments with black pigment causing darker coloration in a gradient that is more prevalent near the beginning segments and becomes lesser with each consecutive segment. The darker pigment is almost not present as you get to his final segment. The legs connected to either side of each segment at orange where they connect to the body but change into a yellow which become brighter as you get to the end of the legs until it is an almost white color. Each pair of legs is slightly longer than the previous pair of legs so that they will not bump into each other if he needs to move quickly. He is missing a few legs from past battle, but that do not seem to effect his mobility that much. At his final segment he has a long, forked "tail" which has the same coloration as his legs.

As for his human half, Kyon's torso is tall at approximately four feet, but his total height changes as he varies how many of his segments are off the ground, since he is able to raise up as he wishes. Given the role combat plays in the culture of the half-centipedes, it is not hard to imagine why his human half is so muscular. Years of dedicated training and fighting to stay in power have ensured that his body has been kept in top fighting condition. While his skin is a pleasant olive tone, that is definitely not what you would be noticing. The entire surface of his human half is covered in many different, intricate tattoos etched on his skin in black ink, each representing a major battle or achievement in his life and worn with the upmost pride. Due to just how big a role tattoos play in their culture, no corners are cut when making the tattoos which leaves Kyon almost appearing like a walking collection of priceless art. However, the one he personally considers to be priceless is a tattoo of a half-centipede coiled around a half-spider that rests above his heart. Any scars he has no doubt collected over the years have all been expertly covered by more ink if they happen to pierce a tattoo. However, some pieces of scars can be seen through what skin is not covered in ink. Well, save for what look to be multiple, somewhat large puncture wounds on the lower part of his palm and upper wrist which show just how many honor battles he had been in and obviously won. His features are attractive with slightly larger than average dark-colored eyes, a masculine nose, high cheek bones, and a strong jaw. Like many of his species, Kyon keeps his hair very short, but he prefers to keep his hair rather than have a completely shaved head. So, he has his dark brown hair in more a style in a slightly longer buzz cut. Out of the top of his head extend a pair of long, reddish-orange antennae. The forcipules, which extent from a specialized bulge in their forearms which hides the forcipule when it is retracted, are appear to be like a solid, black spike which can extend about half a foot away from the wrist.

When it comes to clothing and armor, Kyon usually does no wear anything to cover his torso as it would hide his tattoos. But, in battle, he will wear a set of armor made of leather and metal, but not enough metal to slow down his movements. Much like his weapons, the armor is made simply, for practical use rather than prestige. Instead of gauntlets, they have armored gloves and guards for the tops of their forearms, so that they are able to use their forcipules effectively in battle.

Magic: None

Weapons:
- Finely crafted trident but it isn't ornate or gaudy. It is made for combat and not for showing off. The prongs of the all face forward with a barb at the end. It is made of a dark steel with a simple leather wrapping for where you'd hold it.
- A medium-sized shield that is made of sturdy wood and rimmed with metal to offer him some defense while not taking away from his mobility. Perfect for bashing people in the face with. The shield is as plain as his trident, again more so made for combat and not to be flaunted about.

Culture:
The lands belonging to the centipedes is divided into five different territories. These territories are controlled by a warlord who fight in honor duels in order to gain and keep their position as warlord. These warlords have complete control over what happens within the boundaries of their territories, so experiences will vary from one territory to another. Some are more open to travelers and outsiders than others, while others are more closed off. Upon the natural death of a warlord, should such a rare event occur, there will be a tournament of honor duels held for who the next warlord of that specific territory will be. If there is need for something to be decided that will effect the entire race, the five warlords will meet in what is call The Council of Five where the warlord discuss and vote on what should be done. The event actually lasts a number of days, as the warlords generally take that long to come to a decision, and it is almost treated like a festival with lots of food and sport fighting. It does not happen very often, so it's quite the sight to see when it does. The warlords decide it with a majority vote. If there is an undecided party which results in a stalemate, a number of honor duels will occur and the losers of the duels must concede to the decisions of the winners.

Their society focuses on strength with a somewhat lesser focus on practicality. The position of warlord is decided through honor duels. These honor duels take place between two individuals where one has felt slighted, insulted, or the two are in disagreement. Terms will be set before the duel begins. The two will grip one forearm of the other and stab their forcipule into each other's arm, which is painful but the venom has no effect on them. No armor is allowed to be worn and the only weapon they are permitted to use is the forcipule on their other arm. The battles are usually pretty brutal and very difficult for those involved. You have to have a lot of strength and stamina to be able to win these sort of battles. The winner is the first one to either kill their opponent or make them concede defeat. However, in the case of decisions and disputes between warlords, the only outcome able to be reached is for the other to concede defeat. That which was agreed upon must be carried out by the losing party. Not doing so will be considered a huge disgrace upon that person and, at that point, they will be considered outcasts.

Along with this great emphasis on strength, they demonstrate it with the use of tattoos. Tattoo artists are very highly regarded in their society, almost on equal footing with decorated warriors. While they usually dislike gaudy displays in architecture, weapons, and the like, tattoos are the only things that they show off with. The tattoos are amazingly crafted, the artists who do the tattoos are trained for years and expected to not make any mistakes, and given whenever someone accomplishes something. It is usually reserved for battles won, but achievements are not limited to battles. They are displayed like badges of honor and they very rarely choose to cover them up, the only exception usually being battle. This leads males to mostly not wear anything on their human half and females wearing very little. Those who have tattoos and fall into disgrace often have their tattoos burned or disfigured in some other way as a physical showing of how they have dishonored them self.

When it comes to male and females of the species, there is actually very little which separates the two in the society of the centipedes. Both can own property, businesses, challenge people to honor duels, get divorced, and become a warlord. Two out of the five current warlords are actually women. Their society focuses on strength, it does not matter what the gender is of the one who holds that strength.

Surnames within their culture have to do with the name of their parent who holds the higher prestige or strength. Males will add 'son' at the end of the specific parent's name and use it as a surname and females will do the same except with "daughter" at the end. There is also a variant less commonly used that does not denote gender where the person would end their surname in "heir". This has a variety of uses, from the being gender neutral, to using it to make sure people knew they were the heir of a certain person, it could be used as a means to denote the carrying on of a legacy, a tribute to their deity, among other uses.

The language of the centipedes is a rather harsh language made with a lot of hard 'k' sounds in it. Which causes them to put a lot of emphasis on that sound whenever they speak in the common tongue. Movement of the antennae is extremely important part of communication as much as facial expressions and tone. An expression of closeness would be for two to rub antennae together when greeting. A hug is the general sign of greeting. A handshake would actually be taken as a challenge, considering that is close enough to be seen as the way you'd grasp someone's forearm in an honor duel.

As a culture dedicated to strength, it isn't hard to think that the one the see almost like a deity was a warrior of immense strength. Farvatha Severin was a half-centipede from a time only remembered in the legends and epics of old. Farvatha is commonly depicted as a heavily muscular woman covered in so many tattoos that they extended to completely cover their centipede half. She was said to be the half-centipede who united the others and lead them to claim the territory that they still hold today. Her might and accomplishments are completely unparalleled. So mighty, it is the belief that she was strong enough to live on even after death. With her love for her people, she fought and claimed a place for all those honorable souls to go once they have left this world. Farvatha is seen as a goddess-ancestor to all half-centipede and is revered throughout the territory as a deity symbolizing strength, patriotism, and perseverance. There is are great feasts and tournaments held for her all over their territory and no expense is spared. It is the biggest holiday of the years for them.

One of the most prevalent forms of entertainment in their culture is sport fighting. In every major city in their territory, there is at least one fighting arena with ample seating. The bigger the city, the more impressive their arenas are. Many will gather here to watch their fellow half-centipedes face off in honor duels, face off against great beasts, war games, and other such combat displays. The also enjoy a game called Tankard Dance in the common tongue, which is a gambling game involving cards and dice where three dice are shaken in a cup (tankards were said to have been used in the original version of the game and inspired the same of the game) by each player an three cards are drawn. The player with the closest matching numbers between dice and cards is the winner. The numbers on the dice can be combined into two-digit numbers, if needed. In this game, drawing low numbers is best.

When it comes to education, it isn't difficult to think that the teachings would have a lot to do with warrior training, strategy, and leadership. While they do not really focus on scholarly learning, they will also have a focus on teaching craftsmanship and tattoo artistry. Between the two, tattoo artistry is a very important and difficult occupation to pursuit, as it requires an immense amount of training and talent to be accepted into the field given how big a role tattoos play in the culture. Craftsmanship does not have as big of a emphasis. While what they make is very strong and meant to last, it is not ornate given their aversion to gaudiness. It is more of a necessary craft as opposed to a highly respected craft. Those who do wish to pursue a more scholarly occupation, they would have to go out of the territory to find a place of study.

When it come to their sense of humor, the half-centipedes have a very loud and boisterous sense of humor. They aren't ones for subtle jokes or quiet laughter. They are in no way reserved with their laughing and won't hold back if a joke is made no matter where they are.

Food in their territory is primarily meat, which is unfortunate for any herbivores traveling through this very non-vegitarian territory. The meats are most commonly grilled with various sweet spices. Meat is in every part of the meal. Sides, main dishes, snacks, desserts are all meat. The only thing not consisting of meat are the drinks. Actually, some of the only plants that they cultivate are for the production of various juices and alcohols.

The proposal of marriage is very straightforward in their culture, where one centipede merely asks another directly an receives an answer. However, if the answer is yes, the marriage ritual itself is a bit more complicated. The two will seclude themselves from others, as it is a very personal event meant for only those involved to witness. Each will take a special potion that turns their venom black and gives it the consistency of ink. They use their forcipules to give the other a tattoo. These tattoos will not match, as they will symbolize how that specific person feels towards the other and their relationship. They are done on a weak point on that centipede's body like the neck, over the heart, on a pressure point, etc. It's meant to show not only an ultimate show of trust between the two but also a sort of a promise to cover each other's weaknesses and become stronger together. Generally, many aren't skilled tattoo artists, so, given the role of tattoos in their culture, it shows their love and pride in their partner above how the tattoo may look. If a divorce occurs, the tattoos will be covered with another tattoo done by a tattoo artist. It is also quite common for the half-centipedes to practice polygamy. Males and females can both married to as many or as few people as they like as long as both parties agree upon the union.

Personality:
Kyon is a very proud individual, holding great pride in both his strength, those close to him, and his people. One surefire way to get on his bad side would be to insult one of those things. You'd probably soon find yourself being challenged to an honor duel by a centipede warlord. This stems from his fierce love for his people and culture as well as those around him. If he is suppose to be one of the best examples of his people's strength, he sure as heck isn't going to let you insult him and thus insult the rest of his people. Nor will he just sit by and let the honor of his friend be insulted. As you can imagine, he tends to be a bit headstrong and stubborn. Which can be both a good and bad thing. On the positive side, he won't give up on anything or anyone but the bad side is that he won't give up on anything or anyone. He tends to act impulsively, which has rewarded him with his fair number of wounds. It really is a good thing that he has his wife's levelheadedness to temper his impulses.

When it comes to his interactions with other people, Kyon is quite friendly and jovial. He is the sort who can walk into a room of strangers and very soon be in a room full of friends. Like many leaders, he has that natural charisma that just draws people to him. Not only that, he is quite flirtatious towards most women that he meets. Both out of just enjoying the bantering as well as the fact that centipedes do practice polygamy. It is in no way because he doesn't have feelings for his wife and more to do with the culture of the centipedes. Especially given the fact that he absolutely adores his wife and loves her with all of his heart. He's the type to feel love with every fiber of his body and that person will definitely know how much they are cherished as he has no hesitance in expressing his affection.

History:

Other:

Name: Elijah
Gender: Male
Sexuality: heterosexual
Age: 23
Animal: Harpy eagle

Abilities: Flight, keen eyesight, excellent sense of hearing, speed (in flight), perfect at hunting, he has powerful grip strength in his feet about 20 times stronger than a humans grip (doubled the strength since he’s bigger),

Appearance: The upper side where his feathers are is covered with slate-black feathers, and the underside is mostly white, except for the feathered tarsi or legs, which are striped black. His hair is long pale grey, and is crowned with a double crest. The upper side of the tail is black with three gray bands, while the underside of it is black with three white bands. His iris is gray, and the legs are a pale yellow, the talons are black and extend almost 6-7 inches, he is about the size of a medium sized horse.

Magic: none
Weapons: besides his talons he has a spear as a weapon with one dagger.

Culture: He grew in a hunting village where being a predator was encouraged, killing was not only a necessity but a sport. They did not relay on religion or a higher power other then the village leader. His people grew to distant themselves from others but close enough to still be consider ‘sociable’. They very much lived in a more primal way than others but they were not cut off from others way of living.

His people mate for life and if a mate dies the other will slowly too before nature reclaims them.

Personality: Elijah is a hot head with a short temper and bad attitude to match, he is very patient though willing to wait for prey for days on end without moving. People could call him mean and he would agree with them. He is not nice and will bluntly call anyone out even if they are stronger than him, while he is a hunter he sometimes has lapses of survival instinct and donsoemthing stupid. Impulsive and quick to react.

History: (omg this sucks but this is what I could come up with)

His parents were thenhead hunters of his people but like any bird species when he grew enough to take down his own prey they left him on his own which isn’t abnormal for his people. While he still saw them they didn’t interact all that much like most would think.

He grew into a fine warrior for his people which gained him popularity in a way in his home, easily taking down enemies gain him attention that he didn’t seek out but accepted nonetheless, he was very popular with females of his kind not only for his looks but skills but he never took a mate since he wasn’t interested in the ones that threw themselves at him.

When the humans started rampaging he was called to protect his people and he did, though they lost warriors he was able to push off the humans far enough to have his people escape which gain him a scar on his elbow from the humans.

Other:

Heeeeyo, came to bother you on another rp ^^' (how many characters can we have btw?) [b]Name[/b] Ozma Palani [b]Gender:[/b] Male [b]Sexuality:[/b] Pansexual [b]Age:[/b] 30 [b]Animal:[/b] Elk [b]Abilities:[/b] Being an elk distinctly gives him antlers, which are mostly used for fighting or marking things (because he isn't an actual elk he never really 'loses' them, they just get [i]much[/i] smaller in the winter). Has a study body and bones to compensate for enhanced abilities in speed and strength in lower half/legs, although does have good strength in torso (partially so he can naturally keep his torso upright with antlers) which can all be coupled with fairly good stamina. Has good hearing and senses, sometimes just getting a bad feeling when danger is coming (this is partially from magic). [b]Appearance:[/b] Stands tall and is probably one of the largest out of the group (that is unless someone is just ungodly big) considering Elk are very large. His hair is short and [url=https://i.pinimg.com/originals/64/c6/14/64c614f6ef28489028fb1a2c356909f0.jpg]white, in a tyle similar to this[/url] although just thicker/fluffier. His soft white hair makes his amber/golden eyes stand out at times. The bodytype of his human half is lean and more like that of a swimmer or runner, built to be fast and have good stamina. His elk half has long legs and 2 parts on each hoof, 7 to 8 feet long from his from to his back. His tail is short and doesn't add to his length. His elk half does have some sightly differenences depending on seasons (which I did not know until further research) Summer: During the summer his elk half has darker thinner fur to accommodate for the season. This reflects on his human half by having tanner skin. In this season he'll have large horns like a normal male elk would. Winter: In the winter his coat becomes a much lighter color to where some say it's pale brown and others say it's crème, it also becomes much thicker than it is in the summer to keep him warm. His skin is very pale in the season, horns being small and his horns while still being present are a lot smaller. His human half tends to not wear much, since living in a herd allowed and having thick winter coats allowed them to just sleep together to keep warm if need be. Usually wears some light stuff in the form of a [url=https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSdD1C3fblBkFOScMV3KHMpbk-TrE9-Z6In_tfGf0gQSAZQLQ1rhBmqHT3y]green with silver trim drape around his shoulders that hangs down over his chest[/url] (could not find a better pic for what i was thinking ^^'), as well as silver/metal cuffs on his wrists/forewarm. Sometimes he will have flowers weaved along his horns or in his hair, or allow other people to do it for him. He has a [url=https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/25Pdmg3O8fD0XaJdNpIChjFzYBNjKXwE6uVaNOAbtMixQ-GHXOS5SBjur2kXCPGhc2gYXmkLbt9Ezyz5FnNHjpPfXzuWfp8oF21AeYQ8mD9LFOMHmHiuV4Q_wn-YwPYBAwQyLAbmYbDnEgAjRxhanER7dbqoF9wTJjtz1SzmH29iaQ-b6SlVIoE70YMgHEZo=w384-h384-nc]flower tattoo[/url] on his back, the flower being on his right shoulder and the rest going down across his back and stopping at his left hip. He also has plenty of scars on him, the most noticable ones being claw marks on his left upper arm (3), on his right hip (2), and a small one that cuts straight down the left of his mouth, not reaching his eye or jaw though. There is a less noticeable on his left back leg from an arrow thanks to humans. [b]Magic:[/b] His magic allows him to essentially 'feel' and 'sense' others in the form of a sort of aura every living creature gives off. This is a sign of their life (so it's unique looking for each person, however those of the same species can get very jumbled up unless he is extremely familiar with being around a person/picking out their aura), so as they are wounded, fall unconscious, or die it will get weaker and harder for him to find. If someone is close enough to him emotionally he can sometimes feel the emotions form their aura and project his own aura with emotions into theirs, more or less a communication without words and just useful for comforting others, or at least trying too. (This only works for if he is close to the person, usually romantically or like family. Emotions will of course only bleed into auras when they are very strong, so usually he can't tell this way unless it is severe). [This magic shows itself in elk given they are 'prey' creatures and live in herds, making them in touch with each other. It also comes from the idea that Elk are considered to be spiritual animals. This is just if you needed a reasoning for it ^^'] [b]Weapons:[/b] Prefers to use blunt objects, opting for wooden staffs over all else. He mainly has a sturdy wooden staff with vine patterns carved into parts of it, but as of more recently is becoming to wonder if he should take up a metal one. At times he'll tie sharp ends onto the staff and use them until they wear down, but not usually. He'll also use his antlers if he has too, but usually will only use them to clash with other creatures with horns to avoid impaling others (however he will use them on the offensive if he as too). [b]Culture:[/b] (I'm going to do this in dot points because I find it easier to keep track of, I hope that's alright) [list][*]It's not that they're secretive, they're just very illusive so not many know the close inner workings and behaviours of Elk sub-humans. Most often when anyone meets an elk, they'll be alone in the middle of a job (or something similar) and the not-elk usually doesn't consider asking about their herd or get brought back to it. [*]Moving around a lot makes them adaptable to new situations and lands, although most of a herd (besides usually the leader and a few others) are anxious at the idea of danger. [*]Elk sub-humans travel in herds and are nomadic, never staying in one place for long in order to not decrease the resources of one area too quickly. They mainly move around for resources such as food and water. Their herds can be anywhere from 10 to 100 elk. [*]It's not uncommon to find multiple herds in one area due to their near constant travel. Should the leaders become at odds with each other, often the stronger leader will chase off the other (and their herd) can a peaceful resolution not be found. [*]Everyone has a role in the herd which is given to them by the herd leader when they are considered to be of 'teen' age. This way they can begin training for whatever their roll is. No species outside of the elk herds know how the leader determines what roll is fit for which fawn. [*]They're normally peaceful sub-humans, being taught that even when they fight it is in defense and to never kill unless it is absolutely necessary. Even those who are not 'protectors' of the herd are taught to defend themselves, however the herd protectors and leader know a more skilled and in depth version of this. [*]The leader is generally the best fighter in the herd, even if they don't always do it often. It's usually the leader who will end up dealing with any large predators that have been following the herd around continuously such as wolves, panthers, bears, and their sub human counter parts at times. [*]If the herd kills another creature, they will use all of it for something so as not to let leave to rot for no reason. This most often includes using pelts for clothing or decorations and bones for tools or weapons, meat can be eaten but isn't preferred by most so if they get the chance the herd will give it to another sub-human species or trade it. This often creates a peace between the herds with sub-human packs or prides in the area, even if only temporarily. [*]Most in herd disputes are settled without weapons. Because of this, females an generally take more damage and still survive to compensate for their lack of antlers. [*]Most tend to be raised with a vast knowledge of plant life, to avoid someone getting poisoned or sick by accident since it is the primary part of their diet. [*]The younger an elk is, the closer it is guarded by its family and the herd. As they grow up they're allowed to branch out more for their training, until becoming adults and being left on their own. However most elk don't ever leave the herd unless it is one leaving for their mate who is in another herd. [*]Mating rituals are done through a dominant traits choice. Whatever trait is favoured by an elk for offspring determines who that elk will to go for (depending on who exhibit a chosen trait primarily), favouring different things such as looks, cunning, strength, or other things. It isn't unheard or uncommon for a male elk to have multiple mates if they all find him the most suitable for their favoured trait, but in the herd the members are not allowed to be mates with anyone more than two years older or younger than them. It is not odd among the herds to have mates of the same gender. In this case, the leader is treated same as any other elk and judged as an equal with all others. An Elk is allowed to choose a mate/start courting whenever they wish, but there is an event/festival of sorts for it at the beginning of autumn. During this time both genders will exhibit and try to emphasise on their traits being the 'best', opting to make themselves look more beautiful and try to show off skills such as strength, cunning, or speed. Those not looking for a mate will often not participate, while some will choose not to participate and instead just choose from those showing off their skills, however this is rarer. Most often you will find an elk that exhibits one trait will look for a partner with a distinctly different one, believing that tis will lead their offspring to exhibit both greatly. [*]If it is found that an elk is abusing their mate(s) or children, they will be cast out from the herd and marked/branded so as to warn other herds of their dangerous behaviours. (This practice is used for other more sever crimes as well). [*]Many in the herd will get tattoos. Otherwise they will use flowers and paints to decorate themselves, different patterns and plants meaning different things and thus being used for different occasions. Generally all have a favoured color that they'll use year round which reflects their 'aura' as they believe, changing it up around times of mating or mourning. The plants they use also changes depending on the time of year and location of the herd, the most consistently changing thing of their self decoration being the symbols used as it's the easiest and most readily available thing to change. As said different decorations mean different things, usually spaning from their everyday use, a change in seasons, holidays or celebrations, or those who are going to have a child. [*]They'll often communicate feelings through nuzzles, bumps, and nudges to each other, an easy way of communication should they not be able to trust their voice. That being said, they also tend to stomp, snort, and pace as signs of more negative emotions. This is most often utilized in children to mothers, someone to their mate, or to a challenger[/list] [b]Personality:[/b] Ozma is very calm, level headed, and peaceful most of the time outwardly, even if he might be extremely stressed, anxious, or afraid. He'll often keep this up until the event causing such feelings have passed, preferring to be alone to break but is willing to discuss with someone close to him should they seek him out. On a day to day basis, his calm attitude often comes off with being cryptic or quirky as well. He generally gives off a calming aura, making him seem open to others. However despite his calm attitude, he will snap or react aggressively should he really need too. When others cannot be reasoned with, he is able to act more snappish and will put up a fight. He can also be a bit on the secretive if he believes it is in the best interest of those around him, knowing that groups can be easily startled and only lure in danger faster. When he trusts someone very closely though, he will tell them anything and not withhold secrets no matter how dangerous as he would trust them to be able to keep a level head or at least not go about freaking out to those around them. [b]History:[/b] Ozma had never met his biological parents, instead being raised by a couple who was unable to have their own child. When he was young he was a quiet child who normally wasn't very open or active with other younger members of the herd, although he did have a notable friend named Iris. When the two became teenagers, both were chosen-- despite Ozma's docile nature-- to be protectors of the herd. However the leader of the herd took Ozma to be his successor should the time ever come. Training was much more difficult than for any others in the herd, but over time he began to catch on and learn quicker, becoming fit for leadership when the leader finally fell to wolves. Once Ozma was leader, the herd became prosperous and happy. Any conflicts between smaller groups of the clan was cut, uniting them into a larger herd and even drawing in other smaller herds to join under his leadership with Iris as a second to his command and a select few others. However, peace does not last and the herd was attacked by humans as they wanted the lands that the herd usually passed through every year. The attack left the herd divided and split, different groups chased in different directions with his different second in command and other closely trusted members. He himself led the humans away from the groups as they were relentless even after the groups had fled. In leading the humans away he'd been wounded and alone, healing slowly and hearing about the resistance being built against the humans. He chose to go there rather than back to his herd (figuring Iris and the others would begin to reunite everyone anyways), knowing that bringing his herd back together would be pointless, only to be disrupted by humans again unless they learned the error of their ways. [b]Other:[/b] [list][*]Ozma's 'color' is green, although his tattoo is done in black ink. [*]One of his back legs had been shot with an arrow, and while it did heal it does still sometimes cause him pain (usually after running for a long time or lots of harsh movements). It wears off after relaxing and doesn't happen usually, but on the occasions it does he'll sometimes use his staff to help him walk (although usually it only shows itself as a slight limp when it does hurt). [*]Were anyone to ask about his scars, he'd likely tell you the reason [*]He knows a vast plethora of stories, tales, and things from being leader and just collecting the knowledge over time. He'll usually share to anyone curious, most just being made up stories rather than true facts. [*]He likes to trade information and learn when the opportunity presents itself[/list]

@suddenshimmer

hello ^>^ hmmm. I think that I'm limiting it to one per person for now??
Only because i'm only letting one animal per taxonomic family into the RP, and I want to give everyone a chance to pick out an animal they like.

I might decide to increase that number sometime during the Rp ^>^