.:: Species Info ::.
Bone Warriors are pretty diverse when it comes to tail and ear types. There are a few gender differences but they usually look like any canine. Pelt colors are also diverse and an individual can come in a variety of colors, shades and markings.
.:: Climate ::.
Bone Warriors hail from a mountainous landscape with snow and harsh weather. Since their habitat was destroyed by a freak eruption from a 'dormant' volcano. The species now faces a new challenge of adapting to the changing weather of the land they inhabit now.
The habitat they reside in currently is generally snowy for 8 months of the year. But in the 4 left over months, temperatures sore and prove to be lethal if not kept in check.
.:: Gender Differences ::.
- Both genders have long flowing whiskers of various lengths. These whiskers are fully prehensile and depending on their length will determine the longevity of the individual. [1 inches = 2 years]
- Males are large and muscular which is needed for protecting their clan. All have feathered crests atop their head and down the back of it that can be lifted for display like a cockatiel's can. These crests are always brightly colored. The brighter the colors and the longer the feathers the better chances of attracting a mate.
- Females are smaller in stature, but quicker then their counterparts. All have generally longer fur then the males. This is most noticeable by the feathering around their paws, tufts of fur on their ears, and longer tails. They use their tails to drape over pups and keep them warm in their harsh climates.
.:: Ranking ::.
Once an individual reaches a certain age (usually around the age of 2), they must take a Rite of Passage to secure their ranking in the pack. This Rite is a simple assessment where the canine must hunt and take down a beast larger then themselves. If they are successful, the individual must then skin the beast and bring back it's skull. Depending on the skull brought back, that places the individual as a certain rank. It makes sense to place members as these ranks as different techniques are needed to take down different creatures.
Avian [bird] Skulls - Shamans
Cervine [deer] Skulls - Stalker
Ursine [bear] Skulls - Vanguard
Feline [cat] Skulls - Seeker
Canine [dog] - Sentinel
The Ranks for Bone Warriors are much the same as a normal wolf packs just placed under different names. [Shaman = Healer, Stalker = Hunter, Vanguard = Warrior, Seeker = Scout, Bards = Elders, Sentinel = Leader]
When a Bone Warrior Sentinel dies, the clans two best warriors are pitted against one another to the death. The victor skins and wears the losers skull and becomes the new pack leader.
As the skulls age and crack it is usually a good sign for the individual. To other pack mates it shows experience.
Once a Bone Warrior has grown old and retires, they relinquishes their skull, and bury it beneath a tree of their choosing. That individual then becomes a Bard; one who will recite tails of their youth and offer advice to others.
.:: Strengths and Weaknesses ::.
Pros
- Bone Warriors are sensitive to the slightest tremor in the air and can usually tell when a storm is about to hit do to their whiskers.
- Their fur is thick and helpful to keep out cold. They feel right at home in bitter winters as long as they can keep each other warm and fed.
Cons
- The species is in constant danger of heat stroke and dehydration (mainly the females). In the harsh summer months they can over heat quickly and usually stay in the shade and near a water sources. Any traveling for great lengths of time can be a costly mistake.
- Rain can be a hassle for Bone Warriors. Feathers lose their glossy sheen from moisture. To make up for this, pack mates will 'preen' each others feathers; using a special gland on their upper lips. Usually this is a sign of endearment and shows trust.
.:: Breeding & Mating ::.
Females usually will choose the strongest males with the brightest and biggest crest. It assures pups are stronger and will survive. A pair mates for life and will always remain loyal to them even if one should perish. Most litters are from 4-6 pups in each. Whether the pups can survive the heat of the summer is another story. Pups are a very important part of pack life but because of the harsh habitat, the Sentinel had set a pack law that only two pairs could have pups at a time.
~Custom male+ custom female= breedable
~Custom female+ non-custom male= not breedable
~Custom Male+ non-custom female= breedable
~Non-custom Male+ non-custom female= not breedable
