[tawnycatz]

im not going deep into their culture (as i typed more and more this felt more like a lie) or the minutiae of their being lol. not on this thread. thats so much text

might move some of this text under other sections as i post more variants and such

Ulavakh are a fairly large carnivore (by Kannuar standards), hosting six limbs. Save for the 'large' part, this is common for Kannuar species. They are the dominant sentient life on the planet, but are not as numerous as many other species on Kannuar; even excluding "small" life such as bugs or microbes, their numbers simply do not come close to outnumbering them.

While they have "arms," ulavakh prefer not to use them. Instead, most like using their front legs for tasks.

A fair amount of their body is dedicated to an extremely powerful respiratory system. High speeds running through dust clouds necessitates a sort of built-in filter. The gill-like structure on their neck is used when idling, and more delicate. When running (or doing any sort of heavy labor), the gills automatically seal closed and breathing is done with the much hardier structure on the chest. This is instinctual.

Their closest living relatives -- the kalovakh -- are bulkier and slower but host a similar respiratory system. Early on in ulavakh evolution, a select few species aggressively out-competed the others. Only one -- the ulavakh -- ever gained sapience.

Ulavakh live primarily in either towns well-fortified against, or out of reach of, the large sandstorms that pass over the desert lands. Small communities pop up, but these can be hard to maintain for the long-term. Small groups of ulavakh struggle in surviving long against hostile lands. Anywhere safe from the worst of the sandstorms is already occupied by long-established settlements. Areas safe from constant danger of other large predators are beset by consistent, heavy sandstorms, and anywhere not with sandstorms has dangerous predators. Some unfortunate regions of Kannuar have both. As such, it can be difficult to maintain small communities for long.

Alternatively, ulavakh may be nomads, traveling from one settlement to another. This allows them to typically avoid the worst of sandstorms-- unless there is a flash storm -- by avoiding affected regions. One nomadic group moves deep into Kolnavh during storm season; this region is unpopular due to heavy volcanic activity, but the terrain tends to shield itself from the worst of the sandstorms. If you can tolerate the air, of course.

Hunting is a big part of their culture, and a seasonal hunt -- Senur -- is observed by all ulavakh during the very height of basilisk season. It's a big get-together of all cultures and regions, a form of bonding. Lotta competitions and bragging. It's like a really, really intense deer hunting season. If deer would regularly bite you.

Like most creatures in the universe, they have access to magic, however they prefer not to use it outside of healing and cooking. And making somewhere habitable by retaining water or something. Desperation may lead ulavakh to using it, but it's not typical.

[slushy puppy]

this is so cool!!!

[tawnycatz]

this is so cool!!!

thank you !!! :D